The John Gorrie a condominium

“Riverside has always been home,” said Jacksonville transplants and homeowners at The John Gorrie a condominium, Dr. Lawanda Ravoira and Steven Tatsak, USN, Retired.

Residents of Jacksonville since 1991, Ravoira relocated from Virginia and Tatsak from Minnesota via the Navy. Both find Riverside and the location of The John Gorrie to be most appealing after making the decision to downsize and visiting numerous condominiums and townhomes over the years.

“We concluded that The John Gorrie was the best choice for us as nothing we viewed compared to the quality and design of the condominium. We have been in the area for years so Riverside was a place we chose to remain. Five Points, Avondale and now downtown are growing at a fast pace and we strive to support the local community,” said Tatsak.

“Many small businesses are nearby with Lotus Yoga, Bold Bean Coffee, 13 Gypsies, Zen Cog Bicycles, and Tres Leches just across the street,” added Ravoira. “The John Gorrie is within walking distance to restaurants like Carmine’s Pizza, Lola’s, and Kickbacks, and is also close to many Five Points hotspots and Sun-Ray Cinema.”

Homeowners at The John Gorrie a condominium, Ravoira and Tatsak

Designed by noted Jacksonville architects Roy A. Benjamin and Mellen C. Greeley, John Gorrie Junior High School was constructed in 1923. The buildings were listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1987 and the school was closed in 1997. The building’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.

The historic landmark school was transformed into 68 luxurious residences

“Lawanda has always had a love of school and books, so it seemed appropriate to move into a renovated school,” said Tatsak.

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.

“The John Gorrie offers a combination of an old-style exterior structure, combined with new and updated designs of the interior condominiums. Everything is new and the colors are current, yet many of the exterior walls were left as is,” said Ravoira. “Exposed brick and original plaster can be seen in almost every home.”

With just 16 homes remaining, The John Gorrie a condominium is home to professionals of all ages, retirees, families and their pets.

“Ours is one of the few townhouses offered at The John Gorrie and it is located in the middle of the original auditorium. It is a loft-style, dual-level townhouse with two bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms,” said Ravoira. “The loft area looks out a large 24-foot window, allowing full natural light. Walking in for the first time and seeing that tall, open window, sealed the deal for us.”

In addition to being 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.

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