Metro Jacksonville

Inside The Dr. Horace Drew Residence

(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/1403169276_4BZLgXR-M.jpg)

Sited prominently on a corner of Third Street and Boulevard near Hogans Creek, this exotic residence was originally the home of Dr. Horace R. Drew, a physician and grandson of Jacksonville pioneer Columbus Drew.

Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2011-aug-inside-the-dr-horace-drew-residence

Isn't the entrance to the basement garage partially blocked over?  I guess that car might be stuck in there, lol.  Really cool house.  Hopefully someone that has the means to restore it can aquire the property.

Thank you for sharing about the Drew Mansion. Great pics.

I've always loved this house- I hope someone comes in and restores it to it's original grandeur. Do we know who owns it currently?

I believe a bank owns it.

What a great article...this house is so magnificent, and has been allowed to sit and fall victim to vandals and such. This is indeed, and icon of Springfield and needs to be saved.

Awesome!  Love this house.

What is the asking price for it?  How much work is needed on it?

Great photos and story. Makes me want to reconsider my self imposed Springfield renovation moratorium.

what a jewel. Wish I had the means to buy it and restore it!

Beautiful.

I'd love to own this place. My wife and I have driven past it a million times. It would look fantastic if it were restored. It looks like squatters are living in it or something....

So how long before this house ends up on the demolition track?

Definitely haunted.  But worth the ghost scares, it's beautiful, and so is the surrounding area.  At least with it's being mostly concrete, it probably doesn't have to be demo'ed.  What a beautiful home to restore... come on powerball!!!

There was an estate sale there last winter.  The difference in the condition of the place between then and now is significant.  It's amazing and sad how much it's deteriorated since then.  A squatter was kicked out a few weeks ago and the windows were sealed.  Within the last few days, we noticed that the bars on a window to the basement have been pried open, so there is probably someone in there again.  The crazy thing is that there is still electricity and water hooked up to the place.

I think everyone in the neighborhood would love to see it restored.  It's beautiful even in its current condition.

Anyone know the physical address?

I read that someone wants to buy it and renovate it but its in limbo and not bank owned. It had utilities on until recent but noone was living there besides homeless. The spar facebook has information on it.

It's in far worse shape than I imagined.

That house would be amazing if it was restored. Gosh this is a piece of history. Hey guys I have 20.00 on it. Lets raise some money LMAO ROFL

I attended the estate sale and it has horrible flooding in the basement when it rains. It will need a French drain.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_drain

I thought I heard somewhere (maybe on this board) that it suffered flooding due to the drainage issues on Pearl Street or something like that.  This thing would be awesome renovated.

it's beuatiful.

Per Zillow it's not currently on the market and it last sold in 1976. It's currently valued at $161,500 but Zillow estimates are alway a little high.  I'm sure it's sitting in an REO file somewhere right now.

http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/245-W-3rd-St-Jacksonville-FL-32206/44476426_zpid/#{scid=hdp-site-map-bubble-address}

One of the problems appears to be that the ownership situation isn't clear. The bank started a foreclosure but wasn't able to complete it due to paper work issues. The loan appears to be one of those were the bank lost some of the paper work. But the bank hasn't given up on it yet. So at this point, there is little chance that someone is able to buy the house at all.

It does have to be properly mothballed and some fixes need to be applied to things like the roof to prevent further deterioration.

Nope, not an REO property.  It's owned by Margaret Massey, who lists that as her primary address... It was warranty deeded to her in 1976 for $1,500.  It's odd that it is listed as her primary address though...

Haunted, like I said :-)

Quote from: downtownjag on August 03, 2011, 01:18:06 PM
Nope, not an REO property.  It's owned by Margaret Massey, who lists that as her primary address... It was warranty deeded to her in 1976 for $1,500.  It's odd that it is listed as her primary address though...

Haunted, like I said :-)

So what was the Estate Sale that occurred last winter?  I take it that wasn't a foreclosure auction?

Quote from: A-Finnius on August 03, 2011, 01:19:35 PM

Quote from: downtownjag on August 03, 2011, 01:18:06 PM
Nope, not an REO property.  It's owned by Margaret Massey, who lists that as her primary address... It was warranty deeded to her in 1976 for $1,500.  It's odd that it is listed as her primary address though...

Haunted, like I said :-)

So what was the Estate Sale that occurred last winter?  I take it that wasn't a foreclosure auction?

I'm not sure about that.  I pulled the address as 245 W. 3rd St from A-finnius's zillow search.  It had no activity since 1976.  If it were foreclosed, it wouldn't be listed under a private individuals name.  It could have been in foreclosure proceedings, but that's a bank note that is essentially paid off if a loan was taken out in 1976. UNLESS there are liens or other mortgages (speculation, speculation).

Sometimes, the city is behind on transaction filings, but not usually this far behind so I don't think it has changed hands recently.  I didn't look up any loan info like Movedsouth did though

So is the house actually sinking or was the road raised in front of it at some point?  It looks completely level in the postcard.

What a great building Drew's printing company was.  Another great loss of DT Jax!

Quote from: hooplady on August 03, 2011, 02:19:12 PM
So is the house actually sinking or was the road raised in front of it at some point?  It looks completely level in the postcard.

That section of Pearl Street was raised in the 1970s as a part of the approach to the bridge over Hogans Creek.

