Metro Jacksonville

Help Save the Annie Lytle

(http://www.metrojacksonville.com/images/annie_lytle/dsc_0036.jpg)

Today, at 5:00pm, the Annie Lytle School's future will be decided by the Land Use   Zoning Commission.  Help keep one of Brooklyn's few remaining historic buildings standing, by emailing a letter opposing the destruction of this Jacksonville landmark.  We've torn down enough already.  Now its time to stand up and save significant parts of our history.

Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/content/view/267

I'm sorry but this one is an eye sore. I have to disagree on saving it. We should just let this one go. Brooklyn doesn't need historic buildings it needs revitalization by way of totally new construction.

to find one vibrant US inner city that got to that point, by demolishing its history in favor of complete new construction.  Right here locally, we attempted that route and the result is a downtown filled with more surface parking and vacant lots than buildings, that still struggles to attract street level development, while falling further behind it's peers in the process.  We also lost most of Brooklyn and all of LaVilla and Suger Hill trying this and still have nothing to show for it, other than the fact that we're successful at creating urban prairies.  Before we label the Lytle an eyesore, remember the May-Cohens Building, 11 East and the Carling were considered eyesores as well.  Now that they've been restored, they're some of the most beautiful and unique architectural tresures standing in a town filled with newly constructed cheap stucco boxes.  If Jax wants to jump the hump of mediocrity, having a little long term vision would be a great place to start.

thelakelander is 100% correct. If there is one thing I've noticed on all of these comparisons that metrojax has done, it's that all of the cities that make us look like rookies have historical buildings everywhere. I even made a comment on that weeks ago. Old structures are renovatated and new structures surround them in other cities. Jax on the other hand is either a new structure or a parking lot and our city looks sad compared to the other cities.

Not a bad looking building that would look fantastic after a refurbishing. However its location appears to be a problem.

I neigborhood has stood in the middle of what the city would like to do for years. Now the vulgars begin the process of cleaning our bones. I wonder what we will have left in 20 years if we continue at this pace.

I disagree with the first comment.  I agree whole-heartedly with Ms. Covington.  Here is my letter:

Dear Chairwoman Self and Honorable Members of the LUZ Committee:

I write today to ask that you uphold the decision of the Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission and continue to deny the application of Foundation Holding IV, Inc. to demolish the old public school number 4 building, affectionately known to all as the Annie Lytle School. The old schoolhouse is a treasure of Jacksonville's architectural heritage and should be preserved for our posterity. As one of the few remaining structures in the Brooklyn neighborhood, the Annie Lytle School is a critical link for us to Jacksonville's vibrant past.

As we have seen with the senseless destruction in LaVilla, it is always easier to approve demolition than to be forward-thinking and visionary. Our civic leaders failed us during that time period as our historical inheritance was razed before our eyes. I beg your understanding and your attention to this matter. A beneficial use for the structure will be identified. I believe that the schoolhouse could serve a public purpose, potentially as a museum which honors Jacksonville history. Its close proximity to the Cummer Museum and Gardens, and the Five Points Arts District could easily create a synergistic effect that we can leverage for many important benefits.

As Brooklyn revitalizes and we continue to bring in new development, we must preserve some piece of Brooklyn's past. The site of the Annie Lytle could be the beginning of an historic district where other architectural or historically significant buildings are relocated from other areas of Brooklyn as we make way for developments like the Brooklyn Park housing initiative.

I know that there is currently no district councilmember to speak up on behalf of the Annie Lytle School. As someone who lives steps from the Annie Lytle and who is running to represent Brooklyn and all of District 9, please understand that I will work hard, whether I'm elected or not, to preserve this schoolhouse for our children and theirs. Please take whatever action is available to you to affirm the Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission and continue to deny any request for demolition of the Annie Lytle School building. I thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration of this request.


Respectfully submitted,

Jimmy Midyette, Jr., Esq.

Annie Lytle was deferred (due to the number of letters?).

The deferment is semi-permanent, according to this article (http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=46366) that I found at the Daily Record. Because the build is listed as a Historic Landmark, it's nearly impossible to demolish it legally.

Any ideas for what they should DO with the building? Condos seems to be the only option they consider. I personally would NOT want I-10 outside of my condo windows, though.

