The vacant West Jacksonville Elementary will become a community center. | News4Jax
Published on February 21, 2025 at 11:35 am
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West Jacksonville Elementary, a school that has been vacant for at least five years, is set to be transformed into a community center.
The $2 million project has the potential for additional funding as the design phase progresses.
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District 9 City Councilwoman Tyrona Clark-Murray is spearheading the effort to revitalize the property.
“The process of government is slow, but it’s a sure thing,” she said. “We’re actually going to look at the designs and start demoing some of the buildings to bring this community center to fruition.”
Residents like Andrew Chapman, who has lived across from the school for 50 years, remember its past significance.
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“This school was built because of segregation at that time,” Chapman recalled. “But as the community changed, there was no need for this particular school anymore.”
Chapman and his neighbors agree that a community center is the perfect fit for the former school building.
“We need one,” Chapman said. “They’re turning this over to a community center with classrooms for those who want to get involved in activities.”
A community meeting hosted by Clark-Murray on Thursday night allowed residents to share their thoughts on the design plans.
Some expressed a desire for specific programs. “My question is will we have a career center in our senior citizen building?” one resident asked.
While technology and innovation will be included in the senior center, not all aspects of the plans were met with enthusiasm. “I don’t know anyone that does pickleball in this area, so let’s just ixnay on the pickleball,” another resident commented.
Clark-Murray emphasized the importance of the transformation.
“The elementary school being converted into a community center helps to bring life to the community,” she said. “It’s a place where they can gather, and our seniors deserve that.”
Chapman remains cautiously optimistic. “We’re gonna give it a chance,” he said. “We’ll see what the future West Jacksonville is going to be like. Actions speak louder than words.”
The project is expected to be completed within a year.
This story was produced by News4Jax, a Jacksonville Today news partner.
