Contemporary amenities at The John Gorrie include 12-foot ceilings, expansive windows, stainless steel GE appliances, CaesarStone countertops and hardwood floors

In the summer of 2012 during a visit to Jacksonville, Blythe Duckworth and Denys Zayets enjoyed coffee across the street from The John Gorrie a condominium at Bold Bean Coffee Roasters.

“We were immediately drawn to the building,” said Duckworth. “The John Gorrie has impeccable design with historic charm.”

After living in Ukraine and Italy, Duckworth moved back to Jacksonville and Zayets, originally from Ukraine, moved to town from Italy.

“We had first toured The John Gorrie in February 2014 and absolutely fell in love with the space,” said Duckworth. Awaiting The John Gorrie’s Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approval, the couple revisited in January 2015, hoping approval would be closer. “We selected the home we wanted and crossed our fingers it would still be available once the FHA approval came through. Lucky for us, it worked out.”

Prior to moving in, the appeal of The John Gorrie was not lost on Duckworth and Zayets.

“The building has a modern restoration that’s kept the charm and character of the walls and floors, but most appealing was the exposed brick and 12-foot ceilings,” said Duckworth.

Designed by noted Jacksonville architects Roy A. Benjamin and Mellen C. Greeley, John Gorrie Junior High School was constructed in 1923, as reflected by its ornate Mediterranean Revival architecture characteristics popular during that time. The buildings were listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1987 and the school was closed in 1997.

The John Gorrie’s owner, Delores Barr Weaver, completed an extensive renovation and restoration to transform the historic landmark school into 68 residences with luxurious contemporary amenities including 12-foot ceilings, expansive windows, stainless steel GE appliances, CaesarStone countertops and hardwood floors. Now 75 percent sold, The John Gorrie a condominium is home to professionals of all ages, retirees, families and their pets.

In addition to being FHA and Fannie Mae (FNMA) approved, making it possible for qualified homebuyers to obtain low down payment, fixed-rate mortgages at competitive rates, owners at The John Gorrie a condominium receive an ad valorem tax abatement toward their homeowner’s tax bill through 2021.
Duckworth and Zayets moved into The John Gorrie in May 2015 and enjoy their third floor home, the quiet nature of the building and its residents.

“We both consider Jacksonville home now,” said Duckworth.

The John Gorrie offers one- and two-bedroom residences and two-story townhomes priced from the upper-$100,000s. The community’s amenities include private gated parking, a private courtyard, custom fitness center, elevators, a resident reading room and Wi-Fi Internet access.

For more information about how you can be part of The John Gorrie community, call (904) 383-3688 or visit www.TheJohnGorrie.com.