Save Jacksonville's Old Fire Station No. 5
Built in 1910, Old Fire Station No. 5 is the last standing historic structure on Riverside Ave. In less than 60 days, the old fire station will be demolished.
Tearing down Old Fire Station No. 5 would be a step backwards in the revitalization of our downtown, and an historic loss for the Brooklyn neighborhood. Local preservation groups already have in place a list of potential sites and uses for Old Fire Station No. 5. If the City of Jacksonville commits to saving this historic building, it would be a commitment of good stewardship to the community and a promise to preserve a neighborhood asset that is an integral piece of the area's revitalization.
Please help save Old Fire Station No. 5 from the wrecking ball by signing this petition, and help preserve an important piece of Jacksonville history.
We the undersigned believe that Old Fire Station No. 5 is an important part of Jacksonville's history. Built in 1910, it is now the last remaining historic structure on Riverside Avenue in the Brooklyn neighborhood. Demolishing Old Fire Station No. 5 is not an option if we wish to preserve a rich piece of Jacksonville history for generations to come. Tearing down Old Fire Station No. 5 would be a step backwards in the revitalization of our downtown.
According to Smart Growth America, "Many of the most impressive examples of revitalization around the country, whether urban downtowns or rural Main Streets, have had the preservation of historic architecture and character at their core." A simple solution would be to move Old Fire Station No. 5 to any one of a number of nearby available lots. Local preservation groups already have in place a list of potential sites and uses for Old Fire Station No. 5. If the City of Jacksonville commits to saving this historic building, it would be a commitment of good stewardship to the community and a promise to preserve a neighborhood asset that is an integral piece of the area's revitalization.
Make the decision now to save Old Fire Station No. 5 from the wrecking ball and allow local preservation leaders to work out the details for the benefit of the City, the community and local businesses. $300,000 is a small price to pay to preserve a piece of important Jacksonville history compared to the $23 million slated to restore the Southbank Riverwalk, Friendship Fountain and Metropolitan Park.
Thank you for your time and consideration, and thank you for saving
Old Fire Station No. 5.
