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A MOD, MOD WORLD If you’ve ever looked at a Mid-century ranch style or A-frame home and wondered if the interior matches the exterior, now’s your chance for an answer. The sixth annual Arlington Mod & More Tour—held October 2627—highlights local homes built in the 1950s and ‘60s. While there’s plenty of inspiration for Mid-century design geeks, this year’s event goes way out of the era, too, featuring the landmark Marabanong mansion in Empire Point. The Queen Anne style house was built in 1876 and added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2013. Tour tickets are $20 at 904tix.com u
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A Bug’s Life How to protect your house against a most destructive invasive species BY ALLY SORRELS
IN 2016, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE CUMMER MUSEUM’S WOMEN’S CLUB OF JACKSONVILLE WAS INFESTED BY A MASS OF INVADERS. But even with millions invested into the building and plans to utilize it for community outreach and education programs, the invasion brought about the demise of the 1920s Tudor-style building. What was the horrific species that led to the demolition of the historic building? Formosan termites. Despite a team of entomologists, architects, and engineers collaborating to save the building, the species is so aggressive that the museum decided to cut its losses while still ahead. According to a statement released by the Cummer, “There is no guarantee the termites will not return, and none of the pest control companies consulted
were willing to provide a bond against Formosan termite damage.” And since reinfestation is common, the museum’s Board of Trustees made the difficult decision that it would be fiscally irresponsible to continue spending money on the renovation project, estimated at $10 million. To learn more about this specific species, we spoke to Paul Mitola, environmental consultant with Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and Dr. Nan-Yao Su, professor of entomology for University of Florida’s Research and Education Center. Native to China, Formosan termites have been transported to other areas, including the Southeastern U.S. As one of the most destructive pests in the world, they are estimated to annually cause more
GREEN WITH ENVY Paint maker Behr predicts homeowners will be bringing the outside in come next year. In August, the brand announced its 2020 Color of the Year, Back to Nature, a subdued green shade that works in both residential and commercial spaces. “Green is nature’s favorite color. It’s kind of like nature’s neutral,” says Erika Woelfel, Behr vice president of color and creative services. In other words, it’s a goes-with-anything shade that works as well on a statement wall as it does on a mantel. “There are infinite ways to layer it,” adds Woelfel. u 34 |
JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / OCTOBER 2019
