Print ArticleFor over 40 years, Jacksonville Municipal Airport Imeson Field was the center of the First Coast?s commercial aviation scene. Jacksonville Municipal Airport Number One opened in 1927, with a dedication that included Charles Lindbergh. In 1931, Eastern Air Transit (eventually Eastern Airlines) became the first major commercial airline to provide regular service to Jacksonville.
Imeson Today
In 1970, Webb International Inc. purchased the former 1,500-acre airport and then proceeded to turn it into a new commerce center. Today, this business park is known as Imeson International Industrial Park. Despite Imeson Field closing over 38 years ago, the remnants of old runways and taxiways can be seen throughout the industrial park. Imeson Park Blvd, is actually a significant stretch of Runway 30 that was never removed.
Imeson is Jacksonville's largest developed industrial park with over 6 million square feet of space. Major companies operating at the park include Kaman Aerospace, Bacardi, Westinghouse and Malnove Packaging.
This aerial, taken in 2008, shows a network of former taxiways totally abandoned or partially used as storage yards and access roads. The small building located on the right side of this image is the last remaining hanger from Imeson's aviation days.
A recent Google Earth image of Imeson International Industrial Park.
Looking closely, one can see the remnants of Imeson Field's five runways. To help, an overlay of Imeson Field is provided with this Google Earth image. Over 600 acres still await industrial development at Imeson. Imeson's close proximity to Blount Island, Mitsui and I-95, should continue to make this industrial park a top choice for companies looking to locate facilities in Jacksonville.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON IMESON FIELD:
www.airfields-freeman.com/FL/Airfields_FL_Jax_NE.htm
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