JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville’s Eastside neighborhood earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
Representatives from Lift Jax made the announcement on Black Friday at a crowded Melanin Market off of A. Philip Randolph Boulevard.
“A few years ago, I went shopping for a Christmas tree angel, and I couldn’t find anything I liked," said TSJM Decor Owner Tonya Miles. "I wanted an African American angel, and I just couldn’t find anything.”
Miles decided to make that tree-topping angel herself, and in fact, she’s made a business out of it. She was joined by more than five dozen local vendors at the Black Friday Melanin Market, which supports local black business owners.
The Black Friday deals weren’t the only thing to celebrate, as the Eastside neighborhood just got a spot on the National Registry of Historic Places.
“My connection to the Eastside goes back over 100 years," Travis Williams with Lift Jax said. "I’m a fourth generation Eastsider.”
Williams says the designation means more than 600 historic Eastside buildings will have the chance to get some of the up to $150 million the federal government sets aside every year for the national register to protect aging properties.
“It gives this special neighborhood, this sacred neighborhood, a chance to celebrate its African American history, but also build for the future," Williams told First Coast News.
The Jacksonville Jaguars were the biggest financial sponsor to get the Eastside approved for the register. The Jaguars have big plans to expand the sports complex right next to the historic Eastside.
The Eastside’s City Councilman Jimmy Peluso says he’s heard good things from the Jaguars and feels they realize the sensitive nature of building something so big next to an area like the Eastside.
“I’m hopeful we’re going to come to a really good conclusion," said Peluso. "That we’re going to get a great, new stadium. A new neighborhood, and then we’re going to help this existing neighborhood and the people who live here, and make sure they stay here. That’s what I care about most.”
Business and residents on Jacksonville’s Eastside have a chance to weigh in on what they think the revitalization should mean for this neighborhood.
There is a Community Benefits agreement going on right now, with a survey to have your thoughts heard. Click here to access the survey.