Historic Fire Station is SAVED !!

[Timkin]

We need the funding to go to Landing parking.. very important! and total misuse of the money.

[vicupstate]

Any idea of why some of the historic preservation fund could not be used to relocate Fire Station No. 5? 

The building has to be locally designated as historic and the Fire Station is not.

Generally, in order for any building to be so designated, either the owner (the city) or the Historical Commission would nominate it.  Is there any reason it could not have been nominated, and thus made eligible?  Could it be nominated now?

[Timkin]

Good question!  Age-wise I would think it certainly meets the criteria ...I certainly do not want to come across as cynical...but at this stage in the game , would the City (City Council) even entertain , let alone allow it to recieve status .  Seems there would be some use for it.. If not a Firehouse subs/mixed development.. maybe an Office complex or  conversion to apartments? (assuming a place closeby could be identified to move it )

[Kay]

The current owner is Fidelity.  They'd have to make application and could do so.

[xian1118]

I can't imagine this being a "priority" considering the current budget crisis...there are at least a dozen other structures in the urban core that would be better use of historic preservation funds than FS #5...and dozens of other projects that would be more beneficial for public use than dropping a cool million to move a fire station that was essentially rebuilt in the 70's

[Timkin]

I happen to agree with you xian....although I do hate to see a really nice century old building go , simply because the land it is on is going to another use. That said ,between losing ,say, the Laura Trio or #5 , Id rather lose the latter ..  I hope Fidelity will hold out for a while .... perhaps someone one would want the building for another use.  Seriously..if it was in really bad shape I probably would not be so gung ho about seeing it spared.. but it is in good shape.

[Timkin]

And......it is doubtful that the City will want that to happen. Not some of the people of the community... the City does not, because if it did, it would have happened.  This building will, unfortunately follow a long list of them that have been destroyed.. This administration clearly had no intention of saving #5.   A very disappointing administration that has followed many of the past. No regard for history. Only about self-serving a select few of their own click.

[vicupstate]

I came across this recently.  Just another example of a well-done innovative use for a old Fire Station.  If a concervative small town of 9,000 can do it, why not Jacksonville?  

Does Fidelity not use conference rooms? Meeting space?   Could they not make some extra $ leasing out space for events?  


BTW, any news on Station 5 ?

www.newberryfirehouse.com  Click on 'Business Events' and 'Social Events' for interior pictures

[Ocklawaha]

This is really easier then that, simply move it across the street (onto JTA property) and give it MASS TRANSIT AND TOD functions... eventual Skyway Station.

OCKLAWAHA

[Timkin]

Great Plan, Ock!   If only JTA could agree, #5 and PS # 4 could be spared.