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Several Downtown historic preservation efforts honored

Here’s one thing you might not know: May is National Preservation Month. Last Thursday, the Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission honored 22 projects at an annual awards ceremony at the Main Library. Six of the 22 have Downtown ties:

The ceremony recognizes projects that shine a light on historic preservation and promote its importance. The preservation and reuse of historic buildings is essential to revitalization efforts Downtown and frequently cited in a number of economic impacts, such as increased property values, tourism and quality of life.

Over the past 15 years, Downtown has lost 27 of its historic buildings. Today, 88 historic structures remain. Projects like those honored by the Commission (as well as the proposed renovation and reuse of the Bostwick Building and Laura Street Trio) help shine a light on the importance of historic preservation as a connection to our past and a key to our community identity moving forward.