Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 13th, the Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission (JHPC) will determine whether to recommend that the Bostwick Building be granted Historic Landmark status.
What happens next? If the JHPC determines the building meets the criteria for designation as a landmark or landmark site, it will forward an advisory recommendation to City Council, accompanied by a report of findings. If the JHPC’s recommendation is approved by the City Council, then the Bostwick Building will be afforded additional protections against demolition and will become eligible for a variety of incentives that could facilitate rehabilitation of the structure.
What makes a building eligible? To be eligible for landmark status, a structure must be at least 50 years old and, if the owner is not the applicant, the building must meet at least four of the following criteria:
- It has value as a significant reminder of the cultural, historical, architectural or archaeological heritage of the city, state or nation;
- Its location is the site of a significant local, state or national event;
- It is identified with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the development of the city, state or nation;
- It is identified as the work of a master builder, designer or architect whose individual work has influenced the development of the city, state or nation;
- Its value as a building is recognized for the quality of architecture, and it retains sufficient elements showing its architectural significance;
- It has distinguishing characteristics of an architectural style valuable for the study of a period, method of construction, or use of indigenous materials;
- It’s suitable for preservation or restoration.
What can you do? The JHPC will conduct a public hearing as part of its determination of landmark status at tomorrow’s November 13th meeting. This meeting will be held in the Ed Ball Building, room 851, First Floor Training Room, at 3:00 p.m.