“What is proposed for the Armory is a perfect example of what we call adaptive reuse. That’s the path to historic preservation.”
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The walls of the historic 109-year-old Jacksonville Armory Building have seen countless memories, and now they could be facing a wave of new ones in the near future.
The Jacksonville Armory building was built in 1914, originally made for recruitment in the U.S. Military. It was converted into a concert venue and city recreation facility through the 50s and 70s.
Duke Ellington, Ray Charles, James Brown, and even Eleanor Roosevelt were some of the notable faces who held events within the Armory.
“It’s interesting because of the stories that are connected with it; the people that are connected with it,” says Allen Bliss, CEO of the Jacksonville History Center. “Lots of people remember the experience of seeing an artist they really admired who performed at the armory.”
Now, this piece of history is close to being sold to a South Florida private developer for over $2 million, with the goal of turning it into a food hall and art space.
Ed Randolph with the City of Jacksonville’s Office of Economic Development says that the project has been in the works since 2020. He cites that despite issues within the building, such as lead or asbestos, he is confident that the deal will be completed within its 6-week timeline.
“We’re excited about the vision,” Randolph says.
“What is proposed for the Armory is a perfect example of what we call adaptive reuse,” Bliss said. “That’s the path to historic preservation.”
If the proposal passes city council, the deal could be finalized before the end of this year.