Jacksonville Magazine's HOME, Spring 2023

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RIVERSIDE AVONDALE PRESERVATION’S HOME TOUR

April 15-16

SPRING

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UPCOMING EVENTS

→ April 28

Hoodoo Gurus Live

– River City Railway

→ May 3 St. Augustine Food + Wine Festival

– World Golf Village

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READER POLLS JACK SONV ILL

As someone who is newly involved with the Riverside Avondale Preservation Home Tour Committee, I am floored by the effort that goes into events like Home Tour, but also by the sustained work that so many people have done to keep this community thriving. Whether you’re new to the neighborhood or have attended multiple Home Tours, I implore you to see more of the architectural styles in our beautiful borough! Home Tour homeowners are graciously giving us the opportunity to witness first hand, and understand, the diverse structures we live amongst in Riverside and Avondale.

The Riverside and Avondale neighborhoods have a reputation for an abundance of iconic structures. Known for their eclectic architectural style and artistic character, Riverside and Avondale grew during the post-Great Fire boom years of 1901-1929. Avondale became the most elaborately planned development in Jacksonville including sidewalks, sewer, City water, gas, electricity, and sixteen parks. Nearly 200 unique homes were completed in the first two years of Avondale’s development and both Riverside and Avondale remain a historic gem.

Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP), like many preservation groups, was a response to a trending dilemma, namely the demolition of large, historic residential properties once suburbs started to gain popularity. In 1974 neighbors came together to form RAP, whose main purpose is to actively preserve the unique character of this neighborhood. The functioning art that has been maintained is a testament to the love and care we have for our community.

From the very beginning RAP found it imperative to feature the community’s greatest historical gems: the homes of Riverside and Avondale, by creating the annual Tour of Homes. A signature event for RAP is now regarded as a tradition for celebrating the neighborhood’s rich architectural heritage. This year’s event features Mediterranean Revival, Bungalow, Mission Style, Tudor, and more. Even more impressive, the incredible restoration stories from properties that were decades vacant and abandoned. Look at them now!

For a limited number of guests, we transport you to a night under the stars at this year’s Twilight Party! This is a preview event in our featured home hosted by owners Lynn & Mike Israel. This Italian Revival is a beacon of architectural and design inspiration. The party, catered by Biscottis, is Thursday, April 13 at 6:30pm.

With that, we are ecstatic to continue the celebration with Riverside Avondale Preservation’s 49th annual Tour of Homes! I’m excited to see what this year holds. Make the most of the occasion and let me be the first to say, “Welcome!”

THE 49TH ANNUAL ANNUA L

RIVERSIDE

AVONDALE PRESERVATION

Living in the Riverside Avondale historic district is a dream come true for many people. Not only are you living in a neighborhood planned for walkability and nearby parks, your home was constructed with details not often found today. And, every historic home has a story to tell. They also become a canvas for owners to create something new out of something classic. Homes on the 49th Riverside Avondale Annual Spring Home Tour are a testament to the beauty that lay underneath, as many properties underwent extensive renovation to reveal what you see today. Welcome to the Riverside Avondale Historic District where you will find historic architecture, vibrant local commercial districts, public spaces and a warm sense of community.

4/ 15 4/ 16 10AM - 4PM

12PM - 4PM

TICKETS & INFORMATION: 904TIX.COM

2023 HOME TOUR CO-CHAIRS JOY WALKER AND KYLE WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK PENNINGTON

TICKETS, PLEASE

The 49th Annual Home Tour features homes, churches and commercial properties showcasing Riverside and Avondale’s historic architecture and neighborhood restoration efforts. Ticket purchasers can access all properties with a Home Tour Ticket, which may be purchased online at 904TIX.com or in-person at many of the properties on the tour.

ROLLING inRIVERSIDE

Enjoy the Home Tour on your own, self-guided, or with a fun guided tour. Ride your bike, hop on an electric bike (less pedaling!), or experience the beauty of the neighborhood on a Go Tuk’n—a fancy solar/electric powered golf cart that quietly zips along to each tour location.

ART BIKES JAX - details at www.artbikesjax.com

GO TUK’N - purchase seats at www.gotukn.com  ZENCOG – bike details at 904TIX.com

Jacksonville ARTISTS GUILD

The Jacksonville Artists Guild will continue their decade-long year partnership with Riverside Avondale Preservation in hosting The Art House , which is an unoccupied but lovely space on the tour. The popular Art House will feature local and regional artists showcasing and selling their work in a number of mediums—oil, acrylic, water-color, sculpture and photography. Participating artists will be on hand to answer questions and discuss their work with guests.

Sponsors:

Susan Kennedy & The Kennedy Team

Cady Jax Realty | Compass

Brooklyn Owen - Keller Williams Realty

NATIVE PLANT SALE

The Ixia Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society is holding their Annual Native Plant Sale on Saturday, April 15, from 10 AM-2 PM at Native Parks 1 and 2.  These adjacent parks have growing examples of all the plants on sale, plus volunteer Ixia members will be available to help with advice in selecting and caring for plants purchased.

The sale is open to the public at no charge and will include a variety of flowers, shrubs, trees, vines and ground covers, all native to Northeast Florida. Proceeds from the sale benefit Native Park improvements.

Native Park I was adopted by Ixia in 2010 as part of the City’s Friends of the Park program to carry out the original purpose of “the study of Florida plant life.”  It is the first City of Jacksonville Park to receive the outstanding Park Award presented by Riverside Avondale Preservation and St. Johns Riverkeeper, as well as a City of Jacksonville Neighborhood Award.  More information about Ixia and the future plans for both these lovely parks can be found at ixia. fnpschapters.org

3rd Annual GARDEN TOUR

The Riverside Avondale Preservation Garden Tour returns on Saturday, May 13, from 10 AM to 4 PM. This special event brings neighbors and businesses together to share the transformative nature of front yards, backyards, gardens and landscapes that are sure to give inspiration and encourage budding gardening ideas to bloom. Tour admission includes access to several backyards with varying garden styles, some even featuring live music, refreshments, and activities. Flower gardens, vegetable gardens, and beautiful backyards make this tour a great way to spend a Saturday–perhaps with Mom for Mother’s Day!

