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APRIL 24
Yonder Mountain String Band, at Intuition Ale Works
MAY 9
Riverside Avondale Preservation’s 6th Annual Garden Tour
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APRIL 11-12, 2026, RIVERSIDE AVONDALE
HISTORIC DISTRICT
Welcome, from The Historic Collective
Thanks for joining the 2026 Riverside Avondale Preservation Tour of Homes. We’re glad you’re here, and we’re grateful you chose to spend part of your weekend walking these streets, stepping through front gates, and taking a closer look at what makes this community feel like home.
A home tour is a simple idea with a lot inside it. You get design inspiration, sure, but you also get stories. You notice details you might normally pass by. A transom catching the light. A porch that invites you to sit. A garden path that tells you someone has been tending it for years. You come away with a deeper sense of place.
We’re proud to support Riverside Avondale Preservation, whose work keeps that sense of place strong year after year. Their mission says it clearly:
Our mission is to preserve, enhance, and celebrate Riverside Avondale’s historic fabric, arts and culture, local businesses and public spaces. That mission shows up in the choices people make every day, from restoring what’s already here to supporting the businesses and public spaces that give the neighborhood its rhythm and character. To the homeowners who opened their doors, thank you. Letting the public into your space takes trust and generosity. To the volunteers who make the day run smoothly, thank you for being the calm, helpful presence everyone remembers. And to everyone attending, thank you for showing up with curiosity and respect. These are lived-in homes, and this tour works because the community treats them that way.
If you find yourself pausing over a window detail, a front walk, or a well-worn threshold, take the extra second. That’s the point. It’s not just what you see. It’s what you start to notice.
Enjoy the tour, and thank you for supporting the work that keeps Riverside Avondale worth wandering.
Joi Perkins
HOW TO HOME TOUR:
BROKER ASSOCIATE, THE HISTORIC COLLECTIVE
Download the FREE Art Bikes Jax app in the app store. Download the Home Tour route for turn-by-turn navigation to each show home, along with narration, links, and more information about each home - all in the palm of your hand. Use the app in your car, on your bike, on foot or rent an electric bike from Art Bikes Jax, rentals come complete with a ticket to the Home Tour. It’s the best way to Home Tour. Without getting lost!
SATURDAY, APRIL 11 , 10 AM - 4 PM SUNDAY, APRIL 12 , 12 PM - 4 PM
Preservan Jacksonville provides epoxybased wood rot repair and wood restoration for wood windows, doors, and other exterior woodwork. Locally owned by Jacksonville native Logan Brown, Preservan supports the Riverside Avondale Preservation Home Tour in celebration of historic homes and the care it takes to maintain them. Learn more at preservan.com/locations/ jacksonville
RadiFi Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative providing personal and business banking solutions, including checking, savings, mortgages, and lending services across Northeast Florida. With a strong commitment to community involvement, RadiFi supports local initiatives that preserve and strengthen the neighborhoods we serve. We are proud to support the 2026 Riverside Avondale Preservation Home Tour. Visit radificu.org to learn more.
Pointe Grand offers modern apartment communities designed with comfort, convenience, and thoughtful living in mind. In the Jacksonville region, our five communities provide wellplanned layouts and amenity-rich environments that support everyday living. We are proud to support the Home Tour and the work it advances in our community. Learn more at PointeGrand.com.
Austin Historical is a Florida-based historic window and door restoration firm focused on the repair and restoration of original wood and steel windows in historic homes. For more than 15 years, the company has worked on projects across Florida and the Southeast, including historic neighborhoods such as Riverside and Avondale. Featured resource from Austin Historical: “A Homeowner’s Guide to Historic Windows: Restore, Don’t Replace”, at austinhistorical. com/historic-home-tour
At Aethon Group, we are a Jacksonville based construction and development advisory firm providing owner’s representation including design coordination, procurement, cost planning, and construction oversight. We support the Riverside Avondale Preservation Home Tour in celebration of historic homes and the thoughtful stewardship that keeps neighborhoods strong. Learn more at Aethon.Group to explore our services.
Oak Wells Aquatics is a Jacksonvillebased pool and spa builder specializing in custom residential and commercial swimming pools, spas, and water features. We support the Riverside Avondale Preservation Home Tour because we believe in celebrating thoughtful design and the unique character of our neighborhoods. Learn more at oakwellsaquatics.com
CHAIR, RAP HOME TOUR
Victoria St. Clair, Realtor, Watson Realty
This has been an exciting year for the Home Tour because we achieved an incredible diversity of home styles. Riverside and Avondale is incredibly diverse and I love it when the home tour shows off all we have to offer. From modern Tudor, Gothic Revival, Colonial Revival, Queen Anne, bungalow and more. The 52nd annual Tour of Homes continues to be the only event where private homeowners open their doors to the public to learn more about architecture, history, renovations and design. As Chair of this year’s event, I believe I can say, “mission complete.” Don’t miss out.
TICKETS
The 2026 Home Tour features ten architecturally distinct properties within the Historic District of Riverside and Avondale. Ticket purchasers have two full days to enjoy the event at your leisure. Every ticket gains you one entrance to each property, focusing on an array of what our historic district has to offer. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 the weekend of the event. Visit 904TIX.com to purchase tickets.
S ponsors:
Crafted with Generations of Knowledge
TWILIGHT PARTY
THURSDAY, APRIL 9
The Twilight Party is a rare opportunity to visit an incredible home and also experience its charms. This year’s event will take place at 1954 Greenwood Avenue in the Arden section of the Avondale historic district. With views of the St. Johns River and Fishweir Creek, the homeowner is excited to invite guests into his home and learn more about the extensive renovations recently completed.
