Additional costs often prevent new homeowners from purchasing these houses. We need to move more single families into the district in order to reclaim its former grandeur and beauty, not more pawn shops and used car lots. NationsBank bought 50 vacant lots in the district to reproduce historic homes. It had hoped to break ground last fall but has been unable to do so. One tires of the same designs in brick or stucco tract homes, whether they they are in Marsh Landing, Ortega or Orange Park.
Historic homes are a feast for the eyes once they are restored.
Tourists love them. Local building codes do not jibe with zoning codes. Historically, there were residential apartments over small commercial businesses. That usage needs to be addressed, since dual usage makes them financially feasible. Economic development in the district is essential.