Bldg. Demolition on Forsyth

[jaxlongtimer]

I noticed the walls coming down of an old brick warehouse facade on Forsyth just west of Madison near the convention center.

Looking at Google's aerial view, it looks like the roof had caved in long ago so I guess this couldn't be saved. 

Anyone with updates?

[thelakelander]

Crap. That's unfortunate.  It was one of a hand full of buildings left that dated back to LaVilla's red light district days. The roof caved in years ago. I was hoping the facade could be saved. This is a good example of why what's left of LaVilla should be locally landmarked or added to the National Register.

[Charles Hunter]

Is (was) that the Lee & Cates Glass building?

[jaxlongtimer]

Is (was) that the Lee & Cates Glass building?

Based on Google street view, the Lee & Cates building appears to be one block further west.

I was thinking this building had some murals painted on the boarded up "windows" a while back but not sure.  I never noticed the roof cave in so, as Ennis says, the wall appeared to be OK as a possible facade for a restoration/rebuild behind it.

Would the demo permit have required an historical review before issuing?

[thelakelander]

No, historic review needed. LaVilla isn't an official historic district and this building was neither landmarked locally or listed on the National Register. So despite being +100 years of age, it has no more protection than the average McDonald's drive through.

[thelakelander]

Across the street from the now demolished railroad terminal, this building dates back to 1902.  In 1915, the Jax Chero-Cola Bottling Company operated out of the structure.  Chero-Cola was founded in 1905 as the Union Bottling Works by Claud A. Hatcher in Columbus, GA.  Hatcher's first beverages were named Royal Crown, a ginger ale and a cola called Chero-Cola.  In 1912, the company's name was changed to Chero-Cola.  Over the years, the company's name has changed and it is now known as Royal Crown Cola International.  During the mid 20th century, Atlantic Printers and Dixie Suppy Company Inc. (dry goods) were located here.

From 2012 article: https://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2012-dec-what-to-do-with-lavilla

[jaxlongtimer]

Good info, Ennis.  Too bad the owner couldn't see the value of keeping the facade. It looks like it would have been a great front for many retail purposes with he oversized windows, or where those old dock doors in 1902.

I recall the days when railroad tracks ran down the middle of the more narrow streets in this area leaving more room for small trucks to back up to these building... or maybe the tracks ran right along side some of them and product could be offloaded from rail cars right into the buildings?

[heights unknown]

Good info, Ennis.  Too bad the owner couldn't see the value of keeping the facade. It looks like it would have been a great front for many retail purposes with he oversized windows, or where those old dock doors in 1902.

I recall the days when railroad tracks ran down the middle of the more narrow streets in this area leaving more room for small trucks to back up to these building... or maybe the tracks ran right along side some of them and product could be offloaded from rail cars right into the buildings?

I grew up in LaVilla in the mid to late 60's, and if I recall correctly, most of those rail tracks ran "behind" most of those buildings. We're talking mid to late 60's here when I was a boy; however, it could have been possible, and if I remember correctly from some photos, some of those rail tracks did run in front of the buildings, but this was probably some time before the 60's and before.

[jaxlongtimer]

Good info, Ennis.  Too bad the owner couldn't see the value of keeping the facade. It looks like it would have been a great front for many retail purposes with he oversized windows, or where those old dock doors in 1902.

I recall the days when railroad tracks ran down the middle of the more narrow streets in this area leaving more room for small trucks to back up to these building... or maybe the tracks ran right along side some of them and product could be offloaded from rail cars right into the buildings?

I grew up in LaVilla in the mid to late 60's, and if I recall correctly, most of those rail tracks ran "behind" most of those buildings. We're talking mid to late 60's here when I was a boy; however, it could have been possible, and if I remember correctly from some photos, some of those rail tracks did run in front of the buildings, but this was probably some time before the 60's and before.

While some aerial or other period photos could clarify our memories, now that you mention it, I am thinking maybe some tracks ran down the middle of a block, serving buildings to either side, effectively "behind" the respective buildings as your say.  It would be amazing to repurpose those buildings today.  Another of many examples of lost opportunities.  LaVilla was demolished with no solid plan for what was to come next, just like so many other historic areas demolished that now are emply lots or parking only.

[thelakelander]

In this area, the tracks ran down the middle of Houston Street. You can still see old railroad ties where sidings would have been to various warehouses between Davis and Jefferson. You can also see the loading docks where box cars would have been at a few warehouses. No tracks ran on Forsyth but the rail yard into the old freight depot facing Jefferson would have been located between Forsyth and Bay Streets.