General Admission is self-guided, although guided tours are available through Go Tuk’n, Art Bikes Jax, and via the Bicycle Tour led by ZenCog. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 day of event, and may be purchased online at 904TIX.com. As the full lineup of gardens to be featured hasn’t yet bloomed, guests will receive a list of properties and addresses the week of the event. Hope to see you later this spring!

3404 ST. JOHNS AVENUE • Preview Party Location

ITALIAN RENAISSANCE

The palaces and canals of Venice inspired the design of a true neighborhood residential landmark

Owners Michael and Lynn Israel absolutely love their home. Architect Jefferson Powell designed the incredible Mediterranean Revival residence after a trip to Venice, drawing inspiration from the many Italian palaces. The home was built for Max Knauer, a prominent hardware dealer in 1929. Unique brass hardware fixtures are prominent throughout and speak to the

original owner. Other one-of-a-kind features include a fountain in the sunroom and the hand-carved fireplace surround and mantle. Also unusual, there is a full basement and balconies on either end of the home.

The homage to Italy continued as subsequent owners added a pool and spa inspired by the canals of Venice.

Twilight Party

PATRONS ARE INVITED TO JOIN IN AN EXCLUSIVE EVENING HOME TOUR PREVIEW PARTY featuring live music by the Stefan Klein Trio, delish eats by neighborhood favorite Biscottis. The party, taking place Thursday, April 13, celebrates the launch of the annual home showcase by inviting all participating homeowners to be recognized as one of the Tour locations. The Twilight Party is an enchanting evening and a great way to experience the special event in a whole new way. Tickets include access to the year’s Featured Home, libations, hors d’oeuvres and desserts all night. A limited number of tickets to the Twilight Party are available for purchase online @ 904TIX.com.

The original blueprints of the house still exist, and each of the home’s four owners have taken incredible care of the neighborhood landmark.

Mike and Lynn worked with Lori Taylor Halbach to refine the current interior design, creating a setting which accentuates the impressive architectural details. Together, the owners and designer crafted a casually elegant and inviting home for their family and friends to enjoy year-round.

Michael and Lynn are in IT Staffing Sales for the CSI Companies. They live with their son, who enjoys the

benefit of the home’s basement apartment. In addition, the pool house has been converted into a mother-inlaw suite, perfect for the family’s needs. The Israel’s are not new to Riverside and love the walkability, neighborhood activity, and vibrancy of Avondale. Their proximity to the Shoppes is perfect for their lifestyle. They say their neighborhood walks reveal new architectural details previously unseen, even after seven years of living in the area.

The head-turning residence is on several different architectural tours, including the Go Tuk’n Architecture and History Tour of Riverside and Avondale. “The house

is iconic in the neighborhood, a true one of a kind with the most amazing features. We love the location because we feel like we are in the heart of Avondale and central to everything,” says Michael.

Recent upgrades to the property include a complete bathroom remodel, a basement renovation including adding a full bathroom, a bedroom, double washer and dryers and an office to create a complete apartment with a separate entrance. Outside, more living space

was converted to a casita guest house with a bedroom, full bath and living area. “We fully transformed the landscaping and added about 150 landscape lights to highlight the architectural details and recently painted and refreshed the historic windows,” says Michael. “We needed to revamp the house to fit the needs of our family and we accomplished that perfectly. This would not have been successful without Shaycore, who did the construction, Lori Taylor our design maven, and Joi Perkins, our tireless Realtor who made this all happen.” *

This 1922 craftsman bungalow is defined by the four streetfacing French doors that invite the outside into their home and match the four backdoors that do the same. Owners Larry and Nancy Robinson retired to Belvedere Avenue after decades of living on Avondale Avenue. Nancy is an Avondale native and raised her family near her own roots. Being located along a small pocket park only adds to the charm of this bungalow.

Classic features of a Craftsman Bungalow include a low-pitched gable roof, overhanging threefoot eaves with exposed rafters and beams, a covered front porch with haint blue ceiling paint and a porch swing. The flower planters, original doublehung patterned window panes, craftsman-style trim and baseboards, and oak floors with inlaid borders are details that add to its character. Due to the age of the home, plumbing, electrical, floors, ceilings, and bathrooms have all been renovated or restored.

Nancy and Larry say what they love most about the neighborhood is that unique and diverse homes come with unique and diverse neighbors, and they love having eclectic and fun people around to keep life interesting. *

St. Paul’s Catholic Church started in 1923 in what is now the school building facing Acosta Street. Celebrating its 100-year anniversary, this is the perfect occasion to open its doors to RAP Home Tour visitors. For years, the property served as a first-floor church, second-floor school, and third-floor convent for nuns. The main church in which parishioners gather today was completed in 1939, and signaled a major turning point for the parish.

The breathtaking stained-glass windows were designed and installed by the family owned Rambusch Company in New York City. Stenciled paintings by Hugo Olms depicting Christian symbols adorn the altar and domed ceiling. Olms was a nationally renowned mural artist, acclaimed for his work at the Basilica-Cathedral in St Augustine. The gold Baldacchino over the altar is another stunning feature of the church interior, particularly when draped in white for Easter services.

The parish has been a part of the Riverside Avondale neighborhood since its earliest days, adapting to the

changes in the community such as the growth of commercial development and residential flux over the last century. The ever-changing community is among the reasons the church works diligently to meet new parishioners as soon as they arrive, striving to be a welcoming place for new residents and parents looking for a quality Catholic education.

Recent water damage has led to a major renovation of the earliest building on the campus, revealing some of the original details in the church’s design. Every aspect of this space was meticulously constructed with quality materials and religious symbolism. Being able to tour the site with docents as a part of the RAP Home Tour is a must-see.

“As we look forward to the next 100 years, St. Paul’s Catholic Church and School will continue to provide a quality worship experience, an affordable Catholic education and ministry outreach to persons in need in the neighborhood,” says long-time docent, Ruthie Simmons. *

2609 PARK STREET • St. Paul’s Catholic Church and School

1625 EDGEWOOD AVENUE

Owners Michael and Heather Cosgrove, and daughter Catherine, are Washington, D.C. transplants who have lived in this 1920s brick Tudor for more than ten years. The Tudor-style residence has undergone very few additions or changes to the structure—leaving the original Roaring Twenties floorplan that the family incorporates into their life today.

