Jacksonville Historical Society buys Old St. Luke's to expand

[thelakelander]

Hopefully this works out.

The Jacksonville Historical Society announced Monday it will purchase the Old St. Luke’s Hospital complex  and convert it into “a premier research and exhibition center.”

The $5 million project, which includes about $600,000 for the purchase of two buildings and 1.2 acres of land, will enable the society to consolidate its scattered archives, provide lots of exhibit space and create a place where the society can teach people how to preserve historic artifacts, said Jerry Spinks,  the society’s president. It will house the offices and library of the Southern Genealogical Exchange Society.

full article: http://www.jacksonville.com/news/metro/2009-08-10/story/jacksonville_historical_society_buys_old_st_lukes_to_expand

[downtownparks]

great news.

[TREE4309]

That property and two buildings are worth WAY more than $600K!

[downtownparks]

Tree, in any other city than Jax, I would agree with you. An 1880s hospital half a mile from the urban core, and 5 blocks from the river. Yes. Probably a couple of Mill.

In Jax, we need to be grateful it wasnt knocked down for the Stadium parking lots.

BTW, that building has some very good ghost stories!

[Omarvelous09]

This is awesome news...and you're right, glad it didn't become the newest d-bag tailgate parking lot. lol
Beautiful building.

[TREE4309]

It's been a tailgate parking lot for years...that probably won't change, either.

[Jason]

^ Nothing wrong with that.  Besides, its a great revenue source for the Historical Society.

Still, VERY good news that these buildings will be taken over by someone who cares.  The JHS can do a lot with this property and make a fine example of it.