All Jacksonville

 Jacksonville’s Historic Jacobs Jewelers Clock Restored in Downtown

A Piece of Jacksonville History, Brought Back to Life

Downtown Jacksonville, FL — JWB Real Estate Capital has restored the iconic Jacobs Jewelers clock, originally manufactured in 1901 by the legendary Seth Thomas Clock Company.

It is once again chiming in Downtown Jacksonville. Jacobs Jewelers clock Jacksonville enthusiasts have eagerly awaited this moment.

The clock was first installed on Bay Street in 1901 and moved in 1927 to its current location at the corner of Adams and Laura Streets, just outside the historic Greenleaf & Crosby Building.

A Legacy That Began After the Great Fire of 1902

Following the Great Fire of 1901, which destroyed much of Jacksonville’s downtown urban core, the city embarked on a mission to rebuild. The goal was to become stronger, grander, and more resilient than before. One of the earliest symbols of that rebirth was the Jacobs Jewelers clock. It served as a public declaration of stability, craftsmanship, and confidence in the city’s future.

One of the Last of Its Kind

Seth Thomas produced only 100 clocks of this design, and today, fewer than ten still operational. This particular clock has become a quiet fixture in Jacksonville’s urban fabric, remembered fondly by generations of residents and passersby. It is an essential part of the historic Jacobs Jewelers clock Jacksonville legacy.

Now, after years of wear, JWB Real Estate Capital has brought the clock back to life. This is part of its broader commitment to preserving Jacksonville’s past while investing in its future. Additionally, the clock now chimes its classic Westminster chime every hour on the hour.

Jax Tours Helped Make It Happen!

A very special thank you goes to Bettina Suvage of Jax Tours, whose passion for Jacksonville’s history made this restoration possible. Tina tracked down the original manufacturer, The Verdin Company, and coordinated the entire process — from research to execution. Her dedication to preserving our city’s legacy ensured the historic Jacobs Jewelers clock would chime once again for future generations to enjoy.

Part of a Larger Downtown Transformation

The clock’s restoration is just one piece of a much larger revitalization effort. The adjacent Greenleaf & Crosby Building, is currently undergoing an extensive renovation. This historic building has architecture designed by Marsh and Saxelbye.

This renovation is led by JWB Real Estate Capital, with Avant Construction Group serving as the general contractor and construction partner. The Greenleaf and Crosby Building will soon become the headquarters for all of JWB Real Estate Companies.

The City of Jacksonville and the Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) committed nearly $5 million in incentives to support the historic restoration of the Greenleaf & Crosby Building. This includes a forgivable loan through the Downtown Preservation & Revitalization Program, designed to help offset the cost of restoring one of the city’s most prominent historic landmarks. The funding reflects Jacksonville’s broader commitment to preserving its architectural heritage while accelerating the revitalization of the urban core.

This work reflects a growing trend in Jacksonville: honoring the past while building a more vibrant, accessible, and walkable downtown.

JWB’s ongoing work on this landmark building is part of a broader portfolio of historic renovations and mixed-use developments. This work helps reshape the urban core. From adaptive reuse to ground-up construction, JWB is helping reshape the urban core. Their work turns it into a thriving destination for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

You can read more about that here →

Why This Historic Restoration Matters

This clock represents more than just time to many Jacksonville residents, developers, and history enthusiasts. It’s a symbol of progress rooted in preservation. Those interested in the Jacobs Jewelers clock Jacksonville have a reason to celebrate.

By investing in projects like this, developers are creating a city where heritage and growth can coexist. They create a place where historic preservation fuels economic revitalization and where every block tells a story.

See The Historic Jacobs Jewelers Clock for Yourself

The restored Jacobs Jewelers clock now proudly ticks and chimes at the corner of Adams and Laura Streets. Whether you’re passing by on foot or rediscovering Downtown for the first time in years, this historic timepiece is worth a visit. Be sure to listen to its chimes.

📍 Location: Corner of Adams & Laura Streets, Downtown Jacksonville

🔔 Chimes every hour on the hour

🏛️ Part of the Greenleaf & Crosby Building Restoration

Learn More

developjax develop jacksonville logo

MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS:

Subscribe: We don’t spam! Only the good stuff.