Springfield is a historic neighborhood located north of downtown Jacksonville. It was established in 1869 and is one of only three federally designated historic districts in Jacksonville, the others being Riverside/Avondale and Old Ortega. Springfield was the first subdivision of downtown Jacksonville and was the most desirable place to live in Jacksonville after the Great Fire of 1901 left much of downtown in ruins. Historic Springfield still retains much of its historic character and contains some of the best examples of late 19th and early 20th century architecture that the city has to offer.
The Springfield Historic District is located north of downtown Jacksonville and east of I-95. The approximate boundaries of the Historic District are: north of Hogan’s Creek, east of Boulevard, south of 12th St, and west of Ionia Street. The Historic District is just under one square mile and contains approximately 1800 structures that are more than 50 years old. Springfield’s historic homes are built in a wide range of architectural styles. Some of the most notable styles are: Colonial Revival, Queen Anne, Victorian, Prairie School, Mediterranean, and Bungalow.
Springfield, like so many other urban neighborhoods in the United States fell into a period of decline in the mid 20th century. After years of neglect, Springfield started to make a turn for the better in the latter part of the 20th century. That momentum has carried forward into the 21st century. Many of Springfield’s “grand old ladies” (as Springfield’s historic homes are affectionately called) have recently been renovated. There is also a wave of new infill construction in the neighborhood. Springfield Homes and Neighborhoods (SRG) has built roughly 80 new homes that are inspired by the historic architecture of Springfield. Additionally, the Cesery Companies recently built the first new mixed use building in over 40 years in Springfield. Riding the wave of new residential construction are Springfield’s businesses. A diverse array of restaurants have recently opened and been successful.
Modern day Springfield is one of the most attractive neighborhoods in Jacksonville to live in, due to its beautiful architecture, gridded streets, walkability, shady parks, eclectic nightlife and restaurants, proximity to Downtown Jacksonville, and friendly neighbors. As a result of this Southern Living Magazine named Springfield one of the Top 10 comeback neighborhoods in the South in its December 2009 edition. People of all ages, races, sexual orientations, and interests are flocking to Springfield to help restore it to its former glory. Residents of Springfield move to the neighborhood for the beautiful homes, but choose to stay because of the sense of community. Here, you will know your neighbors, and not just those on your block, but the ones who live all over the historic district. There are a wide range of groups and organizations for residents to get involved in such as: The Wine Society, Mommies Group, Community Garden, Animal Care and Rescue Club, Business Association, Block Captains, Women’s Club, and many others.
There is still plenty of work to be done to restore Springfield to its former glory, but it is well on its way. This can be attributed to Springfield’s residents and organizations, who are passionately committed to preserving the historic architecture of the district, keeping the neighborhood safe and clean, and creating a vibrant community. Come and see what makes Springfield such a unique place. Sample food and drink at the local restaurants, take a stroll down its tree-shaded streets, admire the magnificence architecture, and get to know its friendly residents. They sure don’t make neighborhoods like this anymore…
Our Springfield Neighborhood
Springfield is a historic neighborhood located north of downtown Jacksonville. It was established in 1869 and is one of only three federally designated historic districts in Jacksonville, the others being Riverside/Avondale and Old Ortega. Springfield was the first subdivision of downtown Jacksonville and was the most desirable place to live in Jacksonville after the Great Fire of 1901 left much of downtown in ruins. Historic Springfield still retains much of its historic character and contains some of the best examples of late 19th and early 20th century architecture that the city has to offer.
The Springfield Historic District is located north of downtown Jacksonville and east of I-95. The approximate boundaries of the Historic District are: north of Hogan’s Creek, east of Boulevard, south of 12th St, and west of Ionia Street. The Historic District is just under one square mile and contains approximately 1800 structures that are more than 50 years old. Springfield’s historic homes are built in a wide range of architectural styles. Some of the most notable styles are: Colonial Revival, Queen Anne, Victorian, Prairie School, Mediterranean, and Bungalow.
Springfield, like so many other urban neighborhoods in the United States fell into a period of decline in the mid 20th century. After years of neglect, Springfield started to make a turn for the better in the latter part of the 20th century. That momentum has carried forward into the 21st century. Many of Springfield’s “grand old ladies” (as Springfield’s historic homes are affectionately called) have recently been renovated. There is also a wave of new infill construction in the neighborhood. Springfield Homes and Neighborhoods (SRG) has built roughly 80 new homes that are inspired by the historic architecture of Springfield. Additionally, the Cesery Companies recently built the first new mixed use building in over 40 years in Springfield. Riding the wave of new residential construction are Springfield’s businesses. A diverse array of restaurants have recently opened and been successful.
Modern day Springfield is one of the most attractive neighborhoods in Jacksonville to live in, due to its beautiful architecture, gridded streets, walkability, shady parks, eclectic nightlife and restaurants, proximity to Downtown Jacksonville, and friendly neighbors. As a result of this Southern Living Magazine named Springfield one of the Top 10 comeback neighborhoods in the South in its December 2009 edition. People of all ages, races, sexual orientations, and interests are flocking to Springfield to help restore it to its former glory. Residents of Springfield move to the neighborhood for the beautiful homes, but choose to stay because of the sense of community. Here, you will know your neighbors, and not just those on your block, but the ones who live all over the historic district. There are a wide range of groups and organizations for residents to get involved in such as: The Wine Society, Mommies Group, Community Garden, Animal Care and Rescue Club, Business Association, Block Captains, Women’s Club, and many others.
There is still plenty of work to be done to restore Springfield to its former glory, but it is well on its way. This can be attributed to Springfield’s residents and organizations, who are passionately committed to preserving the historic architecture of the district, keeping the neighborhood safe and clean, and creating a vibrant community. Come and see what makes Springfield such a unique place. Sample food and drink at the local restaurants, take a stroll down its tree-shaded streets, admire the magnificence architecture, and get to know its friendly residents. They sure don’t make neighborhoods like this anymore…