The Drew mansion has been refinanced since it was bought last by Mr. and Mrs. Massey.  He died several years ago and at some point in recent years foreclosure proceedings were begun.  But the owner got legal help and fought the lender to a standstill because the lender lost some of the critical paperwork.  So title is still in the owner's name but they still have a mortgage and fees and fines that would have to be satisfied before they could sell.  And the lender can't do anything either.  So the house is stuck in limbo.

Where is Mrs. Massey now?

I spent a bit of time going over various court records for the building. Here is what I pieced together as a non expert. Things appear to be quite messy.

The house was built in 1909 according to city records. Edgar and Margaret Massey did purchase the house in October of 1976. I couldn't find the respective court document, but this appears to be after the Pearl Street modification. There are some rumors that the city actually paid some compensation to the owner at the time, but I didn't find any court documents to that fact (which could be because I couldn't find the pre-1976 owner's name).

The Massey's are taking out a couple of mortgages, some are paid off over time. One in particular they take out in July of 2003 with Key Bank over what I think is $154k (30 year adjustable).

Some time after that, Edgar Massey passes away. This appears when financial problems start. Also, in 2007, Key Bank assigns the mortgage to Deutsche Bank, who makes it part of a mortgage backed security.

Pretty much the moment the mortgage is assigned to Deutsche Bank, Ms Massey if falling behind on payments. Deutsche Bank files a lis pendens in May of 2007 (2 weeks after they take it over. This is were things start looking odd). The mortgage backed security that owns the mortgage was actually assembled in 2005 if I read things right, so the assignment they filed in 2007 may have been made because it was missed when the actual transfer of the mortgage happened? Really not sure.

In 2008, things go to court. This is were it becomes weird again, and some of the discrepancies come forward. Deutsche Bank claims that the original Mortgage was for $220,500, but Mrs Massey denies that and asks for proof. As I mentioned earlier, court records I found show a $154k mortgage. I haven't seen anything beyond that. So it appears that Deutsche Bank somewhere along the way mixed up its paper work, and is now scrambling to figure out what to do.

In the meantime, the house suffers. It appears that Mrs. Massey is now living in an elder care facility. She is represented by a lawyer (April Carrie Charney) who works for Legal Aid.

The house went to special masters in March and now has a $250/day fine assigned. The city did some abatement in April and put a $3,000 lien against the house for the work done.

Quote from: Springfield Chicken on August 04, 2011, 08:20:01 AM
The Drew mansion has been refinanced since it was bought last by Mr. and Mrs. Massey.  He died several years ago and at some point in recent years foreclosure proceedings were begun.  But the owner got legal help and fought the lender to a standstill because the lender lost some of the critical paperwork.  So title is still in the owner's name but they still have a mortgage and fees and fines that would have to be satisfied before they could sell.  And the lender can't do anything either.  So the house is stuck in limbo.

BUT a buyer could work through the owner's legal aid attorney to submit a short sale offer to the lender and the legal proceedings could easily be resolved if owner and lender would cooperate.

if they can figure out who the lender is. If I go out and get a loan to buy that property. Wouldn't the bank I get that loan from make sure they pay off the correct lender? Right now, it is disputed who the lender is. I could pay off "GSAMP Trust 2005-SEA1, Mortgage Passthrough Certificates, Series 2005-SEA1" (this is the actual name of entity filing the foreclosure, Deutsche Bank is just a trustee for them) just to find out later, that due to the mixed up paperwork, someone else actually owns the loan.

Mrs Massey has a decent chance to walk away from this without paying the bank a penny. Not sure why the bank hasn't rolled over yet and forgiven the loan as they have in similar cases.


here is a link to some of the documents btw: http://www.msfraud.org/law/lounge/DeutschevMassey/DeutschevMassey.html

Quote from: movedsouth on August 04, 2011, 08:50:59 AM
I spent a bit of time going over various court records for the building. Here is what I pieced together as a non expert. Things appear to be quite messy.

The house was built in 1909 according to city records. Edgar and Margaret Massey did purchase the house in October of 1976. I couldn't find the respective court document, but this appears to be after the Pearl Street modification. There are some rumors that the city actually paid some compensation to the owner at the time, but I didn't find any court documents to that fact (which could be because I couldn't find the pre-1976 owner's name).

The Massey's are taking out a couple of mortgages, some are paid off over time. One in particular they take out in July of 2003 with Key Bank over what I think is $154k (30 year adjustable).

Some time after that, Edgar Massey passes away. This appears when financial problems start. Also, in 2007, Key Bank assigns the mortgage to Deutsche Bank, who makes it part of a mortgage backed security.

Pretty much the moment the mortgage is assigned to Deutsche Bank, Ms Massey if falling behind on payments. Deutsche Bank files a lis pendens in May of 2007 (2 weeks after they take it over. This is were things start looking odd). The mortgage backed security that owns the mortgage was actually assembled in 2005 if I read things right, so the assignment they filed in 2007 may have been made because it was missed when the actual transfer of the mortgage happened? Really not sure.

In 2008, things go to court. This is were it becomes weird again, and some of the discrepancies come forward. Deutsche Bank claims that the original Mortgage was for $220,500, but Mrs Massey denies that and asks for proof. As I mentioned earlier, court records I found show a $154k mortgage. I haven't seen anything beyond that. So it appears that Deutsche Bank somewhere along the way mixed up its paper work, and is now scrambling to figure out what to do.

