During the 20 years following the creation of the country's first enclosed regional mall in 1956, so many were built in Florida that they started to cannibalize each other. Here's a walk down memory lane at ten once popular enclosed malls around the state that don't exist anymore. Read More
Cultural heritage trails take users on journeys between sites, attractions or businesses by providing information and storytelling on their unique neighborhood or environment. In many communities, heritage trails are intended to honor local history and aid local economies, especially through activities that attract tourism. In recent years, heritage trails in underserved, but historically important, sections of cities, have been designed or proposed with the goal of assisting in ongoing revitalization efforts. Here are a few examples of popular cultural heritage trail projects in peer communities across the country. Read More
What does urban renewal look like? What did LaVilla, Jacksonville's oldest suburb, dating back to 1866 look like? Ask no more. We recently received access to pre-demolition photographs of properties being prepared to be razed as a part of the River City Renaissance plan. Since there are so many to share, we'll occasionally show one street at a time. Today, our focus is North Davis Street. Read More
From ragtime, blues and jazz, to the Great Migration, the Civil Rights Movement, and many local food dishes we enjoy today, the neighborhood of LaVilla has played a significant role. The proposed LaVilla Heritage Trail is an interpretive marker project that will share the unique and largely overlooked history of sites within LaVilla and the individuals and events associated with them. On Thursday, December 14th, a public meeting will be held at the Ritz Theatre & Museum to continue discussions and planning efforts for the cultural heritage trail. The meeting, which will begin at 5:30 p.m. is free and open to the public. Read More
