I hate to be the one to break this news.
Looks bad. Just drove by there.
I just found out on instagram, this is just horrible.
Here is the picture a friend took and posted
(http://distilleryimage8.instagram.com/fc472c48400111e1a87612313804ec91_7.jpg)
The JFRD is posting some pics.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150467480851856&set=a.10150467480366856.364408.232355851855&type=3&theater
"Everyone is ok. Fire knocked down. Bldg still standing but roofless. Just mapping up hot spots now." - JFRD
What a sad occurrence. Just miserable.
Found another image on twitter
(http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/377059_346220232057301_121026441243349_1418061_725966590_n.jpg)
I am sure this is the death null :(
@Tim I was thinking of going up there, but seeing as it's so late now and the fire has since been put out, I don't believe JSO and JFRD would be too happy with a crowd. I just can't believe the school met it's fate like this, its heartbreaking almost.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooooooooo! :'(
There is little doubt in my mind that this is deliberate.
Odd how I just called 911 for fire there a week ago and now this? Sure seems suspicious.
It is too odd. I am just sick.
Nooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Shit (pardon my french.) The school's a goner. They are going to tear it down now. :(
Had we only done something sooner. We could have save that school a long time ago. Piece of art and Jax history gone!
That just made my stomach hurt.
Sorry to hear about this.
it is not gone yet!
none of the wood that burned was structural.
granted, intense heat followed with copius quantity of water could breach a foundation, absolutely.
that said, aren't those walls over TWENTY INCHES THICK!!!
SOLID MASONRY.
NOT hollow clay, right?
weren't those columns just repainted!?
this wouldn't be the first time a torched building was rebuilt.
perhaps the ruins could stand as a grand perimeter to a massive community garden?
i like the quote below.
demolition is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.
There's many of us, especially Tim, that have worked so hard and gave so much time and effort into trying to save this old gal. The owner(s) have failed to uphold their end of responsibility all along. Sadly, this latest fire is more than likely just what the city code enforcement needs to finally have the building demolished. It's shameful, at best, the lack of desire and/or effort by this city to maintain it's own historical fabric
Yes, that walls are very thick and solid...and yes, they could stand for years longer, as long as there's no cracks or damage from the heat and water. However, the owner will make no effort to stabilize anything, and will allow for the city to bring it down under the premise of public safety
wellllll
now that there is no roof, or floors above grade...
hmm.
less risk of anyone falling through a rotten floor and injuring themselves.
JSO heli can now see in.
no protection from the rain for the urban outdoorsmen.
perhaps this fire lessened any future liability for the owners.
any reuse would have involved fully gutting lil ol annie.
now it is not a nuisance.
new beginning?
call me foolishly optimistic, i do not object.
would be nice...
Well Tim....you tried man...Sadly maybe its time to let it go & move on....Seems people who wanted to save PS4 were a great minority.
my stomach dropped when I read the news. Terrible loss.
Quote from: Timkin on January 16, 2012, 01:57:30 AM
There is little doubt in my mind that this is deliberate.
+1
Shades of our 1895 vintage Jacksonville Terminal's demise.
(http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa111/Ocklawaha/RAILROAD%20Depots%20and%20Stations/JacksonvilleTerminalsfire.jpg)
OCKLAWAHA
Is it possible to at least preserve the front facade?
Let's suppose the owner gets the city to demolish the building. Any guesses as to what would be constructed in its place? This property is too close to the interstate for someone to want to live or work.
Quote from: thelakelander on January 16, 2012, 09:30:27 AM
Is it possible to at least preserve the front facade?
It is POSSIBLE to preserve most of the building, but will it happen? No Not in this Crookedly-run town no way in hell. Doug Milne finally got what he was looking for.. An angle... to put his stupid retirement facility in place of the building.
To who ever caused this ...All of you .. I hope all of you rot in hell.
I am going to go out on a limb and say this...
I truly believe this is an act of arson as someone was trying to attempt to bring the school down for financial gain indirectly.
This is too good to be "accidental" or "act of God" fire incident.
Too damn good.
-Josh
Tim, and anyone else who has worked to save PS4 I am sorry to see this. My sincere condolences.
Quote from: wsansewjs on January 16, 2012, 09:51:25 AM
I am going to go out on a limb and say this...
I truly believe this is an act of arson as someone was trying to attempt to bring the school down for financial gain indirectly.
This is too good to be "accidental" or "act of God" fire incident.
Too damn good.
-Josh
I won't name names Josh.. but you are spot on. And I hope no good at all comes of ill-gotten gains.
Quote from: dougskiles on January 16, 2012, 09:37:21 AM
Let's suppose the owner gets the city to demolish the building. Any guesses as to what would be constructed in its place? This property is too close to the interstate for someone to want to live or work.
An empty grass and dirt lot, a la Brooklyn.
Quote from: wsansewjs on January 16, 2012, 09:51:25 AM
I am going to go out on a limb and say this...
I truly believe this is an act of arson as someone was trying to attempt to bring the school down for financial gain indirectly.
This is too good to be "accidental" or "act of God" fire incident.
Too damn good.
-Josh
this kind of thing happens with old "abandoned" buildings pretty regularly...sometimes it is intentional....but these fires can also be started by squatters accidentally, especially on cold winter nights.
Quote from: tufsu1 on January 16, 2012, 10:37:05 AM
Quote from: wsansewjs on January 16, 2012, 09:51:25 AM
I am going to go out on a limb and say this...
I truly believe this is an act of arson as someone was trying to attempt to bring the school down for financial gain indirectly.
This is too good to be "accidental" or "act of God" fire incident.
Too damn good.
-Josh
this kind of thing happens with old "abandoned" buildings pretty regularly...sometimes it is intentional....but these fires can also be started by squatters accidentally, especially on cold winter nights.
Yeah, I would think this would be the more logical guess right now.
With a contentious building like PS4, I don't know, it seems like it would be far too obvious to intentionally torch it.
A really, really sad story though :/
It is too coincidental that a fire was just set a week or two ago, some juveniles were arrested, and now this fire.
We walked over and looked at the place and the auditorium roof has been burned along with the debris that had accumulated there. The rest of the building is still standing firm.
Don't despair, folks. I've just returned from looking at the damage and it is not as bad as it appears in the pictures.
What burned was the wooden roof structure over the auditorium closest to the stage. The middle portion of the roof has been gone for years from a leak. The part of the roof closest to the main building has fallen in the past month or so. The part closest to the stage is what was burned. The entire auditorium is now roofless.
There does not appear to be any structural damage to the walls of the auditorium and no part of the main building was touched by the fire at all. The roof over the main building is concrete in any case. When the school was built in 1917 there were no sprinkler systems available so when the built a "fireproof" building they meant it.
We all knew that the roof over the auditorium was going to go one way or the other.
