Help Save the Annie Lytle

[Timkin]

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.

[jbm32206]

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-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!

[Timkin]

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 .

[Coolyfett]

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

[Timkin]

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.

[Timkin]

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.

[vicupstate]

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?

[Jimmy]

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

[Timkin]

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!

[Timkin]

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.

[Timkin]

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

[teresangel]

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.

[downtownparks]

[jbm32206]

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

[Jimmy]

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!