In the meantime, the house suffers. It appears that Mrs. Massey is now living in an elder care facility. She is represented by a lawyer (April Carrie Charney) who works for Legal Aid.

The house went to special masters in March and now has a $250/day fine assigned. The city did some abatement in April and put a $3,000 lien against the house for the work done.

Impressive work! If the city is putting liens on this property they could soon foreclose on it.  I wonder if in foreclosure proceedings the owner of the loan will come forward.  It is beautiful, it would be a wonderful site for a Springfield Museum.

I don't think anyone, well meaning or otherwise, was talking about "salvaging" anything from the house, Stephen.  Unless I missed something on the thread.

We are all bemoaning the fact that it sits there begging MCCD to start a "formal track" action against it.  Wish Mrs. Massey would agree to sell it.  Springfield Chicken has a buyer who wants to buy it and fix it up.

I took these recent photos and I assure you, photographers and most urban explorers in general not only are not "salvagers" but are against such a thing. Ive never heard of a "well meaning salvager" in the first place. No such thing as far as im concerned.

Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprings, break nothing but silence.

One of the reasons I do what I do is to bring light to these amazing locations before they are gone forever.

My name is Nomeus and I approve this message! ;)

Quote from: stephendare on August 06, 2011, 12:11:39 AM

Quote from: nomeus on August 05, 2011, 06:22:03 PM
I took these recent photos and I assure you, photographers and most urban explorers in general not only are not "salvagers" but are against such a thing. Ive never heard of a "well meaning salvager" in the first place. No such thing as far as im concerned.

Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprings, break nothing but silence.

One of the reasons I do what I do is to bring light to these amazing locations before they are gone forever.

My name is Nomeus and I approve this message! ;)

Thanks Nomeus, thanks for the photos especially.  I wasnt referring to your photos, but instead to people who might mistakenly believe the property to be abandoned.

I know a whole hell of a lot of well meaning salvagers that Ive met through the years.  Without them, the few artifacts that we have of our history would have been long gone.

Thanks, and I understand. Sadly I have only come across scumbag vandals and scrappers during my 5 years as an explorer/photographer.

My last information was that Deutsche Bank believes they did, in fact, foreclose and they have turned the account over to a servicer.  The servicer has no record of the property.  The tax records still show it in the hands of Mrs. Massey, which I believe, is correct because Deutsche Bank lost a key part of the paperwork they needed to make the foreclosure stick.  That is what the legal aid attorney fought and won.  But she is no longer in touch with Mrs. Massey.  I know that we could make a short sale happen but it would take the cooperation of both the lender and the owner and neither seems inclined to cooperate with each other.  My hope is that the city will use its power to take over the property and thus force all parties to get off their respective butts and do something.  That home needs to be preserved as one of the icons of Springfield and the last remaining home in that whole block.

Any news on this property?  The new "mothball legislation" might help.

I read it has been boarded up again and heard that the owner is being pressured to sell

I heard that the floor is falling in because of the flooding situation.  Who ever buys it may have to lift the house which would be very expensive.  $1 million cash after you purchased the house and you could afford fixing up this gem of a house.  Play the lottery.

Most of the "rumors" about the condition of these old houses often make the house out to be much worse than they really are.  However, even lifting this house up and renewing the foundation would not be as expensive today as one might think.  It will still take a owner willing to take a chance that values will recover somewhat over the next 5 years or so, but for that right person, what a house they will have!

From what I've been told the most expensive issues to repair would be the foundation/flooding problem and the roof.  Most of the original clay tiles are still there but because of the roof issues underneath it would probably have to be reroofed and brought up to code with tie downs and such.  Flood issues would include some type of French drain before the damage could be repaired.  Beyond that most of the work is normal restoration work and cosmetics.  The big issue is still to resolve the status between the owner and the bank and find some way to move forward.

Quote from: strider on August 12, 2011, 07:11:37 AM
Most of the "rumors" about the condition of these old houses often make the house out to be much worse than they really are.  However, even lifting this house up and renewing the foundation would not be as expensive today as one might think.  It will still take a owner willing to take a chance that values will recover somewhat over the next 5 years or so, but for that right person, what a house they will have!

I think everybody knows that anything can be fixed. If you're willing to spend the money, you can keep anything around forever. The problem is nobody wants to dump $700k on buying and renovating a $300k house, and that's kind of what you'd be looking at with this one, at least until the market turns around. Best solution for it is to just let it sit. Bad markets don't last forever, as long as COJ doesn't knock it down in the meantime.

Quote from: ChriswUfGator on August 12, 2011, 10:19:12 AM

Quote from: strider on August 12, 2011, 07:11:37 AM
Most of the "rumors" about the condition of these old houses often make the house out to be much worse than they really are.  However, even lifting this house up and renewing the foundation would not be as expensive today as one might think.  It will still take a owner willing to take a chance that values will recover somewhat over the next 5 years or so, but for that right person, what a house they will have!

I think everybody knows that anything can be fixed. If you're willing to spend the money, you can keep anything around forever. The problem is nobody wants to dump $700k on buying and renovating a $300k house, and that's kind of what you'd be looking at with this one, at least until the market turns around. Best solution for it is to just let it sit. Bad markets don't last forever, as long as COJ doesn't knock it down in the meantime.