I am sure that if the fire had burned for a longer time it would have deteriorated the mortar holding the bricks together, but to my untrained eye, it looks like JFRD got it out before that happened. Thanks, guys!
Of course this fire was deliberately set. No homeless person trying to stay warm was going to go up to the roof to light a fire. There is plenty of flammable material on the floor from the fallen portion of the roof.
Well.... If we were lucky, perhaps at least the main building could be spared. But I am not too optimistic .
Quote from: Dog Walker on January 16, 2012, 10:55:55 AM
Don't despair, folks. I've just returned from looking at the damage and it is not as bad as it appears in the pictures.
What burned was the wooden roof structure over the auditorium closest to the stage. The middle portion of the roof has been gone for years from a leak. The part of the roof closest to the main building has fallen in the past month or so. The part closest to the stage is what was burned. The entire auditorium is now roofless.
I think demolitions in Jacksonville over the years have proven that the damage doesn't need to be as bad as it looks. If someone wants to tear it down, any cause can be given as justification. I think we have all seen buildings that looked to be in much better shape than this face the proverbial wrecking ball. That, plus the district fire chief's quote:
"Firefighters were dispatched to the fire at 11:20 p.m. Sunday and arrived to find heavy smoke and fire showing through the roof, according to District Chief Jack Griggs of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department.
"It's about 90 percent damaged," Griggs said."
Reposting from FB, reporter Ryan Paul: I am a reporter with Action News. Would love to hear your thoughts on this tragic fire. Anyone interested in sharing some memories, history, pics call me at 904-759-2798. Thanks!
90% of the roof, maybe, but not 90% of the building. The building is in no worse shape now than it was before the roof burned.
Dan Scanlan of the FTU was there taking pictures when we were there. Mr. Paul should do his own leg work.
Quote from: KenFSU on January 16, 2012, 10:43:34 AM
Quote from: tufsu1 on January 16, 2012, 10:37:05 AM
Quote from: wsansewjs on January 16, 2012, 09:51:25 AM
I am going to go out on a limb and say this...
I truly believe this is an act of arson as someone was trying to attempt to bring the school down for financial gain indirectly.
This is too good to be "accidental" or "act of God" fire incident.
Too damn good.
-Josh
this kind of thing happens with old "abandoned" buildings pretty regularly...sometimes it is intentional....but these fires can also be started by squatters accidentally, especially on cold winter nights.
Yeah, I would think this would be the more logical guess right now.
With a contentious building like PS4, I don't know, it seems like it would be far too obvious to intentionally torch it.
A really, really sad story though :/
second fire there in 2 weeks. Ummmmm.. This is about as deliberate as it gets. If you think otherwise , you are kidding yourself. The owners of the property and the building want it GONE. That is so obvious.
Quote from: grimssReposting from FB, reporter Ryan Paul: I am a reporter with Action News. Would love to hear your thoughts on this tragic fire. Anyone interested in sharing some memories, history, pics call me at 904-759-2798. Thanks!
I don't have time to chat on the phone, but if this reporter wants stories, many of us could post them
The Jewish Center was filled to the brim with water. Another intentionally set fire. Is this not the case with the school? I love this school.
If the fire source was up above the stage...it was arson. On another forum(rip) we had a kid posting pics looking down from there so there was access.
I can just imagine how cold that 2' thick brick work gets...probably warmer out on the front lawn.
I am still astounded at the lengths that tresspassers went to to gain access. sledgehammers were used several times. :o
Sorry Tim...this is a low blow to you. >:(
Quote from: Timkin on January 16, 2012, 11:33:56 AM
Quote from: KenFSU on January 16, 2012, 10:43:34 AM
Quote from: tufsu1 on January 16, 2012, 10:37:05 AM
Quote from: wsansewjs on January 16, 2012, 09:51:25 AM
I am going to go out on a limb and say this...
I truly believe this is an act of arson as someone was trying to attempt to bring the school down for financial gain indirectly.
This is too good to be "accidental" or "act of God" fire incident.
Too damn good.
-Josh
this kind of thing happens with old "abandoned" buildings pretty regularly...sometimes it is intentional....but these fires can also be started by squatters accidentally, especially on cold winter nights.
Yeah, I would think this would be the more logical guess right now.
With a contentious building like PS4, I don't know, it seems like it would be far too obvious to intentionally torch it.
A really, really sad story though :/
second fire there in 2 weeks. Ummmmm.. This is about as deliberate as it gets. If you think otherwise , you are kidding yourself. The owners of the property and the building want it GONE. That is so obvious.
My guess is that it is deliberate, but.....The past few weeks we have seen temperatures on a roller coast, up down up down, so bums and squatters could have accidently torched the place as well.
Never the less, this is sad. I have (illegally) been inside numerous times over the years, but its been 5 years since I last went inside. Such a beautiful structure, reminds a lot of the old schools up north.
Considering the fact that the full extent of the damage isn't yet known, it's really frustrating to read and hear the story being discussed by the local media as a "death blow" to the structure, as if the fire will now inevitably lead to the demolition of the structure.
I apologize for my ignorance, but was there ever a chance for a developer to turn this into something. Seems like 40 yrs would have been enough time for a development of some sort to get off the ground. Would be hard to sell condos right next to the interstate.
Have there been proposals? Does the current owner just refuse to sell to people who would make it into something? Would any new development require government (city) money?
There have been several proposals for redevelopment since 1981. Here's a snippet about some failed Annie Lytle redevelopment proposals from the book currently being developed by Metro Jacksonville.
QuoteIn 1981, the Annie Lytle was purchased by the Ida M. Stevens Foundation for $168,000. The Stevens Foundation, which converted downtown’s old Duval High School into senior citizen apartments in 1977, had planned to do the same with Annie Lytle, but federal funding programs for such projects were discontinued, killing the project.
Subsequent plans to turn the building into a human service agency center were put on hold until the planned reconfiguration of the Fuller Warren and the expressway.
In 1995, the building survived a two-alarm blaze, believed to have been set by vagrants, causing the auditorium’s roof to cave in. Two months later, it caught fire again when piles of trash were set ablaze.
In July 2000, Jacksonville-based Cheyenne Properties announced its intentions to purchase the Annie Lytle. Cheyenne’s plans for the property at 1011 Peninsular Place (now 650 Chelsea Street) were to restore it into a 20-unit loft condominium complex called Lytle Place. Development plans also included converting the building’s basement into a 26-space underground parking garage, and a public park at the building’s front entrance. To help facilitate the redevelopment of the historic property, the Jacksonville City Council approved a measure recognizing the school as a city-designated historic site. With the designation, Cheyenne’s project would qualify for historic preservation-related tax break advantages, including a 10-year, 100 percent property tax freeze on improvements made to the site.
