By the late 19th century, Jacksonville's 31 wharfs were home to piers, warehouses, and other facilities necessary for handling ships. However, the results of the Great Fire of 1901 transformed the wharfs at the foot of Ocean Street into a special place; the type of place that attracts people from all walks of life and one that tourist flock to in the 21st century, when visiting cities like Seattle, San Francisco, and Philadelphia.
Looking south down Ocean Street, from Bay Street, in 1941. The South Ocean Street Hotel was above the ground level storefronts. The Red Star Beef Company and Market was one of the retail storefronts in this building. Owned by Tony Cotsonis, Red Star dealt in large sales of food products.State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory, http://floridamemory.com/items/show/51321
Aerial of downtown and the market. State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory, http://floridamemory.com/items/show/166690
When this photograph was taken on September 3, 1947, a portion of Ocean Street's market style atmosphere had already been demolished for parking. For you craft brewers out there, Frank Fehr Brewing Company was one of the early tenants housed in the structure demolished for Albright Auto Park. State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory, http://floridamemory.com/items/show/166738
An abandoned storefront at 15 South Ocean Street in 1948. State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory, http://floridamemory.com/items/show/51189
The market and dilapidated wharfs on July 7, 1948. State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory, http://floridamemory.com/items/show/166681
Intersection of Bay and Ocean around 1950. The Red Star Tavern is located on the left. The Bostwick Building is located on the right. State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory, http://floridamemory.com/items/show/52918
Aerial of downotwn photographed on March 23, 1956.The Ocean Street market is no more. Replaced by the city's first riverfront parking lot as a part of one of downtown's first revitalization efforts. State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory, http://floridamemory.com/items/show/166868
The site of the Ocean Street market in 2015.
a large portion of the former market site now serves as the Jacksonville Landing's parking lot.
Article by Ennis Davis, AICP. Contact Ennis at edavis@moderncities.com
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