A non-profit is hoping to preserve a piece of downtown Jacksonville history by moving into the old Brewster Hospital building.
It was the first hospital in Jacksonville for African-Americans until it closed in 1966.
It was built in 1885 and in 1901 it became the first hospital in Jacksonville for African-Americans. It was also a training school for nurses.
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“At one time every African-American member of our city council and of our state legislature was born in this hospital,” said Jim McCarthy, the President of North Florida Land Trust.
McCarthy’s nonprofit helps protect natural resources and historic places and the North Florida Land Trust is leasing the 5,700-square-foot building from the city.
Soon his staff will move into all empty offices throughout the building.
“This fits our mission of protecting a historic place,” said McCarthy.
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The building has been vacant for nearly a decade, but after getting all the proper approvals North Florida Land Trust began renovations in January, keeping much of the building’s original floors and design.
McCarthy says they gave the building a face-lift by applying new paint and bringing it up to code with ADA bathrooms and ramp next to the parking lot.
The nonprofit says the city destroyed a lot of older buildings in the LaVilla neighborhood for development projects.
“This is one of the few that survived,” said McCarthy.
North Florida Land Trust tells us they’re hoping to breathe new life into this building and help preserve some of its history.
“It’s an important part of our culture and it’s important to give our kids an opportunity to see what a building like this looks like.
In 1885, this is the kind of thing that they built,” said McCarthy.
They’ve even dedicated a room on the first floor that will feature old photos of the Brewster Hospital so visitors can learn more about the building's past.
On April 4, North Florida Land Trust will celebrate its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 am.
Visitors will have a chance to get a look inside from noon to 4 p.m.
Cox Media Group
