A guardian of preservation: Since 1974, when SPAR incorporated, the goal has been to preserve and restore the unique structures of Springfield, Jacksonville’s first suburb. We help find investors for homes and commercial properties and encourage adaptive reuse. We advise the Jacksonville Historic Commission on Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) applications. We educate developers, contractors, and homeowners on the Historical Guidelines and the Zoning Overlay.
A watchdog: our members, Block Captains, and staff monitor demolitions and construction, zoning, streets, sidewalks, trees, flooding, lighting, criminal activity, code enforcement, and community problems. We report problems to appropriate authorities or take whatever action is needed. We evaluate results and track progress.
A network: We provide a variety of forums for all groups to ensure that everyone has a voice in Springfield progress: community meetings, the Springfield Revitalization Roundtable, town meetings and open board and committee meetings. There are many groups and individuals involved in aspects of rebuilding the Springfield Historic District. SPAR Council participates actively in numerous organizations: Springfield Area Merchants & Business Association (SAMBA), Springfield Improvement Association & Woman’s Club (SIA&WC), Springfield Heritage Education Center (SHEC), CPAC, Sheriff’s Advisory Council (SHADCO), and others.
An information and communications center: We maintain a website, send a weekly e-mail newsletter, and distribute a printed newsletter. Staff is available during business hours and volunteers work 24/7 to find ways to engage residents in the revitalization process. Whatever we learn, we pass along. Through communication and commitment we will revitalize our community together.
A community builder: SPAR Council presents and promotes all kinds of social, recreational, entertainment, and commercial activities. Most of our home tours, seasonal festivities, and entrepreneurial activities are designed to market the community to potential homeowners and businesses which can provide the services needed in a thriving neighborhood.
SPAR Council is…
A guardian of preservation: Since 1974, when SPAR incorporated, the goal has been to preserve and restore the unique structures of Springfield, Jacksonville’s first suburb. We help find investors for homes and commercial properties and encourage adaptive reuse. We advise the Jacksonville Historic Commission on Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) applications. We educate developers, contractors, and homeowners on the Historical Guidelines and the Zoning Overlay.
A watchdog: our members, Block Captains, and staff monitor demolitions and construction, zoning, streets, sidewalks, trees, flooding, lighting, criminal activity, code enforcement, and community problems. We report problems to appropriate authorities or take whatever action is needed. We evaluate results and track progress.
A network: We provide a variety of forums for all groups to ensure that everyone has a voice in Springfield progress: community meetings, the Springfield Revitalization Roundtable, town meetings and open board and committee meetings. There are many groups and individuals involved in aspects of rebuilding the Springfield Historic District. SPAR Council participates actively in numerous organizations: Springfield Area Merchants & Business Association (SAMBA), Springfield Improvement Association & Woman’s Club (SIA&WC), Springfield Heritage Education Center (SHEC), CPAC, Sheriff’s Advisory Council (SHADCO), and others.
An information and communications center: We maintain a website, send a weekly e-mail newsletter, and distribute a printed newsletter. Staff is available during business hours and volunteers work 24/7 to find ways to engage residents in the revitalization process. Whatever we learn, we pass along. Through communication and commitment we will revitalize our community together.
A community builder: SPAR Council presents and promotes all kinds of social, recreational, entertainment, and commercial activities. Most of our home tours, seasonal festivities, and entrepreneurial activities are designed to market the community to potential homeowners and businesses which can provide the services needed in a thriving neighborhood.