Marketed to nearby downtown office workers with one, two and three bedroom units priced between $100,000 and $250,000, the developer secured contracts for 10 of the 26 units during the pre-selling phase. In 2002, before construction was to begin, Cheyenne Properties discovered that expansion plans for I-95 included adding elevated ramps within a few feet of the school’s front door. This eventually killed the Lytle Place development by making the original proposal financially unfeasible.
In 2005, the City Development Company sought the city council’s permission to demolish the school and construct a new, $14 million, 140,000-square foot, 140-unit retirement facility in its place. As a result, led by long-time Annie Lytle advocate Timothy Kinnear, public outcry followed, culminating with a request for the building’s preservation from the Southern Regional Office of the National Trust for Historic Preservation to Mayor John Peyton and Council President Kevin Hyde. In addition, in observance of May being the National Historic Preservation Month, the school made the Jacksonville Historical Society’s list of 12 significantly endangered historical properties. These efforts to preserve the Annie Lytle resulted in the developer withdrawing its demolition request before city council.
Thank you for the info. As typical of most historical buildings the history is very interesting.
Hey guys, how good are my chances of getting some pictures of the school tomorrow after I'm off work? I'd really like to go today, but I'm sure it's pretty busy and I really don't have the gas. I almost cried this morning when I saw the news on my facebook feed. I've never been, but I've always wanted to go..even just outside.
Just got back into town, leaving to check out the damage. Sad day, two great buildings (potentially) lost within the last few months. Tim, my heart goes out to you man.
Some nice photos and a mini-history of the building on jacksonville.com. Tim, your picture is there too, nailing down the plywood window covers.
Quote from: leahfu on January 16, 2012, 02:22:59 PM
Hey guys, how good are my chances of getting some pictures of the school tomorrow after I'm off work? I'd really like to go today, but I'm sure it's pretty busy and I really don't have the gas. I almost cried this morning when I saw the news on my facebook feed. I've never been, but I've always wanted to go..even just outside.
Do NOT go into the building. You will be arrested. There is nothing different to be seen outside except that the JFRD broke open the front door to get to the fire.
Quote from: Dog Walker on January 16, 2012, 03:20:48 PM
Do NOT go into the building. You will be arrested. There is nothing different to be seen outside except that the JFRD broke open the front door to get to the fire.
I was not interested in going inside at all :)
What concerns me most about Public School Number Four is that it is an example of how our local heritage is crumbling from a passive war of attrition against historic buildings that can never be replaced. I immediately think about the Arcade/Center theater building that collapsed onto itself from neglect. It, and many other structures, are victims of those who would rather run down the clock on them than would take action to build a bridge from our city's storied past to the future.
Sources tell me that 90% of the building IS NOT DAMAGED BY THIS FIRE. the failing remains of the Auditorium roof were in fact taken down by the blaze. Somehow I expect for the information given to the city to be spun completely out of context, as it clearly is being spun by local news media and whomever else. The WHOLE building was not affected. But this will , unfortunately be the City's green-light to demolish it.
Im sure by now , Doug AND Tarpon are celebrating... as is who ever the bastards were that set this fire.
Sorry if I sound like im pissed off. IM VERY PISSED OFF!!
Quote from: Timkin on January 16, 2012, 04:29:34 PM
Sources tell me that 90% of the building IS NOT DAMAGED BY THIS FIRE. the failing remains of the Auditorium roof were in fact taken down by the blaze. Somehow I expect for the information given to the city to be spun completely out of context, as it clearly is being spun by local news media and whomever else. The WHOLE building was not affected. But this will , unfortunately be the City's green-light to demolish it.
Im sure by now , Doug AND Tarpon are celebrating... as is who ever the bastards were that set this fire.
Sorry if I sound like im pissed off. IM VERY PISSED OFF!!
You should be pissed off!
Quote from: Jaxson on January 16, 2012, 03:42:31 PM
What concerns me most about Public School Number Four is that it is an example of how our local heritage is crumbling from a passive war of attrition against historic buildings that can never be replaced. I immediately think about the Arcade/Center theater building that collapsed onto itself from neglect. It, and many other structures, are victims of those who would rather run down the clock on them than would take action to build a bridge from our city's storied past to the future.
That was preventable. this is STILL preventable. The problem is GREEDY owners who care more about lining their nest-egg than preserving a piece of our historic fabric.
No council person worth their salt nor any administration should allow this building to be demolished. It is a plain as day that this was an intentional act to do such, and if they consent to allowing it to be demolished, they are, in my opinion , no better than the owners and the person(s) who set the fire.
The building was built , pre-dating sprinkler systems to be FIRE PROOF . This is the 4th fire I am aware of in 2 decades.
The city needs to wake its LAME ASS UP and help us save the place, not line another demolition company's pockets, by taking it down.
The owners, both of them should be jailed for neglect. period.
Timkin, Sorry about this, Yeah, you are about right, when the JFD says its time, there is not much to stop the wrecking ball.
Time to line the troops up to save the Fire Station on Riverside.
The "90% destroyed" quote is an inaccurate assessment of the probable damage,
relative to it's prior condition and the elements of the building that are still remaining.
Quote from: Timkin on January 16, 2012, 04:44:57 PM
The city needs to wake its LAME ASS UP and help us save the place, not line another demolition company's pockets, by taking it down.
+1
Quote from: mtraininjax on January 16, 2012, 05:00:20 PM
QuoteDude.. don't go there. You are such an idiot.
Nice, up to name calling, great class! Nice!
Please, mtraininjax, hear me when I say this from the depths of my heart. You may or not know the place that Annie Lytle holds in timkin's heart, but it brings me to mind the impermanence of this world and how many of us want to hold something to their heart in this world that endures. It is very damn hard to just let go for the sake of the 'future' or for 'progress' when we know that these seemingly minor things present to us a cold, hard look at our own mortality. Please let timkin grieve in his own way for this building. It is not just a pile of bricks, but was the heart of a vibrant community that educated and nurtured many young people who called this city their home. I do not believe that timkin is lashing out at you directly, but he is speaking against an attitude that does not understand the depths of throwing such special places like Annie Lytle to the dustheap of history. I know that you want good things for our city, but I also know that forums like this are places where we can work harder to understand our differences while feeling some empathy where possible...
Quote from: Jaxson on January 16, 2012, 05:57:55 PM
Quote from: mtraininjax on January 16, 2012, 05:00:20 PM
QuoteDude.. don't go there. You are such an idiot.
Nice, up to name calling, great class! Nice!
