Print Article
Annie Lytle Public School
1011 Peninsular Place
Date: 1917
Architect: Rutledge Holmes
Builder: Florida Engineering & Construction Co.
In 1891 a frame school house was built on this site. Wings and extensions were added until it became a large wooden box-like structure, constituting a dangerous fire hazard. It was replaced with this present building, which was constructed after Duval County voters passed a $1,000,000 bond issue in 1915 to build more than a dozen new brick school houses. This one was first known as Public School Number Four but later was renamed Annie Lytle School, after its former principal. It cost over $250,000 and originally overlooked Riverside Park, before the construction of I-95 isolated in in the 1950's. The dominant architectural feature of the school is a Neo-Classic pedimented portico supported by colossal Doric columns at the entrance. Ironically, this impressive portico is simply an ornamental attachment to the facade and has little relationship to the actual roofline. Other decorative features include a modillioned cornice that runs around the building.
Source: Jacksonville's Architectural Heritage Landmarks for the future by Wayne W. Wood.
Once gone, they are gone forever
If the Council's Land Use and Zoning Committee shortsightedly votes to completely destroy yet another piece of Jacksonville's dwindling history, the Annie Lytle will join this extensive collection of impressive structures that no longer exist.
Why is Historic Preservation Important?
Historic preservation is the practice of protecting and preserving sites, structures or districts which reflect elements of local or national cultural, social, economic, political, archaeological or architectural history. Preservation has many diverse purposes and rewards, including the strengthening of local economies, stabilization of property values, the fostering of civic beauty and community pride, and the appreciation of local and national history. Historic preservation is a public purpose that advances the education and welfare of citizens, while providing economic and aesthetic benefits as well.
Historic resources are defined as districts, sites, structures, objects or buildings that are greater than seventy-five years in age, and are significant in local, state or national history, architecture, archeology, engineering, or culture. History encompasses all cultures, economic classes, and social, political and private activities that form the background to the present.
What is a historic site or structure?
Historic resources fall into five categories or types: buildings, sites, structures, objects, or districts. A building is a construction created to shelter human activity, while structures are functional constructions usually created for purposes other than creating human shelter. A site is the location of a significant event, occupation or activity, while an object is primarily an artistic creation such as a sculpture, monument or statuary. A district is a collection of any or all of the above which is united historically or aesthetically.
What are the benefits of historic preservation?
The benefits of historic preservation come in many forms. The prime benefit of historical restoration is always education. It also includes both public and private benefits. Historic preservation safeguards a community's heritage, making it available to future generations for civic enjoyment and educational activities. Preservation stabilizes property values and strengthens local economies. In addition, the conservation and maintenance of historic resources and scenic areas fosters civic beauty and bolsters community pride. Finally, historic preservation has been successfully employed to improve business opportunities in many locales.
Lost Jacksonville
A century ago, Jacksonville was the center of a highly progressive architectural community. Over time, we have become a conservative community with little regard for the importance of architecture in our urban landscape. Here is a collection of images showcasing several significant structures that no longer exist in the downtown area. A few came down in fires; others were replaced by larger structures. Most were simply torn down and replaced with parking garages and surface lots. Hopefully, one day reminders showing what we have lost will provoke our community to work harder to save what's left.
City Hall - NW corner of Forsyth & Ocean (current site of Haydon Burns Library)
Palace Theatre - SW corner of Forsyth & Ocean (current site of metal parking deck)
National Bank of Jacksonville - NW corner of Forsyth & Laura (current site of Jacksonville Bank Building)
4. Masonic Temple - SE corner of Main & Monroe (current site of surface parking lot)
Looking east down Adams Street - Intersection of Adams & Julia
Photos of Lost Jacksonville
You can't recreate these type of historical structures. Once they're gone, they're gone forever. Jacksonville could have been as as popular and virbant as historic Savannah, Charleston and Boston. Instead a lack of overall vision and shortsightedness has resulted in the continued demolition of urban Jacksonville, one building at a time, leaving us with the blighted moonscape we enjoy today. This strategy is a proven failure and is disgraceful to the history and future of our community.
Empty surface parking lots on building foundations.
Unmaintained LaVilla parking lot where a building once stood.
Historic Downtown First Baptist Church being demolished by KBJ Architecture firm.
Lampru Apartments being demolished in Springfield.