Guests at the Twilight Party will enjoy visiting this backyard transformation which maintains the mature live oak shade trees that define the space with modern touches. An in-ground heated swimming pool was added with patio and terracing.
In the front, large windows on either side of the entry have been turned into entrances, allowing guests to flow in and out of the newly extended front patio. Live music, delicious food from Biscottis, and refreshments will be available for all Twilight Party ticketed guests. Thanks to Good Condition for sponsoring this year’s event. Thanks to Good Condition for sponsoring this year’s event. Good Condition is a Jacksonville sustainable living and clean beauty store in the historic Shoppes of Avondale, carrying non-toxic skincare, makeup, and home goods. They support the Home Tour to celebrate the neighborhood’s historic homes and community character. Learn more at goodcondition.
GRAND REVIVAL
Newly renovated, this year’s feature home blends classic architecture with contemporary style.
AUTHORS: PHYLLIS BELL-DAVIS & ERIKA GUENTHER
This year’s featured property has never been a part of the RAP Tour of Homes and you won’t want to miss it. After a stunning renovation bridging the classic with modern styles, the 2026 feature home evokes grand style. The brick-clad Tudor sits on a small block surrounded by Morningside and Richmond streets with views of Fishweir Creek and the St. Johns River. The home, built in 1934, shows traits of Tudor Revival style. Its main structure features a steeply pitched side gabled roof and its entrance consists of three layered front gables balanced towards the east side of the home.
The current owner moved to Avondale in January 2025, drawn to the historic neighborhood because of its walkable streets, feeling of safety, and proximity to Downtown. Family in the neighborhood added to the allure of the property, and also allowed for an extended timeline to move forward with extensive renovations. Renovations at this property had the goal to retain its exterior 1930s charm, with a modern adaptation in the interior. General contractors with JBL Construction led the project. The work included adding two bathrooms and opening the floorplan
to increase light and movement. The front entry was expanded, adding French doors, a terrace, and extensive landscaping. In the backyard, an in-ground heated swimming pool was added with patio and terracing. Inside, each room was extensively renovated and designed with an eye-catching black and white motif. The design offers a clean and minimalist aesthetic and features marble, travertine, and a polished finished look. This is in contrast to the exterior brick and Tudor with classical and historic elements.
Design features of the home include stunning chan -
deliers and light fixtures, glass fireplace, and technology throughout the home. Oversized rooms make this space perfect for entertaining guests and the large kitchen is inviting for large gatherings. Clean marble walls and massive kitchen island hide all appliances and outlets adding to the clean minimalist look throughout the house.
The owner is excited to invite you into his home for the 2026 Home Tour. To the limited number of folks able to join the Home Tour preview Twilight Party, welcome to 1954 Greenwood Avenue. *
1526 COPELAND STREET
This three-story wood-frame residence was built within two years following Jacksonville’s Great Fire of 1901. It embodies many of the architectural characteristics of buildings constructed in the Riverside area between 1901-1918.
The property was purchased in 1905 by John Ball, secretary-treasurer of Consolidated Grocery. The home remained in the hands of the Ball Family for 75 years serving as a boarding house during and following WWII. In 1979 the last remaining family member sold the property to Riverside hospital with plans to demolish the structure and build a parking lot. Riverside Avondale Preservation relocated the home in 1980, one block west of its original site at 1605 Goodwin Street. It was purchased three years later by Dennis and Robin Warren who restored many of its original features including pocket doors and stained glass windows.
The home, which sits high, is currently owned by Glenn and
Debbie Yarbrough and boasts four bedrooms, three and one/half baths, a covered wrap-around front porch, and covered patio. A winding staircase leads upstairs to private rooms, and then to a fully open floor plan on the third floor. Recent renovations include a new full kitchen, pantry and powder bath. The backyard has been completely renewed with new sod, landscaping, new pavers under the pergola and stone walkways. The front foyer floor was updated and the majority of the rooms have been newly painted in the last two years. Framed photos of the home being moved and several newspaper articles about the history of the home are within.
The architecture of the house exhibits traits of both Queen Anne and Colonial Revival styles. Fenestration consists of metal sash windows in place of the original windows. Regardless of the architectural era, you don’t want to miss this beautiful, meticulously renovated home in all its present— and past—glory. *
1878 AVONDALE CIRCLE
3 BD | 4.4BA | 4876SQFT | 118FT River Frontage
A rare piece of Jacksonville history, set on one of Avondale’s most coveted riverfront parcels. Built in 1922 as the private residence of Avondale founder Telfair Stockton, this Mediterranean Revival estate seamlessly blends architectural legacy with timeless waterfront living. Tucked at the foot of a cul-de-sac, the property o ers 118 feet on the St. Johns River with sweeping downtown skyline views. Original millwork, preserved details, and five fireplaces reflect the home’s historic pedigree, while thoughtful updates—including an expansive kitchen—support modern living and entertaining. The residence features three bedrooms plus a flex room, four full baths and one half bath. Outdoors, enjoy a resort-style pool, private dock with covered boat lift, and a detached two-car garage with a one-bedroom carriage house. More than a home, this is an irreplaceable Avondale landmark.
1855 INGLESIDE AVENUE
Previously featured in RAP’s 27th Annual Home Tour, this home on Ingleside Avenue with Mediterranean Revival features is back to charm us again. The Ketchum family moved into 1855 Ingleside Avenue eight years ago and was swayed to choose Avondale because of its historic charm and proximity to Riverside Presbyterian Day School, where Ben is the Head of School. They admire the neighborhood for its historic charm and architectural diversity. The family loves being two blocks from the St. Johns River and within walking distance of the Shoppes of St. Johns Avenue. The cherry on top is having a great community to share it with.
