This is a pivotal
time in the history of Springfield, with major renovations and a
Main Street makeover in the works.
That's one reason the community is making this year's home tour,
its 25th, all about time -- past, present and future.
"We've got something to represent all three since we're calling
it 'Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,'" said Louise DeSpain, president
of the Springfield Preservation and Revitalization council, which
organizes the tour.
Yesterday will be represented by classic sites in the historic
downtown neighborhood, such as the Barnett Mansion. The present is
represented by several newly renovated Victorian homes, for which
the area is known.
"And it's kind of funny about the tomorrow theme," DeSpain said.
"The huge Main Street makeover, which could be considered an
obstacle, to us represents excitement in our future. You've never
seen so many people excited about construction equipment and having
their streets torn up."
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This year's tour
will include a look at this home at 1255 Laura St.
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A current multimillion-dollar
makeover will turn Main Street into a landscaped boulevard from
First to 12th streets with large shade trees, historic-style light
fixtures and decorative brick in the sidewalks.
The 25th annual Springfield Home Tour is set for noon to 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday. It begins each day at Klutho Park at Third and
Silver streets and will wind through the area's many historic
streets. Individual homes will be on the tour as well as several
points of interest such as the Scottish Rite Temple.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. All proceeds go
toward revitalization of the community. For more information, call
the SPAR council at 353-7727.
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The Springfield Home
Tour home at 311 W. Fourth St.
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Springfield is one of the oldest
residential subdivisions in Jacksonville. It's period of significant
development extends from the early 1880s to the 1920s. It contains
one of the largest concentrations of historic residential buildings
in Florida.
"After some years of neglect, Springfield is not only in the
process of changing for the better, it has changed," DeSpain
said. "We invite anyone with an appreciation of historic homes to
tour our community. These aren't just buildings. They're homes with
a distinct personality and when you make a spiritual connection with
them, it brings the graciousness of the past flooding back."
Staff writer John Carter can be reached at
or via e-mail at jcarterjacksonville.com.