The Lerner Shops being demolished at 118 Main St.
Is Annie Lytle next?
The demolition of Annie Lytle will come before the City Council's Land Use and Zoning committee today at 5 p.m. Let Council know how you feel on this subject in person or via email: cityc@coj.net
Article by Ennis Davis
Share this article
RSS
lindab
June 02, 2009, 07:33:30 AMGood article and should be a wake up call.
Why does Jacksonville have this failure of imagination regarding old structures?
I would like to propose that what our Historic Commission, a quasi-regulatory commission, needs is a good Marketing division. The Historic Commissoners do have the vision and the understanding needed to preserve vistas like the one of Adams Street in your article. What they don't have is a way to help these structures be marketed to buyers who will honor the past and fit it to a future use.
The city markets other resources. Preserved history should receive the same consideration.
nestliving
June 02, 2009, 07:41:00 AMBass St Lofts in Atlanta and Love Joy lofts in Washington DC we both old school houses similar that were turned into beautiful lofts. This building is perfect for a similar situation.
vicupstate
June 02, 2009, 08:04:41 AMWhat, if anything, does the developer plan with the site if it is cleared?
It should be saved, but this is Jacksonville, so I'm not too hopeful.
5PointsGuy
June 02, 2009, 08:12:54 AMUnfortunately its a bad location due to its proximity to I-95. As much as I think as it should be kept, I don't know how much interest there would be in restoring the building and turning it in to something with 95 there...
civil42806
June 02, 2009, 08:19:23 AMI'm sympathetic, but how long has this structure been vacant? 20- 30 -40 years? Has anyone expressed interest in the existing structure. Its a horrendous location, if someone just plans on demolishing it and leaving yet another vacant lot then I'm opposed to it, but if someone actually plans on utilizing the lot to build something usable, so be it.
thelakelander
June 02, 2009, 08:27:15 AMI don't think it gets any closer than this:
This is the Richmond, VA train station and I-95. Despite the expressway proximity this building is still a contributing factor to Richmond's urban core. In Florida, I imagine this place would have been taken down when the expressway was constructed.
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=799518&page=3
Wacca Pilatka
June 02, 2009, 08:31:17 AMGreat analogy on Main St. Station in Richmond. It's a passenger train station that shut down in the 70s sometime, and after a failed attempt to convert it to an outlet mall, is once again an operating Amtrak station.
thelakelander
June 02, 2009, 08:35:13 AMTampa's Floridian Hotel had been vacant and abandoned since 1987. Now it is being renovated back into a boutique hotel.
Where there is a will, there's a way. However, this site does have some significant challenges to over come. My hope is that if the building can't be saved, at least the front facade is preserved, incorporated into a new structure and reconnected with Riverside Park.
vicupstate
June 02, 2009, 08:58:42 AMThere is a former elementary school in Washington DC that is of the same era. It also is right next to a major expressway. It might be a full 5-10 feet further from the higheway, but that's about it.
It has been converted into a health club and it is cool as hell. Being right next to a highway is not an issue at all for that use. In fact an advertising banner provides lots of cheap exposure to tens of thousands of commuters every day.
Get it together jacksonville, before it's too late.
vicupstate
June 02, 2009, 09:00:48 AMThis 1920's hotel in DT Greenville was vacant for about 12 years before being converted into a Westin.
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1255
JeffreyS
June 02, 2009, 09:05:16 AMWow they must have some really good use they want to put to use on the site to consider this. Of course in Jax really good use amounts to the chance to play with a wrecking ball.
Karl_Pilkington
June 02, 2009, 09:08:22 AMwhy is there even a Historical Preservation Commission? they don't do anything, are they just window dressing?
If Miami Beach had our historic preservation vision there wouldn't be any art deco district or lincoln road mall. I lived there when Miami Beach was old and rundown, lincoln road mall was mostly vagrants. There were plenty of developers who wanted nothing more than to just take a wrecking ball to the whole thing and start over, but the historic preservationists and the PEOPLE held firm and now they really have something to be proud of.
Deuce
June 02, 2009, 09:27:10 AMI tend to agree with this statement. The number of uses are limited for this building. The train station in Richmond works because of it's use and the size of the structure. A gym like the example in DC given would work well but there's no real need for another gym nearby. Maybe a Museum?