Annie Lytle is about to be voted on:


7.  2006-24
RESO-Q Appealing Final Order of Jax Historic Preservation Comm that denied Appl for COA-05-792 filed by Foundation Holding IV, Inc., for demolition of the Annie Lytle School at 1011 Gilmore St, Pursuant to Sec 307.204, Ord Code. (Dist 9-Fullwood) (Eller) (LUZ) (2 Ltrs of Opposition on File)

LUZ PH - 02/07/06 at 4:15 P.M.

1. 1/10/2006 CO  Introduced: LUZ

     1/18/2006 LUZ Read 2nd & Rerefer

2. 1/24/2006 CO Read 2nd & Rereferred; LUZ

     2/7/2006 LUZ Amend/Approve/ Granting the Appeal 5-1 (Shad)

3. 2/14/2006 CO Rereferred; LUZ

Both the Annie Lytle and Riverside Fire Station (both of which are first tier historical landmark worthy) are in danger of being demolished fairly soon.  Also some of the council are interested in getting rid of the Historic Commission altogether, which would make it quite simple to detonate what ever is left for who's ever whim of the day, no matter how foolish it may be.

Anyone interested in seeing these buildings preserved in some sort of shape or form and keeping the historic commission in tact, should let the council and mayor's office know of their wishes ASAP.  While a letter, email, call or two will probably be ignored by the majority, politicians tend to listen a little louder when a firestorm is created.  Also email the historic commission, as well.  They keep all letters regarding these situations on file as public record.

Agenda for Tuesday's LUZ meeting:
http://citycirc.coj.net/coj/LandUse/64-July-17-2007.htm (http://citycirc.coj.net/coj/LandUse/64-July-17-2007.htm)

QuoteLAND USE & ZONING

COMMITTEE AGENDA


Tuesday, July 17, 2007

5:00 pm
Council Chambers, 1st Floor, City Hall
Dana M. Farris, Chief of Legislative Services

Michael Corrigan, Chair
Legislative Aide: Jessica Stephens

Clay Yarborough, Vice Chair
Legislative Aide: Marilyn Allen

Richard Clark
Mia Jones
E. Denise Lee
Art Shad
Jack Webb

Council contact information:

Quote
At Large Group 1 ~

Ronnie Fussell, Incumbent, Council VP 2007-2008
RonnieF@coj.net
630-1393


At Large Group 2 ~

Karl "Jay" Jabour
Jabor@coj.net
630-1381

At Large Group 3 ~

Stephen Joost (name did not appear on ballot)
Joost@coj.net
630-1396


At Large Group 4 ~

Kevin Hyde, Incumbent
KHyde@coj.net
603-1398


At Large Group 5

Glorious Johnson, Incumbent
GloriousJ@coj.net
630-1387


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

District 1 ~`

Clay Yarborough
Clay@coj.net
630-1389

District 2 ~

Bill Bishop
WBishop@coj.net
630-1392


District 3 ~

Richard Clark
RClark@coj.net
630-1386


District 4 ~

Don Redman
Redman@coj.net
630-1394

District 5 ~

Art Shad, Incumbent
AShad@coj.net
630-1382


District 6 ~

Jack Webb
Webb@coj.net
630-1388

District 7 ~

Johnny A. Gaffney
Gaffney@coj.net
630-1384

District 8 ~

Denise Lee (former council member)
EDLee@coj.net
630-1385

District 9 ~

Warren Jones (former council member)
WAJones@coj.net
630-1395


District 10 ~

Mia Jones, Incumbent
MJones@coj.net
630-1684


District 11 ~

Ray Holt
Holt@coj.net
630-1383

District 12 ~

Daniel Davis, Incumbent ~ Council President for 2007 - 2008
DDavis@coj.net
630-1380


District 13 ~

Art Graham, Incumbent
ArtG@coj.net
630-1387



District 14 ~

Michael Corrigan, Incumbent
Corrigan@coj.net
630-1390

Historic Commission contact information:

QuoteJoel McEachin
Strategic Planning Division
mceachin@coj.net
630-1900

Another overhead photo
(http://www.sparcouncil.org/images/schoolhouse4.jpg)

In this particular buildings case, demolition should never be allowed.  Not only should it be saved but the general public that is in favor of saving it ( and I do belive the numbers are growing ) should offer to help clean up this property.  The Building has a very blighted look in that vines and overgrowth cover half of the structure.  Just a massive clean out , clean up would NOT be expensive and would take away the "eyesore" effect , and possibly even curtail some of the continuous, non-stop breaking and entering , and destruction to the building by careless people. 

