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It’s May 1st - National Preservation Month!

Happy National Preservation Month, Jacksonville!

Jacksonville’s history is still here.
In our landmarks.
In our buildings.
In our neighborhoods.
In the places we pass every day.

But preservation isn’t passive.
It’s a choice.

What we choose to save, preserve, and invest into today shapes what we recognize tomorrow.

#rootin4jax #historicpreservation #jaxfl #ilovejax❤️ #onlyinduval taken in Jacksonville, Florida by @rootin4jax

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5 months ago

We showed up for Historic Stanton today.

This morning, we attended a City of Jacksonville code compliance hearing for 521 W. Ashley Street, home of the historic Stanton.

The conversation in the room was technical:
violations, timelines, compliance.

But what stood out to us was this:
there is active progress happening.

The property owner and contractor shared that:
• Windows are on the way
• The roof was replaced
• Work is planned over the next few months
• The goal is restoration, not demolition

The City granted 120 days to address violations, with the understanding that full restoration will take longer.

And while this hearing wasn’t about funding or policy…

We made sure to say what needed to be said anyway.

We stepped forward and shared:

If Jacksonville can invest millions into new development, we can find ways to support the restoration of historic and cultural landmarks, especially ones rooted in the true authentic identity of the city.

Because Historic Stanton is more than a building.

It represents:
• History
• Culture
• Legacy
• Community

After the hearing, we connected directly with the owner and contractor, building relationships and staying engaged in what comes next.

⸻

This is what advocacy looks like.
Showing up. Speaking up. Staying connected.

Jacksonville… we cannot afford to lose a historic cultural asset like this.

Let’s protect what matters! taken in Edwin M. Stanton School (Jacksonville) by @rootin4jax

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7 months ago

Another piece of LaVilla’s history is getting a new lease on life! 🏛️ Say hello to @thenewlavilla ✨

Plans to restore the historic building at 318 N. Broad Street are moving forward after receiving final approval from the Downtown Development Review Board (DDRB).

The more than 100-year-old, 6,300-square-foot property, once home to Progress Furniture, is being reimagined as a mixed-use destination with coworking spaces, retail opportunities and residential uses.

Led by property owner Valecia Dunbar of New LaVilla LLC, the project team includes Brooke A. Robbins of Robbins Design Studio, architect Ray Evans and general contractor Breaking Ground Contracting.

Plans also include updates to the building’s facade, the return of a front canopy and a new mural along the south wall, bringing fresh life to one of the few remaining historic commercial buildings in LaVilla.

Once known as the “Harlem of the South,” LaVilla was a thriving hub for Black culture, business and entertainment. Preserving the neighborhood’s remaining historic structures is an important part of honoring that legacy while creating new opportunities for the future.

With renovations currently projected for completion in 2027, we’re excited to see this piece of Downtown Jacksonville’s history preserved and brought back to life!

📍 318 N. Broad Street | Historic LaVilla

What do you think about the plans for this building? taken in LaVilla by @rootin4jax

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20 hours ago

Today, Jacksonville’s very own, Edward Waters University, announced a historic investment that will help shape the future of its campus and its students’ on-campus experience for years to come.

From the Milne Auditorium, President A. Zachary Faison announced an over $30 million capital infrastructure investment which includes a new 200 bed residence hall and its first on-campus track and field facility for the school’s NCAA Division II athletics programs.

The residence hall and track are being financed through the U.S. Department of Education’s Historically Black College and University Capital Financing Program. Edward Waters closed the transaction on Sept. 10. The track project also includes $2 million in support from the @cityofjax and Mayor Deegan’s recent budget. The university plans to host community health and wellness events at the facility as well.

Congratulations to @ewc_tigers for all of your continued growth and successes!

Edward Waters University is Florida’s oldest Historically Black College or University (HBCU), founded in 1866, just three years after the emancipation proclamation was signed. This investment represents a significant commitment to the university’s continued growth, its students, its athletic programs, and the surrounding Jacksonville community!

Go Tigers!

#rootin4jax taken in Jacksonville, Florida by @rootin4jax

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5 days ago

2014 to 2026 at the corner of Laura and Forsyth Streets in Downtown Jacksonville.

Same corner, 12 years apart. What was once a parking lot is now home to @pourtaproom_jax , @pizzadynamojax , several other storefronts, and the attached @vystarcreditunion parking garage.

A little snapshot of how Downtown Jacksonville continues to evolve.

#rootin4jax #dtjax #duuuval taken in Downtown Jacksonville by @rootin4jax

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9 days ago

According to the @jaxdailyrecord, Developers of a proposed Hard Rock Hotel on the Downtown Northbank provided a first public look at the project’s design today, Oct. 1 during a Downtown Development Review Board workshop.

Plans show a 30-story hotel and condominium building planned at 500 E. Bay St. The project team said the property would include a 350-key hotel and 152 residences, plus restaurants, cafes, retail, live entertainment, event space, meeting facilities, wellness amenities and amenities for children.

