The Jacksonville City Council has rejected a request to demolish the Bostwick Building in downtown Jacksonville.
The Council instead designated the building as an historical landmark, making demolition a more difficult process.
With it’s Jaguars facade’ the building was one of the first constructed in Jacksonville after the Great Fire of 1901.
It has been deteriorating for decades, and the Bostwick family said it can’t afford the repair costs. They want to tear down the building and sell the property.
But historical preservationist said the run down condition is due to neglect by the family.
City Councilman Bill Bishop said the Bostwicks shouldn’t be rewarded for not maintaining their property.
“That’s a prime piece of real estate." he said. "It’s a prime example of early 20th century architecture. It’s a contributing structure downtown. It didn’t have to go this way.”
Bishop said if the Bostwicks can’t reach a deal soon to sell the building, the city should foreclose and find a buyer itself.
Bishop said several developers have expressed interest in renovating the building.The Bostwick family had no comment regarding the city council’s actions.