The home, nestled on the corner of Hedrick and Ingleside, was built by Henry Taylor and Sons in 1922 for S.R. Smith. The permit for this home and its 1843 Ingleside garage apartment was issued for just $9,500. The home features
massive pillars, barrel tile roof, arched entries, and an outdoor brick patio giving it its Mediterranean charm.
The house has been in good hands throughout its history. In earlier RAP homeowner surveys, Rusty and Vivan Lee, residents of 1855 Ingleside in the 1980s, redid the plaster in every room, refinished its hardwood floors, redid wallpaper, and rewired the home’s full electrical system. Prior to RAP’s 27th home tour, the Pattison family did restoration of their own to make it show-worthy for the community’s eyes. The Ketchums are now making it their own by repurposing the dining room as their living room, closing off an entry and adding built-in bookcases. They have updated the faux stone treads and iron rails and balusters on their foyer staircase with traditional wood. In their kitchen, they’ve added additional cabinets, installed new countertops, and replaced the travertine with hardwood flooring. *
1100 STOCKTON STREET | EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
Sitting majestically between Forbes and Park streets at 1100 Stockton Street is the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, a vibrant, historic, and inclusive community of faith working to bring people closer to God and to each other. With services at 8:00 am and 10:00 am on Sundays and 5:30 pm on Wednesdays, the church has stood as a witness to history, beauty, kindness, and faithfulness for over 150 years.
This year marks the fifth year that the Church of the Good Shepherd has been a featured property on the RAP Tour of Homes. You don’t want to miss viewing all the changes that have been made over the years. Good Shepherd’s five-building campus is an architectural landmark that reflects the late Gothic Revival style and the Episcopal Church’s commitment to community and history.
The Church of the Good Shepherd began as a Sunday School mission of St. John’s Cathedral in 1870, with members meeting in each other’s homes. The congregation would grow and soon construct its first facility in 1879, the Good Shepherd Chapel, at Riverside Avenue and Stonewall Street. In 1893, a new sanctuary was built at Oak and Gilmore streets but was destroyed by fire in 1915. This led to the purchase of a land tract at the corner of Park and Stockton streets that would become the home of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, currently a 56,000 square foot complex.
The Rev. Milton R. Worsham, Good Shepherd’s first Rector, set out to build a seven-day church welcoming both congregation and community to worship, to work, to play, or to study every day of the week. The church was designed by Mellen C. Greeley, the “Dean of Jacksonville Architects”, and John William Cresswell Corbusier, an authority on Gothic ecclesiastical work. It was constructed in five stages from 1917-1981. Over time, construction would include the main worship space with its Gothic Revival nave, spectacular stained-glass windows, and E. M. Skinner organ dating back to 1929; the Worsham Parish hall (now Betsy Lovett Hall); a common space that was formerly a gymnasium (now Craig Lounge); classrooms; a courtyard; and, a 105-year-old, historic swimming pool.
The pool, which boasts gothic leaded-glass clerestory windows and terra cotta, beige and eggshell tilework, was donated to the church by Ada Cummer, the mother-in-law of Ninah Cummer of the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, in memory of her grandchildren for the enjoyment of the citizens of Jacksonville. Throughout the century since, thousands have learned to swim in the Good Shepherd pool.
In addition to all its rich history, several new improvements have been made throughout Good Shepherd’s campus in just the last year. These include the addition of a new echo division to the church’s Skinner organ, made possible by local philanthropist John Parkyn. Designed by James Freeman and R.A. Colby, the instrument was installed in the rear gallery of the nave, encouraging congregational singing by filling the room more fully during hymns. Repairs to the terra cotta roof, restoring walls and ceilings, refinishing floors, and restoring the second-floor balcony will also be visible on the tour. Fr. Worsham’s original vision has been kept alive—that the Church of the Good Shepherd be a place that is committed to serving both its congregation and the wider community. *
2114 OAK STREET
This frame vernacular was under construction during the Great Fire of 1901 for William M. Angas, an attorney and president of the Land Mortgage Bank of Florida. Its original entrance faced Riverside Avenue. It had a large front yard facing the St. Johns River and a grand front entry.
When it was purchased in April of 2000, it had been operating as a 12-unit apartment complex. Tina Musico and her partner Robert Eagle saw its potential as a bed and breakfast. With some imagination and a lot of elbow grease, the property became The Inn at Oak Street. In the early 1950s, the front part of the property was sold and an apartment building was built that blocked the view of Riverside Avenue. Musico and Eagle shifted the home’s entire wraparound porch and front entrance to Oak Street to help welcome guests.
The partners’ goal in this two-year long renovation project was to bring the dwelling as close to its former self as possible. The biggest challenge in this was that the home had no surviving images from its early days. Musico and Eagle worked to re-create pieces of this once grand mansion from the scraps of baseboards, window
and door moldings, and the railings and balusters they found while stripping this home back to its studs. On top of the colossal task of recreating an unknown interior, other considerable renovations include the refinishing of over 6,000 interior square feet of heart pine flooring, as well as the hunt in finding doors that match the originals. In their efforts, they shipped in twenty-four eight-foot cypress door panels dated back to 1908 from New Orleans. It was the closest match they could find.
