A Brief History of San Marco

With the opening of the St. John’s River Bridge in 1921, South Jacksonville became attractive to developers during the Florida land boom. In 1925, Jacksonville real estate developer Telfair Stockton began work on San Marco, an 80-acre Mediterranean-inspired community. Unlike many earlier developments, which were laid out following a grid street pattern, San Marco shows the influence of the City Beautiful movement. Its winding streets, planted medians, and use of parks and larger lots create a varied landscape and interesting building sites. San Marco developed rapidly. Before the streets were paved and the muddy claypit of a former brickyard became Lake Marco, lots were sold in a frenzy of speculation during September 1925. By late 1926, San Marco Square, the development’s business district, was laid out. It was inspired by the Piazza San Marco in Venice, which Stockton had visited on a trip to Europe. One of the Square’s original buildings, the St. Marks Building built in 1927, retains an arched facade and tile roof typical to the Mediterranean Revival style of architecture.

San Marco was an immediate success. An additional subdivision, Villa Alexandria, was then platted on the overgrown estate in 1929. The first two homes in this development were built by Carl and John Swisher, who had just moved their King Edward Cigar Company from Chicago to Jacksonville.

In 1932, Greater Jacksonville absorbed the South Jacksonville municipality and development transformed the area into much of the community seen today.

Renowned historian, Wayne Wood, will share a detailed history of the South
Jacksonville and San Marco community. The event will be held at the historic Little Theatre, which is
almost 90 years old itself. The event promises to be an educational evening which will give everyone a
new understanding of the neighborhood they call home.

Black tie gala at a historic San Marco riverfront home with fine dining, full bar, band,
and high-end production.

Family focused event featuring games and competitions for children of various ages.
Potential events include pinewood derby, paper boat regatta, wagon parade, crafts, games, food.

2 teams of PROMINENT MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY will compete at the Hendricks Avenue Baseball facility in a game of softball.

The San Marco Preservation Society (SMPS) has put together a powerhouse of San Marco talent and influence. The San Marco Centennial Committee represents two critical organizations, local business leaders, and two grassroots neighborhood groups: SMPS, San Marco Merchants Association, San Marco Garden Circle, and the Granada neighborhood.