by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
When Tad Delegal and his partner and staff come to work each day, they are surrounded by history.
The Delegal Law Firm is in a restored residence at 424 E. Monroe St. The two-story, 104-year old structure was built just after the Great Fire of 1901 and at the time, one of the City’s finest residences. Delegal and John Merrett (now a judge on the Circuit Court) moved their law firm into the building about 10 years ago, Delegal said, when the previous owner, Florida Bar President Hank Coxe, went to the Bedell Firm.
Delegal has continued the refurbishing started by Coxe and Merrett years ago. Just about everything in the structure has been restored from the floors to the seven fireplaces that are in the house. Delagal said they burned coal instead of wood and were designed to all share a common chimney.
Delegal also has many of his historic postcards from Jacksonville’s early history framed and on display in the office.
“I like to collect antique postcards and put together groups of them around a theme. Then I give them to people I think would enjoy the cards like I do. I’ve given lots of them away over the years and you can find them on display in quite a few law offices and judge’s chambers around town,” said Delegal.
He said his interest in Jacksonville history naturally led him to buy a piece of history to house his firm and he takes a lot of pride in its revival.
“We’ve done a lot of restoration and period decorating since we moved here. We’ve been able to create a very relaxing environment and it’s great to be able to come to work here every day.”