Daily life in the 1920s was quite different then than it is now, so some give-and-take is necessary for the family. For example, the four equally sized upstairs bedrooms are, by today’s standards, on the small side, Also, the bedroom closets are downright tiny. However, the spacious downstairs living and dining areas make it easy to focus on enjoying time together and entertaining guests in the common areas, something the original owners likely appreciated, as well.

Interesting architectural features of the home include an incredibly steep roof with several peaks, an unfinished 1,100-square-foot attic with hardwood floors and a 16foot ceiling, tinted texture plaster walls, and “positive energy,” something all the homeowners have remarked on during their time living here. There’s also a secret spot in the dwelling where each homeowner has left their initials. One of the most remarkable aspects of the home is the restoration of the historic windows. More than 40 windows were either restored or painstakingly rebuilt by a craftsman to match the original windows.

Michael and Heather love living in Avondale and appreciating the historic legacy of their home. They love sharing its story with others and are eager to open the house up for the 49th annual Home Tour, and maybe inspire some others to undertake a historic renovation of their own. *

Like many residents in Riverside and Avondale, Tom and Stephanie Welchans stumbled upon the community while on a vacation nearby, and immediately started house hunting. Eighteen years later, they are celebrating their home’s Centennial anniversary! Built in 1923 by J. Prom, this Mediterraneanstyle house features barrel tiles on parts of the roof. However, there are seven different types of roofing in all cover the home.

One of the more unusual features is the unaltered simple stucco that is typical of a mission-style home. The screened porch, a wonderful spot for the 6 PM cocktail hour, is dearly loved and often in use by the homeowners.

Over the years, alterations have included the addition of a pool, conversion of the garage apartment to a home office, restoration of the original wood floors, and curved ceilings in the living and dining rooms. The Welchans have taken great care with all their restoration efforts in order to retain the unique architectural details of the home, including sourcing the distinguished roof tiles. They take great pride in living in a neighborhood they admire and appreciate—and work to ensure their home adds to the value and character of the community. *

2739 POST STREET

Built in 1923, this Tudor Revival was shown on the 1950 Sanborn maps as a duplex. Recent renovations have brought it back to its original charm. Homeowner Denise Renbarger purchased the property knowing it needed a lot of love. For years, the size of the property left potential homeowners wary of the extensive renovations needed.

The property contains three stories spread over 4,000 square feet with one unit on the first floor and a second unit on the second and third floors combined. Restoration of the Post Street property included new footings and framing to repair the sagging floors, total replacement of

the exterior siding and a new roof. The historic windows in both wood and steel were refurbished, and new wood moldings to mimic the style and character of the original hardwood floors were repaired and refinished.

Much of the work to improve the home was done by Denise herself, an accomplished designer. Architect Jeff Lane of Lane Architecture provided the necessary expertise to ensure the renovation was sound and lasting.

“I immediately fell in love with this home and just knew I had to restore it back to its glory days,” says Denise. Check out this renovation story yourself, walkable to the Park & King merchant district. *

This 1941 brick vernacular home features a gable roof and striking front porch with herringbone brickwork. The home was originally built for Dennis Bethel, a local plumber, and his wife Dora, who lived here for many years. New owners Tommy and Season Upson relocated to Jacksonville from Nashville and love their new neighborhood. Tom’s work with the Wounded Warrior Project made Jacksonville an ideal place to grow roots, and Avondale the perfect neighborhood.

The house was designed by Bernard W. Close, a prominent Jacksonville architect. Primarily known for his residential properties, Close’s designs display a keen eye for detail and an exquisite sense of proportion. The three brick homes located at the intersection of Pine Grove Avenue and Boone Park Avenue are said to have been built by the same builder, but it’s unknown if they were all designed by Close. Notable examples of his works in the Riverside Avondale Historic District include the residence at 1854 and 1886 Montgomery Place, as well as the Willow Branch Library and the San Marco Branch Library.

A primary bedroom addition was added in 2006, and meticulous work was done to maintain the herringbone bricks. Today, the lush landscaping evokes a “secret garden” feeling, which home tour visitors are invited to explore. *

1359 BELVEDERE AVENUE

In 2018, owner Stephen Stanton attended an Avondale Thanksgiving dinner with friends and decided the neighborhood would be his next place to call home. He loves the history, charm, and community spirit of living here, as well as impacting a small piece of his own history while living in a charming, century-old bungalow.

Many of the originaldetails of the house have been lost over its long history, but a series of flips brought it back to life after being in desperate need of repair in the 1990s. Recent improvements include a major landscaping project where the entire property was taken down to bare earth and irrigation and professional outdoor lighting were added. Subsequently, all fencing, railing, and column bases were rebuilt from scratch in a historically appropriate manner by local

craftsmen familiar with homes in the historic district.

Exterior work on the house itself involved repairing each of the eight doors and 18 windows including the mortise locks and hardware to their original 1920s splendor. During renovations, an original brick patio was uncovered underneath a modern deck. The patio was then painstakingly disassembled, each brick was cleaned, and the patio was repurposed as the yard border and front walkway.

Five living room doors open to the front porch, welcoming the neighborhood. This striking design element for a small bungalow effectively doubles the available space and helps with heating and cooling during the Florida seasons. It also brings in sunlight, breezes, and aromas from blooming jasmine, gardenia and citrus. *

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There is no doubt that owners Ronald Episcopo, Glenn Jones, and “Diva Dog”

Emma Jones Episcopo are artists and entertainers when you approach their oneand-a-half story home on Osceola Street. From an overnight stay at the Riverdale Inn eight years ago, Ron decided to make Riverside his Forever Home. For Glenn, however, it took walking inside the home, built in 1911, and saying out loud, “Oh… My… Gosh!” before he was hooked. They put in a same-day offer after touring more than 35 homes in 2016.

