JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Renovations are underway at the Historic Stanton School in downtown Jacksonville, but the city says some changes are needed.
There was a hearing Tuesday for code violations regarding the Historic Stanton building. It brought clarity to the progress that has been made for the century-old building.
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Code compliance said there were multiple issues with the property and the structure. But according to Historic Stanton Inc., who owns the property, those improvements are happening.
James Ruth, the president and chairman of the board, was at the hearing and said the citations were originally from 2021, the last time the building was inspected by the city.
However, after the magistrate heard about the progress and renovations that have happened, it told Historic Stanton Inc. to continue with its progress.
Since 2021 to 2025, $2 million dollars have been invested in the building for the renovations.
The roof has been replaced, and 165 windows have been removed to get new replicated windows. Those windows will arrive this spring and summer.
Among those at Tuesday’s hearing was Jesse Jones; he works in education and started the social media page “Rootin4Jax” to bring awareness to historic buildings and developments in the community. He hopes the city will do more to help bring the Old Stanton building back to life.
“I think the city could go even a little bit further in providing some support in helping bring this building back to glory,” said Jones.
During the hearing, there was no discussion of tearing the building down - which is a big concern for people that want to see it restored.