Please, mtraininjax, hear me when I say this from the depths of my heart. You may or not know the place that Annie Lytle holds in timkin's heart, but it brings me to mind the impermanence of this world and how many of us want to hold something to their heart in this world that endures. It is very damn hard to just let go for the sake of the 'future' or for 'progress' when we know that these seemingly minor things present to us a cold, hard look at our own mortality. Please let timkin grieve in his own way for this building. It is not just a pile of bricks, but was the heart of a vibrant community that educated and nurtured many young people who called this city their home. I do not believe that timkin is lashing out at you directly, but he is speaking against an attitude that does not understand the depths of throwing such special places like Annie Lytle to the dustheap of history. I know that you want good things for our city, but I also know that forums like this are places where we can work harder to understand our differences while feeling some empathy where possible...
+1000
Dont go inside? I say why not? Seems like everyone and their mother has been in there on a daily basis! Sure you run the risk but thats the way it goes. As far as arrests go, based on what I saw with my own eyes, the ratio of people coming and going vs arrests is like 1000 to 1 im sure.
School Four for me is all the memories I had of growing up in 5 Points and running through Riverside Park, and peering over at the scariest damn building my pre-teenage eyes had ever seen. Then, into my teen years, sneaking in with my friends and trying to spook each other with tales of ghost stories. The older I got, the history and importance of this structure started to become much more apparent to me. Part of that was research I'd do online, which eventually brought me to MetroJax when the term "School Four Jax" would pop in the google search results.
The only thing I wish is, and I'm echoing what's already been said for decades now, is that we would've done something sooner. That, some former students would realize how important this School was and could share some stories about former teachers, what the insides looked like at the time they were attending, etc...
Finding out about this inferno and knowing how much it's a blow below the belt to our very own TimKin, the very guy who's taken more care of this place than any owner has since they closed the doors for good, is enough to make my stomach hurt.
I also wish I had the damn phone numbers of the owners, so I could call them and leave a nasty voice message. If this was indeed the work of their dirty hands, then guys, in the nicest most possible & heartfelt way I could ever imagine...
Go fuck yourselves. < owners
Well.... my post will probably get removed again... thanks in advance, who ever. The School is still very much savable. We just do not have the mindset to do so , running our city.
With every bit of my being , I have little doubt that the owners OBJECT to what just happened. So it is really no better than if they torched the building themselves.
The same holds true to the poster who came on earlier and started his usual bullshit with me.
Its difficult to tell who cares the least.
I have four words, con spear a cee ((pun intended with spelling)
It's a Sacred Catastrophe- the history,issues brought to attention to a broad audience.
MJ member quoted in the Paper this morning,reporting outlook takes a certain turn.
Beams of healing light surround Timkin,No. 4
The owners neglect even if this were just an accident is as responsible as anything else. It is time we legislate some additional responsibilities to owning historic properties. Properties that you are not allowed to demolish you should not be able to own or buy and demolish with neglect.
They need to be held accountable for willfully destroying the property even if it wasn't with a bulldozer.
Quote from: JeffreyS on January 17, 2012, 08:18:20 AM
The owners neglect even if this were just an accident is as responsible as anything else. It is time we legislate some additional responsibilities to owning historic properties. Properties that you are not allowed to demolish you should not be able to own or buy and demolish with neglect.
They need to be held accountable for willfully destroying the property even if it wasn't with a bulldozer.
I would add the Florida Department of Transportation to the list of responsible parties. The day they decided to build an interstate highway in the front yard of this facility pretty much sealed the building's fate (going back to the original highway construction, not the recent interchange ramp). They took away any marketable use for the building. Who seriously wants to live or work that close to a major highway?
My guess is that only an industrial use would make sense there now. And, given the solid walls that are remaining, perhaps it could be converted to a warehouse or manufacturing building?
Quote from: dougskiles on January 17, 2012, 09:19:14 AM
Quote from: JeffreyS on January 17, 2012, 08:18:20 AM
The owners neglect even if this were just an accident is as responsible as anything else. It is time we legislate some additional responsibilities to owning historic properties. Properties that you are not allowed to demolish you should not be able to own or buy and demolish with neglect.
They need to be held accountable for willfully destroying the property even if it wasn't with a bulldozer.
I would add the Florida Department of Transportation to the list of responsible parties. The day they decided to build an interstate highway in the front yard of this facility pretty much sealed the building's fate (going back to the original highway construction, not the recent interchange ramp). They took away any marketable use for the building. Who seriously wants to live or work that close to a major highway?
My guess is that only an industrial use would make sense there now. And, given the solid walls that are remaining, perhaps it could be converted to a warehouse or manufacturing building?
I think if someone with vision converted the building into studio-style artist's lofts the building would do really well. Young artists (speaking as one) aren't as concerned with being under the shadow of an expressway, given the opportunity to live in such a cool space. But - the units would have to be for lease, or for a reasonable cost. I don't see them getting a quarter of a million out of them.
That's assuming the owner (or the city) doesn't take the opportunity to tear the building down.
Quote from: dougskiles on January 17, 2012, 09:19:14 AMI would add the Florida Department of Transportation to the list of responsible parties. The day they decided to build an interstate highway in the front yard of this facility pretty much sealed the building's fate (going back to the original highway construction, not the recent interchange ramp). They took away any marketable use for the building. Who seriously wants to live or work that close to a major highway?
I'm surprised they didn't tear it down along with every other building that stood in the way or within a few feet of the expressway when it was originally constructed. Someone in the 1950s must have believed it was significant enough to preserve because a ton of buildings and parks were mowed over for the original expressway system.
Quote from: north miami on January 17, 2012, 06:48:23 AM
It's a Sacred Catastrophe- the history,issues brought to attention to a broad audience.
MJ member quoted in the Paper this morning,reporting outlook takes a certain turn.
Beams of healing light surround Timkin,No. 4
Where is the article in the paper?
-Josh
Front page, Josh, then continued on A-4.
It's amazing how the road noise drops off when you get inside the building. Thick masonry walls inside and out will do that even when the windows are missing. With modern, double-paned windows, the noise inside would not be an issue for most uses. Don't know about residences through.
The least expensive, most useful restoration of the school would be to turn it back into a school. All of the private high schools are far out in Southside. All of the kids who are currently in RPDS, St. Paul's, etc. have to start commuting there when they get past the sixth grade.
Seems like an opportunity to me.
Quote from: Dog Walker on January 17, 2012, 10:01:35 AM
Front page, Josh, then continued on A-4.
It's amazing how the road noise drops off when you get inside the building. Thick masonry walls inside and out will do that even when the windows are missing. With modern, double-paned windows, the noise inside would not be an issue for most uses. Don't know about residences through.
The least expensive, most useful restoration of the school would be to turn it back into a school. All of the private high schools are far out in Southside. All of the kids who are currently in RPDS, St. Paul's, etc. have to start commuting there when they get past the sixth grade.
Seems like an opportunity to me.
But correct me if I am wrong, how can Duval County School Board afford that?
-Josh
School Board can't afford it, but the private schools can. How do you think Bolles, Episcopal, Bishop Kenny, etc. got built?
