Downtown Landmarks: The Universal Marion Building

[Metro Jacksonville]

Downtown Landmarks: The Universal Marion Building



Originally an office building and Ivey's Department Store, Downtown's JEA office tower was also once topped by a revolving restaurant.

Read More: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2016-aug-downtown-landmarks-the-universal-marion-building

[vicupstate]

The money set aside for phase 2 was then diverted to fund a railroad overpass on University Blvd near Phillips Hwy.  In 1981, new funds were diverted to fund the widening of 103rd Street.

While this might have been a blessing, it shows that diverting money pegged for DT to other uses is not a new thing. 

[heights unknown]

I always knew it as the "Ivey" Building. Remember when the Department Store was on the ground floor. In the 70's, during the disco era, there was a Night Club/Disco at the very top in the revolving restaurant, and I don't remember it revolving back then. It was very nice but the disco didn't last very long. Still a nice looking building on the outside and hope that it isn't demolished once sold and JEA possibly moves out.

[thelakelander]

This article was originally published eight years ago and recently bumped up.  Here are links to a few more recent articles related to this building, its history and its potential future. You'll also find some great discussions in their comment sections. Enjoy:

November 7, 2008 - The Universal Marion Building
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2008-nov-the-universal-marion-building


September 9, 2011 - On Top of the JEA Building
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2011-sep-on-top-of-the-universal-marion-building


June 1, 2015 - The Rise & Fall of a Jax F500 Company: Charter Company
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2015-jun-the-rise-fall-of-a-jax-f500-company-charter-company-/page/


August 19, 2015 - A new office tower for JEA coming soon?
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2015-aug-a-new-office-tower-for-jea-coming-soon/page/2

[thelakelander]

Btw, I was recently in Fort Lauderdale at a wedding reception that was held in a rooftop rotating space identical to the Ember's. It took about 1.5 hours to fully rotate.  Here's a few pictures from that event and my article on the recent densification of downtown Fort Lauderdale.

4 Little Known Facts About Fort Lauderdale We Should Know
http://www.moderncities.com/article/2016-aug-4-little-known-facts-about-ft-lauderdale-we-should-know