Rob Overly, Ron Buckley, Delores Barr Weaver, Jim Sutton

The John Gorrie a condominium, one of Jacksonville’s premier condo communities located in the Riverside Avondale neighborhood, recently received an award from the Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission (JHPC). The John Gorrie was one of two adaptive reuse projects recognized during JHPC’s 2012 Preservation Awards for the restoration and renovation of the former John Gorrie Junior High School into condominium homes. Accepting the award were Delores Barr Weaver, property owner and managing partner of John Gorrie Investment Group; contractor Jim Sutton from Gordon’s Castle; Rob Overly, architect; and Ron Buckley, developer consultant.

“Adaptive reuse allows for a compromise between historic preservation and demolition,” said Delores Barr Weaver. “Given its historical significance, the size of the building and its surrounding site, the renovation of John Gorrie Junior High School is an important component of the continued revitalization of the Riverside Avondale neighborhood and a monument to the rich architectural heritage of the area.”

Great lengths were taken to modernize the buildings to today’s housing standards while preserving its historical architecture and ambience. During the renovation, more than 81 miles of electrical wire, 78 separate air-conditioning units, and 25,000 concrete pavers were used to complete the building. Original wood flooring was retained where possible, but nearly 30,000 square feet of new wood flooring was also installed. The two buildings combined boast a total of 725 new exterior windows.

The John Gorrie a condominium features 68 residences including studios, one and two-bedroom condominiums, and two-story townhomes ranging in size from 800 square feet to 1,800 square feet. For more information regarding the John Gorrie a condominium, call (904) 383-3688 or visit www.TheJohnGorrie.com.