Projects

Beautification Projects

Dr. Robert B. Hayling Freedom Park | Eddie Vickers Park

Dr. Robert B. Hayling Freedom Park and Eddie Vickers Park represent over 25 acres of recreational space situated in the southeastern area of the Lincolnville Community. The masterplan, adopted in October 2023, conceptualizes a multiphase project inclusive of gathering areas, improved walking paths, sports courts, seating areas, a dog park, kayak launch and historic signage representative of individuals with historically significant relevance to the 1964 Civil Rights Movement and other matters of historical significance within the Lincolnville Community. Staff intends to utilize information received during public engagement initiatives to determine the order of improvement phases. The estimated total to complete this project is $17 million dollars. This is a multi-year project.

Lincolnville Park in Honor of George and Ollie Smith

Lincolnville Park is a small City-owned parcel in Lincolnville, which will be developed into a passive recreational space. The project, with an estimated cost of approximately $115k is scheduled to be complete by Summer 2024. Pocket parks are designed to bring life to unused spaces. The parcel has been vacant since the City acquired the property in 1994. At the completion of this project residents can look forward to a revitalized, enhance space; with native tree plantings, shaded seating, and passive recreational activity designed for small spaces.

Dr. MLK Streetscape

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Avenue Streetscape project will enhance pedestrian connectivity, vehicular access, introduce traffic calming, underground utilities, and overall improve the aesthetics of the corridor. The project cost is estimated at $5 million dollars and is anticipated to be complete by Fiscal Year 2026. The project is currently in the design stage.

Vickers Park Sports Courts

The sports courts at Eddie Vickers Park is receiving a much needed makeover. Utilizing the combined funding source of LCRA dollars and $221k in ARPA funds contributed by the St. Johns County Parks and Recs Department, the courts will be upgraded to two full basketball courts and six pickleball courts. The total estimated cost of this project is $420k and the project is expected to be complete by the end of FY 24. The sports court improvement is just one element of the Vickers/Hayling park multi-phase recreational masterplan.

Twine Park Improvement Project

Dedicated in honor of Henry and Kat Twine, the passive park is located at the corner of Riberia and Lovett streets. As outlined in the Lincolnville Master Plan, Twine Park improvements will include elements addressing hardscape, landscape and irrigation improvements. The project is currently in the design phase.

Institutional Rehabilitation Projects

Fountain of Youth Elks Lodge

The Elks Lodge, a historic institution in Lincolnville, is known for its rich cultural heritage. This $1 million dollar revitalization project will focus on historic preservation; with the repair and repurposing of it’s famous jalousie windows, updates to all mechanical and electrical components, installation of an elevator for ADA access, structural stabilization, flood mitigation, exterior and interior painting. The project is partially funded through the African American Cultural and Historical Grant, with an award amount of $891k. The project is scheduled to be complete by Fiscal Year 2025.

Trinity Independent Methodist Church

The Trinity Independent Methodist Church Institutional Rehabilitation project addresses several critical structural issues. This is a multi-year project currently in the design phase.  The building was constructed in 1913, was one of the early churches built in this area of the City, but was later a building for the already established Trinity Independent Methodist Church which was established in 1821. In 1964, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Southern Leadership Conference used the church to organize protests against racial discrimination in the City.

St. Joseph's Neighborhood Center

In an effort to save and revitalize St. Benedict the Moor, a historic schoolhouse in Lincolnville, the historic space, once improved will serve as the home of the St. Joseph Neighborhood Center. St. Joseph Neighborhood Center is a institution aspiring to bring resources to young, single mothers. This multi-million dollar project is partially funded by the African American Cultural and Historical Grant. Additionally, the project was awarded $150k in grant funding through the LCRA Institutional Rehabilitation Grant Program. At the time this report was written, CRA Staff was preparing to request additional funds be allocated toward this very important project. If additional funds are allocated the LCRA will have contributed $400k. The funds will be used to accommodate ADA access to the structure and contribute to the historic preservation of a once thriving historic institution in Lincolnville.

St. Paul Structural Stabilization

After the successful completion of the 2021 reroofing and historic preservation Institutional Rehabilitation Grant Program Project it was discovered that St. Paul had severe structural challenges. With direction from a structural engineer, $100k was allocated toward the stabilization of the south wall of the church. The stabilization effort, in many ways could be considered a temporary resolution, but this effort allows time for the stakeholders to acquire or leverage funding opportunities from other sources and establish a more long-term fix.