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Historic Stanton Inc. Secures $144K for Structural Restoration of LaVilla Schoolhouse

The Jacksonville City Council approved $143,710 for Historic Stanton Inc. to continue exterior and structural repairs on the 109-year-old Stanton school building.

By Colin Percy · May 13, 2026

The Jacksonville City Council has voted 16-2 to approve Ordinance 2026-0260, reappropriating $143,710 to support the ongoing restoration of the historic Stanton schoolhouse. The funds represent the second half of a $300,000 city investment originally authorized in 2021, with the initial $156,290 portion awarded to the nonprofit Historic Stanton Inc. in 2022. The project had previously stalled, resulting in the return of the remaining funds to city reserves after the initial grant agreement expired in October 2025.

Located at 521 W. Ashley St. in Downtown Jacksonville, the 109-year-old structure will undergo roof stabilization, masonry and brickwork, electrical service restoration, and first-floor remediation. The legislation allows the nonprofit to receive 25% of the funding upfront to accelerate the repairs. Future plans for the site, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, include a transformation into a mixed-use cultural facility featuring a museum, gallery, gift shop, and STEM educational space under the design guidance of architect Ray Evans of iDesign Architectural Services Inc.

Companies mentioned

developer

Historic Stanton

architect

iDesign Architectural Services

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