Preservation Watch

Riverside Avondale Preservation is the lead advocate and facilitator for our historic neighborhoods, vibrant local commercial districts, public spaces and welcoming community. Our mission is to preserve and promote the historic fabric of our unique neighborhood.

Preservation Watch is a place where we can communicate and act transparently regarding our efforts to preserve our beautiful community.

Lomax Street Improvements

A long-awaited realignment of Lomax Street in 5 Points that will turn the two-way street to one-way and expand sidewalks for pedestrians and outside dining began August 31.

Construction is scheduled to last seven months.

UPDATED: September 2, 2020

Willow Branch Canal Rehabilitation

Council Member Randy DeFoor brought together representatives from three of RAP's volunteer committees (Transportation & Infrastructure, Parks and Zoning), the St. Johns Riverkeepers, and the City's Public Works and Parks departments to discuss the status and plans for the Willow Branch Creek project.

Currently, work is proceeding on either end of the creek at St. Johns Avenue and at Olga Place. Work on the Creek in-between these two locations, including along Willowbranch Park, has not started and is not scheduled. During the meeting, COJ staff indicated a willingness to work with the community to revise plans where they can to address community concerns.

UPDATED: August 28, 2020

Riverside Village Requests Land Use and Zoning Changes

The owner of the four building property just north of Memorial Park has requested to change its land use category from RPI to Neighborhood Commercial (NC) and zoning designation from CRO to Planned Unit Development (PUD).  The property includes the former North Florida Dermatology buildings on Riverside Avenue, along with two other buildings off Memorial Park Drive.

Land use and PUD changes are being requested to accommodate, among other items, restaurants totaling 350 seats, office spaces, and residential spaces in four existing buildings. Outdoor seating areas and outdoor sales and service are requested in the current plan.

UPDATED: August 7, 2020

Post Modern Brewing Planned for 2951 Post Street

A historic structure built in 1935, once part of a chain of Pure Oil gas stations and later a florist shop, could be repurposed and renovated if plans for a new brewery are approved by the City of Jacksonville in the next few weeks.

The owners of Post Modern Brewing plan to open a brewery and tap room at 2951 Post Street, and have requested a zoning change from Commercial/Community General - 2 (CCG-2) to Planned Unit Development (PUD).  This would allow for the brewery to exist on-site, exempt the property from minimum distance requirements from churches and schools, and provide flexibility on parking requirements.

UPDATED: July 29, 2020

Independent Living Facility Proposed for 2751 St. Johns Avenue

The property owner is proposing an assisted living facility for this property located at the corner of St. Johns Avenue and James Street. The property is zoned RMD-D (medium density residential), which allows the assisted living use, but the applicant is requesting an Administration Deviation (AD) from city planning staff. The requested AD would reduce required parking from 8 (2 spaces per room/unit, 16 rooms/units) to 0 spaces.

UPDATED: April 13, 2020

 

Southern Grounds to Come to Shoppes of Avondale

A property owner is planning to bring Southern Grounds and two retail shops to the Shoppes of Avondale.  The owner is seeking a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) to build a new storefront building for the restaurant and retailers, which would mean demolishing the existing non-contributing structure (meaning not historically significant or protected).  The owner said they will also seek an Administrative Deviation (AD)  for 26 parking spaces (not giving owner credit for "vested" on-street parking and 4 employee spaces being created at the rear of building), which would serve the new 8,700 square foot building.  Southern Grounds coffee shop plans to have 187 seats, operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day, and serve beer and wine but no liquor.

UPDATED: August 31, 2019

 

Ascension St. Vincents - Riverside Seeks to Update Signage and PUD

Ascension- St. Vincent's HealthCare has filed a Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning application to implement new branding and signage at its Riverside campus. The new PUD will replace the original 1990 PUD and several minor modifications done since then. The hospital will be known as "Ascension St. Vincent's Riverside" and an extensive signage package has been submitted. RAP worked with Ascension on the signage package and appreciates that they modified their plans to respect and maintain the size, scale, and illumination of the existing signage visible from the street.

The public hearing scheduled for the PUD application (2019-0458) begins with the Planning Commission on August 8, followed by City Council public hearing on August 13, Land Use and Zoning (LUZ) Committee on August 20, and the Council Vote on August 27th.

UPDATED: July 2019

Murray Hill Storage Units

Many are aware that a developer plans a three-story self-storage facility in Murray Hill, along Plymouth St. between Edgewood Avenue and Nelson Avenue. The application AD-19-28 is requesting an Administrative Deviation for reduced parking, setbacks and lot size.  The public hearing and decision by the Zoning Administrator will be on July 19th at 10 a.m. at City Hall.  Anyone who wishes to express views on this project should attend the hearing and/or write to the Zoning Administrator.  Click here for RAP's advocacy sheet describing the zoning AD process with tips for citizens.  Murray Hill Preservation (MPHA) is also keeping people informed via their FaceBook page.  

UPDATED: July 2019

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Short Term Rentals

Many major cities have wrestled with the issue of short term rentals like Airbnb and VRBO. Several have made changes to their ordinances to accommodate them while seeking to protect the quality of life for existing residential neighborhoods. Jacksonville is now debating this issue. Get background information and RAP's position on the issue here.

UPDATED: June 2019

MedMen, a medical marijuana dispensary, will be coming to Five Points in the former Fans and Stoves building on Park Street at Lomax. The retailer's application required no zoning changes. Proposed exterior changes did not require a review by the Historic Commission so they were approved by administrative staff.

UPDATED: March 2019

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There may be changes coming to the CenterState Bank Building at 1234 King Street in the heart of the historic district. Riverside Avondale Preservation will help you stay current on what is happening, and how this project is expected to affect nearby residents and business owners.

UPDATED: December 2018

CenterState Bank