Most, including most contractors, look at these old houses and think they must be brought up to every building code.  That is not true and this erroneous belief pushes up most cost estimates. While I have not looked at this house with an eye towards bidding repairs, I can tell you that the structural component of the repairs will be the least of it.  If you have a experienced historical house contractor look at it, it will not take 700K to make it livable. You could certainly spend that much and more if you wished to, but the house can be made nice for much, much less.

I do not mean to be argumentative but the posting of outrageously high bids and the lack of experience of many contractors bidding on these houses is part of the reason we lose houses like this one.  Case in point, the house on Laura street that has been talked about on a couple of threads.  The current contractor looked at what is actually minor termite damage and says the house is beyond saving, mostly because he mistakenly believes the entire structure of the house must be brought up to current code.  In addition, owners buy them cheap and then find out they can build new for the same cost as fixing the old one and so they think it is a better value to tear it down.  besides, it is always a bit more expensive to restore than build new.

While values are way down, so is the cost of construction and renovations.  While some materials have gone up. many items have dropped to very low levels compared to the boom years.  These houses may not be worth what you put into them the minute they are done, but they are way more affordable to redo than what most think.  Add in the fact that we are seeing that new in-fill houses have lost vale at a higher percentage than the restored houses and it makes even more sense to buy now and restore or at least stabilize and mothball.

Quote from: strider on August 12, 2011, 11:43:31 AM

Quote from: ChriswUfGator on August 12, 2011, 10:19:12 AM

Quote from: strider on August 12, 2011, 07:11:37 AM
Most of the "rumors" about the condition of these old houses often make the house out to be much worse than they really are.  However, even lifting this house up and renewing the foundation would not be as expensive today as one might think.  It will still take a owner willing to take a chance that values will recover somewhat over the next 5 years or so, but for that right person, what a house they will have!

I think everybody knows that anything can be fixed. If you're willing to spend the money, you can keep anything around forever. The problem is nobody wants to dump $700k on buying and renovating a $300k house, and that's kind of what you'd be looking at with this one, at least until the market turns around. Best solution for it is to just let it sit. Bad markets don't last forever, as long as COJ doesn't knock it down in the meantime.

Most, including most contractors, look at these old houses and think they must be brought up to every building code.  That is not true and this erroneous belief pushes up most cost estimates. While I have not looked at this house with an eye towards bidding repairs, I can tell you that the structural component of the repairs will be the least of it.  If you have a experienced historical house contractor look at it, it will not take 700K to make it livable. You could certainly spend that much and more if you wished to, but the house can be made nice for much, much less.

I do not mean to be argumentative but the posting of outrageously high bids and the lack of experience of many contractors bidding on these houses is part of the reason we lose houses like this one.  Case in point, the house on Laura street that has been talked about on a couple of threads.  The current contractor looked at what is actually minor termite damage and says the house is beyond saving, mostly because he mistakenly believes the entire structure of the house must be brought up to current code.  In addition, owners buy them cheap and then find out they can build new for the same cost as fixing the old one and so they think it is a better value to tear it down.  besides, it is always a bit more expensive to restore than build new.

While values are way down, so is the cost of construction and renovations.  While some materials have gone up. many items have dropped to very low levels compared to the boom years.  These houses may not be worth what you put into them the minute they are done, but they are way more affordable to redo than what most think.  Add in the fact that we are seeing that new in-fill houses have lost vale at a higher percentage than the restored houses and it makes even more sense to buy now and restore or at least stabilize and mothball.

I agree with you, as you know, I'm on your side.

I meant total amount invested, to my eye, would appear to be around $700k including the purchase price. The house has been unofficially for sale for going on 10 years for $300k-$400k with no bites. The old man told me personally before he died that he wouldn't take less than $400k for it. I told him, yeah, good luck with that. It's got title issues too, a foreclosure is pending on what I consider likely to be an invalid mortgage, but that's going to be cleared up either by the bank winning in court, or by a court determining the wife's homestead exemptions, or her interest in a TBE or JTWROS, was not subject to the mortgage. At which point you're dealing with a bank who'll want some portion of its mortgage value back (and they don't mind letting them sit), or back to dealing with the same family who wants what they want for it.

I don't think it needs $700k worth of work, I think it needs about $400k worth of work total, you're talking not only jacking, which is relatively inexpensive, but in driving underground pilings or doing concrete injection under the foundation, plus all the normal renovation work it needs. To get under what I eyeballed the total investment at, e.g. $700k including purchase and the work it needs, are they just going to give it to you for free or something?

Or maybe our definitions of 'livable' are different? I mean I guess technically it's livable now, it's just got problems that will need to be addressed, and that are always going to bear on the value of the house.

Also, I'm not saying it's not worth saving in a general sense, it's a great house. I'm just saying that there's really no way to get into it for anywhere near what it's worth. You're going to have to find that special buyer, who's going to have to be all-cash since it won't pass an inspection and it wouldn't appraise for more than $300k in this market (on a reeeeeeeally good day) even if it did.

It needs to be mothballed until the market turns around, at which point it will make sense to somebody. With present real estate values (which aren't exactly skyrocketing in case nobody noticed), I am not sure who's going to buy that? There's no way to come out of it without paying 2-3 times what it's worth. This is exactly the kind of situation mothballing is appropriate for.

