The Jacksonville Historical Society released its 2012 list Monday of endangered historic buildings. Nine of this year’s listed properties are in or near Downtown, including the three buildings that comprise the “Laura Trio” at Laura and Forsyth streets.
In addition to historic buildings, the list includes the St. Johns River Ferry and the steam locomotive on display at the Osborn Center.
“These properties represent what we think should be saved,” said attorney and Jacksonville Historical Society board member emeritus Edward Booth Jr.
The former Haydon Burns Public Library at 122 N. Ocean St. made the list this year. Built in 1965 on the site of the 1903 City Hall, the building was Downtown’s central depository of books until it was replaced in 2005 by the Main Library on Laura Street at Hemming Plaza.
Booth said the society believes the building is in danger because it has been vacant for 10 years, even though a group of investors has plans to reuse the structure.
“The legitimate attempts to revive the building have fallen flat due to the economic conditions,” Booth said.
Booth said the Seminole Club at 400 N. Hogan St. is a “top priority.”
Built in 1902-03, it is Jacksonville’s oldest social club for men and the seventh-oldest in the United States. The building has been vacant for years, even though it is near City Hall, the Bryan Simpson U.S. Courthouse and the new Duval County Unified Courthouse Facility.
Booth said one building on the list, the Guaranty Trust & Savings Bank at 191 E. Bay St., soon may be lost forever.
The building’s roof is suffering from “demolition by neglect,” he said.
“We understand there may be a demolition permit issued for the building,” said Booth.
The steam locomotive displayed in the parking lot at the Osborn Center is another piece of Jacksonville history Booth said should be saved.
While it would be practically impossible to restore the steam engine to rail-ready condition, Booth said displaying it outdoors has taken a toll on the Atlantic Coast Line Locomotive No. 1504.
It was designated in 1990 as a “National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark” after being refurbished in 1989.
“It’s rusting to pieces. It should be moved inside the Prime Osborn Center and given a cosmetic restoration,” said Booth.
Also making the list this year are three “shotgun” houses in La Villa, the Dr. Horace Drew residence in Springfield, the Annie Lytle School in Riverside, the Ford Motor Co. assembly plant near the west side of the Mathews Bridge, the Barnett National Bank Building Downtown and Fire Station No. 5 on Riverside Avenue.
Booth said the list includes only a few of the historic buildings that are in danger of being lost to neglect or demolition. He said the purpose of selecting the most imperiled serves as a way to increase the public’s awareness of the need for conservation
“We encourage people to contact their City Council representatives and the property owners to help them understand how important it is to preserve our history,” said Booth.
356-2466