LaVilla

LaVilla
Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center located in the southwest corner of LaVilla
Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center located in the southwest corner of LaVilla
LaVilla is located in Central Jacksonville
LaVilla
LaVilla
Location within Central Jacksonville
Coordinates: 30°19′56″N 81°40′00″W / 30.3323°N 81.6667°W / 30.3323; -81.6667
Government
 • City CouncilGarrett L. Dennis
 • State AssemblyTracie Davis (D)
 • State SenateAudrey Gibson (D)
 • U.S. HouseAl Lawson (D)
Area
 • Total
1.00 km2 (0.385 sq mi)
 • Land1.00 km2 (0.385 sq mi)
Population
 (2008)
 • Total
185
 • Density190/km2 (480/sq mi)
 [1]
ZIP Code
32202
Area code904

LaVilla is a historic African American neighborhood of Jacksonville, Florida and was formerly an independent city. It developed after the American Civil War and was eventually annexed to the city of Jacksonville in 1887 and is now considered part of downtown.

It was struck by the Great Fire of 1901. During its height, the area was considered "the mecca for African American culture and heritage" in Florida, particularly its northern sections.[2] It remains primarily an African-American neighborhood. The Ritz Theatre, Richmond Hotel, and the Clara White Mission are among the historic buildings in the area. Several are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The area became a transportation hub with rail service developed by Henry Flagler and was also a cigar making center that included Greek and Syrian immigrants.[3]

  1. ^ a b "La Valla District neighborhood in Jacksonville, Florida (FL), 32202, 32204 subdivision profile - real estate, apartments, condos, homes, community, population, jobs, income, streets". www.city-data.com.
  2. ^ Lawson, Melanie (2021-02-23). "Jacksonville's LaVilla area was once thriving haven filled with Black-owned businesses". WJXT. Retrieved 2023-10-21.
  3. ^ Davis, Adrienne Burke and Ennis. "Here is a plan to revive LaVilla". The Florida Times-Union. Retrieved 2021-07-20.