Passion for Preservation: An Essay

Nicole Lopez, Springfield Resident since 2007 

 

      During the winter of this year I was alarmed by the number of historic homes in Springfield that were being demolished systematically one by one.  I had once held the thought that there was NO way possible one could demolition a home in a historic neighborhood, not any more.   

I have witnessed many homes disappear since the summer of 2007, leaving behind scant remnants of tile, shingles, wood pieces on the surface in which “she” once stood.  A graceful home destroyed leaving a scar on the plot she once graced.   

I have minimal understanding and certainly NO acceptance of the demolition of homes in a Nationally Recognized Historic Neighborhood; none whatsoever.  I purchased here in Springfield because I knew that the historic codes, rather I thought the historic codes, in place to protect the unique history and character would be used to maintain the integrity of the old; that each house and its stories within would be preserved and passed on for generations to come.   Unfortunately this thought is not a collective one, and has not been fully embraced by the powers that be.   

I did not know is that the City of Jacksonville would change it’s policies in an effort to clean up their records and instill a practice that requires owners of each and every property in the restoration/renovation process to “repair or demolish,” in 6 months time.  I did not know I would see so many houses, structurally sound houses, torn down with complete disregard for a historic neighborhood.  This practice is absolutely insane and must change.