Springfield

Springfield lies in the area immediately North of Downtown Jacksonville. The area was sparsely developed starting in the 1860s, but the fire of 1901 that destroyed most of the downtown area spurred a building boom that lasted until the early 1920s. Although the majority of homes built in Springfield during this period were of a vernacular style (most are 2-story with a gable or hip roof and porches are common), there are examples of influential architectural styles of the period, including Colonial Revival, Queen Anne, and the Prairie style.

In 1925, a Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance passed by the City of Jacksonville classified the entire Springfield area as "Business A." This resulted in the depreciation of residential real estate values and the eventual decline of the area. During the 1970s, Springfield Preservation and Restoration ("SPAR") was formed. The organization successfully campaigned to have the area downzoned and it became the first neighborhood to change most of its commercial zoning back to residential.

In 1986, the Historic Springfield Community Council of Jacksonville, Florida was established to enhance the quality of life through crime prevention, restoration and maintenance of parks, zoning and urban affairs, and block clean-up and management. In 1987, the entire Springfield Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Since 1998, Springfield has been undergoing steady revitalization and redevelopment. New residents are renovating these charming historic homes and looking for the excitement and feeling of community an intown neighborhood provides. The area is also establishing itself as a performing and visual arts community. Several artists have established a gallery and SPAR is actively working to program arts events, including a new "Movies on Main" program, which shows cult and family favorites in an outdoor venue.

Find Out More:

Springfield Preservation and Restoration (SPAR)
http://www.springfieldpreservation.com

Springfield National Historic District
http://www.historicspringfield.com

SPAR's Arts Programming
http://www.springfieldpreservation.com/ArtsSeries/


Overview of the Springfield Historic District
http://www.coj.net/jhpc/spfield.htm


More Links:

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

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