New life breathed into landmark tower
Adaptive reuse ahead for downtown’s historic Independent Life Building After years of standing abandoned, the historic Independent Life Building in downtown Jacksonville can expect a transformation into a 21st-century mixed-use development. Last month, a permit was filed with the city for the adaptive reuse of the 19-story building at 233 West Duval Street, converting it […]
From the open road to the open sea: Borum Boats’ chapter at the old Ford Motor Plant
Since last October, Jacksonville has been preparing to bid farewell to the old Ford Motor Plant as time inevitably draws it closer and closer to total demolition. In November, The Resident reported on the Land Use and Zoning (LUZ) committee ruling supporting Amkin Hill Street LLC’s appeal of Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission’s denial of its […]
Historic preservation on full display during book signing
Highly anticipated Bicentennial Edition released for sale It was an evening of historic proportions, as author Dr. Wayne W. Wood unveiled and signed the second, updated printing of Jacksonville’s Architectural Heritage – Landmarks for the Future, Bicentennial Edition. The latest volume of the book, originally printed in January of 1989, made its debut at a […]
A legacy in stone, on paper: Historian Wayne Wood releases new book celebrating Jacksonville’s architectural history
Jacksonville historian Dr. Wayne Wood has written a new book about the city’s historical architecture and notable landmarks. Titled “Jacksonville’s Architectural Heritage: Landmarks for the Future,” the book will be released in early December and pays homage to the iconic buildings and landmarks that have helped define Jacksonville’s landscape and architectural identity. If the title […]
Demolition ahead for old Ford Motor Company plant
The days of the old Ford Motor Co. factory are numbered and demolition is in its future. Located at 1900 Wambolt Street, the building sits near the Mathews Bridge along the St. Johns River. The factory was designed by renowned industrial architect Albert Kahn. According to the Jacksonville Historical Society (JHS), it is one of […]
JAMM Session: Historical Society moves forward on plans for music museum and venue
The Jacksonville Historical Society is moving forward with plans to transform the Florida Casket Company building into a music museum and venue. The working title for this future space is the Jacksonville Area Music Museum (JAMM). The Jacksonville Downtown Development Review Board (DDRB) granted conceptual approval for JHS’s plans for the museum in June. “This […]
Bicentennial – Looking back, looking forward to next 200 years
At this writing, Jacksonville’s 200th anniversary is a few weeks away. The Jacksonville Historical Society has accepted a convening role in gathering the people of this sprawling, complicated city to hear and share their stories. Those range from inspiring to mysterious, and from heroic to heartbreaking. We do not shrink from any of them, because […]
Jacksonville’s Biggest Birthday Party Ever: Register for free day-long celebration, commemoration
Even if you believe you’ll be around to celebrate Jacksonville’s Semiquincentennial in 2072, this is the year to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the city’s founding, and Saturday, June 11 is the day to join the free, family-friendly event (registration at Eventbrite encouraged). The party begins at noon at James Weldon Johnson Park (across from […]
