Repurposing The Elena Flats Building

[thelakelander]

So I guess the rumor is true. The real reason for the demolition of the building is to clear the site, so it can be sold to the church across the street to use as off-street parking.

Kathleen Bagg, spokeswoman for the Diocese of St. Augustine, said the diocese might be interested in purchasing the property across the street from the basilica, but only if the building is demolished.

Elena Flats is on the commission's Jan. 28 agenda for a public hearing. The panel convenes at 3 p.m. in Room 851 of the Ed Ball Building at 214. N. Hogan St.

Very unfortunate for the idea of historic preservation in downtown.

[Bridges]

Wow.

[sheclown]

The owner has applied for an appeal to the historic preservation commission's decision to deny the demolition request.  The appeal will go before city council.

[Kay]

The owner did not appeal the JHPC decision.  It went before LUZ this evening.  The owner was not there according to sources. 
The church was there and said they want it for a parking lot.  LUZ denied the landmark demolition paving the way for the building to get demolished.  This is so disappointing. 

[Kay]

LUZ denied landmark status (not demolition).

[Noone]

The vote was 5-0 to deny.
Of the 4 points of criteria needed to override the owner of the properties wishes that was being considered. Point 4. Suitability of structure for restoration was the one that didn't pass.

[thelakelander]

LOL, at this city....

[Kay]

What expert testimony did they have that had them determining cost prohibitive.  People I spoke to who have done rehabs of
historic quads said it is doable.  We have a downtown historic property that will not cost millions to rehab, but council members
believe a church parking lot is better for downtown.

[thelakelander]

^The church wants it. Expert testimony and common sense doesn't matter anymore. That's what we put into office, so we have no one to blame but ourselves.

[vicupstate]

I guess since DT JAX is so packed with residents and visitors on Sundays,  the church had little choice.

Yes, that was sarcasm.

This is why DT Jacksonville will never 'get there'.  For every right move, there is always a bad one right behind it.

[tufsu1]

^ on the bright side, I understand that the Episcopal Church has been working on some long-term plans for the cathedral area. 

[thelakelander]

How many legal parking spaces can they put on that small lot? 10? Might as well mow over the two century old frame houses on the corner, so the entire half block can become a parking lot.

[Kay]

So incredibly shortsighted.  Downtown needs an advocacy group.

[thelakelander]

Appears so. The church wants to build a parking lot and that little 100 year old building is clearly standing in the way. I wasn't aware that downtown has no available parking on Sundays.

[tufsu1]

wait, what?  Are they tearing the building down?

The Episcopal Church wants to make a parking lot?

WtH?

to clarify, it is the Catholic Church that wants to tear down the building to make way for a parking lot. 

I mentioned the Episcopal Church as they have plans to improve the area.  As for parking, they have plenty as long as there is little market to develop their vacant lot behind the church.