1011 Peninsular Place
1917
Built at a cost of over $ 250,000 and originally known as Public School Number Four, it was renamed Annie Lytle School in honor of its former principal. Architect Rutledge Holmes designed a Neo-Classic portico that is now seen daily by motorists passing by on the three levels of the new I-10/I-95 Interchange.
Vandals frequently trespass inside the structure; drawn by rumors the building is haunted. They spray graffiti, and contribute to the deterioration of the building. The building remains structurally sound, and could be put to a number of uses.
112 West Adams Street
1926
The design of the Barnett National Bank reflects the eclectic influences of commercial architectural styles of the 1920’s. At eighteen stories, it remained the tallest building in Jacksonville for over 28 years. A failed attempt at renovation has further damaged this historic building.
1948
In operation since at least 1948, the St. Johns River Ferry provides motorists a break from the traffic and saves 38 miles of driving using the alternate route to the other side. The Ferry is endangered due to a half million or greater annual operating deficit, and the unwillingness of the State of Florida and/or the City of Jacksonville to maintain this vital transportation link. Also a historic tourist attraction, the current vessel is named in honor of French Explorer Jean Ribault.
347 Riverside Avenue
1910
Built to accommodate two fire wagons, five horses and 14 firemen, Station #5 served Jacksonville for nearly one hundred years. A 2003 economic incentive package to lure a “Fortune 100” company to relocate nearby included the City of Jacksonville deeding the property to this company. The City retained the right to relocate #5, but has not seen fit to do so. The building that housed generations of firefighters, and was a “working” fire station as recently as 2008, is in danger of demolition.
Intersection of N. Jefferson and W. Church Streets
1901
These "shotgun" houses were under construction near the Cleaveland Fibre Factory when the Great Fire of May 3, 1901 broke out. They were damaged by the fire, but survived. These three survivors represent a distinctive architectural style and are stored for future restoration, yet they are rapidly deteriorating beyond economical repair. Working people lived in these practical one-story homes in which one could shoot a shotgun straight down the long interior hallway and out the front door.
Wambolt Street at the St. Johns River
1924
One of over 1,000 buildings designed for Henry Ford by Albert Kahn (no relation to Jaguars owner Shahid Kahn) , an internationally recognized industrial architect. The building may be seen when driving westbound over the Mathews Bridge and looking east near the north end of the bridge. The 200 foot wide by 800 foot long building was an assembly plant for Model-T Fords. In its heyday Ford employed 800 people at the plant, and built 200 cars per day.
245 W. Third Street
1909
The eclectic design borrows elements from the Tudor Revival, Queen Anne, and Spanish Colonial Revival styles. Its base is elevated more than adjacent residences, adding to the vertical projection of the multi-planed roofline, gables, and three-story tower. The composition is enriched by harmonious colors found in the gables with half-timbering over stucco, the clay tile roof, and concrete block walls.
1100 Block of West Bay Street
1919
This P-5 design, 4-6-2 wheel arrangement coal-burning steam engine was built by the American Locomotive Company in Richmond, Virginia. It spent most of its working life pulling passenger trains between Richmond and Jacksonville, and was capable of speeds of nearly eighty miles per hour. Retired in 1952, it has been on display outdoors for fifty years.
Designated in 1990 as a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark, the engine survives in its original condition. Last refurbished in 1989, Number #1504 is rapidly deteriorating and should be restored and displayed indoors.
101 East Bay Street
1902 (original) 1917 (addition)
An excellent example of early twentieth-century bank architecture, the Guaranty Trust and Savings Bank incorporates the use of classical style to convey a sense of security and prosperity. The 1902 structure was skillfully doubled in size in 1919. The pressed grey Roman brick structure features limestone trim and finely detailed arches.
Known in recent years for its jaguar themed boarded-up windows, it points the way to Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on game day. A collapsed roof has led to significant water damage to the structure. A demolition permit for the structure is allegedly being sought.
122 North Ocean Street
1965
Built in 1965 on the site of the 1903 Jacksonville City Hall, the modern design replaced the 1905 Carnegie Library across the street. Local Architect Taylor Hardwick made a bold statement with the design of a library that served Jacksonville for forty years. The unique modern era structure could easily be adapted to a number of uses.
Corner of Laura and Foryth
Streets
The Bisbee Building (right), designed by architect H.J. Klutho, was Florida's first skyscraper in 1908. The Florida Life Building (left) was also designed by Klutho 3 years later, and is one of the most elegant skyscrapers in the South. The two Klutho high-rise office building frame the classical "Marble Bank," making this one of the most unique architectural groupings in Florida. In 2002 the City of Jacksonville purchased both the Florida Life and Bisbee buildings, as well as the “Marble Bank”. Known as "The Laura Street Trio," all three buildings are in deplorable condion, and were listed by the Florida Trust for Hostoric Preservation as among "The Eleven mOst Endangered Buildings in Florida. Preservationists are hopeful that this significant complex of buildings in the heart of Downtown will be restored.
(See individual descriptions below.)
The Bisbee Building (right), designed by architect H.J. Klutho, was Florida's first skyscraper in 1908. The Florida Life Building (left) was also designed by Klutho 3 years later, and is one of the most elegant skyscrapers in the South. The two Klutho high-rise office building frame the classical "Marble Bank," making this one of the most unique architectural groupings in Florida. In 2002 the City of Jacksonville purchased both the Florida Life and Bisbee buildings, as well as the “Marble Bank”. Known as "The Laura Street Trio," all three buildings are in deplorable condion, and were listed by the Florida Trust for Hostoric Preservation as among "The Eleven mOst Endangered Buildings in Florida. Preservationists are hopeful that this significant complex of buildings in the heart of Downtown will be restored.
(See individual descriptions below.)
47 West Forsyth Street
1909
This ten-story reinforced concrete building was designed by H.J. Klutho. The Bisbee Building is an excellent example of the high-rise architectural concepts that were pioneered in Chicago. Jacksonville’s first “skyscraper” faces an uncertain future.
51 West Forsyth Street
1902
The entire façade of this Neo-Classical Revival style bank building is sheathed in marble. A 1916 modification added a spectacular skylight, later covered by a dropped ceiling. A 1978 restoration restored its 1916 splendor. Thirty years later, “the Marble Bank” is in need of attention if it is to survive long into its second century.
117 North Laura Street
1912
A narrow eleven-story tower was and is Jacksonville’s purest expression of a “skyscraper”. The H.J. Klutho design featured magnificent "Sulllivanesque" terra-cotta ornamentation below the copper cornice at the top, most of which was destroyed during its ownership by NationsBank in the 1990s.
400 N. Hogan St.
1902-1903
Built in 1902-03, this was Jacksonville's oldest social club for men and the seventh oldest in the United States. Teddy Roosevelt made a campaign speech from the front porch. The privately owned, vacant building is across from Hemming Plaza, City Hall and the new U.S. Federal Courthouse.
