RIVERSIDE AVONDALE PRESERVATION

RAP Member Richard Skinner & Associates Grace the Cover of Florida Architecture

info@riversideavondale.org (Riverside Avondale Preservation) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:50:00 +0000

RAP Small Business member Richard Skinner & Associates and DRC Chair, architect Greg Thomas, make the cover story of the latest edition (82nd) of Florida Architecture with a bold, elegant, and contemporary interpretation of a beach bungalow.

Refugio do Gatao (Portuguese for "refuge of the big cat") is a Brazilian-inspired home nestled on the Florida shoreline and its lush landscape. Constructed largely of wood and stucco with large overhanging eaves gently held by handcrafted brackets, the home is at once traditional and also contemporary. "Its a simple house, with traditional forms like a gabled roof and wide porches," said architect Greg Thomas.

There is a decidedly elegant, minimalist tendency, with natural materials taking supremacy. Cypress vaulted ceilings and walls counterbalance mahogany on doors and window frames, hickory on floors, and ipe on exterior decks. Here the materials are clean, "unfettered by ornament" Thomas explains.

The home is totally integrated into its natural environment. The living room and dinning room both seamlessly open to the exterior wrap-around porches. Central to the design was a churrasqueira, a traditional Brazilian barbecue area. Located near the entrance, it creates a welcoming area which connects the interior to the exterior. Another interesting space is the wine room, located beneath the house. Project designer Richard Skinner comments, "It is made completely out of Brazilian purpleheart, which has an interesting spilled wine feel."

RAP would like to congratulate Skinner & Associates and Greg Thomas on this distinction.

Hygema House Movers Selected for Foundation Portion of Buckland House Restoration

info@riversideavondale.org (Riverside Avondale Preservation) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:00:00 +0000

RAP is honored to announce the bid for the foundation component of the restoration work, after an arduous selection process, has been awarded to Hygema House Movers.

RAP assembled a committee comprised of: Executive Director, Carmen Godwin; Preservation and Education Coordinator, Laura Lavernia; Project Architect, Greg Thomas; and Contractor, Bill Smart owner of River City Restoration. A request for bids was issued and bids were evaluated based on--in order of importance-- experience and staff qualifications, thoroughness of scope, schedule, and cost. Based on careful evaluation of criteria and extensive interviews, RAP has awarded the foundation portion of the project to Hygema House Movers.

Pictured: beloved RAP member Jerry Spinks (1938 - 2011)

Established in 1930, Hygema has a long-standing history and reputation for excellence providing specialized services for historic structures in the areas of: structural moving (historical, masonry, brick, block, frame), foundation repairs, house leveling, termite damage repairs, and structural repairs. They have been involved in previous projects with RAP, specifically during the early years of the organization's history when the organization was moving historic structures as a last resort in able to save them from imminent demolition.

Hygema House Movers is also a proud sponsor of the Buckland House Restoration project. Their main project contribution consists of materials and other costs associated with construction. Their proposal consisted in rebuilding the foundation salvaging the existing exterior rusticated blocks, leveling the house and the front porch, re-pouring cracked front concrete steps, and plumbing (straightening) the porch, particularly re-setting the columns that are currently leaning as a result of the settlement.

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This project has been financed in part with historic preservation grant assistance provided by the National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, administered through the Bureau of Historic Preservation, Division of Historical Resources, Florida Department of State, assisted by the Florida Historical Commission.

Hey! We've Got Some Hay We'd Like to Give Away!

info@riversideavondale.org (Riverside Avondale Preservation) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:17:00 +0000

RAP fall pic - bales of hay

We need to deck the halls...so out with Fall! As part of our fall decor, on our front porch we have 9 bales of hay. It would not be very sustainable of us to simply throw these out, so we researched options and ideas to re-use or recycle bales of hay. Now all we need are folks to come and get it! First come, first serve (RAP Temporary Offices 2705 Riverside Avenue, corner of Riverside and King).

Options for Re-Use of Hay Bales

Mulch AlternativeDismantle the bale and work the hay into the soil. Mulching with hay after the fall will add organic material to the soil as it decomposes during the winter months. If you add hay to your compost pile, that will speed up decomposition.

Props to You!Either as imaginative walls for a children's fort (just think, Fort Bale!) or props for your country themed decor...the possibilities are endless. Planning to shoot a country music video, anyone? We even ran across articles suggesting using hay bales for seating at country-themed weddings.

How Does your Garden Grow?Apparently, hay bale gardening is popular is you have poor soil quality. You can plant a vegetable garden in a bale of hay. Tomatoes and okra will require a trellis to help support them.

