THE JAXSON | The history of Jacksonville’s San Mateo neighborhood

Fifteen minutes north of Downtown Jacksonville, San Mateo is a post-World War II neighborhood characterized by a mature developed landscape and American Ranch residential architecture. Here are five facts about San Mateo that most Jaxsons may not know.

Developed outside of Jacksonville’s city limits

The development of San Mateo began in 1955. Located along the Broward River, the neighborhood was 15 miles from Downtown Jacksonville, outside of city limits. The neighborhood was developed during a period of time when the city of Jacksonville was in economic decline. In 1950, the city’s population was 204,275. By 1960, it had declined to 201,030. On the other hand, Duval County’s population increased from 304,029 in 1950 to 455,411. Neighborhoods like San Mateo eventually joined the city through consolidation with Duval County in 1968.

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*A 1950s house in San Mateo. | Joan Roberts*

Built by Meyers and Lazeau Builders

Most of the homes in San Mateo were built by Meyers and Lazeau Builders, Inc. Owned and operated by Richard Meyers and Paul Lazeau, Meyers and Lazeau operated between 1955 and 1971 and marketed themselves as “Jacksonville’s fireplace home builders.” Their homes in San Mateo were designed with fireplaces, Florida rooms, decorative block walls, glass sliding doors, sky-dome lighting and Florida basements.

*A 1950s San Mateo promotion by Meyers and Lazeau Builders. | Joan Roberts*

Dominated by mid-century modern ranch architecture

The dominant architectural style of San Mateo is mid-century modern ranch, often characterized by clean lines, flat or low-pitched roofs and a minimalist design aesthetic that incorporates natural materials like wood and stone.

*A 1950s interior view of a ranch style model house in San Mateo. | Joan Roberts*

Named after a river named in honor of St. Matthew

While located on the banks of the Broward River and Long Branch Creek, San Mateo is the Spanish translation of St. Matthew. In 1562, the French established Fort Caroline on a high bluff overlooking a river they called Riviere de Mai (River of May). This name was selected because they arrived there on May 1. Three years later, Spanish soldiers captured Fort Caroline and renamed the river San Mateo to honor the saint whose feast followed the day they captured the river. Eventually, the name was changed to Rio de San Juan. During British occupation, it was translated to the St. Johns River.

*Long Branch is a tributary of the Broward River and serves as San Mateo’s eastern boundary.*

Affordably priced homes

San Mateo was envisioned as a community nestled in the shade of giant oaks, magnolias, holly and dogwood trees along the north shore of the Broward River. Homes were priced between $13,000 and $17,000. In the first decade following the end of World War II, a veteran with a VA home loan could close on a property for $10 and then move in with a monthly payment ranging between $77.79 and $102.88.

*1950s home prices in San Mateo. | Joan Roberts*

San Mateo today

San Mateo is located along the Broward River near the intersection of North Main Street and Eastport Road. A quiet neighborhood, the community and landscape has matured and aged well with time.