What? City has no plans for space where the Southern Bell building once sat?

[Adam W]

So... why was it torn down in the first place? Were there structural issues or something?

[thelakelander]

It was actually in pretty good shape and occupied.  It was torn down to make way for the new courthouse, which ended up a block away.  This demo was one expense with the courthouse project that was a complete waste.

[Adam W]

It was actually in pretty good shape and occupied.  It was torn down to make way for the new courthouse, which ended up a block away.  This demo was one expense with the courthouse project that was a complete waste.

That's unbelievable. And stupid.

[JFman00]

I haven't even been here a year yet, and I'm just astonished at the active malice the city seems to have against it's history and historical structures. In major cities across America, citizens and their elected representatives fight tooth and nail to at least preserve buildings like this. Her,e the government seems most responsible for these buildings coming down and by the comments section in the TU, people here can't be bothered and would probably cheer if all of 32202 was bulldozed and turned into a parking lot.

[fsquid]

Charlotte doesn't fight tooth and nail.  They've destroyed most of their historical fabric.  Of course, they are ready with infill on those demolitions.

[Ralph W]

It would take someone with real INTUITION to discover the right use for the site;)

That's a great idea! INTUITION is looking for a place to build a new brewery. An integral tavern will draw in the three martini (beer) lunch crowd from the courthouse and all those lawyers offices.

But will there be enough parking?

[BackinJax05]

Yet ANOTHER historic Jacksonville building thoughtlessly demolished in the name of progress.

[vicupstate]

In hindsight this was a terrible decision, but you do have to remember the context.  During the early 2000's the energy DT was the opposite of the downturn it is experiencing now.  The courthouse was coming and the BJP was spurring a lot of new investment both public and private.  This building was the ONLY one in the whole block.  With it gone, it was a blank canvas.  It seemed highly likely that it would be put to some new use. 

Actually, the original courthouse plan showed a park-like square in front of the Cannon design courthouse. for this block.

[BackinJax05]

Something tells me whatever happens with this site will never match what was once on it.....

A 13 floor hotel ... no wonder it didnt last & got demolished 

On a serious note: My mom graduated from high school here in 1952. She told me she & the family loved it because it was air conditioned. Their house at the time was not.