The Westin hotel in Greenville is awesome. They did a really great job of preserving historical elements. They've got some great restaurants too. I think is was abandoned for a lot longer than 12 years though. I don't remember anything ever being in that building.
Ocklawaha
June 02, 2009, 09:58:27 AMThis place was a wreck, I remember the City Council hearings to tear it down, the citizens nearly threatened to carry them out on a rail. The old Gal was saved, Hilton got involved and today she is the queen of the prairie states.
The Skirvin Hotel built in 1910 by oilman W.B. Skirvin, who was determined to have the finest hotel in the Southwest. Opening its doors in 1911, the plush hotel had two, 10-story towers containing 224 rooms, was one of the first buildings in Oklahoma City to have air conditioning, then called “iced air,” had running ice water in each room, a ballroom that seated 500, and imported Austrian chandeliers that cost more than $100,000 each.
Skirvin’s daughter, Perl Mesta, brought the hotel a national reputation by being the ambassadress to Luxembourg, and then Washington’s "Hostess with the Mostess," portrayed in the famed Broadway musical, "Call Me Madam."
In 1930, a third wing was added, raising the structure to 14 stories and increasing capacity to 525 rooms.
The Oklahoma showplace became a popular speak-easy during prohibition. It was during this time that W.B. Skirvin was said to have had an affair with one of the hotel maids. According to legend, the maid soon conceived and in order to prevent a scandal, she was locked in a room on the top floor of the hotel. The desolate girl soon grew depressed and even after the birth of her child; she was still not let out of the room. Half out of her mind, she finally grabbed the infant child and threw herself, along with the baby, out of the window.
The maid’s name remains unknown, but her ghost continues to haunt the Skirvin Hotel and she was nicknamed “Effie” by former employees.
Though the old hotel closed in 1988, former guests would often report not being able to obtain a decent nights sleep due to the consistent sounds of a child crying.
Effie was apparently a woman of loose morals and many men who have stayed in the hotel have often reported being propositioned by a female voice while alone in their rooms. Others have seen the figure of a naked woman with them while taking a shower. One man even claimed he was sexually assaulted by an invisible entity during his stay.
Other strange noises and occurrences were reported by staff and guests including things seemingly being moved around by themselves, such as the maid’s cart being pushed down the hall when no one was there.
In October, 1979 the hotel was listed on National Register of Historic Places. When it closed in 1988 the building stood empty for more almost fifteen years. However, the historic hotel has now been fully restored and now open once again for guests.
The $46.4 million project included the original exterior finish, installation of historically accurate windows, reconfigured guest rooms, new guest elevators, an elegant lobby, restaurants, and state-of-the-art meeting rooms. Wherever possible, historical elements such as moldings, tiles and ceiling treatments were incorporated into the design.
It will be interesting to see if Effie appears to new guest of the hotel.
The Skirvin Hotel is located at 1 Park Avenue in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
FIRST came vision
NEXT came salvation
VISION PEOPLE! VISION! SKYWAY, TOD, THEATER, STORES, FOOD, FUN, STREETCAR, BUS... VISION Damn Jax! VISION!
OCKLAWAHA
vicupstate
June 02, 2009, 10:17:35 AMThe YMCA has looked at relocating before, and they could get a fortune for there current site since it fronts both the river and Riverside Ave. The current facility is very inefficient and is out of date. The Lytle location is close enough to the existing facility to serve the same clients.
The Lytle school could be expanded in the rear without changing it's appearance negatively, which could achieve any needed additional square footage. It could be uniquely historic and yet modern as well.
The Westin had been vacate from about '82-'86 until about 2000 or so. I went with the low end. It might have been empty as long as 18-20 years.
hightowerlover
June 02, 2009, 10:36:30 AMwhy dont you guys post those interior pictures again theres some great bones in there
matt a.
June 02, 2009, 10:54:06 AMhttp://duvaldestroyer.blogspot.com/2009/03/public-school-number-four-modest.html
Steve
June 02, 2009, 11:01:46 AMAnother option is if the building is just too inefficient, then I'm sure the exterior walls could be saved. This is something that has been done before in other cities where the economics of a true renovation just don't make sense.
lindab
June 02, 2009, 11:20:09 AMThe structure of the building is strong. It is built of concrete, even the roof. The exception was the auditorium roof which was wood and burned due to vandalism. The walls are almost two feet thick. Once inside the building, with good window and door replacements you would never hear the traffic.
