The LaVilla that still exists

[thelakelander]

Many consider LaVilla to be a neighborhood erased from existence. Today, it is not uncommon to hear civic leaders refer to the area as a blank slate. However, this inaccurate assessment could not be further from the truth. Here is a virtual tour of the non-downtown side of the historic community that has been labeled as being a part of the Rail Yard District in recent years.

Full Article: https://www.thejaxsonmag.com/article/the-lavilla-that-still-exists/

[Snaketoz]

Thanks again Lake.  I have fond memories of this area from my youth.  Any time we needed tires, appliances, services of many kind, we went to LaVilla.  Myrtle Ave. from Beaver to Dennis was loaded with thriving businesses.  Really enjoy your posts.

[thelakelander]

Thanks! It really is an interesting area and a lot of long time businesses are still in operation on that strip.

[jaxlongtimer]

A few notes to add:

This warehouse was completed in 1981 for Olcott Enterprises Freezing & Cold Storage. Olcott was owned by Harry E. Olcott Sr. Olcott came to Jacksonville in the 1930s and established the Fulton Fish Company in the community of Fulton near Fort Caroline. In the 1940s, the business was relocated to 144 North Myrtle Avenue.

FYI, Olcott operated a retail seafood store, The Seafood Center, adjacent to this warehouse that JTA has since demolished and added to their holdings.

*Family owned and operated, the Main Metal Recycling Company has been in business since the 1960s. The ferrous scrap metal recycling company occupies the former Florida Machine & Foundry plant on West Church Street.

My understanding is the family sold this business to a division of Nucor Steel a few years ago but still owns the real estate.

The ice plant and surrounding blocks eventually became the manufacturing operations of the Moore Dry Kiln Company.

Founded by Lafayette Moore and now known as USNR, the company relocated its manufacturing operations to the Westside a few years ago.

A descendant of Moore still has an industrial business adjacent to this property.

I noticed that JWB has started posting some signs on properties along Myrtle, etc. advertising they are buying property.  Do you know if they are beginning to assemble land in the area like some did in Brooklyn?

[marcuscnelson]

Wow. It's crazy how little you really know about a place sometimes, even when it's always been there. Great work, Lake.