Fighting for 221 East 3rd Street

[JaxUnicorn]

On Wednesday, March 25, 2015, the Springfield historic home at 221 East 3rd Street was a a victim of fire.  This 5,300 square foot historical Springfield home, built in 1909, that was once the home of Van. C. Swearingen Sr., Mayor of Jacksonville from 1913 to 1915 and Florida's Attorney General from September 1917 to January 1921.  That in an of itself is reason to save this historic structure.



The City of Jacksonville's Municipal Code Compliance department has already begun the process of demolition by securing bids.  They claim this structure should be demolished as an "emergency" yet after a week's time they've not taken her down.  That, IMHO, means this structure is no longer an emergency.



I have had the following communication with the City regarding this property.  Because the propety was left open, Preservation SOS secured this property on Thursday, April 2, 2015.  I've not received any further communication with the City. 

PLEASE EMAIL THE MAYOR ASKING FOR HIS ASSISTANCE IN SAVING THIS STRUCTURE:  MAYORBROWN@COJ.NET.

[JaxUnicorn]

I also have a Public Album on my Facebook page that contains over 130 photos of the fire and the damage.  Don't be fooled by what you see in the photos....although the rear and roof sustained severe damage, this structure CAN BE SAVED! 

https://www.facebook.com/#!/kimberly.a.pryor/media_set?set=a.10206242375085476.1073741839.1448243269&type=1&pnref=story

Here is PROOF these old gals can be saved!!!



During the restoration:



Before/After photos of the damage and restoration!

Front room:



Middle room:

[sheclown]

Thank you Kim for fighting for this important structure. 

When PSOS was given the house on 436 Walnut Court, many thought that it could not be saved.  The pictures above tell another story.  Today, it is lived in and loved.

For the story of the burn out on Walnut Court, go here:

http://www.metrojacksonville.com/forum/index.php?topic=15453.0

[coredumped]

Sad, it's a good looking building, and like most things it can be saved, it's just a matter of money.

[IrvAdams]

Kim,

Thanks for all the pictures on your FB page. Yes, it does look like this beautiful architecturally unique structure is revivable and the interior and exterior details look fascinating. It just needs care and faithful reconstruction.

I agree that our leaders should take the helm at getting the ball rolling by spending money for preservation, not destruction. It's a mindset for more people to get on board with and get behind. Thanks so much for fighting this admirable fight!

[mbwright]

Is there a valid structural review of this structure (pre, and post fire), that would justify the hasty demo, as the only option?  Again, short sighted COJ.

[JaxUnicorn]

I am not aware of any structural review conducted by the City of Jacksonville.  Preservation SOS has had a structural engineer do a cursory inspection and the preliminary information is that it can be saved.  We are waiting for the formal report.

[mbwright]

That's what I thought.  it is a fine building, just a bit of fire damage.  Clearly not falling down on it's own.