by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
When the 17-story Lynch Building at the corner of Forsyth and Main streets was finished in 1927 during Florida’s land boom, it was the second-tallest structure in the city’s skyline. Of course, back then there were only a dozen buildings in the county that were 10 or more stories tall. The building held its height distinction until the mid-1950s when another building boom began and Jacksonville’s original “skyscrapers” were dwarfed by much taller projects.
By the late 1980s migration away from Downtown had left the building, which had been the headquarters of the American Heritage Life Insurance Company, vacant like many others. That’s the way the example of historic architecture remained for years until the Vestcor Companies made the decision to tackle the task of renovating the structure, converting it into loft-style apartments with all the modern amenities and giving the building a new identity.
“11 E” was completed in 2003 and it turned out to be quite a learning experience, said John Rood, chairman of the Vestcor Companies. The project presented a new set of challenges for the firm which has built and manages 20 multifamily communities in Florida and Texas.
“The biggest difference is when you develop a community from the ground up, you can pretty much design it in the office,” said Rood. “When it’s a historic property the first step is to conduct an extensive survey to determine what you have. You can’t do the design until you’ve done the exploration.”
He also said many things were discovered under the surface at 11 E like when part of a ceiling was removed, revealing another, more beautiful, ceiling above it.
After all the design and construction challenges were met, the $25.9 million project, a partnership between Vestcor and the City of Jacksonville, opened its doors. The property has been a hit with people who seek the true urban living experience.
Vestcor also rehabilitated the former Roosevelt Hotel a few blocks from 11 E at 31 W. Adams St. It’s now The Carling, another upscale rental community. Rood said the company currently has no plans for another Downtown historic renovation. That doesn’t mean he thinks there aren’t opportunities.
“I’d like to see other developers get involved with Downtown’s older buildings. Downtown needs more advocates. I’m one but having more would be better,” said Rood.
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