Riverside/Avondale

Riverside developed as an upper middle class suburb about 3 miles from Downtown Jacksonville. Its main period of development, like Springfield, followed the 1901 Fire and lasted through the 1920s. The neighborhood is remarkable for its variety and quality of architecture, including examples of Colonial Revival, Georgian, Shingle Style, Queen Anne, Bungalow and Tudor homes. Riverside Avenue, located on the banks of the St. Johns River is especially notable for its elegant mansions. The further you travel away from Riverside Avenue, the more modest the homes become, but the entire Riverside Historic District is charming and lovely.

Avondale was originally an exclusive neighborhood adjoining Riverside, but the two communities have long since blended together. The Avondale area is characterized by gently curving roadways and pocket parks. The neighborhood is one of the most picturesque in Jacksonville and boasts the highest concentration of high-quality historic homes in the city.

Riverside Avondale benefits from a strong civic improvement organization (Riverside Avondale Preservation, Inc.) that works to insure that the neighborhood's unique qualities are protected. The group sponsors various events throughout the year, including a popular tour of homes and an arts festival.


Find Out More:

Riverside Avondale Preservation, Inc.
http://www.riverside-avondale.com

Overview of the Riverside/Avondale Historic District
http://www.coj.net/jhpc/avonrivr.htm

Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens (on Riverside Drive)
http://www.cummer.org


More Links:

Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission
http://www.coj.net/jhpc/

The Jacksonville Times-Union
http://www.jacksonville.com