Emerging as a popular architectural style after World War II, Brutalism is characterized by minimalist constructions that showcase the bare building materials and visible structural elements over decorative design. By the late 1970s, the architectural style had fallen out of favor worldwide. An architectural style closely associated with urban renewal, the urban core of Jacksonville is home to many examples of Brutalist architecture. Here are ten examples of the architectural style, in and around Downtown Jacksonville.

John E. Goode Pretrial Detention Center (1991)

500 East Adams Street

Also known as the Duval County Jail, the 12-story John E. Goode Pretrail Detention Center was completed in 1991 with a prime riverfront view of the city. Both examples of Brutalism, the $68 million jail and neighboring Police Memorial Building replaced an early 20th century warehouse district associated with the former Jacksonville Shipyards.

Mary L. Singleton Senior Center (1979)

150 East 1st Street

At 29,655 square feet, the Mary L. Singleton Senior Center is one of the city’s largest centers for seniors. The building was designed by local architect Ted Pappas.

Museum of Science and History (1968)

1025 Museum Circle

The 82,991 square foot Museum of Science and History (MOSH) building was designed by local architect William Morgan. Other examples of Brutalist buildings designed by Morgan also remain standing in downtown Jacksonville. They include the Police Administration Building and the Daniel State Office Building (now an annex and parking garage for the Hyatt Regency Riverfront Hotel).

Ruth Lindsay Auditorium (1976)

125 West Ashley Street

In the midst of a significant boom in membership, the First Baptist Church completed the Ruth Lindsay Auditorium in 1976. The 3,500 seat auditorium is located at the intersection of Ashley and Hogan Streets.

UF Health Jacksonville (1975 - 1980)

508 West 8th Street

During the late 1960s, through the Hogans Creek Redevelopment Program, the upscale Black neighborhood of Sugar Hill was cleared for the expansion of nearby hospitals. Ground was broken on the 10-story Methodist Hospital Plaza Tower I in 1973. Completed in 1975, a $6 million twin 10-story building, Methodist Hospital Plaza Tower II, opened on June 29, 1980 with an enclosed shopping mall tying the two highrises together.

Article by Ennis Davis, AICP. Contact Ennis at edavis@moderncities.com