Riverside Presbyterian Day School recently announced that it had paid off the debt it had from it's dramatic expansion. They could now afford to renovate Annie Lytle and make it a Riverside Presbyterian High School. They are a major feeder to Bolles and Episcopal right now.
Annie Lytle is just across the park from them, too.
Quote from: Dog Walker on January 17, 2012, 10:14:13 AM
School Board can't afford it, but the private schools can. How do you think Bolles, Episcopal, Bishop Kenny, etc. got built?
Riverside Presbyterian Day School recently announced that it had paid off the debt it had from it's dramatic expansion. They could now afford to renovate Annie Lytle and make it a Riverside Presbyterian High School. They are a major feeder to Bolles and Episcopal right now.
Annie Lytle is just across the park from them, too.
Religion-oriented or not, I would be happy if Annie Lytle school would be a new home to students right now.
-Josh
Quote from: Dog Walker on January 17, 2012, 10:01:35 AM
Front page, Josh, then continued on A-4.
It's amazing how the road noise drops off when you get inside the building. Thick masonry walls inside and out will do that even when the windows are missing. With modern, double-paned windows, the noise inside would not be an issue for most uses. Don't know about residences through.
The least expensive, most useful restoration of the school would be to turn it back into a school. All of the private high schools are far out in Southside. All of the kids who are currently in RPDS, St. Paul's, etc. have to start commuting there when they get past the sixth grade.Seems like an opportunity to me.
I wouldn't say they are that far out. Episcopal isn't that much further than RPDS from Ortega/Avondale when you cut through San Marco or even zip across Hart Bridge. Its a fairly easy drive. 7 miles from my house in Avondale area. Plus any parents coming from Southside areas already are closer to Episcopal/Bolles than RPDS or St Marks.
From the TU. Shocking!
http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/2012-01-17/story/fire-marshals-office-arson-cause-fire-annie-lytle-school
Would not surprise me one bit if the owner arranged to have it burned.
Quote from: wsansewjs on January 17, 2012, 11:16:02 AM
Quote from: Dog Walker on January 17, 2012, 10:14:13 AM
School Board can't afford it, but the private schools can. How do you think Bolles, Episcopal, Bishop Kenny, etc. got built?
Riverside Presbyterian Day School recently announced that it had paid off the debt it had from it's dramatic expansion. They could now afford to renovate Annie Lytle and make it a Riverside Presbyterian High School. They are a major feeder to Bolles and Episcopal right now.
Annie Lytle is just across the park from them, too.
Religion-oriented or not, I would be happy if Annie Lytle school would be a new home to students right now.
-Josh
As would I . I don't know where to begin to express disappointment. SO MANY PEOPLE have failed us and failed our History. I made the mistake of voting some of them into office. Rest assured that won't happen again.
Small talk is cheap. Myself and my volunteers put our efforts to this, tirelessly and with little thanks. I want to see the owners HELD ACCOUNTABLE for this happening. Probably wont happen as we have a lame City Government, but a homeowner would not get away with decades of neglect to a property. The School still can be saved and it still should be saved.
Mayor Brown........ Do you ever listen to the people who voted for you? How about you, CM Lumb or CM Jones?? Was the meeting a couple months ago just a joke?
WAKE UP CITY !!! You're asleep at the switch .
Quote from: thelakelander on January 17, 2012, 09:38:01 AM
Quote from: dougskiles on January 17, 2012, 09:19:14 AMI would add the Florida Department of Transportation to the list of responsible parties. The day they decided to build an interstate highway in the front yard of this facility pretty much sealed the building's fate (going back to the original highway construction, not the recent interchange ramp). They took away any marketable use for the building. Who seriously wants to live or work that close to a major highway?
I'm surprised they didn't tear it down along with every other building that stood in the way or within a few feet of the expressway when it was originally constructed. Someone in the 1950s must have believed it was significant enough to preserve because a ton of buildings and parks were mowed over for the original expressway system.
that's much too difficult :)
if you want to see an even more egregious example, take a look on Google/Bing at the northeast corner of the I-4/I-275 interchange in Tampa
Quote from: tufsu1 on January 17, 2012, 01:11:01 PMif you want to see an even more egregious example, take a look on Google/Bing at the northeast corner of the I-4/I-275 interchange in Tampa
http://g.co/maps/8xxjn
What are we looking for? A missing school?
perhaps he is speaking of this intersection.....
Google maps 27.964363,-82.449724
Quote from: tufsu1 on January 17, 2012, 01:11:01 PM
Quote from: thelakelander on January 17, 2012, 09:38:01 AM
Quote from: dougskiles on January 17, 2012, 09:19:14 AMI would add the Florida Department of Transportation to the list of responsible parties. The day they decided to build an interstate highway in the front yard of this facility pretty much sealed the building's fate (going back to the original highway construction, not the recent interchange ramp). They took away any marketable use for the building. Who seriously wants to live or work that close to a major highway?
I'm surprised they didn't tear it down along with every other building that stood in the way or within a few feet of the expressway when it was originally constructed. Someone in the 1950s must have believed it was significant enough to preserve because a ton of buildings and parks were mowed over for the original expressway system.
that's much too difficult :)
if you want to see an even more egregious example, take a look on Google/Bing at the northeast corner of the I-4/I-275 interchange in Tampa
(https://sites.google.com/site/georgewashingtonjrhightampa/_/rsrc/1248689035322/Home/GoogleEarth_Image-3.jpg?height=143&width=200)
At least Washington (before FDOT purchased and tore it down in 2004) faced Columbus Drive.
correct....the school used to be right up to the interstate....when FDOT did the downtown interchange improvements, they got even closer...
what's odd is the website says the school was bought by FDOT in 2001 and demolished in 2004...yet the picture from the website is dated 2006....I'm pretty sure the building didn't come down until after the interstate expansion project was finished (around 2007).
Google Earth history aerials indicate it came down between 12/30/04 and 1/5/05.
Quote from: thelakelander on January 17, 2012, 09:38:01 AM
Quote from: dougskiles on January 17, 2012, 09:19:14 AMI would add the Florida Department of Transportation to the list of responsible parties. The day they decided to build an interstate highway in the front yard of this facility pretty much sealed the building's fate (going back to the original highway construction, not the recent interchange ramp). They took away any marketable use for the building. Who seriously wants to live or work that close to a major highway?
I'm surprised they didn't tear it down along with every other building that stood in the way or within a few feet of the expressway when it was originally constructed. Someone in the 1950s must have believed it was significant enough to preserve because a ton of buildings and parks were mowed over for the original expressway system.
If FDOT wanted it out they would have taken it out. Period.