Today, the property takes on a new life in the hands of Ann Covington who runs CovingtonAlsina, a financial planning firm focused on helping clients reach their financial goals. Ann currently serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees of Historic Annapolis and she is invested in historic preservation. She has extensive experience renovating older homes and this project allows her to combine her passion for rehabilitation with her business. “We were driven to this property because of its history, its continued adaptive reuse, and the walkability of Riverside and Jacksonville.” As you tour the property today, this is “Before.” Get a glimpse into the project before extensive renovations take place, and join us for a future Home Tour where we can show the “After” with CovingtonAlsina. *
2345 RIVERSIDE AVENUE
This Colonial Revival residence was built for Dr. Robert L. Harrs, a physician, by designer-contractor Ransom Buffalow. Once threatened by commercial zoning and development on Riverside Ave., this property still stands in its original location due to dedicated preservation efforts. The facade displays typical Colonial Revival elements, including decorative window muntins in the dormer and the symmetry of the Doric columns that frame the entryway. The columns carry over to the porte cochere, an important element of the architecture of this home. By the 1920’s, automobiles had become commonplace, and
the porte cochere offered shelter for passengers getting out of the car before the driver proceeded down the driveway to the garage.
The home’s current residents, Allie and Peter House, purchased the home in May 2025 and love Riverside for its walkability, historic charm, and sense of community. Allie and Peter were drawn to this property for its well-maintained original features, which guests will be able to see during the Home Tour. The family is planning small updates to the home and look forward to further settling in as residents in the historic district. *
2755 OAK STREET
This one-and-half-story bungalow was built in 1909, perhaps a few years earlier. In 1975, it was the first house to display one of RAP’s “Restoration In Progress” banners, which started as a project of the American Bicentennial. The homeowners at the time were Gene and Carol Pullen. The couple spent many months refinishing the hardwood floors, rebuilding the kitchen and bathroom, removing an enclosed section of the porch that had been converted to a bedroom, and stripping layers of wallpaper.
Today, the house is occupied by homeowners Justin and Stephanie Sims, who are excited to let Home Tour visitors see the results of the home’s preservation work. This bungalow retains its original architectural charm and features a broad shed dormer and a four-bay veranda decorated with scroll-sawn brackets on the porch posts. Guests will be surprised to see the massive hidden backyard, and see photos from the early days of this old home’s story. *
3555 RANDALL STREET
After retiring from their various overseas stints in the U.S. Navy and Foreign Service, homeowners Martha Patterson and Marc Boyd and their English bulldog Biscuit test drove many areas in the U.S. before deciding where to settle. Their cross country trek eventually led them to Avondale and to this 1926 bungalow. They learned to answer the question “Why Jacksonville?” with “Jacksonville – who knew?” as they live in an area that’s central to everything … parks, beaches, breweries, restaurants, Savannah and Orlando, just to name a few. The three-bedroom, two-bath bungalow boasts many features that have been updated over the decades, all the while maintaining its classic aesthetics including high ceilings that allow the multitude of cased windows to bathe the rooms in sunlight. The backyard is enhanced by a wraparound wooden deck that overlooks a pool and a spa the owners installed after purchasing
the home in August 2023. The garage has been given a second life as a pool house.
The couple worked hard to stay true to the original style of the house and they milled the outdoor siding and new interior trim to match that in the rest of the house. The laundry porch and back bedroom have been completely rebuilt as a master suite, with higher ceilings to match the front of the house, a brand new ensuite bathroom, and walk-in closet. Also in the new master suite are heart pine floors constructed with logs dredged from the St Mary’s River, and crafted into boards to specifically match the rest of the 100 year-old pine floors in the other bedrooms. French doors from the bedroom open to the deck and pool. A transom floods the room with afternoon sunlight. This century-old bungalow has much for guests to see as a part of the 52nd annual Tour of Homes. *
San Marco’s Next Great Estate Awaits Its Revival
Located at 959 Maple Lane in Jacksonville’s sought-a er San Marco neighborhood, this rare property o ers a unique opportunity to restore or reimagine a future landmark estate. Surrounded by charming, tree-lined streets and timeless homes, it provides the character, scale, and location ideal for creating something exceptional. Just minutes from San Marco Square, renowned dining, boutique shopping, and the St. Johns River, this prestigious address is the perfect canvas to bring new life, luxury, and legacy to one of Jacksonville’s most desirable communities.
3583 HEDRICK STREET
When the Bottomley Family found themselves in Jacksonville a second time after a quick two-year stint in Tennessee, they knew exactly where they wanted to live. Only a few houses down from their first Avondale home on Pine Street, the Bottomleys found endless potential in the Colonial Revival at 3583 Hedrick Street. They felt the home was in great condition for a century-old home, and they loved the extra room that comes with a double lot.
The house was built in 1923 by R. J. Gallespie in the new Ingleside Subdivision southeast of Avondale. Its first owner was Robert T. Frederick, a conductor with the Atlantic Coastline Railway. is considered a newer form of Colonial Revival. It has a central hall with a rectangular floor plan. The brick facade features a formal doorway
with a pediment. When it was purchased in February 2021 by the Bottomleys, they immediately got to work making it their own.
Working with Centerbeam Construction, the family has had the existing pool retiled and resurfaced. The guesthouse has had its own mini renovation and the garage below has been completely insulated. Their main house has had new electric and plumbing circulated throughout. Of all these renovations, it is likely that their two-story addition to the back of the home is the biggest. It contains a mudroom, half-bath, and allows for easier movement through the main floor to their living room and kitchen. Where original flooring had been removed, white oak floors were placed and stained to seamlessly blend the old and the new. *
2257 ERNEST STREET
Owner Michael Coward knows the history of this home well. As a fourth generation resident, it was built by his great-grandfather James Lee. James and Mary kept the home in the family, leaving it to Mary’s daughter, Ruth Lee Coward. Alton and Ruth Lee Coward had two sons (Alton Junior and John Lee) who boasted all the signs of growing up in Riverside. They were born at St. Vincents, attended John Gorrie Elementary School, and graduated from Riverside High School (formerly Robert E. Lee).
