Ruins of Jacksonville: Annie Lytle Public School

[Timkin]

Now may be the time to revisit the PS4 transit center/mall idea .. Ock?

[Timkin]

A return call came from an agent of the owner... It seems to be favorable news. When I meet with him , I can convey details..  I did indicate to him that the School is in a named Historic Landmark Status and that the majority of the community wants to see it spared.  He indicated that he has not yet even seen the property , but shortly will be coming to Jax and that he would like it if I would meet him at the School . Seems favorable to resuming a cleanup effort and does not seem inclined to want to demolish the building, but rather  put it back on the market.  I can only conclude all of this to be favorable news.

[Cliffs_Daughter]

If he arranges a meeting, can I be present?

[Dog Walker]

At least now the building is in the hands of someone who is willing to market it and since they got it for so little, maybe for a reasonable price.

[fieldafm]

Those guys are property investors that flip property... they have no interest in tearing down the building.  The people to focus on will be the new owners once they find a buyer(which could very well be a long time)

[Timkin]

Well... I have already been in touch with the new owner and have also sent a couple of prospects their way...

Because of all the circumstances , and the fact that the School is a Historic Landmark ( clearly the one moved that saved it , heretofore)  The owners have to find a potential prospect who will accept the purchase, knowing this and any plans to the property ,as required of the previous owner will convey to them as well.. They cannot tear it down.  I hope this status will continue to protect it...  There are some ideas that have been presented that could very well prove to be viable .   Lets remain positive and hope for a good outcome.. I will continue...as I have since 2006 fighting to save #4 .

[Timkin]

Agree with the post of DW...and Cliff's D.... Will let you know when the meeting is .... I think the larger the number of supporters we have ...the greater her chances..  Also ... anyone interested in participating on a Saturday cleanup effort.. We will hopefully resume this very soon.. an agent to the new owner felt there would be no problem with that, and in fact , welcomed it as finally, the former owner did.   I would also resume efforts on THEIR adjacent properties..   It is my hope that we will still see a positive outcome for Annie that benefits everyone who was concerned .

[Timkin]

And now ...haha she may be a step closer to going towards renovation..

today I was contacted by the agent of the new owners.... On Friday evening (last) I had a conversation with the interested developer in Savannah. Today as we speak they are communicating...lets hope this is the start of a positive outcome . I have a "verbal" go-ahead on the cleanup effort....but they are also drawing up a document with their attorneys giving us formal permission to proceed with cleanup ,inside and out , lawn maintenance.. board up or whatever necessary. We will of course look to them for providing the boardup materials.

Anyway...... will anyone interested in participating in the PS 4 cleanup effort , Part two please private message me?? I probably will limit this to once a week...Saturdays or whatever fits one's schedules .

I have been praying alot. something tells me , we are finally about to turn the corner on School 4 . I hope so

[Peg]

Will PM you-  three of us can be there on a weekend with gloves, clippers and rakes.

[Timkin]

I now have in my posession, formal permission to do the cleanup effort ... This is a hold-harmless agreement and expands the cleanup to include removal of debris on the interior of the School...which is extensive.

So I am now looking to the volunteers that would assist me... We will begin on an agreed weekend.  The more the merrier.. but everyone involved must sign the hold harmless waiver, and I must accompany volunteers at the site at any time the cleanup is going on.   This does not give anyone including myself access to the school at night or at times we are not there cleaning it up.  The company that owns it now is serious about trespassers.... They will request arresting and prosecution of any violators . They do not want the liability of someone being injured in there when they had no business in there in the first place.

So... Please private message me, and we will get started !!!!

[Timkin]

Will likely begin the 2010 cleanup this weekend, starting with mowing the grass on the School Grounds, front , sides , and back of the property.

Let us hope that after a collection of people converge on this place and participate in a good civic effort on a really beautiful building , that we will see it put to a sensible reuse sometime soon.. the effort set forth is to make it as safe as humanly possible and as presentable as possible.

[uptowngirl]

Perhaps we should work on a citywide most endangered list? We know we have issues in our neighborhood with trying to protect the oldest standing residential structures (and our commerical is at risk too), but what about across the city? Annie Little, the Riverside Firehouse, what else?

[Lunican]

http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2007-jun-jacksonvilles-most-endangered-historic-buildings

[Lunican]

http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2009-sep-downtowns-most-endangered-historic-buildings

[uptowngirl]

Thank you Lunican!