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In 1925, after proclaiming that Jacksonville was destined to become the major metropolis of the South, the United Cigar Stores Company purchased twenty-six corner lots throughout the city for $1,500,000. Eight other structures similar to this one were built by Baeder Properties, a subsidiary of the cigar company, in 1926. Each building contained nine retail storefronts, with the corner space reserved for a United Cigar Store. Decorative features of the Mediterranean Revival style of architecture highlighted the exteriors including wrought-iron grills in the arched windows, a clay-tile brow roof, and cast-stone ornaments. The unusual orientation of the facade toward the corner is the hallmark of these buildings. A wooden Indian was usually prominently displayed by the entrance. Of the nine original United Cigar buildings, most have been demolished or severely altered, leaving this as the best example of these old cigar shops.Jacksonville's Architectural Heritage, page 30
Today, this Chris Hionides owned building is the home of the London Bridge Pub and Poppy Loves Smoke, anchoring downtown's rapidly growing nightlife scene.
London Bridge Pub
Poppy Love Smoke
Development Update by Ennis Davis
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BridgeTroll
March 19, 2010, 07:39:34 AMIts about time. The previous owners got tired of waiting. I hope this happens...
finehoe
March 19, 2010, 09:10:22 AM^^ The previous owners got tired of waiting for what?
Miss Fixit
March 19, 2010, 09:26:30 AMWhat a major improvement to this very visible and important corner - Carnegie Library across the street; FloridaTheatre around the block, etc.
Is this an owner funded project or is any grant money involved?
RockStar
March 19, 2010, 01:11:43 PMGood question, Miss Fixit. Much of these improvements could be made by the operator(s), but they don't seem interested. Not likely to be owner funded.
Sportmotor
March 19, 2010, 02:37:30 PMThis is def needed
Kay
March 19, 2010, 05:10:29 PMThey definitely need better outside furniture. The stuff they have now is mismatched.
strider
March 20, 2010, 12:41:20 AMThis is good news for Downtown and the thread title suggests it will be done. Though I admitt I am confused by some of the other posts which suggest it won't be? It is my understanding that exterior improvements like this done to a multiple leaseholder building would often fall to the owner (control reasons as much as anything) rather than the individual leaseholders. Though I am sure they get to pay for it in increased rent! However, I would still guess there is some grant money or tax credits, ETC. at work here as well.
Miss Fixit
March 20, 2010, 08:41:22 AMThat was my thought, too - the landlord/owner of the entire building should be responsible for the improvements and I'm curious about the extent and source of any grants or credits he may have received.
RockStar
March 20, 2010, 01:49:35 PMUnderstand that some of the "improvements" would need to be done by the lessee. If someone breaks a window, the building owner isn't going to pay for it. Now, if you're asking me what kind of operator replaces a broken window with a piece of plywood...
I see their outside furniture as being symbolic of their operating philosophy.
And who doesn't love an English pub that serves microwave pizzas?
Sorry, I just wish so hard for that place to be great again... but if you don't know how to run a restaurant, please don't buy a restaurant.
Prax_N_Jax
March 20, 2010, 04:46:06 PMany improvements to any building in the downtown area however miniscule or extravegant is still an improvement.... imo