New Resident Profile Series

Name: Regina Sooey & Darin Bickle

Age: 39 & 40 

Status: Married 2 years 

Location: Hubbard Street 

Occupation: Regina is a realtor and former attorney, while Darin is a police officer and former accountant. 

Fun Fact: Darin and Regina are avid runners and cyclists, competing in marathons and Ironman competitions.

Q: What brought you to Springfield?

Regina: As you know, I’m in real estate. We were actually very happy with our house in San Jose and not looking to move at all. We just renovated our kitchen there, as a matter of fact. Really, that’s always been my ideal neighborhood, the San Jose / San Marco area. But a friend had just bought a fantastic house in the neighborhood and wanted me to come take a look at the one for sale next door. Like I said, we weren’t even looking, but why not just have a look on a whim?

We looked at the house, loved it, and really loved the price tag! It made great financial sense, and there’s no way we could ever get this much house with the kitchen and amenities in my former neighborhood, so we went for it. We put in an offer the next day. Why not, right?

We moved in April 2010.

Darin: Honestly, I’ve always had an attraction to the area. I really like the style of houses. That’s what brought me here.

Q: Did you purchase an old or new house, and why?

Regina: A newish 2006 house. We bought it because it was too good of deal to pass up. We didn’t even look at ay other homes in the neighborhood. The kitchen and master bedroom are amazing, and the house itself was in pretty good condition. Just minor damage from previous renters. And we love to entertain, so the kitchen is what really sold us on it.

Q: How did you initially find out about the neighborhood?

Regina: I’ve shown property here before, so I was somewhat familiar with it. A friend of mine moved here years earlier, so I kind of knew what was going on here, but didn’t pay close attention to it. But I've always liked unique neighborhoods, so Springfield caught my eye.

Darin: I was looking for houses in 1999 when I first discovered the neighborhood. It wasn’t “there” yet so I passed. In 2005, six years later, I started with JSO (Jacksonville Sheriffs Office) and when I would drive through the neighborhood I noticed all of the restorations and new construction. You could see the work being done.

Q: Since moving in, what have you enjoyed most about the neighborhood?

Darin: Well, there are lots of nice people in the area. Smart people. And there’re nice paths to jog here too.

Regina: Yeah, I was afraid that it was going to be way too urban to run here - I’m used to running in Mandarin, you know, which is very suburban. But I’ve found there are so many great running routes here! I run to San Marco, Riverside, Downtown, the Jaguar's stadium, along the river, etc.

That’s something that a lot of people don’t realize, that Springfield is actually closer to San Marco Square than San Jose, and closer to Five Points than parts of Avondale. We run to those places, but even driving it takes us less time to get to those commercial districts from here than our old San Jose house. I mean we’re, like, 5 blocks from Art Walk.

And I like that everyone seems so open minded here. There’s a nice blend of people here from all over the place, of all different types and diversity. Residents seem socially conscious and aren’t afraid to share their ideas.

Darin: I like that there’s always things to do if you want to. There’s a lot going on here.

Regina: Yeah, and we like being able to walk to Uptown Market and Three Layers. Also, the neighborhood is close to all the major roads. I drive a lot for my job, showing houses all over the city, and it’s easy to hop in my car and get to where I’m going.

Darin: It really seems like a central hub in the city.

Q: Do you plan on participating in any neighborhood events or organizations?

Regina: We’ve been really busy with everything, so we haven’t been out and about as much as we’d like. But what we’d really like to do is start up a running group in the neighborhood. A Springfield running group. If anyone is interested, let me know! Let’s do it!

Q: What did your family and friends think of your big move?

Regina: My mom still can’t shake the stigma. She’s even hesitant to come over at night, believe it or not. Some of my friends have been really impressed by everything they’ve seen though.

Speaking of which, funny story……

I was showing friends of mine homes for sale a while back, looking mostly in San Marco and  Avondale. They wanted to look in Springfield back then too, but honestly I didn’t want to show them houses here. Flash forward six months: I run into them, tell them Darin and I are moving in here, and now I’ve just helped them close on a house in the Historic District, on Walnut Street. It’s become a big joke between us.

