QuoteRiverside Avondale. Springfield. Arlington?
Supporters of the Arlington neighborhood say it's on its way to becoming "Jacksonville's next great historic neighborhood," in the words of Steve Matchett from the nonprofit advocacy group Old Arlington Inc.
On Dec. 12, supporters scored a victory for their cause at City Hall.
It came with a 17-0 City Council vote to protect the former Arlington Federal Savings and Loan building at 930 University Blvd. N. from plans by its owner to demolish the structure.
Arlington supporters want the vacant building to be resurrected and repurposed as a restaurant, bar or similar use to attract people to the neighborhood.
Full Article: https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2023/dec/15/arlington-poised-to-become-the-next-riverside-avondale/
LOL. There are some areas of potential, but let's not try to compare it to a walkable neighborhood like either of those.
In that, part of Arlington could be Jacksonville's next local historic district? Yes.
Only Riverside, Avondale, and Springfield have that designation now, largely because other eligible neighborhoods (ie, San Marco and Eastside) have declined pursuing it. There are limitations/financial impacts on neighborhoods with the designation. But, I could easily see part of Arlington being interested....
I really didn't care for the idea of another car wash, but I do hope that Arlington takes any designation as more of a goal to unlock investment and protect a visual style instead of seeking to simply freeze the neighborhood in amber. It's entirely possible to set architectural standards without trying to foreclose building anything at all, and if anything that could be really nice.
Meanwhile, back in Avondale, some are concerned about Avondale becoming Arlington.
Riverside/ Avondale political district, once enjoined, was recently separated.
" Rethinking Attractive Areas To Live"