There is something called a 20 year plan and its interesting that a Foundation bought it supposedly intending to make a senior facility , that never materialized, they did , however sell off more of its front yard to FDOT. Instead of bailing and trying to make money on it , they chose to keep it, let it deteriorate and get totally destroyed inside, keep spending TONS of money boarding up, claiming they were keeping within code, and claiming always to be the victim . BULL SHIT !! . Code turned their head, the City turned their heads and LET THIS HAPPEN!!!!!. 4 fires within 2 decades, none of which arrests were made. Interesting... one week ago an attempt was made to burn it then, and a bunch of people pulled out of there. I'm sure there cannot be any connection, right? Bull shit ! Back in 2010 the initial purchaser somehow was allowed to illegally cut up a historic property and let the building and a little land go because they wanted to be free of the burden and not pay the taxes on it. It goes then to an owner who owns multiple properties in Duval , some , like this one , which mysteriously burn. This is far more than a passing coincidence. Yet the City takes no action. Nice going Mayor. Nice going Council. Boy do we have a great team running this City now.
It is so obvious that so many want to see the building go but none of them want the blood on their hands. Or maybe they do , just for spite. Hard to tell.
Except for MJ, the immediate group of supporters and volunteers who joined me and busted our asses to make the place look better, I am disappointed in this community , the City, The Mayor, The Council , Doug Milne, Tarpon Holdings, and the list is endless. Words are cheap. Your intent is obvious. And to think I actually voted and supported some of you. Stupid me.
I feel reasonably sure that all of you will eventually get what you are looking for. All of you are cowards and two-faced. Selfish ,self-centered, and all about yourselves.
It is difficult to tell at this late date who is real.. but its very easy to pick out the phonys.
Peace out.
I have avoided this thread because I'm so sad about this.
I can't read it.
It isn't about just losing the past. It is about losing craftsmanship, grandpa's skillled hands, attention to detail, quality and sustainability of components. It's about losing pride in our work, our buildings, and a time when structures reflected the honor and worth of a place.
It is replaced with poor substitute, prefab and built in pieces, shipped in from an unknown spot and glued together to last until the warranty expires.
I'm so sad for this. And sad we don't honor history in Jacksonville.
That roof was going to come down soon anyway. This just speeded up the process. The old girl took another punch, but is still standing.
Perhaps this outrage will bring needed attention to what has been going on an spur new ideas and action. Channel the anger and ignore the talkers.
QuoteIt isn't about just losing the past. It is about losing craftsmanship, grandpa's skillled hands, attention to detail, quality and sustainability of components. It's about losing pride in our work, our buildings, and a time when structures reflected the honor and worth of a place.
We should engrave this someplace. Beautifully said!
+1 that is well-put.
It also about the generation (NOW) that has no regard.. It is about the majority of a city that has NO regard. A Mayor with no regard.. An owner for 40 plus years with no regard.. A current owner who does business by ...? No answering of phones, no response to letter... so no regard.
Not enough people care.
Its time to tear PS4 down. Actually, its well past time. You can't save everything.
Quote from: Rumblefish on January 18, 2012, 10:17:31 AM
Its time to tear PS4 down. Actually, its well past time. You can't save everything.
Another who does not care :)
Quote from: Timkin on January 18, 2012, 10:17:13 AM
+1 that is well-put.
It also about the generation (NOW) that has no regard.. It is about the majority of a city that has NO regard. A Mayor with no regard.. An owner for 40 plus years with no regard.. A current owner who does business by ...? No answering of phones, no response to letter... so no regard.
Not enough people care.
For what would you suggest the building be used??? Past owners have attempted condos and apartments but there is no market. I don't expect any owner to throw money down a hole. And I don't want the City throwin that money down the hole either.
Quote from: Timkin on January 18, 2012, 10:20:43 AM
Quote from: Rumblefish on January 18, 2012, 10:17:31 AM
Its time to tear PS4 down. Actually, its well past time. You can't save everything.
Another who does not care :)
I do care, but also completely understand the economic and use restraints.
The possibilities are endless. But mindless people like yourself just say.. tear it down. Hey you are entitled to your opinion. and you will probably get you way. For your information two consecutive owners have prevented anything being done positively to do something usable with the building. FACT.
But folks like you just say ..tear it down. Perhaps if your house was being torn down , you might feel differently.
Welcome to the forum
Rumblefish, there have been many, many old schools re-purposed for other uses all over the country and here in Jacksonville too.
The least expensive and most logical use for Annie Lytle would be as a school again. Any of the private school entities in this town have the money to rehab the building and make it back into a school. Previous owner was actually blocked from this by the provision of the purchase from the School Board many years ago. That is no longer operative, but the previous owner was completely unimaginative about new uses and never really marketed the property.
If a charter school can afford to remodel a dog track into a charter school, they could afford to update a school to be a school again.
Quote from: Rumblefish on January 18, 2012, 10:17:31 AM
Its time to tear PS4 down. Actually, its well past time. You can't save everything.
The problem, in my opinion, is not that the city is trying to save 'everything.' I believe that we are not saving enough of our city's history. Where Florida begins? More like where Florida hits a dead end...
Hes probably another one of our illustrious leaders
Quote from: Rumblefish on January 18, 2012, 10:22:10 AM
Quote from: Timkin on January 18, 2012, 10:17:13 AM
+1 that is well-put.
It also about the generation (NOW) that has no regard.. It is about the majority of a city that has NO regard. A Mayor with no regard.. An owner for 40 plus years with no regard.. A current owner who does business by ...? No answering of phones, no response to letter... so no regard.
Not enough people care.
For what would you suggest the building be used??? Past owners have attempted condos and apartments but there is no market. I don't expect any owner to throw money down a hole. And I don't want the City throwin that money down the hole either.
To this I say don't buy a historic property unless you want the responsibility of caring for a historic property.
Rather than mess with past owners and/or city has any of the groups wanting to save the school ever tried to buy the school outright? Then you could develop whatever you want there. I can see Rumblefish's point of not wanting to pour city money into a speculative development project. Especially in a challenging situation.
Or would the owners never sell?
Quote from: JeffreyS on January 18, 2012, 10:58:27 AM
Quote from: Rumblefish on January 18, 2012, 10:22:10 AM
Quote from: Timkin on January 18, 2012, 10:17:13 AM
+1 that is well-put.
It also about the generation (NOW) that has no regard.. It is about the majority of a city that has NO regard. A Mayor with no regard.. An owner for 40 plus years with no regard.. A current owner who does business by ...? No answering of phones, no response to letter... so no regard.
Not enough people care.
For what would you suggest the building be used??? Past owners have attempted condos and apartments but there is no market. I don't expect any owner to throw money down a hole. And I don't want the City throwin that money down the hole either.
To this I say don't buy a historic property unless you want the responsibility of caring for a historic property.
Why don't you try reinforcing that statement to the past and present owners who did nothing at all with the historic property but let it rot and let it get destroyed inside.
