About the San Marco Preservation Society

Our Mission

The San Marco Preservation Society’s mission is to preserve and renew the San Marco neighborhood as an area of historical and architectural significance for the education, enjoyment, and benefit of residents, visitors, and the community at large.

A BRIEF HISTORY

The area we know today as San Marco has a long and rich history, known by many names over many years. Starting as a 216-acre Spanish land grant in 1793, the land was transferred to the Craig and Hendricks families, passed down through generations, then sold into residential parcels after the Civil War. Retiring Florida Governor Harrison Reed bought a considerable eastern portion and platted it as South Jacksonville; the western remainder was platted by Elizabeth Hendricks and called Oklahoma; and just south of Oklahoma, the large Alexandria Estate was established by Governor Reed’s sister Martha and her husband, railroad tycoon Alexander Mitchell.

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

Preservation Hall
& Stockton Cottage
(904) 206-7421

Tour Appointments
Mondays & Thursdays 11:00a-4:00p

TOUR

South Jacksonville City Hall

Executive Director
Sheri Webber
(904) 396-0081

Office Hours
Tue / Wed / Thurs: 9:00a-5:00p

EMAIL

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2024-2025 Officers

David Paulk

President

Michelle Lang

Secretary

Matt Stupski

Treasurer

Committee Chairs

Erik Kasper

Beautification

Madelen Salter

Membership

Anita Feltman

Public Relations

Robin Robinson

Historic Resources

Michael McGowan

Safety & Nuisance

Linzee Ott

Governance

available

Events

Grace Davis

Planning & Zoning

Ryan Hyde

Legal

Logan Cross

Traffic, Pedestrian, & Bicycle

available

Arts

available

Grants

Matt Little

CPAC

Linzee Ott

Preservation Hall

Logan Cross

Resiliency & Sustainability

Pat Andrews

Parks

Directors Emeritus

Zim Boulos

Lori Boyer

Linzee Ott

Suzanne Perritt

Rob Smith

Mary Toomey

Advisory Members

Joe Carlucci

City Council District 5 

Keith Kimball

Joe Cronk

Cronk Duch Architecture

Desiree Bailey

SMMA Liaison

SMPS Legacy

The creation of San Marco Preservation Society

In 1975, local residents and businessmen came together to address the aging of San Marco Square and, more specifically, the aging fountain in the square. The group wanted to anticipate future challenges, and this proactive group led to the formation of the first attempts to fix the fountain and to begin formulating a long

The SMPS has remained strong throughout the years working to tighten zoning laws, sponsor beautification projects, coordinate renovation and construction projects, apply for and administer numerous grants from the city and state, and work with the city to renovate its streets and amenities.

 
SMPS Past Presidents
 

Special Projects

San Marco By Design

Andrew Dickson   |   Valerie Feinberg   |   Doug Skiles