The City of Jacksonville is moving forward with plans to nominate LaVilla, its oldest neighborhood, to the National Register of Historic Places. Established in 1866, LaVilla has been home to various ethnic groups, including Arabs, Cubans, Chinese, Greeks, Italians, and Eastern European Jews during the 1960s Reconstruction Era. The neighborhood is also known for its contributions to music and the arts, according to Action News Jax and Jax Daily Record.
Local officials expressed their satisfaction after securing the new designation. Mayor Donna Deegan was quoted by News4Jax, "Every time I'm here it feels like home." LaVilla has a rich history, from being a cultural center for blues, jazz, and ragtime to contributing to national history and commerce. The community is also known for its connection to James Weldon Johnson, who wrote the song often called the Black National Anthem.
Over 500 buildings have been lost in LaVilla over the past 30 years. Advocates, including Adrian Swanigan, are working to preserve the neighborhood's history. The efforts involve a two-phased approach: updating the Historic Resources Survey and submitting a National Register nomination. Businesses like Community First Credit Union, which has been located in LaVilla since 2002, are also supporting the initiative. These steps aim to protect and recognize LaVilla’s historical significance. As Swanigan said, "Over 500 buildings lost in 30 years," as stated by News4Jax.
