Neighborhoods: Lake Forest

[Metro Jacksonville]

Neighborhoods: Lake Forest



Metro Jacksonville takes a visit to one of the Northside's earliest automobile oriented communities: Lake Forest.

Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2010-oct-neighborhoods-lake-forest

[urbanlibertarian]

Thanks, lake.  Nice piece.  The house we lived in when I was born was on Smyrna St south of Edgewood.  The lot has since been paved over for a bank parking lot.  I grew up near San Mateo and we of course shopped regularly at Gateway.

[duvaldude08]

Its a shame how Gateway when down so quickly. I remember going to Jcpenney and service merchaindise as a child. I can vaguely remember Ames. And I also remember it used to be a video store in the middle of the parking area as well. I grew up off main street so I spent ALOt of time on Lem Turner and Edgewood.

[thelakelander]

I didn't grow up in Jax, but we spent a lot of time at Gateway when we were visiting town or passing through.  In the early to mid-80s I remember it being a busy place. Back in those days I remember the road next to JCPenney going under the pedestrian walkway that connected the mall to the outdoor shops.

[finehoe]

Jefferson Ward

It was Montgomery Ward.  'Jefferson's' was an 80's spin-off.

Those of us who grew up in Lake Forest back in the day certainly spent time at Gateway, but I don't know anyone who would consider that mall as being in Lake Forest.

That said, thanks for the fun trip down memory lane.  One of the houses pictured was next door to mine.

[thelakelander]

I don't think any believes the mall is in Lake Forest.  It's in Norwood.  However, a lot of the commercial development that lines Lem Turner, in Lake Forest and adjacent Norwood is a result of Gateway once being a regional shopping anchor.

[finehoe]

However, a lot of the commercial development that lines Lem Turner, in Lake Forest and adjacent Norwood is a result of Gateway once being a regional shopping anchor.

Perhaps, but Lem Turner north of the creek was always commercial. (Incidently, that creek would be a great candidate for one of the hidden waterways series.)

[thelakelander]

Yes.  I need to get out on our waterways a little more.  We've got a ton worth exploring.