Developers hope to break ground on the project in the first quarter of 2027. Miami-based Arquitectonica designed the building.

This will be a project that we watch closely.

#rootin4jax #dtjax taken in Downtown Jacksonville by @rootin4jax

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12 days ago

NEIGHBORS TAKING ACTION at 411 N. Liberty Street in downtown Jacksonville.

Jacksonville has no shortage of people pointing out what’s wrong. But sometimes, instead of just complaining about the problems we see, we have to be willing to do something about them.

Yesterday, Rootin4Jax joined by three neighbors completed a community cleanup in downtown Jacksonville.

We came across a property and surrounding area with discarded furniture, mattresses, litter, overgrown vegetation and other debris.

Instead of simply complaining or recording videos of the conditions, we decided to roll up our sleeves and do what we could.

Together, we removed a significant amount of debris and cleaned up the area. We also contacted the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to document the suspected illegal dumping/ homelessness encampment, and submitted a MyJax service request to the City of Jacksonville regarding the remaining debris and blight.

The collected debris was consolidated along the curb for City collection.

One cleanup won’t solve every problem in Jacksonville. But caring about our neighborhoods, and being willing to do something about what we see, is a start. We need everyone to join in on this movement! It takes all of us! This type of energy is contagious, when one person sees someone taking action in their community, it influences the next person to take action. When you care about a place, you don’t just sit on the sidelines, you jump in and take action.

Thank you to the surrounding neighbors who came out and joined us, thank you to the community who showed up and supported us, and thank you to @jaxsheriff for responding to our call and the @cityofjax for addressing this issue in a timely manner.

This is community. This is leadership.

#rootin4jax #dtjax taken in Downtown Jacksonville by @rootin4jax

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12 days ago

Two locally owned businesses @unleasheddogbarjax and @springfieldanimalhospitaljax are putting roots down and investing on Main Street.

We love seeing this kind of activity along Main street. This type of investment is contagious.

Make sure to give them a visit for all of your fur baby needs…

#rootin4jax by @rootin4jax

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17 days ago

2008 → 2026

A reminder of how quickly historic properties can deteriorate when they fall into neglect. Preservation requires stewardship.

#rootin4jax taken in Historic Springfield~Downtown Jacksonville by @rootin4jax

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a month ago

A great morning on Moncrief Road with the @sjriverkeeper and volunteers for a community clean up followed by a tour of @earthasfarmandmarket!

What a great way to show some Jacksonville love and pride after 904 day yesterday!

We love what @earthasfarmandmarket is doing in the area with continuing the legacy of Jacksonville legend - Eartha White!

If you have not had a chance to visit @earthasfarmandmarket make a plan to check them out soon.

Please help us tag anyone/business missed in the comments.

#rootin4jax taken in Eartha's Farm & Market by @rootin4jax

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a month ago

Notably, some demolitions are welcomed.

Over the past few weeks, crews have begun demolishing the former First Baptist Church main auditorium located at Laura and Beaver Streets. The building, which once seated roughly 10,000–11,000 people, is being replaced with a 14-story residential tower that will include a full-service grocery store, Publix.

While there is certainly nostalgia attached to the building, downtown advocates say its replacement represents the kind of change Downtown Jacksonville desperately needs: new residents, more housing, and everyday amenities.

Long term advocates say First Baptist Church had a stronghold hold on Jacksonville politics for decades stifling growth and development in the urban core.

A full-service grocery store combined with hundreds of new housing units is exactly the type of development that downtown Jax advocates say will help Downtown function more like a walkable neighborhood and a true destination, attracting visitors and residents alike.

Not every demolition is a loss. Sometimes you have to make room for the next chapter.

#rootin4jax taken in Downtown Jacksonville by @rootin4jax

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a month ago

Sights from the first phase of construction on the new Sulzbacher Enterprise Village, a new 17-acre campus in Northwest Jacksonville located at 4785 Walgreen road just west of I-95 and North of Golfair blvd. The first phase includes 100 units/apartments for formerly unhoused men, with additional healthcare, job training and wraparound services planned for the campus.

What makes this project significant is the shift in where homelessness resources are provided. Sulzbacher is moving its core operations away from Downtown to a campus that allows the organization to expand its services and serve more people.

At the same time, the move creates an opportunity to rethink how Sulzbacher’s current property on East Adams Street near the riverfront and the Sports and Entertainment District is used, particularly as Jacksonville continues transforming the riverfront and surrounding area into a destination for hotels, restaurants, entertainment, shopping, and nightlife.

Another important piece of Jacksonville’s changing urban landscape.

What are your thoughts ?

Should other homeless shelters relocate services away from downtown?

Will this move help with revitalization efforts of the city’s core?

#rootin4jax taken in Sulzbacher by @rootin4jax

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2 months ago