San Marco Preservation Society

A Brief History of San Marco

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.

San Marco celebrate 100 years of San Marco with an unforgettable evening at the historic Swisher Estate, transforming the private home into a vivid homage to vintage Florida. Guests were transported back in time with lush tropical garden décor pulling inspiration from the grandeur of the Breakers in the early 1900s. The event channeled the glamour of the past, while celebrating the charm, history and community that have defined San Marco for a century. A toast to the past and present in spectacular Florida fashion.

Special thanks to the Allen Family for this once-in-a-century event.

Our Centennial Lecture Series continued with an Evening featuring past Olympians Nancy Hogshead and Martin Zubero, and actively training Olympian, Garrett Scantling. Join us at 1937 Events & Venue, located in the historic Wimpee Fuel Oil building. Tapas were on the house, and a great time was had by all.

The San Marco Merchants Association and the San Marco Preservation Society geared up for a showdown on the diamond in a spirited game of Merchants vs. Residents!

On Saturday, August 16 at the Hendricks Avenue Baptist baseball field, attendees gathered for a FREE morning of softball, community fun, and family-friendly activities (raffle and kid-included events) to cheer both teams on for the title of San Marco’s finest.

Family-focused event featuring games and competitions for children of various ages. Events included a pinewood derby, parade, crafts, games, and food. Thank you to our local high school bands, elected officials, residents, neighborhood families, visitors, and area businesses for making Kids Day a great success!

On Thursday December 4th at San Marco Preservation Hall in Fletcher park, residents and businesses who have helped shape San Marco over the past 100 years were recognized with Centennial awards. Today, San Marco is one of the best neighborhoods in northeast Florida thanks to the efforts of these generous individuals. This free event included complimentary drinks and many heartfelt moments.

The lighting of San Marco’s holiday tree in the Balis Park gazebo is an annual tradition featuring student mini concerts. The Centennial edition of this beloved community gathering was a not-to-miss event.

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