Inside The Dr. Horace Drew Residence

[movedsouth]

The ""Condemned" sign has been there for a couple years. Pretty much ever since the owner moved out.

[Debbie Thompson]

Not just the Drew Mansion.  Join the fight to save them all.

[PATSY/AUTUMN]

Debbie is right.  They all matter.  It is very rewarding to make a difference in helping to save a part of history.  whether in Springfield, Riverside or Downtown or anywhere.  Many thanks to all individuals and groups who foster hope and determination.  They don't simply talk the talk, they walk the walk.  Talk is cheap.  for those who are able, join the fight!

[JaxUnicorn]

I personally think somehow the 'condemned' signs should 'disappear'.   

[HangingMoth]

An amazing architectural gem for Jax. I guess I'm still surprised and maybe a little naive that so many people buy into the 'McMansions' when so many sturdy, quality homes sit abandoned. Instead of spending thousands to tear houses down maybe COJ should work towards restoring and preserving them... 

[PATSY/AUTUMN]

Jaxunicorn,  the winds have been very strong today.  Think the sign might have blown away? 

[lucinda]

Just heard that this place sold!  A friend spoke to the owner who plans to fix it up and move into it.

[chris farley]

There is a sincere buyer for the Drew, it was to have closed about 6 weeks ago, but there is a final glitch being sorted.  If all goes well it will be a beautifully restored family home.  I asked permission of the buyer to answer this post and they asked me to please do it.  They do not wish for their business or information to be discussed until all is well and settled and SPAR, I and others have honored that request.  We admire their determination and want it to all work out. 

[ChriswUfGator]

They do not wish for their business or information to be discussed until all is well and settled and SPAR, I and others have honored that request. 

I'm not sure it's up to them what anyone else discusses on a public forum.

With that said, I'm extraordinarily happy to see it finally go to good hands, as you know our group has been out there maintaining the property, boarding and securing it, and generally making sure it was still around to go to good hands, for two years. As recently as this week PSOS secured the porch and spent our own funds to do it. Incidentally, I haven't seen SPAR helping contribute money or time to that endeavor.

But the point is I think we're qualified to have an opinion on the subject, the reality is without PSOS it probably wouldn't have been there for them to buy.

[sheclown]

The important issue here is to save the Drew and that the community stick together to do so.

Save the houses!  Big and small.

[JayBird]

Appears to be up for sale again, lots of restoration needed but hopefully someone with some rehab know how will be able to take this project on.

From a 9/10/14 posting on SPAR's Facebook page:

The "Drew Mansion", as most locals call it, is an iconic landmark in Jacksonville's architectural history and in our neighborhood. It's also one of the most endangered historic properties in the region. The property is for sale for $75k, but needs significant repairs. It has a great floor plan, sits directly on the park, and overlooks Downtown from it's balcony. We'd love to help find someone to take on this special project. Is that person you....or your rich uncle?
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Springfield-Preservation-and-Revitalization-SPAR/307036889004

And from a commenter to the post:

The previous owner deeded it to someone else before she died. There are still title issues but it appears a solution is in sight, so it can be sold with a clear title. But everyone is right that the restoration will be a huge cost. Foundation, water intrusion, roof - all big ticket items. Then you have the normal things like wiring, plumbing, HVAC, kitchen, baths, floor work, wood rot repair, painting, window repair, etc. for a 4000 sq ft house. Not for the faint of heart.

[MusicMan]

I went through it last weekend. It is a big project, to say the least. They have bids for the roof and foundation. I was surprised how good the interior was, to be honest. Budget $300-400,000 for rehab. For that $$ you should wind up with a very nice property. I do not think you would be totally upside down at that price, but there is no room for "profit" so to speak. It has a small yard, and yes it is surrounded by horrible commercial properties which need a lot of work as well.

[sheclown]

Drew in 1955



Drew in 2013

Zeke playing some tunes after boarding some windows for PSOS.

[PATSY/AUTUMN]

I find the small yard the least of the worries.  Personally, a small yard is not a bad thing.  The vacant building next door?  Go upstairs, and out to the turret.  Look out at the view from there looking at the park and to the skyline.  The view to the front is breathtaking.  Ignore the building.  Tick, tick, tick...the clock is winding down on this irreplaceable old home.  It is a disgrace that it has been left to fall into ruin.  (yes.  I know the situation.  But, I also know that there is someone whose love for Drew makes him more than deserving of ownership)

[MusicMan]

I appreciate your enthusiasm. Perhaps you will buy it. But I don't think it is wise to "ignore the building" next door.
It's currently an eyesore and who knows what it might become next. Maybe a "Pain clinic?"  I took buyers so you have to understand I tried to sell it. But you can be sure I pointed out the building next door, to not do so would be foolish and unethical.

I hope it sells and is returned to its previous glory, it's definitely worth considering.