Great house to mothball.  Flooding in the basement is a huge issue.  I've seen water up to the porch of the castle.  That means the basement is completely filled with water.  Currently the house is boarded from vandals (MCCD did this.)

If there is a house to sell my soul to, this is the one. No way will this house be demolished.  No way.

Anybody care to tell me what "mothballing" means?  Thank you.  That is all.

Basically it means "shrink wrapping" a home. Leak-free and sound roof, boarded and/or secure windows/doors, house safe/stable, possibly primed, grass tended to. New legislation passed Tuesday that will allow an owner of a historic home to mothball a home in need of rehab with a 3-year plan overseen by HPC which while maintained and kept safe will keep code enforcement at bay.
Movedsouth: can you post the mothballing 101 brochure?

Quote from: iloveionia on August 12, 2011, 11:51:58 PM
Basically it means "shrink wrapping" a home. Leak-free and sound roof, boarded and/or secure windows/doors, house safe/stable, possibly primed, grass tended to. New legislation passed Tuesday that will allow an owner of a historic home to mothball a home in need of rehab with a 3-year plan overseen by HPC which while maintained and kept safe will keep code enforcement at bay.
Movedsouth: can you post the mothballing 101 brochure?

Thank you... residential only or does this apply to commercial structures?

@ downtownjag.  You can mothball any structure you like.  The legislation is aimed at residential properties. Not sure how it applies to commercial, but great question.

I would love to see some of the more neglected structures downtown mothballed to prevent them from turning into transient hangouts and homes.  I understand that this would need to be done within reason, but there are plenty of buildings that could be mothballed.  It's probably advantageous for the structures from a structural integrity standpoint to keep all the water out.

(http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab165/sheclown/DrewMansion001-1.jpg)

Commence abatement action?
Ridiculous.
Dr. Gaffney and other supportive council members. We need your help. Code is absolutely out of control.

Ahh... this is the house I fondly refer to as the Castle House.  It is indeed a beauty.  One I hope will be spared.  I am glad to finally learn the history of the house , its owner, and well, coming from the Printing industry I knew much of the history of the Drew Company.  I could be mistaken, but I believe the company is now called Wells and Drew and is still a printing company.

Quote from: acme54321 on August 03, 2011, 07:08:45 AM
Isn't the entrance to the basement garage partially blocked over?  I guess that car might be stuck in there, lol.  Really cool house.  Hopefully someone that has the means to restore it can aquire the property.

Is this shown in the Photo essay?

I have been by this house quite a few times and study it as I go.  Something is indeed happening to the foundation. from the west side of the house you can see a sagging pattern in the block throughout the structure from back to front.  Without being inside the house I can only presume this is happening between the basement and first story floors.  Also noted that many of the tile on the roof , particularly on the back have come loose.  to buy it some time those should be re-attached.  While I know we are not allowed to work on it presently , please let me know if that changes. I would be elated to help save this one.

  This one is so unique and such a treasure.  I have never seen a home even remotely close to it in Jacksonville.  I appreciate MJ doing the story on it.. I have also say I  am so jealous.. I have always wanted to walk through this place to see what it is like.. It must be just incredible, even in a deteriorated condition.

As for the foundation.
Someone will have to clean-up my understanding, but park or road construction causes rain water to flood the entire property. Near up to the porch. For real.
Somewhere around here or on myspfld "French drains" have been discussed as a necessity for installation there.
Lots of people care about this house.
It has a good chance.

Strider is right..a lot of contractors freak and don't know how to bid...they usually overbid to get out of the project.
French Drain systems take a lot more thought than Money to Implement..Remember every finger of drilled drain pipe needs to be aimed downhill at every point..sounds easy..It ain't.
Once the property is dry enough to jack up the foundation it's not so bad....BUT!  if those blocks slide past a point of no return..the Jack will be a crap shoot.

I always saw this place as a tourist drawing Museum.
In a better world COJ would see the future and the spectacular view of the park and restore this.

Are the widows belongings still stored in here?  have the Homeless picked into the house yet?

Thanks to google maps I've seen the aerial view of the surrounding area, the road it's on could have great potential for some kind of museum strip and with Klutho park located right in front, it could be transformed into a fantastic botanical walk/park. Does anyone have any good details about the area of town this house is located? I understand it's in the Springfield area and I've heard multiple, different descriptions of the area and am not sure what to believe about the current state of the area.

Most people on metrojacksonville know a lot about Springfield. It has its own website too myspringfield.org. It is a text book transitional neighborhood.

Was by thre Thursday.  More vandalism on the inside.  Pictures I took are posted on PHOTOS BY BIG CHEESE on FaceBook.  It is starting to decay at a more rapid pace, at least it seems that way to me.

Too bad the bank/ or cannot at least spring for a tarp to help the roof shed water.   It has such extensive water damage now, that the tiles have nothing to be nailed to , in some places.

From settling , the concrete sills under some of the windows are crumbling. The block has a gross sagging pattern in it from back to front of the house.   It is running out of time.

We have already discussed our views on the matter.  You know how I feel.  I have little hope left for it.  After my look-see the other day.  I am still going to compare my pics. from way back and see the changes.

Quote from: BIG CHEESE 723 on February 24, 2013, 01:31:16 PM
We have already discussed our views on the matter.  You know how I feel.  I have little hope left for it.  After my look-see the other day.  I am still going to compare my pics. from way back and see the changes.