The “wow” in the home starts with the wraparound porch that has been a stage for fundraisers, parties, and weddings. The exterior is made of concrete blocks molded to look like rough stone as if carved from granite, sometimes called Rusticated Stone. These hollow-core concrete blocks were introduced to Jacksonville by Robert T. McCarrel, in 1904, who decided to establish a factory here following the Great Fire of 1901. This home is one of the last remaining built entirely with ashlar-simulated concrete blocks that have not been painted over.

On the inside, features include original chandeliers, a “hidden” second floor that most people don’t notice because of the large, sweeping roofline, 1920s open kitchen shelving, and three working fireplaces (originally coal and converted to gas). There’s also an unusual central double foyer with columns, and a huge walk-in closet for the primary suite.

Owners Glenn and Ron warn people that extensive renovation work can be very taxing, so try to have fun with it. Ron spent weeks scraping 100-years of paint off every window in the home, including removing old nails and screws. Once completed, the house painters repainted several of the windows before the error was caught and corrected. In addition, while having the foundation repaired, the crew secretly made tapping sounds underneath the home that led the owners to believe the house was haunted before realizing the trick. *

The incredible rehabilitation of a retail space built in 1949 is currently Plush N’ Prana on Park. With a vision to create an experience of discovery, style, beauty, elegance and love—and to share this experience with others—business owner Claudia Prana worked to honor the heritage of the original construction through rehabilitation. Renovations were completed by Jennifer Pietschker, who retained the character of the space through the addition of minimal walls, creating a free-flowing atmosphere where customers have access to products without barriers. The result is a sense of spaciousness

in only 775 square feet. The original wooden beam and stone floor was reclaimed by careful cleaning and currently shows a rainbow of colors and stones in various shapes and sizes.

Prior to the establishment of Plush N’ Prana, the small space had been roofless, windowless, and empty for decades. The color, aroma, and authentic pride that now fills the space is warm and welcoming. Images of the “before” condition, as well as in-progress photos, can be seen during the tour. *

2761 PARK STREET • Plush N’ Prana

3903 OAK STREET

In the heart of Avondale, this 1922 type II bungalow is characterized by a front facing gable roof and secondary gable roof defining the facade. This corner lot is a stand-out property due to the extensive custom woodwork, four-car garage and lush landscaping. The custom-made front door provides just a hint of the attention to detail seen inside, which is a dream artist’s workspace. Incredible stained glass, mirage wallpaper, tile wood carvings, built in bookshelves that serve as room divid-

ers, the property has layers of visual texture and interest throughout, and something that will have guests stimulated at practically every turn. The Japanese scento styled bathroom matches the design elements present in most spaces, and the enclosed pool is a final salute to its many Asian influences. It’s here during the Tour that the Jacksonville Art Guild will showcase works by local artists—including some who will be at the house creating during the Tour. *

1255 LYDIA COURT

This New Construction single-family residence is fashioned as a modern farmhouse, offering symmetry on the exterior commonly referred to as “four gables”. The design contains elements that can be found on nearby historic homes, including the property at 2793 Lydia Street, which is the oldest home in the neighborhood built in 1857. Owners Dale and Robin Johnston have lived in Riverside since 2017. They knew they wanted to remain in the historic district while gaining some “must haves” in their new home. They were able to add hundreds of details to suit their needs including 12-foot collapsible great room doors, state of the art data cabling, sound system, custom-made steel and glass pantry door, 10-foot ceilings, custom tile in all bathrooms including an amazing

feature tile wall in the master bathroom, and a studio apartment above the garage. Further, the family added a large outdoor paver pergola from Impact Enclosures, front and backyard landscaping from Cady Landscaping, and custom built-in office furniture by Doug Morgan.

The Johnston’s lovingly chose every finish in the home from floors to doors to tile, appliances, and light fixtures. Their favorite part about living in Riverside is walking to great restaurants, unwinding at Black Cat Yoga, and visiting nearby parks with their dogs. They are thrilled to be a part of the 49th annual Home Tour and hope visitors enjoy meeting neighbors from the new Lydia Court community! *

by The Pineapple

Community Amenities

• Intimate gated luxury home neighborhood

• Homes built exclusively by The Pineapple Corporation

• Easy access to Nocatee’s amenities and beaches

Special Features

• Fully customizable floor plans

• European-inspired architectural style

• Sophisticated finishes and features

Corporation

The Pineapple Corporation builds magnificent homes at Twenty Mile in St. Johns County. Located within the master-planned community of Nocatee, The Vista at Twenty Mile is an intimate gated luxury home neighborhood with homes built exclusively by The Pineapple Corporation.

“Our luxury homes at The Vista at Twenty Mile present a fresh Europeaninspired style with thoughtful architectural design and attention to detail,” said Spencer Calvert, president of The Pineapple Corporation. “In all of our homes, timeless design complements today’s modern family lifestyle.”

The Pineapple Corporation’s floor plans can be fully customized to meet the needs of today’s modern family. Each design features unique exterior elevations and an expansive portfolio of interior selections and options. All homes are designed with sophisticated finishes and features including Sub Zero and Wolf Kitchen appliances, custom cabinetry, solid surface countertops, hardwood flooring and more. Homes at The Vista at Twenty Mile are priced starting from $1.75 million.

Residents enjoy easy access to Nocatee’s amazing amenities, Ponte Vedra beaches, the Intracoastal Waterway, Jacksonville business centers, the St. Johns Town Center, St. Augustine’s attractions and more. It is also zoned for the top-ranked public schools in the St. Johns County School District.

Limited opportunities remain. To schedule an appointment or for more information, call (904) 638-6072, email vista@thepineapplecorp.com or visit www.ThePineappleCorp.com/vista.

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Welcome to

HISTORIC SPRINGFIELD HISTORIC SPRINGFIELD HISTORIC SPRINGFIELD

Historic Springfield Opens Its Doors & Porch Swings To All Of Jacksonville

Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council (SPAR) welcomes visitors from around the region to the 44th Historic Springfield Tour of Homes & Gardens. Take a stroll down historic streets, where you can enjoy the architecture and spirit of Jacksonville’s original “front porch” neighborhood.

