When Does Modern Architecture Become Historic?

As the Jacksonville buildings from the 1950s and 60s pass into the 50-years-old category, many are now eligible to be considered historic landmarks. Ranch-style houses in Arlington? Unthinkable?? Many of the quirky and previously ignored buildings from the post-World-War II are now getting a second look. Although most of the buildings of this era will probably never rise above the level of mundane, there are many brilliantly designed buildings in Northeast Florida from this period that need to be recognized and preserved. Jacksonville has over 100 excellent remaining examples of Mid-Century Modern buildings, and some of these have achieved national recognition.

So we are going to have a very important seminar on this topic on Saturday, March 1, at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens and will begin at 10:00 a.m. and last until 12:45 p.m. It will feature presentations from some of this city's greatest living architects – Robert Broward, Taylor Hardwick, and William Morgan – as well as nationally renowned architects, authors, and architectural historians – Alfred Browning Parker, Gene Leedy, Jan Hochstim, Alan Shulman, and Dr. Alfred Willis. Local architectural historian and preservationist Dr. Wayne Wood will moderate the symposium.

The morning symposium is free but reservations are a MUST! There is an optional afternoon Bus Tour (which includes Lunch & Refreshments) for $40.00. Reservations are required for the tour as well. To register, call Lane Manis, (904) 389-8421, Executive Director, AIA Jacksonville.

This very important seminar is sponsored by the Jacksonville Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and DOCOMOMO Florida. Our thanks to Dr. Wayne Wood for bringing this to our attention. More information can be found in a story at Jacksonville.com.