There's hope left for it.   ;)

Quote from: Bill Hoff on February 24, 2013, 03:01:44 PM

Quote from: BIG CHEESE 723 on February 24, 2013, 01:31:16 PM
We have already discussed our views on the matter.  You know how I feel.  I have little hope left for it.  After my look-see the other day.  I am still going to compare my pics. from way back and see the changes.

There's hope left for it.   ;)

Indeed.  We've seen much worse brought back.

Bill/Sheclown... Do you have any idea who to contact?  I would be willing to help maintain the property...the yard ,etc. if I could obtain formal permission from whoever owns it.

The Drew House needs all the help it can get.. post haste !

We are working on it Timkin.  We monitor it constantly and make whatever safety corrections we can.

^ please let me know if I can help out. 

Count me in.  You know how much I love it.

will do!

I recently moved near the corner of 4th and Pearl. I live directly up the street from the Dr. Horace Drew House.  Before moving into the neighborhood I have always been intrigued by this house. It is sad to see it in such horrible condition. I would love to help monitor the property or clean up of the property. This house is one of the most unique home in Springfield. It needs to be saved and preserved for generations to come.

Quote from: cmccain on March 11, 2013, 02:33:04 PM
I recently moved near the corner of 4th and Pearl. I live directly up the street from the Dr. Horace Drew House.  Before moving into the neighborhood I have always been intrigued by this house. It is sad to see it in such horrible condition. I would love to help monitor the property or clean up of the property. This house is one of the most unique home in Springfield. It needs to be saved and preserved for generations to come.

Welcome to the best neighborhood in Jacksonville!!  And thanks for your support.

Drew House needs some love.    Lets give it some love.

Yes indeed it does.
When in town movedsouth makes regular visits there and cleans the front porch.
Currently (though it may not look like it) the property is secured (thanks sheclown) to prevent entrance from squatters,vandals and the like, though clearly upper windows need to be boarded to keep the weather out.
There are others I know who keep an eye on the Castle and do what they can to cut back overgrowth, pick up trash and move out peeps who don't belong. 
PSOS does have permission from the owner's attorney to be on the property and work to keep it safe.  The bank has the ability to put the home in the hands of an owner (or two or three, gheesh, they have choices) to breath life back into her.  But (as banks do) they hem and haw and drag out the process while the house continues to deteriorate and is destroyed by floaters with complete disregard. 
Our hands are tied so we triage in the meantime.
Her time will come, and hopefully sooner than later.

are we allowed to do some repairs to the roof to at least make the poor thing shed most of the water?

I'm totally clueless here, and readily admit it, but is there some type of grant money available that would help with the wonderful work you able-bodied souls do to save and preserve these landmarks until buyers can be found?  Surely there's something along the lines of historic preservation. Is there a project from some University, can it be a project for interested students to learn about this effort and not only help with it here but spread it around?  Did Dr. Drew do anything of historical significance in his field that would further warrant preservation of his home?  I know I'm grabbing straws but I'm hoping it might spark some other ideas from those of you who know best. 

I was by there again yesterday.  Would have got out and checked on any more trashing except for the pouring rain. 

did notice something new...a window on the first floor previously open is now closed. :)
Roof continues to deteriorate.
When the time comes to get some much needed cleaning done, I will do what I can.  I think Timkin will vouch for my good intentions.

Thanks.
Remember we don't own the property.
It is sitting in the hands of the bank and the owners attorney.
Unfortunately we all wait for a resolution.
We've done all we can to this point.
Like most, I'm extremely impatient.
We all want the castle house to be saved.

I do understand the situation.  We share some of those problems at Annie Lytle.  Our good fortune is we are allowed inside to do cleaning.  A daunting task, but we are making progress.  (check out our photos on SAVE PUBLIC SCHOOL #4 / ANNIE LYTLE)   on FaceBook.   PSOS is our friend.  We love all our Springfield volunteers! 
THIS PLACE MATTERS! 

All of our Historic homes and Historic buildings throughout our City, matter! 

(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g374/sheclown2/e5ea9552-8193-48c0-a188-4cad67066aff.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/sheclown2/media/e5ea9552-8193-48c0-a188-4cad67066aff.jpg.html)

I like to call this photo:  "Autumn in Wonderland"

Is there anything of real value still in the house, furniture or anything?

No

They had an estate sale a year or so ago, and lots of stuff was sold.

While the owner now lives in a convalescence home, distantly aware of the slow deterioration of her home, there is a watcher, a man, who keeps a loving eye on the Castle House.  Three times a day (and often many more) he does a walk around the property and keeps it secure from looters and vagrants.  He's not always there of course, but is a first responder when the home has been accosted. 

Most probably don't care.  Don't care about Springfield and it's whining and complaining about it's mistreatment from code enforcement and the spectating public. 

Who would watch and care for someone else's house?  What for?  I mean it's not their responsibility, right? 

And therein lies the issue.  Delusional, self-serving thoughts and actions that desecrate our history. 

Some of us attach to houses like the they are living breathing entities.  Thank God for house lovers and huggers.  They keep history alive for generations to come.

"In the end, the character of a civilization is encased in its structures." Frank Gehry

Abandoned Florida recently received a couple of comments from Shelley Drew (granddaughter of Horace Drew) about her memories.  I tried to contact her for more, but she has not responded.  We attended Landon together.  I still have my fingers crossed that I might hear from her.  It would be wonderful to hear from someone who has memories of the home during the days of its grandeur

So, what happens now?