Secondly, the property is open under the expressway to Riverside Park. There is no retention pond there. You can simply walk down that massive flight of stairs and straight thru to the park. What a great feature!
The rest of the property goes back on one side, along College Street, the whole length of the block.
Inside, the structure is an "E" shape with all the rooms facing a hallway which opens to the outside. Light pours into the interior structure from this configuration. It was well made and well designed.
quote author=Ocklawaha
VISION PEOPLE! VISION! SKYWAY, TOD, THEATER, STORES, FOOD, FUN, STREETCAR, BUS... VISION Damn Jax! VISION!
lindab
June 02, 2009, 11:29:59 AMI want to point out to anyone thinking the Jacksonville Historic Commission are the bad guys here, they voted to preserve the building. But they can be overruled by the council.
stephendare
June 02, 2009, 11:30:51 AMThanks Lindab.
That does clear it up.
Is there going to be a crowd of people at today's LUZ committee meeting?
stephendare
June 02, 2009, 11:32:14 AMDidnt Carlton have a hand in completely destroying LaVilla?
I cant remember, but it seems like he was involved in all of that.
stephendare
June 02, 2009, 11:39:55 AMHere is what I found on Urban Planet. Its an article from the Times Union May 11, 2004
stephendare
June 02, 2009, 11:41:48 AMhttp://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/120403/opi_14207489.shtml
stephendare
June 02, 2009, 11:45:08 AMI remembered Carlton talking about these projects during the Historic Preservation Task Force meetings under Council President Carlucci. But by the time the fallout occurred, I was already full time operating at Boomtown, Eden and The Carter Art Lofts over in Springfield.
It seems like Carlton got screwed in a deal to let him have cheap land in return for 180k condos being built in La Villa.
But it also seems like they must have demolished the entire neighborhood in anticipation of development that wasnt grounded in reality.
The same thing that happened to Riverside Avenue and Brooklyn, most likely.
Wonder if the same dynamics are in play at School Number Four?
stephendare
June 02, 2009, 11:51:46 AMAnd here is one of the earlier articles regarding the project.
Lake, was LaVilla still standing at this time? (<-----too lazy to look up the demolition dates)
http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/011803/bus_11506016.shtml
stephendare
June 02, 2009, 12:18:41 PMA photo of Milne and Jones, the owners of the building
thelakelander
June 02, 2009, 12:40:18 PMLaVilla was long gone by the time this project showed up (destroyed a decade earlier). The Jones LaVilla townhouse project should have been built. $180k for 3bd/2ba new townhome units in 2004 were pretty reasonable, imo.
TheProfessor
June 02, 2009, 12:41:52 PMAccording to below website, the below people are on the LUZ comtittee wich will be making the decision. Please e-mail them your thoughts.
ArtG@coj.net; Joost@coj.net; RBrown@coj.net; Gaffney@coj.net; Holt@coj.net; Redman@coj.net; Webb@coj.net
http://www.coj.net/City+Council/LUZ.htm
stephendare
June 02, 2009, 12:42:59 PMI was out of town from 92 to 00. Any idea when the neighborhood was levelled?
heights unknown
June 02, 2009, 12:45:16 PMJust think if Hotel George Washington, Mayflower Hotel, the old building where BOA now stands had been saved; at least the building where BOA now sits was demolished in favor of an almost SUPERTALL. But numerous buildings in Jax could have been saved, remodeled or reconstructed, and would have served the urban core much better than the empty lots and parking lots that are now there.
thelakelander
June 02, 2009, 12:52:19 PMThe mid 1990's, around 1996.
Downtown Frankenstein: LaVilla Style
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2006-nov-downtown-frankenstein-lavilla-style
stephendare
June 02, 2009, 12:53:43 PMmy god.
zoo
June 02, 2009, 03:00:29 PMAnyone who thinks that the location is bad, and no one would be interested in it b/c it is right next to I-95, must be from Jacksonville...
grimss
June 02, 2009, 05:59:44 PMLUZ sent it back to the JHPC to consider all available evidence and options. From what I gleaned at the meeting, the developer wasn't the one pushing the LUZ review--it was, as some have suggested, the result of the new council president's effort to get unresolved issues off the docket. So . . . back into a holding pattern.