I for one , would be more than happy to participate in such an effort.  Frankly I dont understand why the owners would object to having someone come in and do something positive, and potentially inexpensive so as to reduce the blightedness.  But it SEEMS they WANT it to look blight, so as to enhance the chances of demolition , by neglect.

Until a solution is reached on its reuse, at least that could be done.  20-30 people could make a difference in just a couple weekends =)

  My idea may sound insane,,,,, but I mean it.

Currently...FDOT is completing work done on the site in front of the School, which includes Fencing the right of way, Replacing Trees and landscaping removed from the Annie Lytle Property to accomodate their Flyover construction, replacement of lighting, the Flag Pole and a new Flag.

I am organizing a volunteer cleanup effort and assistance to grounds maintenance to the property,,which will include repairing vandalized fencing , as the effort , now in place to Redevelopment seems to hold credible promise.   

If a cleanup effort is done, those participate must sign a waiver, holding harmless the Foundation/owners. Or they would not allow it for liability reasons. I have learned that cleanup efforts have begun in the interior already.. for example, the collapsed portion of the Auditorium Roof has been cleaned up and the Auditorium Floor completely cleared.   Our effort will focus first on the outside, eliminating the ferns, overgrowth , trees and blighted rundown look. This effort will commence following FDOTS completion of its work.

Keep your fingers crossed folks. I am hopeful that Annie Lytle is about to undergo her new Chapter in reuse!! :)

Quote from: Timkin on March 03, 2008, 09:28:40 PM
Currently...FDOT is completing work done on the site in front of the School, which includes Fencing the right of way, Replacing Trees and landscaping removed from the Annie Lytle Property to accomodate their Flyover construction, replacement of lighting, the Flag Pole and a new Flag.

I am organizing a volunteer cleanup effort and assistance to grounds maintenance to the property,,which will include repairing vandalized fencing , as the effort , now in place to Redevelopment seems to hold credible promise.   

If a cleanup effort is done, those participate must sign a waiver, holding harmless the Foundation/owners. Or they would not allow it for liability reasons. I have learned that cleanup efforts have begun in the interior already.. for example, the collapsed portion of the Auditorium Roof has been cleaned up and the Auditorium Floor completely cleared.   Our effort will focus first on the outside, eliminating the ferns, overgrowth , trees and blighted rundown look. This effort will commence following FDOTS completion of its work.

Keep your fingers crossed folks. I am hopeful that Annie Lytle is about to undergo her new Chapter in reuse!! :)

Do you have an estimated time that this will take place?  And where/how do I get involved?

FDOT is cleaning up , grading the site as we speak.  Do not have a timeframe at this point as to when they will complete the relandscaping process, as all of the information is coming to me from the Foundation's Chairman.  As soon as I know, I will post it.  The more people that are willing to help the better AND ... this will not be just a one-time cleanup effort, but a continued assistance on the maintenance of the property..repairing fencing that vandals compromise, and helping to keep up the lawn, etc.   I mean its not that large of a property.. I could push mow it myself in a half a day. :) This is to assist the Foundation and to help combat the costs incurred to continue maintenance of the property until the rennovation work begins.. Per Charlie Pattons video on Jacksonville.com, according to developers, work could commence in as soon as two months... however long it takes, I feel it is in the interest of the building, property, for the Foundation and the community, that we pitch in on helping to clean it up and also keep an eye on it, particularly after dark to alert police if Vandals are spotted on the property.

Quote2006-24
RESO-Q Appealing Final Order of Jax Historic Preservation Comm that denied Appl for COA-05-792 filed by Foundation Holding IV, Inc., for demolition of the Annie Lytle School at 1011 Gilmore St, Pursuant to Sec 307.204, Ord Code. (Dist 9-W. Jones) (Eller) (LUZ) (2 Ltrs of Opposition on File)

LUZ PH - 02/07/06 at 4:15 P.M.
1. 1/10/2006 CO Introduced: LUZ
1/18/2006 LUZ Read 2nd & Rerefer
2. 1/24/2006 CO Read 2nd & Rereferred; LUZ
2/7/2006 LUZ Amend/Approve/ Granting the Appeal 5-1 (Shad)
3. 2/14/2006 CO Rereferred; LUZ

This has been deferred....so that's a good thing!

I have been working for the past few weekends on the Right of ways on College St and Peninsular cleaning u debris, mowing ,, trimming and pruning overgrowth out of the perimeter fence of the School.

As of last Saturday , the Posts for the new fencing system are in place. 

Anyone who would help on a cleanup effort on the property would have to on a volunteer basis and sign a hold harmless waiver , waiving liability to the owners.

