Building Project Background:
In 1971, the nonprofit Historic Stanton, Inc. was granted ownership of this important historic
structure. They maintained and leased the facility to mul0ple groups over the years, including a
daycare center and a performing arts training center, among others. After a roof collapse in
2020, Historic Stanton was forced to close its doors to the public and began seeking funding to
repair the roof and remediate water damage.
• 2020
o Roof Section caved in and structure deemed unsafe for occupation by COJ.
Daycare closes operation.
o Vacancy of building provides opportunity for vandals to destroy the interior,
tearing apart walls to steal copper and other materials from the building.
• 2021
o Historic Stanton appeals to the City of Jacksonville for assistance in repairing the
roof section that collapsed and secure the building.
o Historic Stanton files for an African American Cultural Heritage Grant and a
Special Category Grant totaling $2.5 million to complete a full roof repair, install
new windows, secure the building envelope and remediate damage caused by
the roof failure and vandalism, among other items of preservation.
• 2022
​COJ provides a grant award to Historic Stanton to repair the roof section that
failed and secure the structure by boarding up the windows.
o Historic Stanton bids out the roof project and selected contractor begins to repair
the damaged roof section on the northeast portion of the building.
o The State of Florida awards Historic Stanton an African American Cultural
Heritage Grant and a Special Category grant to complete a full roof replacement
and to replace all of the windows, essentially securing the building envelope, in
addition to other items of remediation and preservation.
• 2023
o Opus Construction completes the sectional roof repair, including new 
framing members and new roof membrane.
o Historic Stanton hires contractor to replace a damaged sprinkler head that was
flooding the first floor, cut back vegetation to provide a visual sightline from the
street and discourage unlawful access to the structure. Excess trash, beds,
and clothing left by the homeless were also removed from the property.
o Historic Stanton executed a grant agreement with the State of Florida for the
African American Cultural Heritage Program.
o Historic Stanton contracts with Robbins Design Studio and iDesign for
architectural services related to the roof and window replacement.