The bungalow was built in 1923 and offers unique features such as a coquino concrete foundation, chimney, and continuous patio. This gable has a ventilation/window grouping with a Palladian treatment, typical of many
bungalows in the area. Tuscan columns on coquino piers and the turned concrete balustrade make this home stand out on Ernest St.
Michael has completed an eleven-year restoration of the property since taking the title from his uncle John in 2014, including taking the house down to its studs and rebuilding everything. He has a focus on retaining unique features while doubling the square footage by adding two rooms, a second floor, new garage, screened porch, and made the home handicap accessible. A new vented/ non-vented roof, custom windows, and dehumidifying unit for the entire home make for very fresh, breathable air. Make sure to check out these features during the Home Tour as you walk through this Riverside gem. *
TOUR OF HOMES & GARDENS
SPRINGFIELD April 25 -26
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Welcome to
HISTORIC SPRINGFIELD HISTORIC SPRINGFIELD HISTORIC SPRINGFIELD
Historic Springfield Opens Its Doors & Porch Swings To All of Jacksonville
Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council (SPAR) welcomes visitors from around the region to the 47th Historic Springfield Tour of Homes & Gardens. Take a stroll down historic streets, where you can enjoy the architecture and spirit of Jacksonville’s original “front porch” neighborhood.
The Springfield Historic District is home to unique historic houses, some dating back to the 1890s, as well as scenic parks, a bustling Main Street, and proximity to Downtown amenities. All of these features bring people to visit, but the sense of community is why many return. In Springfield, residents know their neighbors; not just those on their block, but all around the neighborhood. Front porches, gardens, and cafés serve as gathering places, and frequent social happenings include First Friday parties, signature events such as SPARdi Gras and the Fourth of July Throwback Baseball Game, community improvement projects, family programming, and Jacksonville’s favorite annual music festival, PorchFest. A playground for the wealthy and famous at the turn of the 20th century, the neighborhood is now a popular choice for those seeking an eclectic, diverse, creative place to live.
SPAR Council is proud to continue the long-standing tradition of presenting the Historic Springfield Tour of Homes & Gardens to the City of Jacksonville. In 2026, we are pleased to do so in partnership with our presenting sponsor of this signature event: M&M Homes. SPAR is excited to show visitors the diversity and personality of Historic Springfield and invite all of Jacksonville to experience what makes our neighborhood a fantastic place to live and play.
During SPAR’s Tour of Homes & Gardens on April 25 and 26, you’ll have seven properties to tour, including interior spaces decorated in a mix of modern and vintage styling, as well as beautiful backyard gardens. Visitors will check in at SPAR’s headquarters at 1321 North Main Street to begin the tour.
Michael Haskins
MICHAEL HASKINS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SPRINGFIELD PRESERVATION AND REVITALIZATION
SPAR Board of Directors
Historic Springfield
TOUR OF HOMES & GARDENS TOUR OF HOMES & GARDENS TOUR OF HOMES & GARDENS
APRIL 25 & 26 • NOON- 5 PM
Beautiful architecture and a vibrant social scene bring people to visit the Springfield Historic District, but it’s the sense of community that keeps them coming back. For one weekend a year, visitors have an opportunity to enjoy the unique character and quirks of the neighborhood by exploring some of the beautiful homes and gardens that line its tree-shaded streets. The 47th Historic Springfield Tour of Homes and Gardens, presented by M&M Homes, takes place on April 25 and 26, hosted by Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council (SPAR). Read on for the first look at the homes and gardens featured on this year’s tour, and for additional details about all the local hot spots in Springfield.
Photos by Residential Photography Solutions
PRESENTED BY:
Drew Residence Rehabilitation: A New Approach to Saving Historic Structures
In December 2025, SPAR launched the Drew Residence at 245 W 3rd Street to save the property from demolition by neglect. In December 2025, we launched the Drew Rehabilitation Fund to raise capital for the project.
The Drew Residence, located in Historic Springfield, features a mix of architectural styles and characteristics including Tudor Revival, Queen Anne, Spanish Colonial Revival, and a belvedere, and serves as a gateway into the neighborhood from Downtown. The residence was built in 1909 for Dr. Drew Horace, grandson of early Jacksonville leader Columbus Drew.
The acquisition marks an important step in preventing further deterioration of the structure. Despite the home’s landmark status, the Drew Residence has fallen into disrepair in recent years. SPAR intends to rehabilitate the building, with plans for a publicly accessible community living room and archive as well as a small business incubator with low-cost office space for businesses receiving support from Springfield’s business association.
SPAR worked with the City of Jacksonville to acquire the property. When the City foreclosed on the previous owners, the owners looked to offload the property, and SPAR stepped in to lead the rehabilitation. The acquisition represents a novel approach to avoiding demolition by neglect and ensuring historic preservation that we hope will be replicable for other architecturally significant structures not only in Springfield but throughout Jacksonville.
While the Drew Residence is not on this year’s Tour of Homes & Gardens due to ongoing renovation work, we encourage our guests to follow our progress at sparcouncil.org/drew_fund and support our work to restore this architectural treasure.
Tickets can be purchased online at SpringfieldTour.com and picked up at Will Call on tour days. They can also be purchased on Saturday and Sunday, April 25 and 26, for $30 at the Tour’s starting location, 1321 North Main St.
Purchase your tickets online by April 24, and you’ll receive a $10 discount per ticket.
