Print ArticleIn the first half of the 20th century, the area that is known as East Bay Street today, was almost wholly industrial- and maritime- related. With the railroad and wharves paralleling a block south, along the riverfront, many firms took advantage of Bay Street's easy access to the St. Johns River. The most important industry during this era was shipbuilding and repair. With the rise of free trade, deindustrialization, and a movement to clean up the downtown waterfront, many industries began to leave the area in the mid-20th century. Although a number of historic warehouses, factories and wharves were left and available for other uses, the majority have been demolished in the later half of the 20th century. With the push to cluster entertainment uses in this section of downtown and the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission's (JEDC) desire to brand the corridor "The E-Town zone," Metro Jacksonville takes a look into the district's past.
The foot of the Ocean Street market where catches of fish were sold during the 1910s. This site today is where the Ocean Street ramp passes over Independent Drive.
The Red Star Beef Company and Market on the southeast corner of Bay and Ocean Streets in 1941. Owned by Tony Cotsonis, Red Star dealt in large sales of food products.
Inside the Red Star Market on the southeast corner of Bay and Ocean Streets during the 1930s. While industrial in use, the majority of companies along the waterfront also included retail storefronts for their products along Bay Street, creating a market-district-style atmosphere.
The J.G. Christopher Company building on East Bay Street in 1939. Today, this is the location of Berkman Plaza.
John G. Christopher came to Jacksonville in 1877 and became one of the city's most noted entrepreneurs. He started the first wholesale grocery firm in Florida, and in 1884 built the fabulous Murray Hall Hotel at Pablo Beach. During this time he also owned several lines of steamships and schooners that traveled the St. Johns River and made regular trips to New York. He built the first electric generating plant in Florida. In 1896, he started a machinery and mill supply business that became one of the largest in the Southeast and used this two-story warehouse. This building has a handsome facade, featuring three arched entryways highlighted by rusticated jointing of the bricks. Other notable details include cast-stone trim, quoins, and a metal cornice. Before being demolished, the building housed county and city records, including the largest collection of pre-Fire Duval County documents.Source: Jacksonville's Architectural Heritage, pg. 37
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