2010 – The Hogan’s Creek Greenway beautification project is the result of SPAR’s direct involvement. SPAR held ongoing meetings with federal, state, and civic authorities to spearhead the revitalization of the historic Hogans Creek, which runs through Springfield and borders Jacksonville’s downtown. This project is now funded and is scheduled to begin in 2010.
2009 – SPAR hosted the Neighborhood Summit to showcase Main Street reopening and developments expected to follow.
2008 – The MetroEdge Study was conducted and presented. SPAR received three awards from the Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission: Heritage Education/Publication category – Restore Jacksonville Conference (in partnership with Riverside-Avondale Preservation); Historic Landscape Category – Restoration of the Historic Confederate Park Rose Arbor; Preservation Service category – Springfield Alley Task Force.
2007 – SPAR was 1 of 5 selected for Retail Recruitment training. SPAR was also recognized by the Historic Preservation Commission and received an award for Historical Education/Publication for the Springfield Heritage Days.
2006 – SPAR formed a Commercial Development Committee to focus on revitalization of commercial areas. The Ulrich Study was conducted with private donor funds.
2005 – SPAR received a Mayor’s Award for Neighborhood Organizations for its efforts to restore history and glory of Springfield. The Mayor’s Award was also a result of SPAR’s partnership with the Sheriff’s Office which led to a 65% reduction in crime in the neighborhood over a three year period.
2004 – SPAR was recognized at the 2004 Florida Neighborhoods Conference for its work to preserve the history and legacy of Springfield.
2002 – SPAR and HSCC merged to become Springfield Preservation and Revitalization (SPAR) Council.
2000 – Working with City Council, SPAR was able to get Springfield Overlay Ordinance passed, which ensured that illegal or unwanted businesses could not open within that designation geographic location.
1999 – SPAR began providing a meeting place and coordination assistance for the Springfield Revitalization Roundtable and conducted educational tours for schools and other groups.
1998 – SPAR served as a central information and welcoming location for the city’s Springfield auction.
1994 – SPAR accepted a badly vandalized Main Street commercial building (1321 North Main) and with city funds and donations, renovated it to become SPAR’s office and historic museum, Springfield Heritage Center.
1993 – SPAR convened a Commercial Revitalization Task Force to spearhead the Main Street Project, spurring business and job development in the community.
1989 – SPAR and the National Historic Trust received a grant to develop a five-year neighborhood revitalization strategy.
1987 – Springfield was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
1986 – Historic Springfield Community Council (HSCC) was formed.
1985 – SPAR co-sponsored a Regional Urban Design Assistance Team study. 1986 Historic Springfield Community Council (HSCC) was formed.
1984 – SPAR members completed the architectural survey of all properties which concluded, “Springfield contains one of the highest concentrations of significant early 20th century architecture in the state.” Properties were catalogued, pictures taken and application for designation as a National Historic District submitted.
1978 – First SPAR Historic Home Tour was held.
1977 – SPAR incorporated as a non-profit organization.
1976 – SPAR led the development of the Springfield Neighborhood Action Plan, a comprehensive rezoning of the district enacted by the City Council.
1974 – Springfield Preservation and Restoration (SPAR) was formed.
Historic Timeline
2010 – The Hogan’s Creek Greenway beautification project is the result of SPAR’s direct involvement. SPAR held ongoing meetings with federal, state, and civic authorities to spearhead the revitalization of the historic Hogans Creek, which runs through Springfield and borders Jacksonville’s downtown. This project is now funded and is scheduled to begin in 2010.
2009 – SPAR hosted the Neighborhood Summit to showcase Main Street reopening and developments expected to follow.
2008 – The MetroEdge Study was conducted and presented. SPAR received three awards from the Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission: Heritage Education/Publication category – Restore Jacksonville Conference (in partnership with Riverside-Avondale Preservation); Historic Landscape Category – Restoration of the Historic Confederate Park Rose Arbor; Preservation Service category – Springfield Alley Task Force.
2007 – SPAR was 1 of 5 selected for Retail Recruitment training. SPAR was also recognized by the Historic Preservation Commission and received an award for Historical Education/Publication for the Springfield Heritage Days.
2006 – SPAR formed a Commercial Development Committee to focus on revitalization of commercial areas. The Ulrich Study was conducted with private donor funds.
2005 – SPAR received a Mayor’s Award for Neighborhood Organizations for its efforts to restore history and glory of Springfield. The Mayor’s Award was also a result of SPAR’s partnership with the Sheriff’s Office which led to a 65% reduction in crime in the neighborhood over a three year period.
2004 – SPAR was recognized at the 2004 Florida Neighborhoods Conference for its work to preserve the history and legacy of Springfield.
2002 – SPAR and HSCC merged to become Springfield Preservation and Revitalization (SPAR) Council.
2000 – Working with City Council, SPAR was able to get Springfield Overlay Ordinance passed, which ensured that illegal or unwanted businesses could not open within that designation geographic location.
1999 – SPAR began providing a meeting place and coordination assistance for the Springfield Revitalization Roundtable and conducted educational tours for schools and other groups.
1998 – SPAR served as a central information and welcoming location for the city’s Springfield auction.
1994 – SPAR accepted a badly vandalized Main Street commercial building (1321 North Main) and with city funds and donations, renovated it to become SPAR’s office and historic museum, Springfield Heritage Center.
1993 – SPAR convened a Commercial Revitalization Task Force to spearhead the Main Street Project, spurring business and job development in the community.
1989 – SPAR and the National Historic Trust received a grant to develop a five-year neighborhood revitalization strategy.
1987 – Springfield was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
1986 – Historic Springfield Community Council (HSCC) was formed.
1985 – SPAR co-sponsored a Regional Urban Design Assistance Team study. 1986 Historic Springfield Community Council (HSCC) was formed.
1984 – SPAR members completed the architectural survey of all properties which concluded, “Springfield contains one of the highest concentrations of significant early 20th century architecture in the state.” Properties were catalogued, pictures taken and application for designation as a National Historic District submitted.
1978 – First SPAR Historic Home Tour was held.
1977 – SPAR incorporated as a non-profit organization.
1976 – SPAR led the development of the Springfield Neighborhood Action Plan, a comprehensive rezoning of the district enacted by the City Council.
1974 – Springfield Preservation and Restoration (SPAR) was formed.