About the San Marco Preservation Society
Our Mission
The Preservation Society works to preserve and renew San Marco as an area of historical and architectural significance for the benefit of local residents and businesses and the education and enjoyment of visitors and the public at large.
A BRIEF HISTORY
In 1901, at the time of the Great Jacksonville Fire, the Southbank was primarily a ferry landing and shipyard site. As fire ravaged the Northbank, the Southbank became a refuge for families. South Jacksonville was formed in 1907, and development began in earnest with the opening of the St. John’s River (Acosta) Bridge in 1921. Telfair Stockton bought 80 acres of land north of the Mitchell Estate for the new San Marco subdivision and business center. The street names and business district were inspired by the Piazza di San Marco in Venice, Italy.
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.
STAFF
San Marco Preservation Hall
South Jacksonville City Hall
Office Administrator
Jacki Vadney
(904) 396-0081
Office Administrator Hours:
Mon / Wed / Thurs: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
BOARD
2022-2023 Officers
Lauren Carlucci
President
David Paulk
Vice President
Michelle Lang
Secretary
Mack Volk
Treasurer
Desiree Bailey
Immediate Past President
Committee Chairmen
vacant
Beautification
Anna Valent
Membership
Leah Tolisano Rand
Public Relations
Robin Robinson
Historic Resources
Brittany Hegi
Safety
Linzee Ott
Governance
Anita Morrill & Dalton Tolliver
Events
Andrew Tyrell
Planning & Zoning
William Michaelis
Legal
Brittany Hegi
Traffic, Pedestrian, & Bicycle
vacant
Arts
vacant
Grants
Jon Singleton
CPAC
Pat Andrews
Parks
Special Projects
Andrew Dickson | Valerie Feinberg | Doug Skiles
San Marco By Design
Directors Emeritus
Zim Boulos
Lori Boyer
Suzanne Perritt
Rob Smith
Advisory Members
Joe Cronk
Keith Kimball
Doug Skiles
Mary Toomey
Other
LeAnna Cumber
City Council District 5
Desiree Bailey
SMMA Liaison