Recently, as in Saturday, August 10, I was on Channel 4, WJXT speaking about why people buy in historic areas of Jacksonville. There are historic areas of Springfield, Riverside, Avondale, Ortega and San Marco. However, only Springfield, Riverside and Avondale have a sweeping overlay that restricts the ability of an owner to tear down a house or make significant changes to the front of a house.
San Marco is a beautiful area of town, but in recent years there have been a few teardowns of houses. These teardowns are hard on the neighborhood because it is the houses that were of he period which creates the identity of the neighborhood. A few years back, a man and his wife wanted to tear down a house and build a 3-story condominium at Largo Road and San Marco Blvd. The City denied him because he wanted to build a 3-story product among other 2-story properties. This would have been out of character with the neighborhood, but he was still allowed to tear down the existing structure.
This cannot be done in Riverside, Avondale or Springfield without an order from the City Code Enforcement manager. Only when a structure is deemed unsafe for occupancy will you see the destruction order given. Often times the City of Jacksonville will work with the owners of such properties to see if the properties can be deeded over the the historic preservations. The historic societies and designations came about as the result of the efforts of many citizens of Jacksonville when homes in Avondale and Riverside were being torn down and replaced with commercial spaces along Riverside Avenue.
Pride has now stepped in and these once rotting structures are being maintained, restored, and cared for once again. It is always amazing to see the homes on a home tour. Riverside Avondale as well as Springfield have great home tours in the Spring. This is a fun way to see homes that have been renovated to get ideas for residents in their own historic properties. It is also a fun way to see a community come together. Try throwing together a 1980s revival of homes in Mandarin, it can be done for the homes of the period, but how many popcorn ceilings do you need to see to know this is not that special?
New has its place in the desires of homeowners. Most millennials these days want to buy a new home, and not have to worry about fixing major systems such as electrical, plumbing or roofing. There is nothing wrong with living in a 3000 square foot home that was built last year where all the rooms look the same or like a plan from a builder. In fact, many homes during the housing boom, saw tremendous gains in price. But while these locations are experiencing modest single digit increases so far in 2013, it is the historic areas that are experiencing 20-30% returns. Riverside Avondale is but one place here in Jacksonville.
I know this area as I have lived in it for 15 years and worked it for almost a decade. I love it and at the same time I give back to it and volunteer my time. The best part about it is, its like the beach, they are not making more of the historic district, it is what it is and that is all there is. If you are interested in the historic districts of Jacksonville, call me to get more information or if you would like to see the value of your house, I can help with this too.
Liz
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