Murray Hill: Neighborhood Photo Tour
EDGEWOOD AVENUE BUSINESS DISTRICT
Edgewood Avenue is the main commercial corridor in Murray Hill. It was originally platted with a wide right-of-way for the creation of a landscaped parkway similar to Springfield’s Main Street.
The first block of the business district would be an ideal spot for a potential commuter rail station. The CSX A-line, shown in the above image, has the potential to connect Orange Park to Downtown Jacksonville. This is also the rail line that will potentially see reduced freight traffic as a result of the Orlando commuter rail deal.
The Murray Hill theater opened in 1949 and operated until 1994 before shutting its doors. After a brief stint as a nightclub called the Dungeon, the historic theater lives on as a Christian rock concert hall with a café and record store.
The Edgewood Bakery is a Murray Hill landmark. The "from-scratch" operation opened in 1947 and has been in business for over 60 years.
A stretch of available retail spaces along Edgewood Avenue.
The Murray Hill Presbyterian Church on Post Street.
THE RESIDENTIAL SIDE OF MURRAY HILL
A set of brick Bungalows with crisp landscaping on Ramona Blvd.
Unlike most of Jacksonville, nearly every home in Murray Hill has its own set of interesting brick detailing.
Covering nearly four blocks, Four Corner’s Park is one of two large and heavily wooded open areas that is completely surrounded by the residential district. The passive park takes its name from the property’s location at the four corners of the Lawnview Street and Lamboll Avenue intersection.
The diverse collection of historic Bungalow-styled housing remains a key element of unique atmosphere found in Murray Hill.
This unique house features architecture that is unusual for Jacksonville.
The prominent use of brick as a construction material in the residential areas south of Edgewood Avenue unique, not only locally, but in the entire State of Florida.
Another unique quality of Murray Hill is the size of its houses. They are typically smaller than those in other local historic districts, making the area much more affordable for first time home buyers.
Most of the intersections in Murray Hill still feature the original sign posts.
While most homes are single story, there are several two story residences as well.
The Murray Hill Baptist Church on Post Street.
Constructed in 1916, the Ruth N. Upson Elementary School carries on the bungalow theme of the neighborhood.
Frame construction dominates the residential area north of Edgewood Avenue.
This large passive park is located between Dellwood Avenue and Plum Street, just West of McDuff Avenue.
Article by Ennis Davis