Omarvelous09
June 03, 2009, 06:27:58 PMAlways have loved this building...but honestly with the highway so close to the building i don't know how well it would do as a residential building. Ive always thought it would make a great amphitheater, if they could bring the facade to the park side and open the building...but we don't do things like that in jax.
stjr
June 03, 2009, 06:52:20 PMI repeat that it might may a great tourist and convention bureau center and could house related groups such as the hotel association, Sports Authority, etc. that are connected to bringing tourists to Jax. Also, RAM and RAP.
This building is well accessed and located by I-95, I-10, and the future multi modal station a few blocks away at Park and Bay Streets.
Being located next to the interstate is an asset due to its very high visibility. Companies would pay a pretty penny for exposure like this. It needs to be EXPLOITED, NOT EXPLODED!
JaxNative68
June 04, 2009, 03:57:15 PMOnce again it comes down to the almighty dollar. The interior of this building has been exposed to the elements for over thirty plus years. I remember seeing the inside of it at least twenty plus years ago. The roof was completely shot then. Water has been pouring into this building for decades, rotting the structure. Not to mention how much fecal waste is throughout the interior, both animal and human. The amount of money it would take to bring this building back to life is probably about 2+ times more than building new. No developer I have met in Jacksonville is willing to undertake that kind of expense. I'm not saying don't save it. I'm just saying don't leave it up to the developers. The city needs to undertake the saving of this building. Put it on the national register of historic places. Utilize the federal grant money out there that is allocated to registered historic structures. Raise it from the dead and turn it into a City of Jacksonville office building or some other type of public building, possibly a cultural arts center (we all know Jacksonville needs a little culture).
The Savannah College of Art and Design has saved many building just like this one, even ones in worst shape, and turned them into beautiful, vibrate places of human interaction. I think the City of Jacksonville owes PS#4 a little respect and revitalization.
lindab
June 04, 2009, 04:24:41 PMIt is on the National Register.
vicupstate
June 04, 2009, 04:30:55 PMIf the buildings condition is that bad, the PRICE should reflect that. The same owners have owned if for most of the period you are talking about. If they had preserved the roof, they would not be in the situation they are in now. They shouldn't just be allowed to demo by neglect the building.
Also, are you are referring to the roof of the entire structure or the auditorium? The Auditorium roof was wood, and the remainder concrete, according to someone 's post.
lindab
June 04, 2009, 04:34:03 PMOops, my mistake. It is listed as a local historic designation not national. This gives the JHPC jurisdiction over it.
JaxNative68
June 04, 2009, 04:58:09 PMWhich means in the end that City Hall has the final and ultimate jurisdiction over it. Unfortunately, I’m sure the city will come by in the dark of night and remove the building before any real protests can happen. It seems to be their MO. And somehow they alway get away with it. It's amazing what a little greased palm can get done.
cracklow
June 08, 2009, 01:20:20 AMso... what happened in the meeting?
lindab
June 08, 2009, 09:39:29 AMTook about 8 minutes. Chairman LUZ spoke, city attorney spoke, exec director RAP spoke (send to JHPC with all evidence/options) , RAP board member spoke agreement. No opposition from anyone to sending back to Historic Commission for consideration.
Deuce
June 08, 2009, 09:42:14 AMAt least it's safe for a little longer.
Rockinvox
June 08, 2009, 09:57:57 PMI agree with the person who remarked about needing a marketing division regarding the preservation of our historic landmarks. I am Jax native born & raised in San Marco. My Grandmother is one of the founders of the San Marco Preservation Society. I have seen so many buildings and other landmarks demolished in the name of "advancement" and some them are still vacant lots. It's a shame and I would really like to see more of what made this town remain a part of this town.
lindab
June 09, 2009, 07:54:44 AMThank you. It does make sense.
mtraininjax
June 17, 2009, 11:45:31 PMUse it or Lose it. Bulldoze it if it sits and adds to crime in the area. Brunswich just added 100 homes to its list of demolition because the owners did nothing to enhance the buildings or rent them out. PS 4 is a nice building, but its owners are idiots. Give then 180 days to find a tenant and a CONTRACT that is binding, or bulldoze it.
vicupstate
June 18, 2009, 05:38:13 AMWhy should the taxpayers be stuck with the bill instaed of the owner?
