Ruins of Jacksonville: Annie Lytle Public School

[dealemon]

I knew nothing of this school till My son brought up to me, He is very intrigued by it. My son being 13 has been talking about it a lot here lately, So we drove by it to get the name off the building and ever since He and I have been reading about it and trying to find out as much as possible. He tells me that he would love to see or even when he gets older restore it. He tells me that he would like to teach about or in it one day because it is a part of our History. I feel bad not knowing as much about it being that I drive bye nearly everyday and have lived in Florida since 1984 but grew up in Orange Park. On another note I have not seen him so interested in something quit like this he has been trying to get as much info as he can, So when he goes back to school he would like to talk to his Christian teachers about it. I have seen the out side of it up close only driving by and getting as close I can I wished I would have had my camera that Day, It was pretty to see something so old with so much history still standing. I wish that people could take the time to look at things the way My son is looking at a building 82yrs before his time. If only all buildings that have so much History could be restored instead of plowed over for some of the new things we don't need.   

[Timkin]

I knew nothing of this school till My son brought up to me, He is very intrigued by it. My son being 13 has been talking about it a lot here lately, So we drove by it to get the name off the building and ever since He and I have been reading about it and trying to find out as much as possible. He tells me that he would love to see or even when he gets older restore it. He tells me that he would like to teach about or in it one day because it is a part of our History. I feel bad not knowing as much about it being that I drive bye nearly everyday and have lived in Florida since 1984 but grew up in Orange Park. On another note I have not seen him so interested in something quit like this he has been trying to get as much info as he can, So when he goes back to school he would like to talk to his Christian teachers about it. I have seen the out side of it up close only driving by and getting as close I can I wished I would have had my camera that Day, It was pretty to see something so old with so much history still standing. I wish that people could take the time to look at things the way My son is looking at a building 82yrs before his time. If only all buildings that have so much History could be restored instead of plowed over for some of the new things we don't need.   

Indeed.... Its too bad the School is in Jacksonville Florida, where only select pieces of history are favored or saved.  This building is unique and beautiful... and it means alot to me that your son is so interested.. Snap pictures while you can... in fact..  contact the people of this forum...as they have many pictures..   but either way.. do it while you can.. What the people who have beaten it up so badly inside have not done, the bulldozers and wrecking balls will soon enough.

[Timkin]

Unless of course I can seek out a potential buyer/developer who can make the numbers work for the building to become viable.  If it does happen, it will probably only be because no matter how it appeared outwardly, I never gave up.   This building is more important than a new Courthouse or Convention Center..  It cannot wait another 20-30 years on a maybe.. Too many people want it gone now, so I guess I will continue on tirelessly until I find a solution.

[dealemon]

I have been up late looking up info on-line I found out that U can go to the down town library  floor five with your id and library card and get a packet of info or something of that sort. I'm going to have to check that out. And yes I will try to get some photos during the day at least the out side. I want to check out the inside at one point or another and so does my son. I think I will find a way to contact the owner some how so we can do it legally. I'm going to keep my son's interest strong I'm proud that he has taking such a interest in something. 

[Timkin]

I am proud of him as well dealemon.. I know the agent for the owner and can put you in touch.  I would advise against just entering the building at will ,but that said, it is not my building and i cannot stop anyone.  I must caution you , there are holes in dark areas of the building that go into the basement, areas where the ceiling is failing . areas where the roof is failing.. so if you get permission, please be careful.    The interior is pretty well photographed on this thread.. but if you want to see it for yourself , at least please go through the proper channels to gain entry.  Just advice for whatever its worth .

[dealemon]

Oh yes I would never put my self nor my son at risk, Beside I would want to go in the day light. Getting a hold of the agent or owner would be great. That would help him with his study on the school so much.

[Timkin]

PVT MSG me dealemon and I will provide you contact details.  Thanks .

[SunKing]

Why would the Y want to go into there?

Why do they want to go in strip malls and office parks?

still dont follow you.  they own their own facility on the water across the street

[Timkin]

 As I go by the School these days, it seems to look worse than ever. Graffiti now present all over the outside of the School. I was under the impression that the City hired a private contractor to board up and secure the building.. that is obviously not happening. Unable to get the owner to return a call. Wonder who at the City I could talk to about this , without pushing it closer to demolition ?

[SunKing]

whats the latest here?  any contact with the owners?

[Dog Walker]

The new holders of the deed, a Miami tax deed investment firm, refuse to talk to anyone about the school.  Even the City has been unsuccessful in getting them to respond and is securing the school itself.

Timkin is meeting with City officials to see what can be done to get the school out of their hands.  The owner of the surrounding property would obviously love to see the school torn down as it would enhance the value to his land.

[Timkin]

RAP and Myself and any interested parties (who are pro-saving the School)  are meeting with City officials to see what options are possible.   At present the City is on the hook to attempt securing the building, and not only do they not like that, but it is not working.  Vandals continually compromise the sealed places and enter at will.   This is not helping matters at all when it comes to trying to save the building, obviously.  It is viewed by some as a public nuisance.   The same could be said for any building that is vacated, neglected, and has an Owner not willing to put a dime into the building in the way of practical maintenance , or improvements, such as a roof system , in this building's case.  SO .. do we just demolish it , and every other unused building in Jacksonville, and just keep bearing the burden of these demolitions? Makes no sense to me .

[vicupstate]

Why can't the city simpy fine them for code violations including  not securing the building when it is clearly dangerous ?

[Timkin]

Vicup....I am about 100% certain that the City has an accumulation of fines for code violations and quite a lengthy tab to the current owner for the third party contractor doing the securing of the building and fences, etc.  The last time I did anything with the building was shortly AFTER the new owner took over...I painted over graffiti on the Columns and mowed the grass .

Not long afterward my hold-harmless agreement in place expired.  SO  I cannot legally do any work on the property until such time as either the owner(s) allow me to again , and/or  The City somehow authorizes myself and volunteers to work on it. 

A Volunteer came up with an idea for sealing the lower level openings we feel would work much better than the tried , and failed for decades,  Plywood and nail routine.  It just simply does not hold up to a crowbar.

[iloveionia]

Timkin,
Any letter that can be written in support of saving the school?
Please let me (us) know and I am on it.