JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Historic Stanton High School is getting some changes. Historic Stanton Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit organization, aims to restore the former high school building that sits vacant in downtown Jacksonville.
The building is a reflection of Jacksonville history as a national landmark with over 150 years of education history for the African American community.
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Stanton High School opened in 1869 as the Stanton Normal School. Located at the corner of Bridge (later Broad) and Ashley Streets, it was the only school for African Americans in Jacksonville - and one of a few in Florida.
The first building was destroyed by a fire in 1882, and a two-story replacement building was built the same year. The building later burned down in the Great Fire of 1901, and a three-story wooden building replaced it in 1902.
That structure, however, was poorly constructed, and was declared a fire hazard in 1914 and unsafe for the 1200 students who went to school there. Following a legal battle, the school board agreed to demolish the structure, and Stanton Senior High School was opened in 1917.
Its name was transferred to a new facility the LaVilla area in 1953. The former location downtown, now known as “Old” Stanton, became a junior high school before being converted into Stanton Vocational High School, which operated until 1971. The building was later added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
Now, according to Historic Stanton Inc., the building has seen progress over the last couple of years. Roof truss repairs are in full swing, old windows are gone and new portions of drywall have also been removed.
A notice was also added to the gate that says “notice of hearing” and “statement of violation.” That notice was listed March 6th, and Historic Stanton Inc., which now owns the property, will need to attend the hearing on March 17th. The hearing may provide more insight into what the historic building will need repaired.
News4Jax reached out to the City of Jacksonville - they confirmed they are not in charge of the project. We also reached out to Historic Stanton Inc. We’re waiting to hear back at this time.