As to buying the property, the OWNER would have to get on the other end of the telephone to have that happen. The owner will not. The owner ignores everyone.. volunteers who want to maintain it. the City Code enforcement, INTERESTED parties in buying it. THE OWNERS are the problem.. not the building.
Please.. know what you're talking about before throwing around a bunch of conjecture.
Quote from: Timkin on January 18, 2012, 10:26:09 AM
The possibilities are endless. But mindless people like yourself just say.. tear it down.
My suggestion is that you put your money where your mouth is. If the possibilities are so endless, despite no one being able to find a use for the property in 40 years, find some investors and get it done. You'd have tons of support
Quote from: Timkin on January 18, 2012, 10:26:09 AMPerhaps if your house was being torn down , you might feel differently.
Not sure I see the analogy here. Yeah, if my house was being torn down, I'd be pretty mad. If I
wanted to tear my house down but was being prevented from doing so, I would be upset as well.
Quote from: JeffreyS on January 18, 2012, 10:58:27 AM
Quote from: Rumblefish on January 18, 2012, 10:22:10 AM
Quote from: Timkin on January 18, 2012, 10:17:13 AM
+1 that is well-put.
It also about the generation (NOW) that has no regard.. It is about the majority of a city that has NO regard. A Mayor with no regard.. An owner for 40 plus years with no regard.. A current owner who does business by ...? No answering of phones, no response to letter... so no regard.
Not enough people care.
For what would you suggest the building be used??? Past owners have attempted condos and apartments but there is no market. I don't expect any owner to throw money down a hole. And I don't want the City throwin that money down the hole either.
To this I say don't buy a historic property unless you want the responsibility of caring for a historic property.
There is certainly merit to that argument and I agree.
Quote from: Rumblefish on January 18, 2012, 11:45:49 AM
Quote from: Timkin on January 18, 2012, 11:18:08 AM
Quote from: JeffreyS on January 18, 2012, 10:58:27 AM
Quote from: Rumblefish on January 18, 2012, 10:22:10 AM
Quote from: Timkin on January 18, 2012, 10:17:13 AM
INTERESTED parties in buying it.
That's simply not true.
What is simply not true. and how would you know , unless.....
Quote from: Rumblefish on January 18, 2012, 11:43:37 AM
Quote from: Timkin on January 18, 2012, 10:26:09 AM
The possibilities are endless. But mindless people like yourself just say.. tear it down.
My suggestion is that you put your money where your mouth is. If the possibilities are so endless, despite no one being able to find a use for the property in 40 years, find some investors and get it done. You'd have tons of support
If I personally had the money , this would long ago been resolved. I put alot of time and sweat into trying to better the situation.. Nothing you could appreciate and certainly nothing you would stoop to doing.
All of you people with all the answers are all the same. Just keep on running your mouth.
As I have previously stated.. You will probably get your wish and the building will be torn down.. Guess on who's dime?
Yours and mine. ;)
Quote from: Dog Walker on January 18, 2012, 10:27:41 AM
Rumblefish, there have been many, many old schools re-purposed for other uses all over the country and here in Jacksonville too.
The least expensive and most logical use for Annie Lytle would be as a school again. Any of the private school entities in this town have the money to rehab the building and make it back into a school. Previous owner was actually blocked from this by the provision of the purchase from the School Board many years ago. That is no longer operative, but the previous owner was completely unimaginative about new uses and never really marketed the property.
If a charter school can afford to remodel a dog track into a charter school, they could afford to update a school to be a school again.
perhaps some students and parents with RPDS, ST.MARKS, ST.MATTHEWS, ST.PAULS would support a private technical school?
a concept that wouldn't compete with but would complement Bolles.
Friends of Annie should gather and brainstorm to develop the outreach.
Quote from: ricker on January 18, 2012, 12:27:05 PM
Quote from: Dog Walker on January 18, 2012, 10:27:41 AM
Rumblefish, there have been many, many old schools re-purposed for other uses all over the country and here in Jacksonville too.
The least expensive and most logical use for Annie Lytle would be as a school again. Any of the private school entities in this town have the money to rehab the building and make it back into a school. Previous owner was actually blocked from this by the provision of the purchase from the School Board many years ago. That is no longer operative, but the previous owner was completely unimaginative about new uses and never really marketed the property.
If a charter school can afford to remodel a dog track into a charter school, they could afford to update a school to be a school again.
perhaps some students and parents with RPDS, ST.MARKS, ST.MATTHEWS, ST.PAULS would support a private technical school?
a concept that wouldn't compete with but would complement Bolles.
Friends of Annie should gather and brainstorm to develop the outreach.
+1 ..I'm on board.
Quote from: Rumblefish on January 18, 2012, 10:22:10 AM
Quote from: Timkin on January 18, 2012, 10:17:13 AM
+1 that is well-put.
It also about the generation (NOW) that has no regard.. It is about the majority of a city that has NO regard. A Mayor with no regard.. An owner for 40 plus years with no regard.. A current owner who does business by ...? No answering of phones, no response to letter... so no regard.
Not enough people care.
For what would you suggest the building be used??? Past owners have attempted condos and apartments but there is no market. I don't expect any owner to throw money down a hole. And I don't want the City throwing that money down the hole either.
The least expensive and best reuse of the School would be to turn it back into a School. The mentality of reuse for it has mostly been centered around residential. I would be the first to say that will not work. Looks like the owner since 1980 also would have realized this despite at least 3 attempts I have read about. When one avenue does not work, you try another. But that owner NEVER ( N E V E R ) tried another avenue.. Instead he ties the property up with a snarkish developer from St Augustine ,who from day one , wanted to tear the building down and put .....wait for the drum roll..... a retirement facility in its place. a building that might last 50 years to replace a close to century old building . Supposedly dumped tons of money and time into finding a way to save the building. Even put a price tag on the renovation.
Talk is cheap. When you run into a brick wall its time to try another avenue. I PERSONALLY sent at least two interested parties to the owner... but they were turned away .why? because a developer had an option on the property.. Next... the idea was to convert the building , adding a 3 story addition to the back of it for a 55 and up facility. Residential Residential Residential Residential.. Hello????
Ocklawaha , who posts here had a wonderful idea for the School, with the proposal of a TOD station with a mixed-use facility . No one would listen who could be the hero.
THERE IS a way to re purpose the building. If I did not firmly believe that , I too would join the masses and say , it is a lost cause. But I know it is not. There are many examples in this country where expressways and streets run right up against a structure.. I am so tired of hearing that the Interstate is the problem. Its not. It is lack of vision and a closely knit group who, plain and simply not only do not want to see the School Spared ,but will go to any length to see to it , that it is not. And that is a very sad revelation in a city I have called home most of my adult life. That is an ever growing plain and simple FACT. People with that mindset need to find another place to live and let us with a vision , retain our historic fabric, since you are so hell-bent on destroying it.