I guess that is why Brunswick isn't Savannah. Brunswick, isn't that the town with the paper mill at the entrance? Figures I guess.
vicupstate
June 18, 2009, 05:39:46 AMBTW, using that logic (if it can be called that), Mount Vernon would have been demolished decades ago.
mtraininjax
July 01, 2009, 04:25:25 PMFrom the Daily Record today - Geez - Doesn't anyone else read it?
thelakelander
July 01, 2009, 05:48:25 PMSounds good. Lets hope it pans out.
lindab
July 01, 2009, 06:03:07 PMI say let's keep close watch. Carlton Jones recently advocated demolition of two historic buildings on Margaret Street. He is recommending a pretty quick schedule for work considering keeping the historic building intact.
mtraininjax
July 01, 2009, 06:06:43 PMMr. Jones is listed as one of the contractors for the Gateway Mall, very generous in his campaign contibutions as well. If anything happens here, I would want to make sure its all private funding.
vicupstate
July 01, 2009, 06:32:49 PMFrom the sounds of it, it would be public and private. Anticipated tax revenues from the post-completed project would be returned to the developer AND/OR the renovation expenses would qualify as a credit against property taxes, if I am reading this correctly.
Sounds good to me. The city should do more of that kind of thing. Let's keep our fingers crossed that this pans out.
Charles Hunter
July 01, 2009, 10:30:24 PMCan some explain this to me? "have the new building erected in a couple weeks"?? What NEW building? He's not talking about the interior of the existing PS4, that is the "six months" in the next sentence.
thelakelander
July 01, 2009, 10:55:54 PMThey are proposing to build a new building behind the school in addition to it's reuse.
Dog Walker
July 02, 2009, 11:29:15 AMThe property and the school are actually owned by two different corporate entities and the property is much larger than it looks. It actually runs down College St. all the way to Rosselle St. behind Hughes Automotive and the A/C supply company. There is plenty of room for another building, parking, etc.
The property is owned by Peninsular Brooklyn, LLC a for-profit company, not by the Ida Stevens Foundation as the news stories have stated. The school is owned by Foundation Holdings IV, a non-profit company.
Neither Jones nor Milne can be trusted to be accurate about their motivations or their plans. Let's hope this time they are being truthful and that their plans work out. My fear is that this talk of a plan coming soon is just another smoke screen to get them out of spending any money to secure and stabilize the building. The delaying tactics and vague promises have served Milne well for over twenty years in this regard.
This property and building, under any new use, could become the first step in a renewed Brooklyn. Milne secured an easement from the FDOT as part of the deal to take some additional property for the expressway expansion. The easement runs UNDER the whole Interstate at ground level to Riverside Park, reconnecting the school building to the park and providing pedestrian access to Five Points and Riverside. Think of the possibilities!
The park was the playground for the school until the construction of the Fuller Warren Bridge in the '50's cut off the access. The Fuller Warren Bridge, while it was being constructed, was known as the Gilmore Street Bridge. The original address of the school was 1011 Gilmore St.
ChriswUfGator
July 16, 2009, 08:25:53 AM+1
This is the same guy who as recently as 3 or 4 months ago was caught applying to demolish the original Riverside clinic along with 2 historic houses, in order to build a CVS. From what I heard through the grapevine, RAP put a stop to that one rather quickly.
He seems to be an OK guy, but I hope he comes to have more respect for the historic fabric of the neighborhood than he has displayed of late. If he wants to just knock everything down and replace it with cooker-cutter prefab concrete, then he should go over to the southside and do it...they love that stuff over there.
lindab
July 16, 2009, 10:19:56 AMAmen!
Timkin
July 31, 2010, 06:39:19 AMIt probably IS back on track, given the relatively LITTLE support it has seen of late. All the brilliant minds who have grandiose Ideas for developing our dead Core, cannot even come up with a concrete plan to save a suffering building. BUT WE NEED A NEW CONVENTION CENTER, THATS FOR DAMN SURE!...Im in total agreement of that MAYBE in 10 years... But this School IS FAR MORE IMPORTANT.. At the rate its crumbling, it will be a pile of bricks with the idiots whittling away at its interior, busting everything in sight. And from the lack of respect of the community as a majority.. (theres a few who truly care ,but a hell of alot that really do not, and )THEIR ACTIONS speak for themselves.