We hope we've inspired you to consider creative re-use. Please share with us any other creative options and ideas! Brighten your day with some free hay!

Christmas in Avondale Tonight

info@riversideavondale.org (Riverside Avondale Preservation) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 14:12:00 +0000

Tonight (Friday, December 2, from 6:00 - 9:00 pm) sleigh bells will ring, choruses will sing, and it will be Christmas in Avondale. This event organized by the Avondale Merchants Association is a tradition in our neighborhood dating back at least 25 years. Christmas in Avondale celebrates the art of giving and community.

The list of who and what is planned is exhaustive. Street will be closed, an ice slide assembled, and Santa will make a guest appearance. First Coast Chorus and Fishweir School Chorus, will be signing carols. There will be horse and buggy rides down Ingleside Avenue. Santa will make his appearance riding his "sleigh" around 6:00pm and will be at Avondale Artworks the rest of the evening. Merhants will have special treats in each of their stores. Also of note is the participation of the award-winning Legacy Baton Twirlers, Dance Trance Kids, face painting and temporary tattoos for children and, last but certainly not least, Blossom the Possum from MoSH will make a guest appearance.

As merchants deck their halls in preparation for the event (and the window decorating contest), we got to thinking about the art of giving. "People want to give something that they will be remembered by - something meaningful. It's the sentiment and not the cost. A gift is about what stirs the soul, about what makes people happy. A gift can be a treasured memory," said Samantha Wyatt from Avondale Gift Boutique.

"Accessories make the perfect gift. They add a personal touch to every outfit and can be relatively inexpensive, said Dianne Garcia of J. Ashley Boutique. A great scarf is a perfect present, as scarves have been the go-to accessory for women for a couple of seasons now. We certainly never under-estimate what a good pashmina can do!

For the foodie, try Green Man Gourmet (they will have mulled cider--that's Christmas in a cup). With an extraordinary selection of spices, salts, and rubs, they are sure to have the right cooking accessory for the epicurean in your family. One can never go wrong with baked goods from Let them Eat Cake or Peterbrooke Chocolatier.

The perfect accessory for the home, according to Cowford Traders is their best-selling Fraiser Fir candle (there is no merrier scent). For a truly unique gift, consider an art piece from Avondale Artworks or a beautiful oriental rug from Hooshang.

The most important gift of all is the experience of the event and the memories created year after year. "Christmas in Avondale is our gift to the community," said Dianne Garcia of J. Ashley, President of the Avondale Merchants Association.

Local Electrician Hangs Holiday Decorations at Park and King

info@riversideavondale.org (Riverside Avondale Preservation) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:59:00 +0000

Kyle Kestner on self-propelled lift

The Holiday spirit is alive and well in our neighborhood! Charlie Alderman, of Alderman Electric, met Councilman Jim Love and aide Kevin Kuzel (President and Treasurer of Park & King Area Merchants Association, respectively) at 6 a.m. the day after Thanksgiving to aid with the hanging of holiday decorations. Charlie graciously volunteered to help install holiday banners and ornamental candy cane decorations on the eighty light poles in the Park & King commercial district.

The process was much smoother than the traditional manner of hanging light pole decorations (ladder) with the self-propelled lift loaned by RSC Equipment Rental. Kyle Kestner, employee of Alderman Electric, ran the lift and banners were installed in an expedient manner. As this is the season of giving, Charlie Alderman also repaired twenty or so light pole arms that were broken at his cost.

Park & King Merchants Association and Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP) would like to extend our most heartfelt thanks to Charlie for this early holiday present!

For more information about Alderman Electric, please call (904) 778-9631.

History of the Buckland House

info@riversideavondale.org (Riverside Avondale Preservation) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:04:00 +0000

George Buckland and family in Jacksonville

The Buckland House is significant to the social history as well as the architectural history of Jacksonville, FL. The home was built around 1909 (property appraiser records have final construction date recorded as 1912) and it currently serves as the headquarters for Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP) as well as the Riverside Arts Market (RAM).

The Buckland Family The house on Herschel Street appears to have been built for the Buckland Family and was owned by this family for nearly eighty years. Former owner George Buckland practiced law in Ohio with his father, Ralph Buckland, who was a colleague of former US president Rutherford B. Hayes in the 1840s and a former mayor of Freemont, OH, former member of the US House of Representatives, and a leader of the 72nd Ohio infantry during the Civil War. George Buckland moved to Jacksonville in 1908 to work for the gas company. He was known for his weekly column, "Family Pages from the Past" published in the Florida Metropolis newspaper. He married Grace Huntington and had two daughters: Mary and Charlotte.

