The roof of the Museum of Science & History on the Southbank is poised to add another dimension to the Downtown entertainment scene. Recently improvements have been completed and the museum now offers rental opportunities for individuals and groups who are looking for a unique location for an event.
Additional electrical service has been installed to accommodate a sound system for a live band or DJ and there’s a new fully-equipped catering kitchen located adjacent to the open space on the roof. The rooftop venue is designed for 300 people standing or 150 people at a sit-down affair and MOSH offers table, chair, linen and heating rentals.
Kristi Taylor, MOSH development manager, said the museum’s roof has the “best view anywhere of fireworks displays on the river as well as a spectacular view of the Northbank skyline.” She expects the space will become popular for wedding receptions, birthdays, anniversaries and cocktail parties.
The evening of Feb. 13 the roof at MOSH will host “Bella Luna: Dessert Under the Stars.” The public is invited to bring their Valentine and check out the view. Chocolates, strawberries and other desserts will be served, beer and wine will be available and the museum staff will set up the big telescope in case anyone would like to do some stargazing. The party is from 7-10 p.m., it’s $35 per couple and reservations and prepayment are required.
Call Morgan Black, special events manager, at 396-6674, ext. 240 for details.
A great view of the Southbank’s urban forest and the Northbank skyline.
...and below the street
While the roof at MOSH is many feet above the street, there’s a space Downtown that’s several feet below the ground.
The tunnel underneath Forsyth Street that connects the former Atlantic National Bank Building and what is now the BB&T Building was originally constructed as a security measure.
At one time the bank housed the United States, State of Florida and City of Jacksonville depositories. The tunnel was built to avoid moving large sums of cash on the street between the buildings, which surely would have eventually attracted bank robbers.
These days, there’s no money transferred between the buildings so the tunnel connects Benny’s Sandwich Shop at 121 W. Forsyth St. with Danny’s Place and Combs Barber Shop at the concourse entrance of the BB&T Building on Hogan Street.
In between there’s an administrative office for Lanier Parking Services and also attorney James L. Nipper, who opened his office in the tunnel more than 20 years ago.
“I’ve worked here for two years,” said paralegal Catherine Boatwright. “Sometimes it gets a little claustrophobic because I can’t look out a window.”
It looks like any office corridor, but this is a tunnel underneath Forsyth Street that connects two bank buildings.