TICKET SALES LOCATION: SPAR Office Building 1321 North Main Street Jacksonville, FL 32206
SHIP TO SHORE
A Springfield Tudor residence was built using most unusual construction techniques
Guests visiting this address may be welcomed by one or more of four pets: a Shih Tzu named Peanut, a Pomeranian named Ruthie, and two cats: Mr. Peepers and Sidekick. Their owners, lovers of travel and gardening, are longtime residents of Springfield, having purchased their first home in the neighborhood in 1988.
“Appearing in front of me was this unusual giant Tudor house, which was wide open, condemned and slated for demolition,” recalls one of the homeowners. “I was intrigued and exited my car to check the house out with a small flashlight and was amazed at what I discovered, I spent every minute of two hours in the home looking at the unique construction technology, its full basement, large attic and steel and cement construction. An epiphany occurred and I decided I was going to save this house from the demolition ball no matter what.”
“The latest evolution of SPAR now includes the exciting restoration of The Drew Mansion located on Klutho Park as a community center dedicated exclusively to Historic Springfield and its residents.”
He purchased the home at 133 West 5th Street in 1991 and finished the renovations over two years, eventually moving into the house in 1993. This is the only property the couple have both lived in together—it is “truly home.”
The grand residence was built in 1917 by Arthur Dunham Stevens, the President of the Merrill-Stevens Company, the largest employer in the City of Jacksonville at the time. It was constructed exclusively with marine ferrocement—also known as ‘cimente arme,’ a building technique that involves embedding a layer of hydraulic cement into a steel wire frame.
Used extensively in marine applications, Stevens decided to use the same technology to build houses and commercial buildings. He finished the house as his primary residence using only materials from the shipyards including quarter sawn oak, mahogany and long leaf yellow pine,
133 W. 5TH STREET
oak windows and an evaporator air-conditioning system also used by JP Morgan. Thomas Edison consulted Stevens on the unique electrical schematics for the home.
The main house was converted into five apartments in the 1970s. The derelict owners loaded it with debt, left the apartments vacant and left Jacksonville and the country. It took two years to return the house to a single-family residence and add all new systems. A plaster crew from Atlanta traveled to Jax to restore the plaster finishes. The electricians pulled over a mile of new wire using the original Edison conduit. HVAC and plumbing contractors had to use a jack hammer to route new plumbing and HVAC registers. But wait, there’s more.
There are more than 150 pieces of solid marine brass that were stripped, polished and reinstalled. All the windows were removed, rebuilt and reinstalled. All the wood finishes, including the floors, were restored by craftsmen. The three working fireplaces were also used during the winter months to heat the house.
The house has an eclectic decorating motif, say the homeowners. The interior rooms have no right angles which provide an excellent background and acoustics to display the couple’s extensive collection of art, masks from their many travels, crystal and glass, and penny banks from all over America. There are several original artworks displayed including those by Ukrainian artist Anatole Krasnyansky. The rugs are primarily Turkish wool and silk. There is a Persian silk prayer rug made with silver thread and precious stones located on the wall on the Pool House, which was built in 2007 as an additional space for entertaining. *
“We were combining families and wanted to move to a neighborhood that provided walkability, stores, and history,” say the owners of this 10th Street beauty. “Springfield allowed us to capture the dream of owning a beautiful piece of history and joining a diverse community where our children could grow up and the rest of us could comfortably continue our journey. We have loved historic homes and often drove through the area dreaming of a future here.”
Three generations share the home, as well as one inside cat and another outside, Springfield George, the feline mayor of the neighborhood. They say the sounds of jazz or classical music can often be heard coming from the house, purchased in September of 2024. “Every part of Springfield we walked around was open and gracious in welcoming us,” they say.
In addition to the neighborhood, the family quickly fell in love with the home, particularly the basement, porches, and its history—named the Doctor’s House because a physician once lived and worked in the residence. Unlike some homes this age, there wasn’t a long list of necessary renovations. “We uncovered a window in the closet of the 2nd floor bedroom and
“As an active member of SPAR I see firsthand the impact on the desire to own in this community. Be it monthly activities, celebrations of past, present and future milestones, and just the emphasis on keeping our community clean always. I feel we are the example for others to draw from.”
brought it back out to enjoy. We’re currently stripping some of the paint off the wood to see the natural beauty. We also have some other plans to make some enhancements in other areas, but our house is perfect. Our decor style is eclectic, trying to combine Victorian, Asian, Mid Century, and minimalism together. We are trying to create a family wall going up the stairs showing several generations.”
The family says they love visiting the shops, walking the neighborhood, and go crazy for all the events SPAR puts on—the favorite of which is PorchFest. “The Underground Market is fabulous, along with all the opportunities to participate in community events. Yoga in the Park is another favorite.” *
151 W. 10TH STREET
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1708 WALNUT STREET
This family of four and dog Zoey have lived in Springfield for eight years. They enjoy spending time outdoors, supporting local businesses, and hosting friends and neighbors at their home, as well as walking through the neighborhood and attending its many events.
“We love the charm and community of Springfield,” they say. “Our home stood out because it was built in 2010 but was designed to have the character of an older historic home and to blend in with the historic architecture of the neighborhood. The four porches and the back courtyard, where we often entertain, immediately drew us in.”
“SPAR
plays an important role in preserving the history and character of Springfield. As the Vice President of SPAR, I see how the organization supports homeowners, protects historic architecture, and strengthens the community.”