This is at least a positive step in reducing the rundown, blighted and haunted feel of the property , that attracts so many to it . I would hope the School will recieve the community's support.   I think that is its best hope.

please contact me , if you are interested in participating!  Thank you .

Tim I have to give you props man. You really doing your thing with PS4. Good Stuff champ.

Thx Cooly...

It gets better...


I now am allowed to proceed on the Exterior clean up and have copies of the hold harmless for whomever wishes to participate.  That would have to be filled out before I can proceed accompanied by other volunteers.

For now, we are limited to EXTERIOR work only.  MYSELF nor no one else is to be inside of the building without written permission, and I can live with that.  This is a step in the right direction.

I was allowed to see plans and renderings for the 55 and up residential facility, and I have to admit , they were not at all what I envisioned , and really are quite impressive.  Because the building is a named Historic Landmark , the entire footprint, even the Chimney to the Boiler at the back of the Auditorium is in place in the rendering.  The building appears in rendering to have glass covered connectors to the courtyard areas of the School and a 3 story Vertical addition on the back.  It looks pretty cool really.   While a complex isnt personally my first choice, I have to admit it looks good on paper , and I think will look good in real life.

On my lunch hour, I stopped by the School House to check up on progress on Archer Western bringing closure to their work on the site.  The new fencing system is now in place with entrance gates to the property again facing Peninsular place.   I pruned , trimmed , removed vines and overgrowth from the south entrance, revealing for the first time in ages,  The Annie Lytle School Sign and the Schools physical address , painted on the left hand planter of the south entrance to the building.. Also removed debris , and swept the landing and steps, and pruned trees in the immediate vicinity, making the South entrance clearly visible from the street.  Also boarded up compromised opening at the left of the Schools front entrance..for how long that will remain sealed is questionable..but I will do it over and over if need be.  I dont know how to post pictures of the progress yet, but will as soon as possible.   It is now apparent that the cleanup is underway.

I have copies of the hold harmless waiver for whomever wishes to join in.  The foundation is looking to me to lead this effort and so anytime there is work to be done , I must be there.  Under no circumstances, until and unless written permission is given , is myself or anyone involved in the cleanup effort allowed into the building. NOT my rule....It is part of the hold harmless waiver agreement that each party has to sign.. And I want to keep this moving in a positive direction . :)  Thanks to all for your assistance and support.

Quote from: Timkin on April 04, 2008, 08:58:45 PM



Thx Cooly...

It gets better...


I now am allowed to proceed on the Exterior clean up and have copies of the hold harmless for whomever wishes to participate.  That would have to be filled out before I can proceed accompanied by other volunteers.

For now, we are limited to EXTERIOR work only.  MYSELF nor no one else is to be inside of the building without written permission, and I can live with that.  This is a step in the right direction.

I was allowed to see plans and renderings for the 55 and up residential facility, and I have to admit , they were not at all what I envisioned , and really are quite impressive.  Because the building is a named Historic Landmark , the entire footprint, even the Chimney to the Boiler at the back of the Auditorium is in place in the rendering.  The building appears in rendering to have glass covered connectors to the courtyard areas of the School and a 3 story Vertical addition on the back.  It looks pretty cool really.   While a complex isnt personally my first choice, I have to admit it looks good on paper , and I think will look good in real life.

I have to give props to you as well.  You really 'walk the walk' man, which is a lot more than can be said for the Jax Historical Society. 

What is the status of the Senior Center?

I'm sure Tim would want you to see these amazing pictures he took today!

Those are the pics I was attempting to get to the site today.. Those are of the south entrance of PS#4 and have been covered by vines and overgrowth for years, but today , once again are revealed, as part of a ongoing effort to remove the rundown overgrown "haunted" look , this School House has suffered for decades... and it is really beginning to show..


Jimmy...THANK YOU for getting these uploaded to the site ! :) much appreciated! :)

Status of the 55 and up Residential Facility ...


As of the February announcement of that plan, as far as I know, that is still a go. I have not heard otherwise.

I saw renderings of the facility which calls to save the School House in its entirety, connecting by what appears to be glass-covered walkways connecting to what appears to be a vertical 3-story addition on what is now the rear of the School House.   What we know as the front would eventually be the back of the structure. :)

Friday April 11 .....


Continued cleanup effort... Clearing right front corner of the Building up to the South Entrance (Chelsea St)

Began removal of Virginia Creeper Vine that covers much of the building , beginning at the North Entrance (College Street) Removed from the walls and Roof Edge and began working across the front on the removal of the vine. 