Can't believe in all this info and digging, not a soul mentioned the fact that it now has a "CONDEMNED" sign on the front door.

So again I ask, what happens now?

It has been condemned for quite a while.  That is just a new sign.  The structure gets rolling fines -- PSOS has the case file on it.

This is, without a doubt, the most beloved of all historic structures in Springfield.  It is a victim of rolling fines as much as anything else.  The owner is in a nursing home, the bank is fighting with her, the city is poisoning the title with made-up "F" you fines.

PSOS, along with other Springfield neighbors, monitor this home.  Community clean ups are held regularly.  If a window needs boarding, we are on it. 

Perhaps more than anyone else, Doug N. has made it his mission in life to protect this structure.  I'm sure not a day goes by when he doesn't check on it.

What happens now --  is we protect it.   The community that loves it.  Its all we can do.

PSOS, Doug, and tons of people fight for this home every day.  They are heroes.  For all those that ask questions, join the fight to save the grand dame of Springfield.  Return her dignity.  She is worth it!!!!

The ""Condemned" sign has been there for a couple years. Pretty much ever since the owner moved out.

Not just the Drew Mansion.  Join the fight to save them all.

Debbie is right.  They all matter.  It is very rewarding to make a difference in helping to save a part of history.  whether in Springfield, Riverside or Downtown or anywhere.  Many thanks to all individuals and groups who foster hope and determination.  They don't simply talk the talk, they walk the walk.  Talk is cheap.  for those who are able, join the fight!

I personally think somehow the 'condemned' signs should 'disappear'.   8)

An amazing architectural gem for Jax. I guess I'm still surprised and maybe a little naive that so many people buy into the 'McMansions' when so many sturdy, quality homes sit abandoned. Instead of spending thousands to tear houses down maybe COJ should work towards restoring and preserving them... 

Jaxunicorn,  the winds have been very strong today.  Think the sign might have blown away? 

Just heard that this place sold!  A friend spoke to the owner who plans to fix it up and move into it.

There is a sincere buyer for the Drew, it was to have closed about 6 weeks ago, but there is a final glitch being sorted.  If all goes well it will be a beautifully restored family home.  I asked permission of the buyer to answer this post and they asked me to please do it.  They do not wish for their business or information to be discussed until all is well and settled and SPAR, I and others have honored that request.  We admire their determination and want it to all work out. 

Quote from: chris farley on November 07, 2013, 11:17:24 AM
They do not wish for their business or information to be discussed until all is well and settled and SPAR, I and others have honored that request. 

I'm not sure it's up to them what anyone else discusses on a public forum.

With that said, I'm extraordinarily happy to see it finally go to good hands, as you know our group has been out there maintaining the property, boarding and securing it, and generally making sure it was still around to go to good hands, for two years. As recently as this week PSOS secured the porch and spent our own funds to do it. Incidentally, I haven't seen SPAR helping contribute money or time to that endeavor.

But the point is I think we're qualified to have an opinion on the subject, the reality is without PSOS it probably wouldn't have been there for them to buy.

The important issue here is to save the Drew and that the community stick together to do so.

Save the houses!  Big and small.

Appears to be up for sale again, lots of restoration needed but hopefully someone with some rehab know how will be able to take this project on.

From a 9/10/14 posting on SPAR's Facebook page:

QuoteThe "Drew Mansion", as most locals call it, is an iconic landmark in Jacksonville's architectural history and in our neighborhood. It's also one of the most endangered historic properties in the region. The property is for sale for $75k, but needs significant repairs. It has a great floor plan, sits directly on the park, and overlooks Downtown from it's balcony. We'd love to help find someone to take on this special project. Is that person you....or your rich uncle?
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Springfield-Preservation-and-Revitalization-SPAR/307036889004 (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Springfield-Preservation-and-Revitalization-SPAR/307036889004)

And from a commenter to the post:

QuoteThe previous owner deeded it to someone else before she died. There are still title issues but it appears a solution is in sight, so it can be sold with a clear title. But everyone is right that the restoration will be a huge cost. Foundation, water intrusion, roof - all big ticket items. Then you have the normal things like wiring, plumbing, HVAC, kitchen, baths, floor work, wood rot repair, painting, window repair, etc. for a 4000 sq ft house. Not for the faint of heart.

I went through it last weekend. It is a big project, to say the least. They have bids for the roof and foundation. I was surprised how good the interior was, to be honest. Budget $300-400,000 for rehab. For that $$ you should wind up with a very nice property. I do not think you would be totally upside down at that price, but there is no room for "profit" so to speak. It has a small yard, and yes it is surrounded by horrible commercial properties which need a lot of work as well.

Drew in 1955

(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g374/sheclown2/drewin1995.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/sheclown2/media/drewin1995.jpg.html)

Drew in 2013

I find the small yard the least of the worries.  Personally, a small yard is not a bad thing.  The vacant building next door?  Go upstairs, and out to the turret.  Look out at the view from there looking at the park and to the skyline.  The view to the front is breathtaking.  Ignore the building.  Tick, tick, tick...the clock is winding down on this irreplaceable old home.  It is a disgrace that it has been left to fall into ruin.  (yes.  I know the situation.  But, I also know that there is someone whose love for Drew makes him more than deserving of ownership)

I appreciate your enthusiasm. Perhaps you will buy it. But I don't think it is wise to "ignore the building" next door.
It's currently an eyesore and who knows what it might become next. Maybe a "Pain clinic?"  I took buyers so you have to understand I tried to sell it. But you can be sure I pointed out the building next door, to not do so would be foolish and unethical.