Q: How do you see the neighborhood evolving in the future?

Darin: Just more good people moving in. More people buying the older houses and renovating them.

Regina: You know, more of the same things that have been happening already. Continue going in the same direction. It’s all really positive.

But more commercial options on Main Street and having our own Publix would be great!

Q: Do you have any advice for someone thinking about moving to the Springfield Historic Distinct?

Darin: Just that there’s a misconception about crime here. It’s not what some people think it is. Old stereotypes.

Regina: Yeah, I think that’s important to know. I mean, I go jogging at night by myself for what it’s worth.

But speaking as a realtor: there are great values in the area, so do your research. Join us at a First Friday neighborhood party to see who lives here, and the lifestyle. You might be surprised!

Long-Time Resident Profile Series

Name: Ms. Flo

Age: Senior

Status: Widowed

Location: Pearl Street

Occupation: Retired from Sears Roebuck.

Fun Fact: Flo is a passionate seamstress, and enjoys sewing everything from drapes to afgans.

 Q: What brought you to Historic Springfield?

A:  It was 1971 and I was moving back to Jacksonville. I had lived in Virginia for a while, making a living as a seamstress, but it was time to move back. When I came back down, I was living with friends for a while before I could find a place of my own. I also decided to get married about that time to. It was a busy time of my life.

Anyway, I didn’t know a lot about the area then. I just knew what I heard through the years, you know. It was a quiet neighborhood then, with lots of seniors. And I guess I just fell in love with the houses and the neighborhood. We bought this house that year, 1971.

Q: How did you know your house was “the one” for you?

A:  I don’t know, I guess it just seemed like a good fit. Big house, tall ceilings, front porch, the architecture. I think it was built in 1919, but I’m not sure. It seemed like a good fit for my grandchildren too, which was mighty important for me too. It was a good fit all around. I’m a great grandmother you know, so I have to think of all my grandchildren.

Q: What changes have you seen in the neighborhood over the past 40 years?

A: A few years after I bought the house the neighborhood started to decline. A lot of the older home owners passed away or left, and it seemed like the people who inherited the homes didn’t care to take care of them, or the neighborhood. And about that time the neighborhood went through a very rough period.

I used to enjoy walking my grand kids to the Boys Club every day after school. They couldn’t wait to go to the Boys Club; it was their favorite thing to do. But even that short walk from my house to the corner of 10^th & Liberty became unsettling. Drug dealers and prostitutes took over for a while. I had two break-ins in my home too. It was nerve racking.

That’s why I’m so glad it’s gone in the right direction now. I’ve watched the renovations and new houses built. It takes time, you know, with the market being what is. It slows things down, I think. But it’s still moving.

I don’t see the dealers and prostitutes around much anymore, thank goodness. Our local police have made such a big difference and I can’t thank them enough. They really are wonderful.

Q: What do you most enjoy about living in the neighborhood now?

A: It’s convenient to just about everything. Since I don’t drive anymore, the bus system is very important. I can get on a bus and get pretty much anywhere I need to visit from here. And I still love the houses and architecture, of course. That’s why I first fell in love with the area and nothing has changed my feelings about that.

Q: Do you participate in any neighborhood events or organizations?

A: Oh, yes. I’ve participated in many groups and things through the years. Let’s see, there was the neighborhood watch, CPAC, Spar Council, and SHADCO (Sheriff’s Advisory Council). I still attend most of the SHADCO meetings.

Some of my favorite things to do were the “picnics in the park” and the home tours. I don’t get out as much as I used to, but I loved attending those functions.

Q: How do you see the neighborhood changing in the future?

A: I think it will regain all it’s glory. I really do. It’ll take time, but it’s already started.

Q: What advice would you give to people considering making a move into the Springfield Historic District?

A: Go for it.