The final science exhibit at the old MOSH building in downtown will involve the physics of demolition.
The Downtown Investment Authority approved knocking down the four-story building at 1025 Museum Circle on the Southbank.
The nonprofit organization overseeing the Museum of Science and History closed the building last August while fundraising continues for a new building on the other side of the St. Johns River. The vacant building won’t be standing much longer.
Jacksonville’s Museum of Science & History has closed in preparation for a move to a new site.
When will demolition of MOSH occur?
The city is aiming to take down the building in the next three to six months.
What will demolition cost?
The Downtown Investment Authority approved $875,000 for the demolition.
Will the city use an implosion for the takedown?
No. The city has used rapid-fire detonations to take down high-rise buildings in downtown, but the old MOSH building won’t require that kind of demolition. A contractor using heavy equipment will knock the building down one section at a time.
The existing MOSH building stands on the Southbank of the St. Johns River, behind Friendship Fountain. Plans call for a move across the river.
Why isn’t the city trying to reuse the old MOSH structure?
The departure of MOSH from the building resulted in both it and its land reverting back to the city.
Downtown Investment Authority staff toured the building and decided against keeping the building because that would require ongoing expenses for the vacant structure.
“We do not think it’s salvageable for redevelopment,” DIA CEO Colin Tarbert said.
What will go on the old MOSH site?
The property is near Friendship Fountain and the site where the Related Group will build a riverfront apartment tower.
“It’s an amazing site,” Tarbert said. “It’s great for redevelopment potential.”
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He said after the demolition, the next step will be to seeks proposals from developers for how they would use the site. He said the request for proposals could happen later this year.
The city will use the site in the meantime as parking for visitors going to Friendship Fountain and the St. Johns River Park playground.
Why did MOSH close on the Southbank?
The museum says closing MOSH on the Southbank will enable its leadership to fully focus on the design and future construction of a bigger museum on the Northbank site.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville will demolish old MOSH building in downtown