“We recently renovated our bathrooms to update the space while maintaining the character of the home,” the homeowners add. “Our style is eclectic with strong art influences. We love original art and are currently replacing all of our wall art with original pieces.” *
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“Springfield represented an urban ruggedness with charm, full of diversification that I was familiar with growing up on the South Side of Chicago,” says the owner of this home. “I have lived in Historic Springfield for 16 years, relocating to Jacksonville when I was recruited by Winn-Dixie in 2010 to assume the role of Director of Neighborhood Marketing.”
The structure was originally built in 1924 as a corner grocery store and, over the years, has been reimagined as everything from nightclubs to insurance offices. The concept of transforming it to a home was done by the previous owners. “However, being from Chicago and growing up observing the many creative solutions to modern living, in addition to moving from Winston-Salem, from a converted tobacco factory condo, I wanted the same aesthetic of an industrial space transformed into the ultimate house.”
The two lots next door are separate but also an extension of the outdoor oasis including a shed on each property with a fire pit and Koi pond, leaving room for
“SPAR is the perfect neighborhood partner, preserving the aesthetics and charm of Historic Springfield.”
future single-family home development. “I’ve planted palm trees all around the property and added several plants, bushes and citrus trees, in addition to the rocks that enhance the curb appeal and give it a modern low-maintenance aesthetic.”
“I came in and transformed the decor into an eclectic mix of modern and traditional style encompassing the comfort of a traditional home and the swag of the ultimate entertainment oasis,” the homeowner continues. “Having also been a former owner of an art gallery, the home is decorated and curated with a plethora of artistic expressions spanning from sculpture, mixed media, paint on canvas and photography. The furniture style includes art deco, modern and contemporary pieces.” *
2069 N. MARKET STREET
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We purchased our home in Springfield in August 2025,” say the homeowners, a couple who have two dogs, a Rat Terrier and a deaf Jack Russell. “We’ve lived in other locations in Jacksonville, including Riverside and the Southside, and we spent a great deal of time looking at homes in 2016. However, due to job locations, we were unable to make this part of Duval County work. We were convinced even then that Springfield was a lovely area. Now, years later, and after Covid created remote working opportunities, here we are after all.”
The couple has had many homes over the years across several Florida locations and in other states. They were very intentional about wanting a more urban, walkable lifestyle and a home that had a small yard so that they could spend
time enjoying life instead of doing chores and driving. They had always admired the beautiful historic homes in Springfield, but didn’t have plans to buy there until they stumbled upon this dwelling during a quick drive through the neighborhood. The home, situated across from Klutho Park, and community services made purchasing it an easy decision. The nearby Dreamette ice cream shop may have also had an influence.
“Having a dedicated group of people committed to preserving and advancing the area is what makes SPAR the most valuable, from our point of view. We feel the only way to preserve and keep value in our community is to actively participate in the growth and beauty of the neighborhood while preserving the historic appeal.”
The home was built in 2003 but designed with a historic home look and feel. The current homeowners acquired it in 2025 and even before moving in they began a series of repairs and renovations. For example, all the exterior doors were replaced and the exterior trim needed a fresh coat of paint. The hot water heater was at end of life and was replaced with a tankless model. The hardwood floors were in good shape but were replenished with a reviver. Substantial work was needed inside to repaint all walls, trims, and ceilings, replace door hardware, upgrade lighting and fans, and wall plates. All the old telephone and cable outlets were removed. But they weren’t done yet.
The original gas log fireplace was gutted and replaced with an electronic display fireplace. The bathrooms had been recently remodeled and only required new sink and shower hardware, fans, and modern toilets. The laundry room was reconfigured for stacked appliances to increase storage space. The kitchen cabinets were repainted and updated for soft close doors and slide outs. All new kitchen appliances were installed. Bedroom closets had already been modernized to California style. Custom plantation half-height shutters were installed on most lower windows with full height upstairs. *
145 W. 3RD STREET
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“I’m a Jacksonville native and a Mandarin High grad,” says the owner of this Market Street residence. “After twelve years away—living in New York, San Diego, Hawaii, Oregon, and even a small island off the coast of Panama―—I felt the pull back to Florida. I explored the Beaches and Arlington, but Springfield offered a sense of community, historic character, and a unique ‘village’ feel that I couldn’t find anywhere else.”
She moved to the neighborhood in 2016 and recalls her first experience renting a room in a stunning home on 6th Street near the old 3 Layers coffeehouse. It had a saltwater pool, and she made it a point to jump in every single day. After a stint on Redwing Street, she eventually fell in love with a home in the heart of the historic district.
“My home was built in 1916 and is a classic example of the neighborhood’s historic charm. It has a ‘sister house’ nearby on Redwing Street with an almost identical floor plan,” says the homeowner. “Truthfully, I didn’t move here for the house itself; I moved here for a relationship that eventually ended. But in that time, I realized the house sits on a bustling intersection that offered something far more valuable than just a place to live—it was the perfect location for an interactive garden. What makes this
“SPAR acts as the connective tissue for our neighborhood. Their dedication to preserving the historic integrity of Springfield while fostering a modern, inclusive community is what makes this area so resilient.”
home special to me now is its role as a literal ‘crossroads’ where I can facilitate community connection right at the sidewalk’s edge.”
Most of the recent ‘renovations’ at this address have happened outside. The homeowner has been working with the land planting figs, mulberries, bananas, and a variety of fruit-bearing trees. It is a seasonal, living dialogue that is constantly evolving. Her goal is to hold space for the neighborhood to have a shared area in which to gather, to draw people to a destination, but to put the garden right on the path where everyone was already walking. “I believe in the power of shared outdoor spaces to create chance encounters between people of all backgrounds who might not otherwise meet, allowing the land to connect us in ways we truly need.” *
2007 N. MARKET STREET
320 E. 5TH STREET
Much of the credit for the owners of this 5th Street home currently residing here goes to one very persuasive and encouraging Realtor. That encouragement is very much appreciated now as the family, including six grandchildren, love gathering in Springfield. A pair of retired school teachers, the homeowners moved to the neighborhood in 2020, first in a house on Pearl Street before moving further east last spring.
