Before urban renewal: LaVilla's Davis Street

What does urban renewal look like? What did LaVilla, Jacksonville's oldest suburb, dating back to 1866 look like? Ask no more. We recently received access to pre-demolition photographs of properties being prepared to be razed as a part of the River City Renaissance plan. Since there are so many to share, we'll occasionally show one street at a time. Today, our focus is North Davis Street.

During its final years, 802 North Davis Street was the location of Your Variety Grocery. In 1950, the building at the intersection of West Union and Davis Streets was leased to American Hardware Company. Today, this is the location of the Urban League Building.

In 1950, Champion Cleaners & Laundry, Diamond Luncheon Restaurant and the Diamond Drug Company were located at 809-815 North Davis Street.

In 1950, the Daylight Grocery Company was located at 806 North Davis Street.

816-828 North Davis Street during its final years. Known as the Witschen Building, it was constructed for Neel H. Witschen in 1912.

The Ritz Theatre building at 825 North Davis Street during the 1990s. Second floor tenants in 1950 included the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, Construction & General Laborers Local Union No. 301, Veterans Service Center and the Brotherhood of Railway & Steamship Clerks & Express Handlers Lodge No. 6077. The Ritz Sweet Shop was located on the ground floor.