Jacksonville Mansion Rehabilitation Plan Has Launched
The 117-year-old Horace Drew mansion will be restored to serve the community as a business hub.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Home Renovation
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Springfield Preservation and Revitalization has hired JAA Architecture to lead the renovation of the historic Horace Drew mansion. The organization aims to transform the 117-year-old property into a community living room and small-business incubator.
Why it matters
The project seeks to prevent demolition by neglect for one of the citys endangered historic structures. Restoring the home preserves local architecture while creating new utility for residents in the Springfield neighborhood.
The organization has set a $1.5 million fundraising goal for the rehabilitation of the 117-year-old mansion on Third Street. The home, which was listed as an endangered historic structure in 2012, is receiving this new effort after undergoing limited repair work in 2018.
The players
Springfield Preservation and Revitalization
A local non-profit organization focused on preventing demolition by neglect and preserving the character of the Springfield neighborhood.
JAA Architecture
An architectural firm hired to lead the structural rehabilitation of the historic Horace Drew mansion.
The details
JAA Architecture will oversee the transformation of the historic building into a mixed-use community space. The rehabilitation process will repurpose the mansion to house a community living room and an incubator for small businesses. Funding for these renovations is being sourced through grants from the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville and the state's Division of Historical Resources.
Timeline
1909: The Horace Drew mansion was built.
2012: The mansion was listed as an endangered historic structure.
2018: Repair work was performed on the property.
Late 2025: Springfield Preservation and Revitalization acquired the property.
The Home Front
This project represents a common trend in urban preservation where endangered historic structures are repurposed for modern community or commercial use. The effort follows the established pattern of utilizing public grants to prevent the loss of significant local architecture.
Residents near Third Street should watch for upcoming public meetings regarding the site's transformation into a community hub. If you own a historic property in Jacksonville, keep a log of any structural maintenance or repairs to support future eligibility for historical grants.
The takeaway
Historic preservation efforts rely heavily on sustained fundraising and community support to save aging properties. Property owners with structures built in the early 20th century should prioritize regular roof and foundation inspections to prevent damage that can lead to endangered status.
Further reading
For more on managing older home projects, visit Home Renovation.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Jacksonville Today.
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