Latest report from the field as of a few minutes ago....
"Just went there in the rain. Cops all over it but I went in and only the auditorium was burnt. (it already had most of its roof gone) The rest of the school is just as it was before... minus someone has cleaned up the hallways of debris O.o...... The bad news is that they have a concrete truck there and they are filling in the holes into the basement and the doorways. There is also a few city citations posted and they have a new fence being put up."
The owners plan is in place as it has been for a long time. And the City is playing right along. Nice.
Rants & Raves on Jacksonville.com...
QuotePlease let our beloved Annie Lytle School No. 4 die a quick death. It has been defaced and has suffered enough,
http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2012-01-19/story/rants-amp-raves-let-annie-lytle-go
Who wrote it? Not sure.. pretty fumed about it though.
Don't EVER pay attention to the comments section of the T-U, either in the paper or online.
Quote from: Dog Walker on January 19, 2012, 09:54:52 AM
Don't EVER pay attention to the comments section of the T-U, either in the paper or online.
Actually one of the comments was pretty nice. Mine was not so nice but then, im sick of negligent owners and a City Management that does not care.
Quote from: Dog Walker on January 19, 2012, 09:54:52 AM
Don't EVER pay attention to the comments section of the T-U, either in the paper or online.
Because those sections are full of GARBAGE.
-Josh
back in town from a rather late night out with family and close friends.
not much specific to share here yet but great possibilities on the near horizon.
why has Mr.Milne not attempted a mini mall here before?
imho, rehabbing the solid exterior and rebuilding the interior for use as as a private shcool may be the least costly approach.
such would certainly be a smaller financial hurdle versus any residential use.
but i still would like feedback on some pros and cons associated with turning the space into a tax paying entity like a collection of shops, gallery space, eateries, and live music/arts venue [a la Freebird meets Karpeles meets RAM meets ARTWALK ]
Quote from: ricker on January 20, 2012, 02:20:10 AM
back in town from a rather late night out with family and close friends.
not much specific to share here yet but great possibilities on the near horizon.
why has Mr.Milne not attempted a mini mall here before?
imho, rehabbing the solid exterior and rebuilding the interior for use as as a private shcool may be the least costly approach.
such would certainly be a smaller financial hurdle versus any residential use.
but i still would like feedback on some pros and cons associated with turning the space into a tax paying entity like a collection of shops, gallery space, eateries, and live music/arts venue [a la Freebird meets Karpeles meets RAM meets ARTWALK ]
Ricker... impecible idea.. I had a similar proposal.. a mixed-use facility with a variety of eating establishments, gym, Theatre/Comedy/ Music Venue in the Auditorium.
Again.. Mr Milne controls the situation by owning the surrounding land. Any development, especially something of that nature, requires parking .
Now that I have cooled off some, I doubt Milne wants anything to do with me and that is fine, but surely he has to be approaching the place where he would want to be free of this. I know If I owned a property like that for that long and the majority of it never generated a dime , Id offload it. I don't know what makes him tick.
TARPON is another hold up .
I was told to come up with a PLAN and investors to make this building viable..a plan that will DEFINITELY work, and it can be made to happen. That was pretty much verbatim. I will not state the source.
I was concerned at first about concrete being placed in the entrances. It may turn out to be the best deterrent for the conventional ways people have accessed the School. Certainly a better approach than plywood.
IF someone wants in bad enough , they will get in. Sad but true.
Ricker... I love your Idea. I also love and feel that probably the best, easiest, least expensive way to re purpose the facility is to make it a private School or College.
I long to see windows, lights , floors , ceilings , and positive energy gracing our beloved Annie Lytle School.
And for whatever it is worth, I sincerely regret my obvious anger through my postings. I just could not help it. Its like getting a gash in my heart and filling it with salt. I love the place. I will always love School Four.
I know some of you have probably gone over this, but I'm going to say it anyway. I find it hard to believe 90% of Annie is damaged. When I was there Monday morning, just about 8 hours after the fire and being informed about it, I was in the auditorium with news reporters. Despite me being overwhelmed with the devastation present, I could see the damage up close, and easily spot that the only spots of damage were the rafters and stage (Which were indeed, made of wood). In my perspective, I say 90% of that school is still intact. Majority of that school is brick and concrete, she's survived countless storms and hurricanes and fires, I don't think she's going anywhere soon.. that is unless Demolition comes in which I pray DOES NOT Happen.
Prior to this event, I've heard several kids at my high school (Nathan Bedford Forrest) talk about going to the school that weekend following the fire. I'm currently working to see if I can find possible suspects. But as for now, Tim and I have attained this photo of two kids in the auditorium before the fire. We don't know if they are the ones responsible for the fire, that is still a mystery. But either way, they are trespassing.(http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn111/Skylegend90z/School4suspects.jpg)
http://instagr.am/p/iOvuZ
actually.. the picture in its entirety....
Perhaps with a public-private partnership (The buzzwords of the Alvin Brown camp), we could restore the Annie Lytle school building to serve some sort of function for the school district. They have quite a few regional offices and other sundry functions that might be able to find a home there...
Quote from: Jaxson on January 21, 2012, 01:32:04 AM
Perhaps with a public-private partnership (The buzzwords of the Alvin Brown camp), we could restore the Annie Lytle school building to serve some sort of function for the school district. They have quite a few regional offices and other sundry functions that might be able to find a home there...
DCSB has office space /print center off of Bullsbay Hwy in a very high-rent district. Also.. the have as everyone knows, a building on the riverfront. Would it be the end of the world, for them to buy the School back and put offices there? 40k+ square feet plus the Auditorium. The interstate in front should be a non-issue for that adaptive reuse.
It probably wont happen, but its another great idea.
Over the weekend a new graffito appeared on one of the sealed up doors on the Chelsea St. side of the building. It says, "Let Us In" in a lame attempt at balloon letters.
I feel like writing underneath it, "Stay the F*** Out!"
Quote from: Dog Walker on January 23, 2012, 03:02:51 PM
Over the weekend a new graffito appeared on one of the sealed up doors on the Chelsea St. side of the building. It says, "Let Us In" in a lame attempt at balloon letters.
I feel like writing underneath it, "Stay the F*** Out!"
Guess we better stock up on Brown and White paint. I wish I could understand the point of Graffiti
I will admit that the quality of the lettering has declined a lot. ;D
Quote from: stephendare on January 23, 2012, 03:38:08 PM
Quote from: Dog Walker on January 23, 2012, 03:02:51 PM
Over the weekend a new graffito appeared on one of the sealed up doors on the Chelsea St. side of the building. It says, "Let Us In" in a lame attempt at balloon letters.
I feel like writing underneath it, "Stay the F*** Out!"
looks like getting those other grafitti kids arrested worked, dogwalker.
^^ They multiply like house flies.