10 Famous Historic Architecture Buildings by Marsh and Saxelby

Famous Historic Architecture by Architects, Marsh and Saxelby

Marsh and Saxelbye were a creative team of architects who designed a massive collection of buildings throughout Jacksonville over more than twenty years. The team consisted of William M. Marsh, a Jax native, and Harold F. Saxelbye, a native of England who also worked in New York. They inherited the throne of great local architecture from Henry J. Klutho and were critical in defining the residential styles of Riverside, Avondale, San Jose, and more. Their work was featured in both the urban core and the city’s suburbs, which at the time were mostly separate municipalities. Over three dozen Marsh & Saxelbye designs are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Here are some of the best buildings designed by Marsh & Saxelbye that are still standing today:

1. Greenleaf and Crosby Building

Greenleaf & Crosby Building was designed with strong Art Deco elements including elaborate terra-cotta cornices and plaques. It opened in 1927 and features one span rising twelve stories and another with just two stories. The company’s antique street clock was placed at the corner of Laura and Adams Streets. Greenleaf & Crosby rebranded as Jacob’s Jewelers just a few years after opening its new building, and it has survived decades of ups and downs in downtown Jax to still operate from the same building today.

2. Karpeles Manuscript Library (First Church of Christ, Scientist)

This building was originally built as a church in 1921 and was later converted into a library. The building is now home to the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, which houses a collection of original manuscripts and documents.

3. Riverside Baptist Church

Riverside Baptist Church: This church was built in 1926 and features a Spanish-style design with a bell tower and red-tile roof. The church is still in use today.

4. San Jose Country Club

San Jose Country Club was built in 1925 and features a Mediterranean Revival style. It was originally built as a clubhouse for the San Jose Country Club alongside their dominant contribution as the leading design firm behind the San Jose Estates

5. MOCA Jacksonville

MOCA Jacksonville was built in 1931 as the historic Western Union Telegraph Building, the building was bought in 1999 and became the Jacksonville Museum of Modern Art (JMOMA), which later became the Museum of Contemporary Art, or MOCA Jacksonville. MOCA acquired the museum in 2009 and acts as a cultural resource. MOCA is part of Jacksonville’s multibillion-dollar downtown revitalization plan with exhibitions and coffee shop lounge, Setlan Coffee.

6. Epping Forest Yacht Club

The Epping Forest mansion was built in 1926 by Alfred I. du Pont, known as the duPont Mansion, and was later donated to the Episcopal Diocese of Florida. It was used as a conference center and is now the private club, Epping Forest Yacht Club.

7. The Bolles School

The Bolles School was originally built as the San Jose Hotel in 1925 and was later converted into a school. It is now a private college preparatory school

8. The San Marco Building

The San Marco Building was built in 1926 and was originally used as a hotel. The building was completed in 1927 and was the first structure built in what is now known as San Marco Square. “Towne Pump Drugs and Sundries” was the first retailer to occupy the building. The building has served popular restaurants and taverns including  “The Town Pump” and more recently “Square One”.  The building will now be occupied by Voodoo Brewing Co.

9. The Levy Building

The Levy’s building was built in 1909 and was originally used as the Levy’s department store which later became Levy-Wolf. It is now a mixed-use building with retail and office space

10. Furchgott’s Department Store

The Furchgott’s Department Store building was built in 1902 after the original building burned down in the great fire of 1901. It was originally used as a department store but later became a popular punk and alternative rock venue called, The Milk Bar. The Milk Bar was named after Stanley Kubrick’s, Clockwork Orange, and showcased some popular artists including Blink182, Korn, and Limp Bizkit.

Marsh and Saxelbye’s contribution to architecture in Jacksonville, Florida is significant. Their designs have stood the test of time and continue to be admired by many. They played a critical role in shaping the architectural landscape of Jacksonville and their work is a testament to their creativity and vision.

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