6 buildings Jacksonville should have saved

[thelakelander]

It can be argued that Jacksonville is a city that has lost much of its historical identity over the years. Here are six downtown buildings that should have never been allowed to be demolished. Take a look and let us know if you agree or if there are others you would suggest.

Read More: https://www.thejaxsonmag.com/article/6-buildings-jacksonville-should-have-saved/

[Jax_Developer]

One thing to demolish a prominent building, it's another to replace it with a parking garage! Lol... Also, hat has to be one of the most unique post offices ever built.

[Mike D]

I would add the Seminole, Mayflower and Floridan hotels to the list.  Even the Robert Meyer, which was not nearly as old as the others.  Of the group, the Seminole was probably the most significant architecturally, but the whole group of hotels downtown including the George Washington defined the Jacksonville skyline for many years, especially at night when their huge rooftop neon signs cast a glow across the St. Johns river.  It's sad they are all gone.  Unfortunately, as you point out, it's a Jacksonville tradition to bulldoze our history for no good reason.

[jaxlongtimer]

I don't know if this school building has special meaning (hard to believe it doesn't given how many may have attended school there) to anyone, but it was built in 1915 and looks, based on the picture, to be salvageable, even in excellent shape from the outside.  That said, the City is demolishing it for a new library.  One by one, this is how historic buildings disappear.  I get the need for a new library in this area, but is this really the only option?

[thelakelander]

I was told that they did try to salvage the building for conversion into a library but that the cost ended up being too significant to overcome.

[jaxlongtimer]

I was told that they did try to salvage the building for conversion into a library but that the cost ended up being too significant to overcome.

I was wondering if the library could go somewhere else and this building could be repurposed for something that it would be more feasible for.