by Bailey White
Staff Writer
Signet Development, the company charged with the redevelopment of three historically significant buildings in Jacksonville, plans to establish a new museum downtown.
The Laura Place project involves the redevelopment and re-use of the Bisbee, Florida Life and Marble Bank buildings located at the corner of Laura and Forsyth streets.
To honor architect Henry John Klutho, who designed both the Bisbee and the Florida Life buildings, Signet will turn the first floor of the Florida Life building into a gallery, which will show off his work and the mark he left on the city.
“We felt it was very fitting because it’s such a historically significant project,” said Michael Munz, vice president of the Dalton Agency who is working with Signet on the project. “We wanted to honor Klutho, his work and what he meant to the city.”
“This is our opportunity to add character to this new development,” said Ken Krismanth, chief operating officer for Signet. “We’re taking the history of those buildings and Klutho and trying to recreate that identity.”
The trio of buildings are each uniquely significant to Jacksonville’s history.
The Bisbee Building, built between 1908 and 1909, was Jacksonville’s first “skyscraper.” The Florida Life building underwent construction at the same time as another of Klutho’s designs, the St. James Building (which now is City Hall), and was completed in 1912, becoming the tallest building in the city. The Marble Bank building has been owned by some of Jacksonville’s more prominent citizens, including Ed Ball and the duPont family.
“The buildings are significant for many reasons,” said Bob Broward, a local architect whose book on Klutho’s work was just republished. “Two of them are done by one of the most important architects in the South, and grouped as they are on the corner, are quite unique.
“Architecturally, it’s interesting because each of them, especially the Bisbee, are wonderful examples of some of the earliest uses of reinforced concrete,” said Broward, who will continue to be a source for Signet as its plans unfold.
“When we started working 10 or 11 months ago, we relied on Bob and Emily Lisska from the Historical Society to guide us and to make sure we knew as much as we could about Klutho,” said Munz. “We’ll continue to work closely with them to make sure we touch on all the authentic aspects of his life.”
At this point, the exact materials that will be included in the museum’s collection is not definite.
“We have a vision. We’re calling it a gallery, but we know that we want it to be more than a place to just walk in, see some photos and leave,” said Munz. “The Klutho story is such a great story. The legend is that during the great fire of 1901, he saw the smoke from Savannah and came to Jacksonville knowing he’d have an opportunity here, almost as if it was a calling for him. We want to reflect that in the gallery.
“It’s part of our dedication to the city. I would love it if it became part of the downtown historic tour so we’re contributing back to the community.”