For those of you who HAVE very generously donated your time and effort and sweat and tools , and most importantly , your love, From the bottom of my heart I thank you.. But that isnt going to cut it..
For those of you who doe alot of talking ,but ZERO to really help this by complaining to HPC , the Mayor, Council (not that shes going to get much support from that) I know having Mayor Peyton in Charge, the damn thing will be on the ground soon.. He inasmuch stated that to a council member in an email , several years back, which is when I saw them ALL for the lowlife LYING , Criminal people they are.
When she falls, ITS DAMN SURE NOT GOING TO BE BECAUSE I DID NOT TRY! ITS GOING TO BE THAT MOST OF YOU didnt give a shit.
uptowngirl
July 31, 2010, 07:24:07 AMTimkin did this just happen? Did the owner file for demo recently? Whats going on? Last I heard it was safe for a while and that was in June, what has changed? What can we do?
Timkin
July 31, 2010, 07:33:17 AMPray. Contact the owner. Try to find a developer /purchaser for the building.. but don't rely on any of the staff here..... The School is the last thing they are worried about. That is obvious.
thelakelander
July 31, 2010, 07:37:02 AMDo I dare ask, but what has gotten into you this morning?
Kay
July 31, 2010, 11:33:21 AMMy information is that the demolition application will be or has been administratively withdrawn because there is a new owner.
stephendare
July 31, 2010, 11:34:47 AMKay, does anyone have any biographical information on Annie Lytle?
stephendare
July 31, 2010, 12:07:35 PMhttp://jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/070800/ner_3478303.html
I see that Mrs Annie Lytle Housch and her sister, Mary Lytle were at this conference of southern educators in 1904
http://books.google.com/books?id=08ocAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA230&lpg=PA230&dq=Annie+Lytle+Housh&source=bl&ots=w9LpkLfR6p&sig=kaLy2mxSB1LnOHi4uCynyBnVg7Q&hl=en&ei=PkVUTJn2OMKC8gb-xORI&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CCcQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Annie%20Lytle%20Housh&f=false
stephendare
July 31, 2010, 12:14:07 PMhttp://jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/070800/ner_3473578.html
stephendare
July 31, 2010, 12:20:11 PMomg.
can you even imagine having to march to this every morning before school?
Timkin
August 01, 2010, 01:59:29 AMExactly as I have stated... Myself and a few kindhearted volunteers have done all the work to make this place look better.. What have ANY of you done to help ? Driven this Convention Center Idea THROUGH THE GROUND and oh , did i mention ..." of the two projects , The Convention Center or Annie Lytle being restored" Annie has less of a chance.......maybe not in those exact words, but pretty much the jest of your statement.
Annie may never see a new Chapter....OF the two projects , She should and your damn convention center needs to be mothballed......... Don't hold your breath on your multimillion dollar convention center.
And... I got your email intending to ignore me... Fine .. I really don't care .
thelakelander
August 01, 2010, 05:41:56 AMYes, I typically ignore such requests.
We've given you a public platform to get your message out and even run a few front page stories about the Annie Lytle situation over the years. You should take advantage of it to promote your cause.
Is this is what your out of character rant is about? Given city politics and what's come out of the mayor's on mouth, I was just being realistic. However, that doesn't mean you should get overly sensitive. It just means there's more work to be done on the historic preservation front.
Since when did it become my convention center and your school? If the forum atmosphere is too much for you, you should probably lay off of it for a while. Imo, there's nothing on here that should cause anyone the amount of stress you seem to be going through.
Sure you care. Or else you would not be posting about it at 2am in the morning. Anyway, nobody wishes you ill will and we (MJ staff) certainly don't want to see the Annie Lytle taken down. Just remember, while we can't focus all our attention on your specific priority (city has too many issues and we have our own personal life's too live), we do allow you a platform to get your message out to thousands of people beyond your reach. Once you cool down, try and take advantage of it.
Timkin
August 01, 2010, 02:59:15 PMWell... I'm through ranting.. I have my agenda....which is to stand for and save if at all possible, this poor Schoolhouse. And while I am not able to work on it every Saturday as I truly wish i could, I am still trying to find a solution. Much like I suppose you are trying to find solutions to what you call ,priorities.