I hope it sells and is returned to its previous glory, it's definitely worth considering.

in response to me purchasing it, which I PM'ed Musicman with more of my thinking, if I had the money to purchase and rehab it, I would.  AND if I had that much money, I would purchase the other building and level it.  do something to enhance that corner.  Then, I would find a way to donate it to someone deserving of it.....like Doug Nichols.  I can only dream.   if, if, if.  wish I had more to offer.  and on my If List, would also be the purchase of our group's building and restoring it to it's original dignity.   SOMEBODY, win the lottery soon and stop with the ifs.  make it CAN DOS

Quote from: PATSY/AUTUMN on September 24, 2014, 03:22:59 PM
in response to me purchasing it, which I PM'ed Musicman with more of my thinking, if I had the money to purchase and rehab it, I would.  AND if I had that much money, I would purchase the other building and level it.  do something to enhance that corner.  Then, I would find a way to donate it to someone deserving of it.....like Doug Nichols.  I can only dream.   if, if, if.  wish I had more to offer.  and on my If List, would also be the purchase of our group's building and restoring it to it's original dignity.   SOMEBODY, win the lottery soon and stop with the ifs.  make it CAN DOS

Patsy has learned nothing from our conversations lol.

I made a small attempt to do some yard work done.  That was Sunday.  Bad mistake, since the creek had overflowed all the way to 3rd St.  Did manage to pull some air potato and Virginia creeper down on the west side by the garage.  Went back Monday and worked along the fence by the abandoned building.  made some progress before having to retreat from the yellow jackets.  If all I can do to honor the house, is pull vines, etc.  I will.   :)

Quote from: PATSY/AUTUMN on September 24, 2014, 03:22:59 PM
   SOMEBODY, win the lottery soon

I'm trying really hard but it hasn't worked out so far (darn odds)  ;)

- there's also the Jones Bros furniture building to be bought.

This house is absolutely GORGEOUS!!! I would LOVE to win the lottery and buy this house and restore it...as well as the Eldorado parked underneath  ;)

Quote from: Life Is Serious on October 13, 2014, 10:42:09 AM
This house is absolutely GORGEOUS!!! I would LOVE to win the lottery and buy this house and restore it...as well as the Eldorado parked underneath  ;)

Wait I thought you were just bashing PSOS, even though we saved it from demolition?

wonderful photo of 1955!  Wish the people in it were identified.   Thanks, She Clown for posting it.

what room was this taken in?  I am trying to match it up with my recollections?

Any progress with her?  Nobody seems to know anything here.  Wish we could get updates. 

The Drew is currently under contract by a man who ownes a construction company.  I was excited by what I heard him tell HPC staff while touring the property; he wants to fully restore her (leaving her in a residential state) and make that his company headquarters.  Now wouldn't THAT be ideal??  I really hope this comes to fruition and he is successful.

Pretty cool. Thanks for the update JaxUnicorn.

Quote from: Life Is Serious on October 13, 2014, 10:42:09 AM
This house is absolutely GORGEOUS!!! I would LOVE to win the lottery and buy this house and restore it...as well as the Eldorado parked underneath  ;)

You mean the Lincoln ;) ... 

The Drew was sold to Michael Bourre of Bourre Construction Group today. : )

A great day for SPR and historic preservation in Jax.

Michael will talk about his plans for the property, and for the Springfield Historic District in general, at the March 12th community meeting:

http://www.sparcouncil.org/springfield_community_meeting_karpeles_musuem

Congrats to Crissie Cudd, Realtor, for her hard work guiding this to closing.

Awesome.

This is great news.  :) 

could not be happier!!!!!

Excellent news & congrats ! Another beautiful old building saved.

(http://i.imgur.com/iA4WOkI.png)

http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2015/02/20/local-contractor-purchases-historical-drew-mansion.html?ana=e_du_pub&s=article_du&ed=2015-02-20&u=r2GExbfbL4HEhYxqHN3cXm%2FXs5Z&t=1424464487

Looks like renovation is really about to start....

http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=545373

If you've seen this building lately, you know the guy who planned to renovate has bolted from the place. The backstory I heard was he expected someone else (aka  "The City") to foot the bill, and that never materialized.

Would love an explanation from a Springfield local.

Quote from: MusicMan on July 12, 2016, 03:50:43 PM
If you've seen this building lately, you know the guy who planned to renovate has bolted from the place. The backstory I heard was he expected someone else (aka  "The City") to foot the bill, and that never materialized.

Would love an explanation from a Springfield local.

I drove by there the other day (Pokemon Go for the wife and kids, see my thoughts on the other thread)and it looks just as bad as it has.  Possibly worse since he grass is waist high.

So I'll second for an explanation.

I'll third to bump the thread   :)

Think this was covered in a different thread. Last I spoke with the owner, several months ago, he was figuring out the financial aspect (ie, tax credits) and planned to start substantative rehabilitation next year. I don't believe it's the owner's top priority, more of a passion project.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1429793173903324/   Hope this can be seen.  An update on the progress in restoration.