The Springfield Historic District is home to unique historic houses, some dating back to the 1890s, as well as scenic parks, a bustling Main Street, and proximity to Downtown amenities. All of these features bring people to visit, but the sense of community is why many return. In Springfield, residents know their neighbors; not just those on their block, but all around the neighborhood. Front porches, gardens, and cafés serve as gathering places, and frequent social happenings include First Friday parties, Music on Main live concerts, community improvement projects, family programming, and Jacksonville’s favorite annual music festival, PorchFest. A playground for the wealthy and famous at the turn of the 20th century, the neighborhood is now a popular choice for those seeking an eclectic, diverse, social place to live.

SPAR Council is proud to continue the long-standing tradition of presenting the Historic Springfield Tour of

Homes & Gardens to the city of Jacksonville. This is especially true in 2023 as we continue our partnership with the presenting sponsor of this signature event: The Akers Group, with Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty. SPAR is excited to show visitors the diversity and personality of Historic Springfield and invites all of Jacksonville to experience what makes our neighborhood a fantastic place to live and play.

During SPAR’s Tour of Homes & Gardens on May 13 and 14, you’ll have six properties to tour with access to interior spaces decorated in a mix of modern and vintage styling, as well as beautiful backyard gardens and pools. Visitors will check in at SPAR’s headquarters at 1321 North Main Street to begin the tour. For an extended tour of the neighborhood, the guided bicycle ride hosted by local history expert Leigh Burdett features all stops on the tour, along with other notable places and people in Springfield’s history.

SPAR Board of Directors

Distinguished 5+ Acre Riverfront Estate

As you approach via the quarter-mile drive, you start to gain sight of this stately custom-built mansion on the St. Johns River, like none other, located on 5.81 acres on Mandarin Road. Built in 1988 by Collier Classic Homes, this neoclassical estate, with elegant columns architecturally inspired by the historic Orton Plantation of North Carolina, o ers luxury finishes both inside and out. Located at one of the widest points on the river, this 3 bedroom, 3 full / 2 half bath home is 4,827 sq ft with 159 ft of water frontage, o ering exquisite and expansive views of the St. Johns River. The rear elevation was designed identically to the front, each with 400 sq ft of covered porches, so the observer floating by with Mint Julep in hand will enjoy the same breathtaking view as one approaching from the front. Marble floors and Schonbek crystal chandeliers are just a sampling of the distinguished finishes o ered in this fine home.

3 BR | 3 BA | 2 HB $2,200,000

Historic Springfield

TOUR OF HOMES & GARDENS TOUR OF HOMES & GARDENS TOUR OF HOMES & GARDENS

MAY 13 & 14

• NOON-5 PM

Beautiful architecture and a vibrant social scene bring people to visit the Springfield Historic District, but it’s the sense of community that keeps them coming back. For one weekend a year, visitors have an opportunity to enjoy the unique character and quirks of the neighborhood by exploring some of the beautiful homes and gardens that line its tree-shaded streets. The 44th Historic Springfield Tour of Homes and Gardens, presented by The Akers Group, with Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty, takes place on May 13 and 14, hosted by Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council (SPAR). Read on for the first look at the homes and gardens featured on this year’s tour and for additional details about all the local hot spots in Springfield.

Photos by Residential Photography Solutions

PRESENTED BY:

11815 North Main St., Jacksonville, FL 32218

(904) 751-7555

9230 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32225

(904) 726-0666

jacksonvillefurnituremart.com

Let ’s Ride!

Want to see these historic homes while enjoying a breezy bike ride? The 2023 Bike Tour ride is led by local history expert Leigh Burdett. Leigh provides guided rides through Jacksonville’s most historic neighborhoods and is intimately familiar with the sights and history of Springfield. You’ll stop at each home along the tour route to walk through, and visit some additional sites of note.

There is no extra charge to participate in the bike tour, but it is BYOB — bring your own bike. A regular Home Tour ticket is all that’s required. To reserve a spot on the tour please call (904) 945-1571. The bike tour departs from 1321 N. Main St. on Saturday, May 13 at 1 PM. It takes approximately three hours to visit all the homes and highlights along the way.

TICKET SALES LOCATION

Tickets can be purchased online at SpringfieldTour.com and picked up at Will Call on tour days. They can also be purchased on Saturday and Sunday, May 13 and 14, for $20 at the Tour’s starting location, 1321 North Main Street. Purchase your tickets online by May 11, and you’ll receive a $5 discount per ticket. SPAR members with a valid membership receive an additional $3 discount off each early bird ticket purchased, but they must be purchased in person at the SPAR office prior to May 11.

SPONSORS: SPONSORS: SPONSORS:

BIGG & LITTLE REGGIE FOUNDATION

RIGSBY LIVES HERE

Homeowners, Merrick and Michelle, the former a Navy Veteran from Stone Mountain, Georgia, and the latter a Savannah native, have been together for 8 ½ years. The couple dotes on their dog, Rigsby, and say, “we have one very spoiled dachshund/cocker spaniel mix named Rigsby. Rigsby is nine years old and very much rules the roost.”

The couple had been renting a condo unit inside the Berkman Plaza downtown for several years. When it came time to buy a home of their own, they didn’t want to stray too far from the urban core. According to Merrick, “Springfield was a no-brainer.” The house on N. Market Street is their first in the Historic District and the family has lived here since the summer of 2019.

Merrick enjoys cooking and working on home projects and Michelle enjoys spending time with family and friends and watching football. As an avid Georgia Bulldog and Jaguars fan, fall is her favorite season of the year. Both work for Duval Motor Company.

A family of three resides here but it’s really the dachshund’s home.

1726 N. MARKET STREET

“We enjoy walking Rigsby and exploring the neighborhood streets,” says Michelle. “We also love eating at the local restaurants and enjoying the many festivities on Main Street and around the area. We especially look forward to Porchfest and the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations every year.” The couple also appreciates the neighborhood’s long history and the many stories it has to tell. For example, their house sits on property that used to be the outfield of a baseball field back when early professional teams used to train and play in Jacksonville.

Merrick is the Service Manager at Duval Acura and Michelle is an Executive Assistant at Duval Ford.