“Our house is called the Permenter House, and it was built by John G. and Pauline Permenter in 1909. They lived in the house until 1935,” they share. “The previous owners, Mike and Pat Todd, bought the house in 2011, when it was in a derelict condition. They carefully restored the house structurally and refinished the interior, but the footprint of the house has changed very little over time. Previously there was a detached garage
“SPAR promotes a sense of community and a good relationship between Springfield and the City of Jacksonville. Our PorchFest has become an important event for all of Jacksonville.”
with an apartment, which has been demolished (darn!).”
A pergola has been added over the back deck, and a Zen garden with a smaller deck planted in the back yard. “We love Mission style, which goes well with the Prairie style of the house. My husband is a graduate of the Art Institute of Chicago and Yale Art School, so we have many pieces of his art, as well as favorite pieces we have both collected over the years. We are both interested in Japanese art and culture.” *
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CLOSETS BY DESIGN
Organized Living | Seamless Organization
For more than four decades, Closets by Design has set the standard in the home organization industry. Here in Jacksonville, we’ve proudly earned a reputation as the leading provider of custom storage solutions across Northeast Florida and South Georgia.
What makes us the Face of Closet Design isn’t just our experience, but our commitment to making homes more functional, beautiful, and intentional. From walk-in closets to laundry and mud rooms, garage storage and flooring, home offices, and more, we transform spaces of every size with designs tailored to each client’s lifestyle and budget.
Unlike companies that rely on mass-produced systems, we manufacture everything locally, right off Phillips Highway in Jacksonville. This ensures ex-
ceptional quality control while allowing us to invest directly in our community by creating local jobs.
Our process begins with a free in-home consultation where our designers listen, collaborate, and create solutions that maximize both space and style. From there, our local team handles manufacturing and installation for a seamless transition from design to completion. Clients can experience our craftsmanship firsthand at our new showroom and garage condo.
With high-quality craftsmanship, endless customization, strong warranties, and ongoing promotions like free installation and flexible financing, it’s easy to see why Jacksonville homeowners continue to trust Closets by Design for their custom storage solutions.
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JACKSONVILLE FURNITURE MART
Jacksonville’s Most Unique Furniture Destination Since 1946
Jacksonville Furniture Mart has helped generations of families furnish their homes with quality, character, and value. While the name “Furniture Mart” suggests great pricing—and customers consistently find it to be true—the store offers far more than competitive value. As a locally owned, family-run business, Jacksonville Furniture Mart provides a welcoming shopping experience that feels refreshingly different from the typical big-box furniture store.
What truly sets the showroom apart is its carefully curated mix of higher-end furniture and distinctive home furnishings that are difficult to find elsewhere. Customers will find respected brands such as Stickley—America’s oldest furniture manufacturer—as well as Hancock & Moore and many other premium makers known for exceptional craftsmanship. With more than 200 furniture brands alongside smaller and hard-to-find vendors, Jacksonville Furniture Mart offers an impressive variety of furniture, décor, and intriguing decorative objects that help customers create homes with personality and style.
Displays are refreshed often and hundreds of new items arrive each week, creating a colorful, ever-changing environment where shoppers can always discover something new. Unlike many furniture stores where layouts remain the same for months, Jacksonville Furniture Mart is designed to feel inspiring, creative, and full of possibilities.
Behind the experience is a talented team of designers, sales consultants, and support staff dedicated to helping customers create spaces they love. Jacksonville Furniture Mart employs approximately 40 local associates who ensure a seamless experience from selection to delivery. Complimentary design services and a large in-stock selection ready for immediate delivery make it easy for customers to bring their ideas to life. Today the company is led by sibling partners Sarah Gavronsky Cantor and Joseph Gavronsky, who continue the family legacy while guiding Jacksonville Furniture Mart forward as one of the region’s most distinctive destinations for home furnishings.
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OUTDOOR LIGHTING PERSPECTIVES
Lighting the Night: How Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Jacksonville Transforms Homes
Jacksonville residents Jim and Melissa Gann know that a beautifully lit home is more than just a house — it’s a statement. Jim launched Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Jacksonville in 2017 with a vision to transform the city’s most stunning properties after dark.
After 20 years in the advertising agency business and 12 in corporate marketing, Jim stepped away from the corporate world to build something personal — a brand synonymous with design excellence, best-inclass installation, and professionalism. “Our goal is to set the standard for outdoor lighting in Northeast Florida,” Jim says. “From the first consultation to ongoing service, we want every client to feel like their home is our top priority.”
Collaboration is at the heart of Outdoor Lighting Perspectives’ approach. Jim developed a process
that invites homeowners to share how they want their outdoor spaces to feel — whether a warm entryway, dramatic architectural highlights, or an inviting backyard retreat. Their input is blended with practiced design standards, creative solutions, and innovative fixtures to deliver a one-of-a-kind result.
While Jim runs daily operations, Melissa continues her nearly 30-year real estate career, giving the couple a unique perspective on how great lighting enhances a home’s value and appeal. Together, they’ve positioned Outdoor Lighting Perspectives as a premier option in a crowded field.
Their focus remains clear: deliver designs that provide safety, security, curb appeal, and functional beauty long after sunset. The result? Magnificently lit homes and landscapes that make clients proud— and their friends just a little envious.
