Work is expected to begin mid-May and continue through September. Residents call the development “bittersweet.”
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The City of Jacksonville has confirmed a timeline for the demolition of the former Museum of Science and History building, marking a major step toward the site’s future redevelopment.
City officials told First Coast News an active demolition permit is in place, with work expected to begin in mid-May and continue through September.
A First Coast News crew observed what appears to be early preparation work already underway at the site. While demolition is not easily visible from all angles, video captured up close shows parts of the structure beginning to come down.
The building has been in transition since MOSH announced plans to relocate to a new facility along the Northbank.
For many in the community, the changes bring a mix of emotions.
“Because we all have memories that we built together at the MOSH, but if they’re building something better, which it hasn’t, I don’t know if they’ve had any enhancements or anything, everybody would be happy about that,” said Hannah.
The City of Jacksonville confirmed it currently owns the former MOSH property, but no final decisions have been made on what will replace it.
Officials say the Downtown Investment Authority will lead a public process to determine the long-term use of the site, which will include community input.
Some residents are already sharing what they hope to see next.
“I think it’s important. I think they should not be tearing down. If they do tear it down, they should build a children’s museum,” Maggie said.
“I think as long as you’re building up the community and it’s for the community and it’s for the children, I think it’s gonna be a good thing,” Hannah said.