Although theirs is a new house, it was designed specifically for them, complete with unique exterior finishes and floorplan. “It was very important to us not to have a ‘cookie-cutter’ house,” says Michelle. “We made sure to hire a builder that would build a custom home.” *

HOME TOUR HOME TOUR HOME TOUR

“We came to Springfield on a whim,” says homeowner Tiare. “It was back during the real estate recession and our mortgage was bleeding us dry. We had a friend living in the neighborhood who suggested we rent our house and live with her temporarily until we could catch up. We fell in love with the neighborhood and have been here ever since.”

In fact, since 2008 Tiare and husband John have lived in three different houses on the same street. “We’ve only owned it a little while, but what we’ve been told is that this house is a Sears Catalog kit house,” says Tiare. “I’ve tried to research this and also have bought a few books, but so far I have not found the exact floor plan of this house.”

The couple is currently in the early stages of renovating the house. John is a residential contractor, which has

come in handy during their time residing in the neighborhood. Previous renovations of the home resulted in the loss of some of its historical integrity. However, the couple is working diligently keep its charm intact and bring it back to life after several years of neglect.

When not restoring homes, the two enjoy playing disc golf, paddle boarding, yoga and otherwise staying active. Their daughter has left the nest is out on her own. Now, Tiare admits to being a “newly obsessed plant mom.”

“There is never a lack of something to do in Springfield,” says Tiare. “ I think what we enjoy the most is the way we connect with our neighbors. The sense of community is super strong here and it doesn’t matter if you live right next door or on opposite sides of Main Street to know your neighbors well. We know we live in the best neighborhood in Jax and we flaunt it.” *

1215 WALNUT STREET

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“The back yard was an absolute mess when we moved in. We actually didn’t know how large the lot was when we bought the house,” recalls homeowner Daniel Ashworth. “We went out with a weed trimmer and found the back corners of the yard, which were a lot further back than we thought. Three of the large live oak trees in the back yard were overgrown with creeping fig, so we cut that off and dug all the runners out of the ground. Some of them were as large as four inches in diameter. We have big plans for the back yard including a 16-by-16-foot deck with a pergola and benches immediately behind the house, a loop walkway around the back yard with a couple of benches in the shade of the live oaks, and more naturalistic plantings around the existing oaks and sabal palms.”

That’s a lot of yard work, for sure. Good thing Daniel is a landscape architect and urban designer and wife Tonya is a horticulture extension agent for the University of Florida IFAS Duval County Extension office. Both know quite a bit about getting their hands dirty in the soil. The couple have been married for nearly 23 years and have a 9-year-old daughter, Nyssa. Adding to the family is a sevenyear-old Spaniel mix, Petals. They moved here in 2020 to their first home in Jacksonville.

Like many homes in the neighborhood, there is some confusion about when the home was actually built. Prior owners have said it dates back to 1907. “That is where we have landed as well, based on the documented build dates of the homes surrounding us and the fact that the home still had iron pipes in the attic for gas lighting, something that was typical before 1910 when mass electrical distribution was available to Jacksonville residents,” says Daniel. “Our home is one of the few remaining American Foursquares in the neighborhood, built in the frame vernacular, Colonial Revival tradition. It is a plainer style of home than the more prevalent Victorians in Springfield, but it still has Doric porch columns, leaded glass front windows, four decorative fireplace mantles, original window and door trim, decorative stairwell balustrade, and most of the original doors with historic hardware.”

The home was originally built for the Walton family, and often was referred to as the Walton House. Later, Prescott M. Burroughs, who owned Duval Laundry Company, bought the house from the Waltons for his new wife. A survey drawing blueprint from the 1930s for Burroughs is on display in the home. As is common in the neighborhood, the house has taken many shapes.

For a time, the house was split into a duplex with upstairs and downstairs units. Even after it became a single-unit home again, the living room used to be more enclosed before recent renovations. “There were once pocket doors that separated the current living room from the current dining room,” says Daniel. “There were also two Doric columns between the current living room and the front door foyer, and a portal door with decorative pilasters leading to the current dining room from the front door foyer. All these were removed in the last renovation, done before we bought the house.”

A couple of stories the Ashworth’s have been told by neighbors and prior owners concern the old dining room, which is now used as the guest bedroom. The mantle in that room has a lockable cabinet above the fireplace to keep brandy warm, and to keep hired staff out of it. At one time there was also a button in the floor where the lady of the house sat at the dining table. The button allowed her to alert kitchen staff that it was time for the next course of the meal.

Most of the labor Daniel and Tonya have spent on the property has been in the yard, especially the front. Inspired by forecourt gardens in Charleston and Savannah, Daniel redesigned the front yard with brick paver walkways, a white picket fence, and replaced all the old grass with new shrub and perennial plantings. Since Jacksonville is considered the southern end of the Lowcountry, the couple thought this would be an appropriate treatment for the front yard. Aside from the pavers and fence installation, they did all the work in the yard—including painting the fence white, scraping the old grass off and tilling and amending the soil by hand with shovels. Oh, and then the new landscape needed to be planted. *

HOME TOUR HOME TOUR HOME TOUR

“The neighborhood is probably familiar with my two dogs—Jolie and Pepper—orange and white Brittany Spaniels who love to contribute to the neighborhood watch by alerting passersby of squirrels and cats,” says the owner of 1311 N. Laura St. “I moved to Jacksonville in August 2019 from Tampa. I grew up in the Ponte Vedra area and knew I wanted to be back in Northeast Florida. My best friend and her family live in Springfield, so I was super familiar with the area already. She happens to be a Realtor, as well, and when she showed me the house, I knew it would be the perfect fit. What’s better than living three houses away from your best friend?”

The homeowner enjoys walking Jolie and Pepper nearly every day, throughout the neighborhood and Klutho Park. “I love admiring others houses and yards and use my walks as inspiration for my own home. I enjoy the local restaurants and breweries and I especially love Porchfest!”

The house was one of three that sat abandoned and dilapidated for many years. A contractor was rehabilitating

the house with the hopes of flipping it for a profit. “I put in an offer while in mid-renovation,” says the homeowner. “It didn’t even have flooring or fixtures yet.”

