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Analysis and original reporting from the team behind The Jaxson, which is dedicated to urbanism and culture on the First Coast. The Jaxson explores the big issues facing Jacksonville in the modern era of urban growth, with a look at today's development in the context of yesterday's history. The Jaxson is a partnership of Modern Cities and WJCT Public Media.
Featured image for “THE JAXSON | 9 historic Durkeeville photographs”
October 8, 2024

THE JAXSON | 9 historic Durkeeville photographs

During the early 20th century, the greater Durkeeville community became a segregation-era hub of Black culture, business and social life…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | The ‘malling’ of Baymeadows”
October 1, 2024

THE JAXSON | The ‘malling’ of Baymeadows

A look at the rise, repositioning and survival of Deerwood Village Mall, one of the Southside’s oldest shopping malls.…

Featured image for “OPINION | Great Cities Symposium a chance for Jax to learn from national leader”
September 24, 2024

OPINION | Great Cities Symposium a chance for Jax to learn from national leader

Since 2019, the Great Cities Symposium has brought remarkable civic and business leaders to Jacksonville from peer cities to share…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | The history of Jacksonville’s Norwood neighborhood”
September 18, 2024

THE JAXSON | The history of Jacksonville’s Norwood neighborhood

Located along the banks of Moncrief Creek, Norwood is a Northside neighborhood that was laid out in 1912.…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | Florida’s 5 largest cities in 1900”
September 10, 2024

THE JAXSON | Florida’s 5 largest cities in 1900

Even in 1900, when Florida was the 32nd largest state in the country, Jacksonville was by far its largest city.…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | The fascinating history of Black Hammock Island’s Cedar Point Preserve”
September 4, 2024

THE JAXSON | The fascinating history of Black Hammock Island’s Cedar Point Preserve

Jacksonville’s Black Hammock Island has a fascinating history from 6,000 years of civilization. Here are four facts about Cedar Point…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | Memory lane: The Chitlin’ Circuit’s famed Two Spot Club”
August 28, 2024

THE JAXSON | Memory lane: The Chitlin’ Circuit’s famed Two Spot Club

Moncrief’s Two Spot was said to be the finest dance palace in the country owned by an African American during…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | The history of Jacksonville’s Lakeshore neighborhood”
August 21, 2024

THE JAXSON | The history of Jacksonville’s Lakeshore neighborhood

Lakeshore has a history and built environment shaped by housing booms, bubbles and busts of early 20th century Jacksonville.…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | The Gilded Era hotels of Henry Flagler”
August 14, 2024

THE JAXSON | The Gilded Era hotels of Henry Flagler

Railroad giant Henry Flagler was also known for his chain of Gilded Era luxury resort hotels, some of which remain…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | West Palm Beach: A redevelopment example for Jacksonville’s historic Eastside”
August 7, 2024

THE JAXSON | West Palm Beach: A redevelopment example for Jacksonville’s historic Eastside

Here’s are eight Northwest West Palm Beach projects that would also be appropriate for Jacksonville’s historic Eastside.…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | 5 urban core districts erased by urban renewal”
July 30, 2024

THE JAXSON | 5 urban core districts erased by urban renewal

In many U.S. cities, governments used urban renewal to erase marginalized communities from existence. Here are five examples of neighborhoods…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | 6 Jacksonville expressway names you likely did not know”
July 23, 2024

THE JAXSON | 6 Jacksonville expressway names you likely did not know

Here are a few Jacksonville expressways you may not have heard of, despite being one of the thousands who drive…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | 10 restaurants and bars coming to Downtown Jax ”
July 17, 2024

THE JAXSON | 10 restaurants and bars coming to Downtown Jax 

Several new restaurants and bars are in the works for Downtown Jacksonville.…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | 6 major urban core infrastructure projects”
July 10, 2024

THE JAXSON | 6 major urban core infrastructure projects

Jacksonville’s urban core continues to grow. Here are six major infrastructure projects currently under construction in or near Downtown.…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | 5 historic roads in town”
June 26, 2024

THE JAXSON | 5 historic roads in town

The First Coast is home to some of Florida’s oldest roads and highways. Here is a look behind the development…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | How the Jaguars stadium deal could support Historic Eastside revitalization”
June 12, 2024

THE JAXSON | How the Jaguars stadium deal could support Historic Eastside revitalization

Here’s how the stadium deal’s community benefits agreement could provide tangible benefit to its adjacent urban core neighborhood.…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | 6 stories from Jacksonville’s LGBTQ history”
June 5, 2024

THE JAXSON | 6 stories from Jacksonville’s LGBTQ history

From Timucua two-spirits to bisexual blues musicians to today’s River City Pride, Jacksonville has a storied LGBTQ history.…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | 6 major urban core adaptive reuse projects”
May 29, 2024

THE JAXSON | 6 major urban core adaptive reuse projects

In honor of National Preservation Month, here are six examples of adaptive reuse projects currently under construction in the city’s…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | The Chitlin’ Circuit and barbecue in Jacksonville”
May 21, 2024

THE JAXSON | The Chitlin’ Circuit and barbecue in Jacksonville

While the Chitlin’ Circuit is generally recognized for its musical contributions to society, in honor of National Barbecue Month, barbecue…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | Memory lane: Downtown’s Main Street in 1952”
May 15, 2024

THE JAXSON | Memory lane: Downtown’s Main Street in 1952

A visual trip back in time through Downtown Jacksonville’s Main Street in 1952.…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | The year of the Downtown public space”
May 8, 2024

THE JAXSON | The year of the Downtown public space

At long last, several high-profile parks in Downtown Jacksonville have opened this year, with more on the way in the…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | A ride on Brightline”
April 30, 2024

THE JAXSON | A ride on Brightline

Operating between Miami and Orlando with a goal of potentially expanding to Tampa and Jacksonville, Brightline is the first privately…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | Neighborhoods: St. Nicholas”
April 23, 2024

THE JAXSON | Neighborhoods: St. Nicholas

A virtual tour of one of Jacksonville’s oldest urban neighborhoods: St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas History Located across the river from…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | The drive-in theatres of Jacksonville”
April 16, 2024

THE JAXSON | The drive-in theatres of Jacksonville

For 69 years, drive-in movie theaters entertained generations of Jaxsons. Today, their remnants are hard to find in the city’s…