LaVilla Shotgun Houses On Verge Of Being Demolished?

[iloveionia]

What exactly is left in LaVilla?
Where can I access the short list of structures that remain.

Ritz
Clara White
The Terminal
Shotgun Trio
Two-two story houses in view of the fugly courthouse

[m74reeves]

This 3 yr old TU article has an interesting map that shows buildings...don't know if it's still a good resource

http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2010-05-19/story/future-jacksonvilles-longtime-lavilla-project-good-or-bad

[thelakelander]

What exactly is left in LaVilla?
Where can I access the short list of structures that remain.

Ritz
Clara White
The Terminal
Shotgun Trio
Two-two story houses in view of the fugly courthouse

Here's a link to an article I put together in December. It provides you with a brief background and image of most of the remaining historical buildings in LaVilla.



http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2012-dec-what-to-do-with-lavilla

[sheclown]

I love your words at the end of the article, Ennis:

A look across the country provides numerous examples of faux stories and settings to spur economic development and revitalization.  Oklahoma City made a canal for Bricktown.  Tampa created stories about pirates.  Atlanta actually thinks Sweet Auburn is the Harlem of the South.  However, what we have in our possession is our history.  A storied one that goes well past the city limits of Jacksonville.  A setting that can't be recreated by the Disneys, St. Johns Town Centers, or Nocatees of America.

Given what remains of LaVilla, it appears we're completely ignoring the potential of this nationally historic significant bastion of African-American history literally sitting in our laps.  Before moving forward with the idea of building a SOE office/warehouse on the largest remaining undeveloped property in LaVilla, perhaps it's time we at least determine what we desire the ultimate future of LaVilla to be and the role it should play in the creation of a vibrant downtown.

[m74reeves]

^ absolutely!

[Wacca Pilatka]

What exactly is left in LaVilla?
Where can I access the short list of structures that remain.

Ritz
Clara White
The Terminal
Shotgun Trio
Two-two story houses in view of the fugly courthouse

Brewster Hospital is another important building still standing.

[iloveionia]

Thank you.  More than I expected.  Much like Springfield the loss of density is tragic.  There are only 6 residential homes left in LaVilla?  How many were razed?  I type that like I didn't know that, but I did.  1,500 or so demolished?  Of the buildings in the article, how many are occupied and used today?  Any city owned?  Who owns Brewster?  The city?  Same with the bungalow trio, right?  The history of the area is phenomenal.  So much for the Renaissance plan. 

[Cheshire Cat]

What exactly is left in LaVilla?
Where can I access the short list of structures that remain.

Ritz
Clara White
The Terminal
Shotgun Trio
Two-two story houses in view of the fugly courthouse

Brewster Hospital is another important building still standing.

Thank you for remembering "Brewster Hospital"! 

[Cheshire Cat]

Ennis, I love what you posted earlier today and agree.  We need to save what is left, go forward and incorporate LaVilla into the plans to revitalize downtown.  I just don't think many people can see past what has been devastated and there is always a way forward.  How nice it would have been had there not been such destruction.  We need these shotgun houses saved and to bring officials around to the reality that demolishing what they don't like or want isn't a valid stepping stone to improvement or growth in Jacksonville's historic areas. 

[MEGATRON]

We need these shotgun houses saved and to bring officials around to the reality that demolishing what they don't like or want isn't a valid stepping stone to improvement or growth in Jacksonville's historic areas.

That's not a reality.  Its your opinion.

[Cheshire Cat]

We need these shotgun houses saved and to bring officials around to the reality that demolishing what they don't like or want isn't a valid stepping stone to improvement or growth in Jacksonville's historic areas.

That's not a reality.  Its your opinion.

What would be the reality Megatron? 

[Cheshire Cat]

Check out this Video.  You will enjoy it and perhaps be saddened as well!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=1167304778845

[Cheshire Cat]

Received confirmation from Councilwoman Lori Boyer's office that she is in receipt of my email about this issue.  I am waiting for her phone call later today or tomorrow.  Will keep all updated.

[mtraininjax]

Save the buildings, use Monopoly money if necessary! LUZ taking it up tomorrow, can't wait for it! Move them to Brooklyn, where the new growth is bound to spring up around the new buildings.

[Cheshire Cat]

Save the buildings, use Monopoly money if necessary! LUZ taking it up tomorrow, can't wait for it! Move them to Brooklyn, where the new growth is bound to spring up around the new buildings.

In the real world the buildings can be saved and restored without the use of monopoly money.  I wonder, do you think it was $100,000 of city monopoly money or real tax dollars that was spent to move them to where they now stand? Should that money simply be thrown away?  Do you suppose if it cost 100k to move them nearly a decade ago, that it would likely cost two to three times as much today?  Pure silliness.  lol   The truth of the matter is that this is about much more than just the structures.  A simple read of the thread will help enlighten you as to the overall importance of this issue.