With floors and fixtures installed it was time to move in. Over the years, upgrades and design touches have been added to make it more like the original 1904 house that it is. “I’ve renovated the powder bath, guest bath, painted and added picture rail to several rooms, and installed wallpaper to the formal living room,” says the homeowner. “I added trim work to the openings between the rooms downstairs, built an outdoor living area to the backyard, and of course decorated with antique and secondhand pieces.

“I would describe my style as traditional eclectic; I love traditional lines in furniture but I’m not afraid to get funky with color and pattern. My favorite pieces are the glasstopped brass table found on marketplace for under $100, the wallpaper in the formal living that I installed myself, and vintage desk given to me by my mother.” *

1311 N. LAURA STREET

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Homeowners Katie and Amy Derringer have two children, Jolie and Efram, and a pair of pooches, Stella Mae and Blanche Devereaux. “All the makings of a modern-day Brady Bunch,” they say. In between home improvement projects, the family enjoys traveling—especially finding destinations off the beaten path—and spending time with friends.

The family was drawn to the neighborhood for its walkability, diversity, sense of community and unique homes. They had visited the neighborhood over the years and knew it was home to the most welcoming people in the city. “So, we wanted to move to Springfield as quickly as possible,” says Katie.

The couple’s first home in the neighborhood was built on a vacant lot they purchased in 2018. The new home was completed the following year. “In 2021—when we were ready for our next home—we knew that we wouldn’t consider anywhere else but Springfield. We had the opportunity to renovate an amazing commercial building in the neighborhood and give it a new life as our home and we jumped on it,” says Amy.

The 3,200-square-foot building was constructed in 1928 to be a print shop for Lamar J Wadworth. In 1935, New Way Rug Cleaners occupied the space. In 1940, it became home to Nelson Dry Cleaners. Next, in the 1950s, it was converted to a laundry called The Clothes Line. More businesses were still to come. In the 1960s, Harold Buchanan purchased the building for Buchanan Sign and Flag. During this time, Buchanan constructed an addition behind the building to bet-

ter serve customers needing screen printing. In the early 1990s, when he left the neighborhood, the next owner renovated and sold the building. The last non-residential use of the property was as a boutique and mosque until it was purchased by Katie and Amy in 2021.

“We gutted the building down to the original brick walls and rebuilt the inside from the ground up. Since the building was previously commercial, it had to be completely outfitted for a residence,” Katie recalls. “The roof had fallen into terrible disrepair, it had termites and the mechanical, electrical and plumbing were out of date and not to code. We tried to be as hands-on as possible throughout our renovation to ensure we kept costs low and quality high. The experience was as challenging as we imagined it would be, but the end result was worth the effort, for sure. The back half is an unfinished garage workspace until our imaginations compel us to renovate that as well.”

“When we purchased the building, the front had been boarded up, a remnant of the neighborhood’s former decline. Part of our renovation was opening the front again and creating a facade that paid homage to the original storefront,” says Amy. “Our goal with the decor was modern industrial. Early in the renovation, we discovered beautiful brick walls under four layers of walls (lath and plaster, drywall and wood paneling.) We wanted to lean into the commercial, warehouse feel of exposed brick and extra high ceilings while keeping everything clean and simple. At some point in the home’s history, a large steel arm was installed and we left that in our hallway as a conversation piece. Plus, we just weren’t quite sure how to remove it!” *

1625 N PEARL STREET

HOME TOUR HOME TOUR HOME TOUR

“We were living in Tampa and knew we wanted to move a little more North,” says Leigh Disalvo. “We looked at several neighborhoods in Jacksonville. I fell in love immediately with the house. We looked at ten other houses but the sweet old home had my heart. My husband Joe said I could choose the house but he got to choose the paint colors.”

The homeowners have lived here now four years and, being retired military, this is the only home they’ve ever owned. The house dates back to at least 1910. A couple who purchased the house in 2008 undertook major renovations to bring the house back to a single-family dwelling. Their renovation choices are still seen in the house today. “The previous owner did some major remodeling to keep this a home that first-time buyers would feel brave enough to purchase. A new air-conditioning system, new roof, foundation stabilization, and a new hot water heater are among the improvements made by her.”

Leigh and Joe haven’t been afraid to make improvements

of their own. “We started with some simple projects, such as removing the vines on the outside of the house, changing the fencing, refinishing our pocket doors, painting the exterior of the house, and landscaping the front and back yards,” says Leigh.

Those do-it-yourself projects were relatively minor undertakings. Unfortunately, not every project started was so simple. A planned laundry area didn’t go as originally envisioned. But they kept at it and are happy with the unplanned results. “We now have an eat-in-kitchen with new counter tops, appliances, tin ceiling, a dedicated pantry, a laundry room with side-by-side washer and dryer, and plenty of storage,” says Leigh. “We have also updated four of the five bathrooms.”

When not improving their historic dwelling, the two thoroughly enjoy the neighbors, walking the neighborhood and looking at all the different styles of houses. They particularly appreciate being able to walk to Main Street and its many restaurants, pubs and other conveniences.  *

228 W 4TH STREET

IN SPRINGFIELD? IN SPRINGFIELD? IN SPRINGFIELD? What ’s Happening

The free Music on Main concert series, now in its fifth year, is in full swing for 2023 at Sesquicentennial Park. On the last Wednesday of the month, attendees bring blankets or chairs to enjoy a favorite local band, with food and drinks available to purchase, and experience the personality of the community. These events are family- and dog-friendly. Save the dates on April 26th and on May 31st for the next Music on Main performances.

According to WalkScore.com, Springfield is the most bikeable neighborhood in Jacksonville’s urban core. To promote the connectivity Springfield has within the urban core, SPAR hosts bike socials to visit other Jacksonville urban core neighborhoods through its Explore the Core program, including rides to the Riverside Arts Market, Railyard District, San Marco, Downtown Sports Complex, and Eastside Murals. Each ride is free to join and highlights a different neighborhood, with a focus on art, history, and local

business. Visit sparcouncil.org/explorethecore for suggested routes and activities. (Pro tip: The map can also be used as a starting point to get to Springfield to start your Home Tour day.)