And I am not further trying to argue the point but the only "Front Page Story" I have seen on here is the tour of the School in Pictures. I think there is little of the Jacksonville population that does not know what the inside of the School looks like today, thanks to such outlets as Youtube, Facebook, Myspace , etc.. Anyway, you make a point... You all did do that. Thank you.
thelakelander
August 01, 2010, 03:25:11 PMHere are links to a few articles over the years where we have included the Annie Lytle.
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2009-sep-downtowns-most-endangered-historic-buildings
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2009-oct-ruins-of-jacksonville-annie-lytle-public-school
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2007-nov-annie-lytle-gets-a-new-roof
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2006-sep-disappearing-brooklyn-saving-what
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2008-nov-urban-parks-riverside-park
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2007-jun-jacksonvilles-most-endangered-historic-buildings
Timkin
August 01, 2010, 03:59:53 PMI mean no disrespect when I pose the next question...... How do I utilize these stories , to find someone out there or some group out there who cares enough to buy and save this building??
Frustrated is an understatement.. Do we need a convention center?? If you say so... But Annie will not be here in 10 years (thats not my estimation it is a FACT) If we as a community do not come together and find a way to save her. My anger comes from a place of what appears to be lack of concern for the building's future. A multimillion dollar convention center is great and wonderful , but IT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN TOMORROW...I DON'T CARE WHO IS Mayor.
SO ,,,,with that said, can we not shift our focus just a little bit to something that is in dire need of attention RIGHT NOW? Because 10 years from now , it is not going to matter, if we do not band together and find a way... I have been on this since 2006 so with all due respect, Your articles are touching... It is obvious that you all have brilliant minds...(im not being disrespectful, im being completely serious) ANNIE NEEDS ALL OF OUR HELP!!!! I do not know how to make this message any clearer!
thelakelander
August 01, 2010, 04:22:12 PMThem just being on MJ exposes the building and it's issues to thousands of people that are beyond your individual reach. Everyday, we have people coming to the site for the first time. Keeping these threads fresh with updated information, historical stories about the building, images, etc. will continue to expose the Annie Lytle to thousands.
Also, if you want to have a converstation about potential adaptive reuses, just start a thread and throw some uses out there for discussion. There are enough professionals from all types of fields that will provide their input. Given the site's ability to get high hits, that future potential buyer could be reading.
First, I think we have to put things in their perspective place. There is no either or situation here. It's not about a convention center or mass transit or historic preservation. All of these things come from different funding sources and they won't be accomplished overnight. It's more about creating the political will power to change the way we currently conduct things in this city. With that said, we must make an effort to properly plan for all, regardless of whether a project happens 5, 10 or 20 years down the road.
The central core of MJ's focus is creating a better sustainable Jacksonville. When it comes to historic preservation, not only does the Annie Lytle need help but also whole neighborhoods like Springfield, Downtown, Durkeeville, Eastside, Brooklyn, New Springfield, Moncrief, etc. At the heart of MJ's operations there are only five individuals all donating free time outside of their regular lives to provide this product. This five can only do so much. However, when individuals and small groups like yourself or SOS stand up for your cause, we are here to be the conduit that gets your message across to thousands, including this city's political players.
Timkin
August 01, 2010, 05:01:01 PMA lot of the City's political players, follow most of them for the past at least 4 decades, which is why we not only have neighborhoods like Springfield and Brooklyn and others suffering as they are, but why buildings such as Annie and Fire Station 5 probably will not be saved.. Mayor Peyton replied ONCE to my plea on this building , of course commending my cause ,but probably laughing out loud, knowing he was never going to lift a finger to help the cause.. I still have that letter in case anyone would like to read it...along with another that was an internal email from he to Councilman Shad about the School which was anything but encouraging. From the time of reading that letter, I have had no use whatsoever for John Peyton, and see him for who he really is.
It just seems that if I have to count on this City's Government to save anything , let alone Annie Lytle I might as well leap off of the Modis building.. I have ZERO faith in Jacksonville's Government.
thelakelander
August 01, 2010, 05:23:03 PMFind a mayor who values historic preservation, support and vote for them in 2011. The newcomer will have the ability to change how the local government currently operates.
CS Foltz
August 01, 2010, 07:41:15 PMYou said it lake! Changes.............they are a coming! I will note vote for any incumbent!
Timkin
August 01, 2010, 08:04:54 PMI hope for everyone's sake that change is truly coming.. because this city is on the brink of a point of no return.