Did you know that there is no recognition of Henry Klutho anywhere in Jacksonville? In Historic Springfield, alone, he designed the Klutho Apartments, the Claude Nolan Cadillac Building, the Florence Court Apartments, his own home, and Klutho Film Studios (which sadly no longer stand). Henry Klutho was also instrumental in the design of Klutho Park (formerly Springfield Park). Because of his strong presence in the neighborhood, it’s only right that Springfield should be the ones to honor him.
To conquer this task, SPAR’s newly formed Springfield Historic Marker Task Force has taken on the project of erecting five historic markers over the next five years to honor Henry Klutho, as well as other significant people and places in our community. The first marker, which will be located at the corner of Main and 9th Streets, will be nearby to both the Klutho Apartments and Klutho’s home. In order to make this worthwhile project a reality, 150 total sponsorships will be offered at the levels of Individual ($50), Silver ($500), and Gold ($1000).
To express gratitude to our sponsors, the Springfield Marker Task Force will be hosting a Thank You Event at Strings Sports Brewery on Sunday, May 1st from 3 pm to 7 pm. The party will include a tour of the Klutho Residence, which has not been open to the public for tours in nearly twenty years. The current homeowners have agreed to let the 150 sponsors tour the home from 3 pm to 6 pm on this day, as a way to say thank you for their support in honoring Henry Klutho’s legacy. In addition, the Klutho Apartments will also be open that afternoon to allow attendees to view the stairwell and beautiful windows from the inside. During the final hour of the event, the Springfield Marker Task Force will be honoring Rita Reagan, whose efforts saved the Klutho Apartments.
The Klutho Residence tour will be self-guided. Sponsors can enter any time during their time slot and stay until the next one begins. Time slots for the tour are first come, first served and will occur at the following times:
3 pm to 3:30 pm
3:30 pm to 4 pm
4 pm to 4:30 pm
4:30 pm to 5 pm
5 pm to 5:30 pm
5:30 pm to 6 pm
