FOLIO
The 37th annual Historic Springfield Tour of Homes will be held June 6 and 7 from 12 to 5 p.m. each day, showcasing homes and businesses in Jacksonville’s oldest neighborhood.
This year’s tour highlights eight venues, featuring the classic architecture and character of the Springfield Historic District:
- Four turn-of-the-century beautifully restored homes
- A grand Victorian in progress of renovation
- A charming new construction bungalow
- A gorgeously renovated commercial space
- The Solomon Lodge, the historic mansion built by Florida National Bank founder William B. Barnett
“Before” photos will be on display at several historic venues so visitors can see the transformations.
“Springfield has some of the most unique, beautiful architecture in North Florida,” said Christina Parrish, executive director of Springfield Preservation and Revitalization (SPAR). “We’re thankful our residents continue to open their doors to the public to welcome them for a tour.”
The walkable tour will begin at the office of Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate at 1501 N. Main Street. Tickets are $12 in advance of June 1 and $15 after with no charge for children 12 years and under. Tickets can be purchased at www.sparcouncil.org or in-person at any of the following locations: Uptown Kitchen & Bar, Three Layers Cafe and Sweet Pete’s in Springfield/Downtown; Tres Leches Eatery and Fans & Stoves Antiques in Riverside; Roberts Pharmacy and San Marco Bookstore in San Marco; Avonlea Antique Mall and Watson Realty on the Southside; Keller Williams Realty and Strata Clothing at the Beaches; or at Better Homes & Garden Real Estate the day of the event.
For those who would like an extended home tour, e2ride Bike Tours will conduct a three-hour guided bike tour showcasing notable structures, architecture, and historic places on Saturday, June 6 at 1 p.m. The bike tour is free with purchase of a Tour of Homes ticket. Contact e2ride for more information at 904-945-1571.
Springfield, named by This Old House magazine as one of the Best Old House Neighborhoods 2013: The South and by Southern Living as one of The South’s Best Comeback Neighborhoods, was once ground zero for Jacksonville’s poverty and blight. Now in the midst of an urban revival, the neighborhood is blessed with an array of beautifully restored homes, including colonial revival, Queen Anne and prairie styles.
Proceeds from the Historic Springfield Tour of Homes go to SPAR, a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the neighborhood’s character, while sparking revitalization of the Springfield historic district since 1974. For more information, visit www.sparcouncil.org or call (904) 353-7727.
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