Buckland House Becomes the French Primary School
In 1918, Grace and daughter Mary founded the French Primary School at the Buckland House. Grace taught the children French, while Mary attended to their primary education, "The Three R's." The Buckland family continued to live in the home while it served as a school. There are accounts of the butler and maid assisting with moving the furniture to accommodate for desks and such. The French Primary School taught some of Jacksonville's most prominent citizens and operated until Mrs. Buckland's death in the 1940s. Daughter Charlotte never taught at the School, but taught Biology at Duval County Public Schools.

Buckland House Donated to RAP for Headquarters
From 1978 to 1990, RAP was headquartered on 2624 Riverside Avenue. The expansion of St. Vincents Medical Center made the relocation of 2624 necessary for that home's only salvation. RAP saved the house by moving it to Powell Place, a street zoned for strictly residential use, and in the process lost it as its offices. Harry Blanton, a long-time supporter and resident on Herschel Street, learned of RAP's predicament and reached out to Helen Chatfield Black of Cincinnati, OH who had inherited the Buckland House from her cousin Charlotte Buckland in 1990. Mrs. Black was so moved by RAP's story and circumstance that in an extraordinary act of generosity deeded the Buckland House to our organization. The Buckland House was officially dedicated as our new headquarters on March 16, 1991. This year marked the 20th anniversary of RAP owning the Buckland House.

5 Points Wants Your Blood!

info@riversideavondale.org (Riverside Avondale Preservation) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:43:00 +0000

Please come out to 5 Points this Saturday and donate blood!

The Blood Alliance will have their bloodmobile in front of the Theatre Building from noon until 5 pm.

Enjoy a free snack from Tasti D-Lite and coupons from many other 5 Points Merchants as a Thank You!

5 Points Horror Fest this weekend!

info@riversideavondale.org (Riverside Avondale Preservation) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 20:53:00 +0000

Check out the lineup of horror films at the 5 Points Theatre - new and classic, family-friendly and not so much...

Friday at 7 pm you can see Nosferatu, the original vampire movie, with a new live score by Tony Steve and Bob Moore. Our silent classics have been very popular!

At 9:30 there's Norwegian faux-doc Trollhunter and at 11:30 see the re-mastered 1979 Italian classic Zombie.

Check out the full lineup here! And don't miss the totally restored North Florida classic Zaat! - returning to the big screen on Sunday night at 7:30! Producer Don Barton will be there, along with several members of the cast including the monster itself.

Sustainability: Historic Green – Passive Strategies for Heating and Cooling

info@riversideavondale.org (Riverside Avondale Preservation) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 16:27:00 +0000

Written by: Corie Baker, AIA, LEED AP, Pond and Company

The continued use and reuse of historic buildings is, at its core, a sustainable building practice – it reduces demolition waste, it reduces the use of new materials and resources, and it limits new infrastructure needs. In addition, historic buildings often utilized passive heating and cooling strategies, which are still relevant today and can help reduce the loads on modern mechanical equipment.

A historic building may employ one or more of the following passive strategies for heating and cooling.

Trees

When our older homes and neighborhoods were planned, trees were strategically preserved to protect our buildings from harsh winds and to regulate solar gain. Deciduous trees were often located along southern exposures as they provide shade from the harsh sun in the summer and then loose their leaves in the winter to allow the sun in when the heat is needed. In addition, trees help lower surrounding air temperatures by transpiring water and shading surfaces. Because they lower air temperatures, shade buildings in the summer, and block winter winds, they have proven to reduce building energy use and cooling costs. “USFS estimates the annual effect of well-positioned trees on energy use in conventional houses at savings between 20-25% when compared to a house in a wide-open area. (USFS meteorologist Gordon Heisler). Projections suggest that 100 million additional mature trees in

cities (3 trees for every unshaded single family home) could save over $2 billion in energy costs per year.”

Overhangs, Awnings and Eaves

You will notice that many historic structures incorporated front porches with large overhangs, awnings over windows or large roof eaves. These components have all been carefully sized to allow the winter sun to reach into the home when the sun is low in the sky and the solar heat gain is welcome and prevent the summer sun from directly penetrating into the building when the sun is high in the sky and we are trying to cool our buildings.

Cross Ventilation

Cross ventilation relies on wind to force exterior air into the building and interior air out of the building. Historic buildings were oriented to maximize the cross ventilation based on prevalent wind direction. In addition, most room were designed with more than one window/door, as cross ventilation requires both and inlet and an outlet. Optimally, openings were located opposite each other.

