Jax's most endangered historic buildings in 2020

[thelakelander]

Jax's most endangered historic buildings in 2020
In honor of National Historic Preservation Month, here are 18 endangered historic sites identified by the Jacksonville Historical Society in 2020.

Read More: https://www.thejaxsonmag.com/article/jaxs-most-endangered-historic-buildings-in-2020/

[marcuscnelson]

Wow, what a list.

I thought the Drew Mansion was being renovated?

It's a real shame that we can't figure out a way to save these buildings ourselves or something.

[Charles Hunter]

Just a nit to pick regarding the Universal Marion.  Ivey's was in the separate 5-story structure adjacent to the tower, not in the tower as the description implies.  They were (are) joined by a plaza that is the roof of the parking garage.

[thelakelander]

Wow, what a list.

I thought the Drew Mansion was being renovated?

It's a real shame that we can't figure out a way to save these buildings ourselves or something.

It is. A couple of others like Matthew Gilbert and the one in Oretga aren't in danger anymore because of community outcry to the school board. The FBC Convention building may be renovated as well. Imo, the most endangered are the ones that are vacant and also not locally landmarked. For example, Genovars is a structurally sound shell. It may look in bad shape but it also has a local landmark designation.  On the other hand, Kartouche does not.

[Papa33]

https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/city-morris-discussing-times-union-site-redevelopment

What are thoughts on saving the TU Building?  Personally, I like it.  Same vintage (approximately) of Universal Marion bldg.  Just need to keep it up long enough to see the end of Curry's term and it might have a chance.

[billy]

Absolutely yes on the Times Union office,
it has a great interior as well. I hope there is no inside demo underway.

[Wacca Pilatka]

Definite yes for me too.  One of the nicer mid-century modern office buildings in the city, I think.  Hopefully it will be preserved as part of the  redevelopment.

[thelakelander]

Great building with historic significance. However, like Doro, City Hall Annex and Fire Station #5, it isn't on the national register and not locally landmarked. It's unprotected, meaning Morris can demolish it now if they want. For those who want to save it, you essentially have one option. Work to get it landmarked locally or watch it get razed.

[jaxlongtimer]

I don't give the T-U much of a chance.  The land is just too valuable for more intense use.  And Morris is spending a lot of time and money trying to figure out how to maximize that use.

It's definitely an iconic building.  Maybe they will "incorporate its design elements" into whatever succeeds it like the Doro developer is doing [being facetious!].  If so, I just hope we can spot them better than the ones in the Doro's replacement  . 

[Steve]

To me I'm honestly indifferent on this building. I definitely do NOT want to see it demolished for a parking lot or something stupid. But, if it is demolished because of the need to uncover the creek and make the area around the creek a public amenity, I'd listen.

[Papa33]

To me I'm honestly indifferent on this building. I definitely do NOT want to see it demolished for a parking lot or something stupid. But, if it is demolished because of the need to uncover the creek and make the area around the creek a public amenity, I'd listen.

On a list of priorities for that site, daylighting McCoys Creek would be number 1 and then keeping the TU Building.  However, I can't imagine those two things are mutually exclusive.

[Tacachale]

To me I'm honestly indifferent on this building. I definitely do NOT want to see it demolished for a parking lot or something stupid. But, if it is demolished because of the need to uncover the creek and make the area around the creek a public amenity, I'd listen.

On a list of priorities for that site, daylighting McCoys Creek would be number 1 and then keeping the TU Building.  However, I can't imagine those two things are mutually exclusive.

They're definitely not. The creek is next to the office building.

[thelakelander]

Neither are related to each other. The office building isn't over the creek, the printing plant is.

Also, there's only so much daylighting that can be done. A lot more covers the creek than the FTU property. With that said, even their latest concept places another building over the creek:

[billy]

I thought the creek was between the office and the printing press building.

[Papa33]

https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/jea-may-shrink-new-headquarters-by-two-floors-could-demolish-old-one