Preservation Success in Fairfield

[Metro Jacksonville]

Preservation Success in Fairfield



In a town known for its rapid demolition of historic structures, the work recently completed on the Livingston Methodist Church in Fairfield, located just east of Downtown Jacksonville, offers a refreshing change of pace.

Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/content/view/1033

[dubguy82]

While it is nice to see a structure not being torn down - I must say this is really awful looking.  Was there any type of protocol used when doing this as even the stone sign is painted over with what looks like spraypaint. 
It looks like it was done as a Kindergarten school project.

[fsujax]

You cant miss the structure when coming over the Mathews Bridge or the Hart Expressway.

[hightowerlover]

this is a success?  this looks like a disgrace who paints brick with high gloss paint?  and don't even get me started on the rastifarian roof

[thelakelander]

this is a success?  this looks like a disgrace who paints brick with high gloss paint?  and don't even get me started on the rastifarian roof

Gloss paint and all, I'd consider its reuse a success over the common alternative provided in the images above.

[Deuce]

It's a success that it wasn't torn down for sure and that it is not vacant. It looks cool from a distance coming over the bridge, but up close the work looks C-. The overspray on the sign is just plain sloppiness.

[Springfield Girl]

I agree with the above comments. That was not a restoration but a hideous paint job. The difference between this church and the Lampru Apartments that were pictured is that the apartments were literally caving in. From what I can see in the 2007 picture the church was in good shape and only in need of some TLC. It looked much better before.

[Hurricane]

The "renovation" makes it look like a day care.  I'm glad it's still standing, but there was definitely not an architect hired for this "renovation". 

[stug]

Truly garish. I don't think anyone would argue that it should have been torn down or left to deteriorate further, but historic buildings should, ideally, be restored according to their original appearance.

[halimeade]

This is a preservation something, though I'm not sure I'd call it a success. The glossy red paint is really shameful- the brick looked like it was in great shape, just the wood and windows needed replacing! As someone who works with historic structures on a regular basis, I'm really disappointed.

Does anyone know if this building will function as a church, or something else?

[thelakelander]

I just did a google search on the address.  It appears to be a church under the name:

Debre Brhan Trinity of Ethopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church

[thelakelander]

In 2008, they received a historical preservation grant of $48,000 to restore the building.

http://www.flheritage.com/grants/preservation/2008_sm_acquisition_dev_awarded.pdf

http://www.dos.state.fl.us/grantsearch/index.cfm?c=&y=&k=&d=&p=221&mr=15&su=y&s=J

[stjr]

In 2008, they received a historical preservation grant of $48,000 to restore the building.

I would think such grants would have a standard for what "historic preservation" entails.  Do they?  If not, why not?  Is this another example of well intended money not being properly administered?  We aren't talking about a lot of bureaucracy here, just some common sense!

[halimeade]

In 2008, they received a historical preservation grant of $48,000 to restore the building.

I would think such grants would have a standard for what "historic preservation" entails.  Do they?  If not, why not?  Is this another example of well intended money not being properly administered?  We aren't talking about a lot of bureaucracy here, just some common sense!

The Division of Historic Resources (DHR) generally has no idea which way is left and which way is right. I'd be interested to read the grant proposal itself. Maybe this was someone influential's pet project- it wouldn't be the first time.

To be fair, though, at least the building is going to get some use now, and not just sit there empty and unloved.

(Edit for spelling)

[zoo]

Does Jeol McEachin's dept know the grant money was spent on covering brick and tin roofing with paint? I can't imagine they would approve this.