Urban Neighborhoods: The Historic Downtown Core

[Tennman]

I didn't know the Florida Baptist Convention Building was in such bad shape. I'm afraid it may not be with us much longer. Any plans to save it?

[thelakelander]

Unfortunately, there are no plans.

[heights unknown]

There's not many historic buildings left downtown, but, it's good to know a little about the history and background of the one's that are left.

I disagree....while many of our older buildings have been knocked down, I think the pictorial shows that there is still a rich tapestry (some might even say a plethora) of historic buildings downtown.

But not enough; the majority of them have in fact been razed, wrecker balled, or torn down.  Empty lots or undeveloped lots tell the story.

"HU"

[fieldafm]

There's a real nice article on the Seminole Club in Monday's Daily Record

http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/downtowntoday.php?dt_date=2010-05-31

At one point a few years ago, there was a plan to renovate it and open a second Sterling's location at the old club.  The current asking price is pretty reasonable considering the state of the building and it's location...

I didn't know the Florida Baptist Convention Building was in such bad shape. I'm afraid it may not be with us much longer. Any plans to save it?

If the Ambassador plans get off the ground and when the courthouse is built... that old girl may have a chance to get more interest from developers.

[fieldafm]

Well that's a real shame!  Someone should tell DVI that, b/c the old Klutho building(complete with plaque and all) is displayed on their downtown walking tour...

[fieldafm]

In your converstations with FBC are they open to making improvements to their buildings linking up with pedestrian traffic?  There are a lot of things at street level behind those walls.

[thelakelander]

There's a real nice article on the Seminole Club in Monday's Daily Record

http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/downtowntoday.php?dt_date=2010-05-31

At one point a few years ago, there was a plan to renovate it and open a second Sterling's location at the old club.  The current asking price is pretty reasonable considering the state of the building and it's location...

I didn't know the Florida Baptist Convention Building was in such bad shape. I'm afraid it may not be with us much longer. Any plans to save it?

If the Ambassador plans get off the ground and when the courthouse is built... that old girl may have a chance to get more interest from developers.

I am under the impression that the Baptist Convention Building is slated for demolition.  If it is the building that I think it is, it is currently owned by First Baptist downtown.

When we were doing the photo essay of First Baptist, One of the buildings was pointed out for demolition, and I believe that it was the Convention Building.

Different building.  This one is not owned by the church anymore although it will probably come down at some point.

[thelakelander]

One of the less significant buildings at Ashley & Hogan.

[thelakelander]

It was constructed in 1947.

[fieldafm]

So, just curious about the FBCB Klutho building... it is indeed listed on the National Register of Historic Places(so qualifies for federal tax credits, federal grant money for remodeling, and property tax exemptions).  Little over 26k square feet, 15 dedicated parking spots, and currently lists at $600k.  Sounds like it needs a good deal of work from the gentleman I spoke with.  Being eligible for all the tax incentives and its location to the expected infill around the new courthouse still hasn't garnered much interest for the old girl. 

Interesting to note... it housed the local US Treasury Prohibition Office during those wonderfully glorious years of Prohibition.