The Riverside and Avondale neighborhoods, often considered a single continuous area, are located southwest of Downtown Jacksonville, Florida, along the St. Johns River [1] [2]. This historic district is renowned for its diverse architecture, emphasis on historic preservation, and vibrant community, earning it recognition as one of the country’s top neighborhoods [1] [2] [3].
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Riverside and Avondale are two historically rich and culturally vibrant neighborhoods in Jacksonville, Florida, known for their diverse architecture, walkable commercial districts, and strong community focus on preservation and local businesses. They are situated southwest of Downtown Jacksonville, bordered by Interstate 10 to the north, the St. Johns River to the east, Fishweir Creek to the south, and Roosevelt Boulevard and the CSX Railroad line to the west [2].
History and Development
Riverside was first platted in 1868 and annexed by Jacksonville in 1887 [2]. Significant growth occurred after the Great Fire of 1901, which displaced many Downtown residents, leading them to build homes in Riverside [2] [6]. This period saw a wide variety of architectural styles, making Riverside the most architecturally diverse neighborhood in Florida, with a notable number of bungalow homes [2]. Silvertown, a subdivision developed in 1887 for African Americans, is also a significant part of Riverside’s history [2].
Avondale was developed later, starting in 1920, as an upscale subdivision by an investment group led by Telfair Stockton [2]. It was designed as a restricted, whites-only community with a more uniform architectural style, predominantly Mediterranean Revival [2]. The success of Avondale led to several adjacent developments that became part of the larger Avondale area [2].
Historic preservation efforts began in 1974 with the formation of Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP), which has been instrumental in getting both neighborhoods listed on the National Register of Historic Places [2] [3]. RAP’s mission is to preserve, enhance, and celebrate the historic fabric, arts, culture, local businesses, and public spaces of Riverside Avondale [3].
Commercial Districts
The area boasts several distinct commercial districts:
- Five Points: This district is known for its “edgy, bohemian character” and independent shops, restaurants, and businesses [1] [2] [6]. It features the historic Sun-Ray Cinema, which was Florida’s first movie theater equipped for talking pictures [2].
- King Street District: Originally home to commercial buildings like Whiteway Corner, this area has undergone a revival since 2005, becoming Jacksonville’s “beer hub” with numerous craft beer establishments, bars, restaurants, and an arts scene [2] [6].
- Shoppes of Avondale: This district offers a diverse collection of boutique retail shops, restaurants, galleries, and bars, designed to blend with the residential neighborhood and featuring mostly locally owned businesses [1] [2] [6].
Attractions and Activities
Riverside and Avondale offer a variety of attractions and activities for residents and visitors:
- Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens: This world-class museum features an impressive art collection, including one of the most comprehensive collections of Meissen porcelain, and beautifully landscaped historic gardens overlooking the St. Johns River [1] [2] [6].
- Riverside Arts Market (RAM): Held every Saturday under the Fuller Warren Bridge, RAM features local art, fresh produce, live music, and food trucks [1] [4] [6].
- Parks:
- Memorial Park: A scenic, waterfront park designed by the Olmsted Brothers, known for its open green space and a World War I monument [1] [2] [6].
- Riverside Park: Jacksonville’s second-oldest park, featuring a basketball court, playground, spring-fed lake, and a dog park [4] [5] [6].
- Boone Park: A prominent public area in Avondale with tennis courts and a history dating back to 1926 [6].
- Dining and Nightlife: The neighborhoods are celebrated for their culinary scene, with a wide array of restaurants and bars, including Hoptinger, Taqueria Cinco, River & Post, Hawkers, 13 Gypsies, and Orsay [1]. The King Street District is particularly noted for its craft beer scene [2].
- Historic Homes and Architecture: The area is ideal for exploring diverse architectural styles, from grand mansions to modest bungalows, and offers historic home tours [2] [6].
- Community Events: Annual events like the Luminaria, a signature holiday tradition, and the River City Pride parade in Five Points, contribute to the strong community spirit [2] [3] [4].
The area is also home to educational institutions like Riverside High School and the Kent Campus of Florida State College at Jacksonville [2] [6]. Its walkability, dog-friendly environment, and access to local businesses make it a highly desirable place to live and visit [4] [5].