Jacksonville Architecture

Although considerable alterations mar the first story, the upper half of this building shows some of the finest brick detailing left in Downtown. The term "Block" was used at that time to refer to a building that encompassed several different businesses, not necessarily occupying a full city block. As originally constructed, the Holmes Block was one bay wider than present. In 1919 the western one-sixth of the building was removed to make way for expansion of the Guaranty Trust and Savings Bank next door (D-25). An interesting feature of the Holmes Block is the use of contrasting colors of brick to accentuate the window openings and the corbeled parapet. There was also a Holmes Block on this site before the Great Fire, dating back to the early 1890's. The proprietor of that first building was George O. Holmes, a young real estate dealer who had his office there. Alfred E. McClure, one of Jacksonville's oldest and foremost architects, also had his office in the building. He encouraged Holmes to take up the profession of architecture, and after the 1901 Fire their friendship turned to partnership as they formed the architectural firm of McClure & Holmes. This building is presumed to be one of the earlier buildings designed during their twelve-year association.