Want to learn more about historic preservation in our city? Stop by a Historic Preservation Workshop or Speaker Series event, designed to help residents and realtors understand the unique processes and requirements in renovating a historic home in Jacksonville, including the COA process. The ongoing Speaker Series is perfect for history buffs who want a deep dive into all things old Jax. Past topics include the “Lost Streetcars of Springfield” and a spotlight on significant architects in the urban core. *

For more information on these events and other SPAR programming, follow @SPARJax on social media or visit SPARCouncil.org.

There’s plenty to do in Historic Springfield, whether you like live music, cycling, or having a cold beer with friends.

Park it Here !

Come play in our neighborhood’s historic parks

Spend an afternoon in Henry J. Klutho Park, where you can stroll beneath mossy oaks and past massive murals on the many walking trails. Don’t forget to stop and look for turtles in historic Hogan’s Creek. Klutho Park is also home to the Springfield Disc Golf Course, children’s StoryWalk, and tennis and pickleball courts.

Klutho Park connects to Warren W. Schell Jr. Park, which features a new fenced playground and basketball court. For pet owners, the Springfield Dog Park is a must-visit attraction, with mosaic play structures for pets created by a local artist. And be sure to stop by the century-old Rose Arbor in Springfield Park.

Sesquicentennial Park, installed in celebration of 150 years of the Springfield neighborhood, is now in its fifth year of operation. Home to the Music on Main concert series, the pocket park is located in the heart of Historic Springfield at the corner of Main and 6th streets. *

SPAR’S SIGNATURE EVENTS

SPAR’s Signature Events build a sense of community among neighbors while raising funds to benefit improvement and preservation efforts.

Since 2007, the Westside and Eastside of Springfield Historic District, which is divided by Main Street, have battled on the baseball diamond during the  July 4th Throwback Baseball Game. Teams dress in authentic turn-of-the-century uniforms and gear, and the game features official umpires, an announcer, and food and drinks available for purchase. A perfect setting for picnics and lawn chairs, the free event takes place this year at Klutho Park on Tuesday, July 4 from 11 AM to 3 PM

Jacksonville PorchFest, held annually on the first Saturday in November, brings thousands of people from across the country to sing and dance to performances by dozens of local and national musicians. Proceeds benefit SPAR’s arts initiatives and help fund other cultural activities. This year’s PorchFest is scheduled for November 4th, noon to 8 p.m. This is a free event. Please visit jacksonville porchfest.org for more information.

SPAR hosts a variety of other activities throughout the year, as well, such as neighborhood cleanups, tree plantings, preservation workshops, and monthly group bicycle rides. For more information, follow @SPARJax on social media or visit SPARCouncil.org.

IN SPRINGFIELD IN SPRINGFIELD IN SPRINGFIELD Dining

Navigating the tour can work up an appetite, so be sure to check out the menus at these Springfield establishments:

Silkie’s Chicken and Champagne Bar (1602 Walnut St), one of Historic Springfield’s newest restaurants, is Chef Kenny Gilbert’s fast casual, upscale version of fried chicken, biscuits, and champagne cocktails.

Social Grounds Coffee  (1712 N. Main Street), a Veteran-owned, roasted, and supported specialty coffee roaster and shop who employs and empowers transitioning Veterans giving them a fresh start on life.

Springfield Scoops (1807 N. Main St), a hip spot to cool off with a scoop of ice cream, offers more than 100 flavors and a near infinite combo of toppings and sauces to satisfy your sweet tooth.

1 Foxy Lady Café (1837 N. Pearl St.) is a restaurant and catering company specializing in non-traditional southern comfort food.

1748 Bakehouse (1748 N. Main St.) offers a bakery case full of hand-crafted pastries, as well as a full menu of sandwiches, salads, and more, all made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients.

Crispy’s Springfield Gallery (1735 N. Main St.) is the spot for pizza in Springfield, with a full bar inside a beautifully restored historic building. Their menu boasts pizza, salads, sandwiches, and daily specials.

Dreamette Ice Cream Springfield (1401 N. Main St.) provides iconic soft-serve ice cream, hand-dipped cones, sundaes, and delicious, frozen desserts such as the famous banana split in a cup. Not to mention some new gluten-free, non dairy, and vegan ice cream options.

Historically Hoppy Brewing Company (1636 N. Main St.), founded in 2022, is Springfield’s newest craft brewery established after years of friendship and a common love for craft beer.

Hola! Mexican Restaurant (1001 N. Main St.), a local favorite offering Mexican specialties, including savory sizzling fajitas.

Hyperion Brewing Company (1740 N. Main St.), a nano-brewery, specializes in small batches ensuring freshness and variety. There’s also the outdoor Helios Beer Garden, and plenty of weekly events.

Icecapade Frozen Treats (1833 N. Pearl St.) serves artisan frozen desserts hand-crafted from all natural ingredients made from fruits, vegetables, roots, spices, nuts, and herbs.

Main Street Food Park (1352 N. Main St) is a food truck park in the heart of Historic Springfield with outdoor seating, live entertainment, and a variety of special events and festivals.

Strings Sports Brewery (1850 N. Main St.) is a family-friendly sports-themed brewpub. Patrons can watch sports both inside and on the back patio, shoot free throws at regulation-sized basketball hoops, or play games while grabbing a bite or beer.

The Cookbook Restaurant  (1827 N. Pearl St.) aims to provide happiness through food, music and art; offering everything from burgers and fries to American soul food.

The District (2026 Walnut St.) is the neighborhood’s premiere restaurant and wine bar. Stop in for Happy Hour (every day from 3 to 7 and all day on Sundays) and try their seasonal menu of delectable bites.

The Farmery  (1303 N. Main St), a farm-to-fork bodega in partnership with Green Legacy Farms, offers fresh produce, baked goods, prepared meals, smoothies, drinks, and more.

Uptown Kitchen & Bar  (1303 N. Main St.) is a contemporary diner offering Southern-inspired dishes and specials of the day, with a full bar to boot.

Wafaa N Mike’s Café  (1544 N. Main St.) has been operating for over 10 years in business in Springfield. The restaurant has earned a following for its deliciously authentic Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food.  *

Thank