Pruned overgrown trees and opened up visually the North entrance.. The City has very kindly removed the yard debris from the College and Chelsea locations.  Today I made a new pile for them to haul off and there is alot down in the yard now from the pruning and cleaning up Ive done today. Saturdays effort will continue the removal of Vines across the front and off the Capital and begin working down the College St side of the School towards the back.  The Cleanup is beginning to show ! :) I could not be more pleased to be personally taking this ugly horrid vine off the building . Pictures will be posted soon :)

When's the next time you're going out there Timkin?  My off days are Tues, Wed, Fri, Sun.  I'll sign any waiver necessary to do my part to get Annie Lytle saved.

I'd wanted to participate sooner, but I'd had some health issues crop up.

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/jbm32206/misc/AL.jpg)

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/jbm32206/misc/ps4.jpg)

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/jbm32206/misc/ps4-01.jpg)

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/jbm32206/misc/PS4-02.jpg)

We're meeting out there today (Saturday 12th) at 12:30, if anyone wishes to come out and help clean up

I just stopped by and took our hard workers a cooler full of cold water and Gatorade.  Holy cow!  They've accomplished so much this morning! 

Way to go timkin and jbm!

We love pictures, so I snapped a few! :)

An update, and very good news !!


Emailed Mr Milne to bring him to speed on our cleanup progress and to get clarification on some areas needing to be addressed.

His response came promptly , and he is pleased with the progress.  He went on to say that the pending project ,appears to be a go, and so hopefully  rennovation will begin soon.

If this does in fact take place, we will finally see Public School Four, come back to life. :)

Sounds promising.  Thanks for all the good work, Timkin.  If more local residents had as much dedication as you do for this school a decade or two ago, our city would look quite different today.

If you drive by the School , it is evident that the overgrowth is coming down off of the School House.  This only compliments it, and "unhaunts" it which is really the only thing ,besides vandalism, grafitti , and failure to do crucial basic building maintenance , that has haunted this building for decades.

=)

To date the following has been accomplished since first beginning the cleanup..


... Right of ways on both sides. cleaned up, pruned and mowed.. trash picked up .. (more out there again to do)

...  Appx 15 contractor bags  hauled away from the Easements ( litter /debris)

... Pruning of 3 sides of the Building  removing vines and overgrowth.

... Cleaning /Clearing /Sweeping  Of Front Steps and Landing.. Broken Glass and debris removed.

... North and South entrances cleaned up and cleared out.. swept.  Uncovered Historic Annie Lytle School Sign and Schools physical adress artwork at South Entrance.   In amazingly good shape for a 91 year old building.

Removal of Virginia creeper off of appx 60 % of the Sides, Rear, Front of the School. 

Total Clearing of overgrowth on College St Side and Front Corner.

More litter pick up.. estimate total to be somewhere around 40 bags of debris now removed from property. and at least that much if not more to pick up yet.

One of the two Courtyards well on its way to being cleaned out.  Ferns , Virginia Creeper removed,  Litter picked up

Resealing of Compromised Panels covering windows and 1st story entrances.


And MUCH left to do.

Anyone is invited on a cleanup effort.  Please sign a hold harmless waiver.  We work carefully but quickly on this and are showing true results that are appealing. .

:)

Posting photos for Timkin: 5/31/08

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Hello all,

I'm new to these forums and have returned here to my beloved hometown after spending time in another River City; Louisville Kentucky. I've been a silent fan of this building for quite sometime now, and my best friend and roommate also adores this structure...even have some great art nouveau photos from being and playing inside it in our youth. Now we just happened to drive by it this afternoon and it reminded me of another similar thing which occurred in Louisville. A growing church there had been gifted with an inner city old historic abandoned school and they rebuilt it and have also fought against gentrification and a true cohesive renewal of the area along with their influence. I'm not currently apart of any lobbying legislation, though I do have a vast community of like minded twenty something Christians which might be eager to save this school in one fashion or another. Personally I can't see this becoming a retirement community, I mean who wants to pass the glorious days of nostalgia away under an interstate overpass? But, I do feel that something such as a community civic center, or an urban church, or some sort of similar function would be greatly benefited of it's use...any thoughts?

I'll also leave a link to that similar church I frequented while in Louisville which inspired me to say all this...be well folks

http://www.sojournchurch.com/our-story (http://www.sojournchurch.com/our-story)