Passive Solar Design - Thermal Mass

The simple definition of thermal mass is a solid or liquid that will absorb and store warmth or coolness until it is needed. Materials such as concrete, masonry and water have the ability to act as a thermal mass and help maintain a consistent indoor temperature, even with large fluctuations in the temperature outside. In older homes, these materials were often used as exterior wall systems or floor slabs but mayhave been incorporated into interior walls or as a central fireplace. When exposed to direct sunlight in the winter, the thermal mass will absorb heat during the day and then release that heat at night, when it is most needed. In the summer, thermal mass should be shaded so that it can draw the heat from the surrounding inside air and cool the room.

The Stack or Chimney Effect
The Stack effect is caused when warm air rises to the roof of a building and creates a suction at the lower level of the building, pulling fresh air through the windows at ground level. This creates a natural air flow which lets the “used” air out and brings in fresh outside air at the lower levels. Many older homes incorporated large attic fans which helped draw the cool outdoor air in through the windows and the warm air up into the roof and out the roof vents. Additionally, double hung windows can create a localized stack effect. In many historic structures, especially those with tall ceilings and large double hung windows, the bottom sash can be opened to allow the cool air in at the bottom and the top sash can be lowered to let the warm air out at the top.

In summary, historic buildings took passive approaches to heating, cooling and ventilation that are still valid today. Many historic buildings are constructed of brick or masonry and have high thermal mass properties. In addition, windows are typically arranged in a way that maximizes cross ventilation, bringing welcome breezes through the space. Overhangs, awnings and strategically located trees are also used to provide shade to south facing facades where the sun is most intense. These passive strategies can reduce heating and cooling loads, and therefore require a smaller HVAC system than other homes of a similar size. This can result in less material used, lower costs associated with the HVAC system and lower utility costs for the homeowner. Historic buildings bring their own set of unique challenges, but the benefits of continuing to use these buildings from both a preservation and a sustainability perspective, far outweigh any challenges.

State of the Re:Union Live Multimedia Performance@ MOCA

info@riversideavondale.org (Riverside Avondale Preservation) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Join NPR host Al Letson and the rest of the State of the Re:Union team for an exciting night out while helping support a Jacksonville-based public radio show on Saturday, October 22nd at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Downtown Jacksonville. The ticketed event will feature a cocktail hour and two shows, each a multimedia experience featuring a performance by host Al Letson, compiled with audio and video from the second season of State of the Re:Union.

Show times are at 7:00pm and 8:30pm with the cocktail hour beginning one hour prior to show time. Light hors d'oeuvres will be provided and a cash bar will be available.

Advance purchase tickets are only $15 each (100% tax deductible) with a limited number available. The price goes up to $20 at the door if seating is still available. Purchase Tickets »

About State of the Re:Union
State of the Re:Union is a Jacksonville-based NPR show that celebrates the cohesiveness and diversity of America. Each episode, host Al Letson travels to a new city or town to examine what makes community, who are the people that bring it together and what are the issues they face.

Visit State of the Re:Union's website for more details

College Football at the 5 Points Theatre

info@riversideavondale.org (Riverside Avondale Preservation) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 20:39:00 +0000

Come out to the 5 Points Theatre and watch the game of the season (so far) as UF plays Alabama!

Saturday at 8 pm. Admission is free.

Beer, pizza and popcorn will be served as always.

RAP Offices are Moving (Temporarily)

info@riversideavondale.org (Riverside Avondale Preservation) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 17:33:00 +0000

As part of the Buckland House Restoration Project, RAP Headquarters are moving!

Beginning this Tuesday, October 4, our offices will be located at
2705 Riverside Avenue (Yellow House, corner of Riverside and King)

Our office hours will be the same:
Monday - Closed
Tuesday - Friday 10am - 2pm

The move is temporary, and needed, as the scope of work for the restoration project requires staff to relocate to other offices in order to best serve you. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions.

Visit the Buckland House Restoration page on our website for more information. As we progress, RAP will provide blog posts, videos, and other communications related to the project.

About the Buckland House

info@riversideavondale.org (Riverside Avondale Preservation) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 16:51:00 +0000

RAP's Headquarters, The Buckland House, is undergoing some much-needed repairs as part of the Buckland House Restoration Project. One of the first considerations when looking to make alterations to a historic home is to consider how appropriate these changes are to the home and how these changes may affect its historic integrity. Do the changes work with the style of the home? Do they preserve the character-defining features that make it special?

The Buckland House is a strong example of local frame vernacular construction. As mentioned in the Riverside Avondale Design Regulations, “Frame vernacular is the common wood frame construction of self-taught builders. This type of architecture is the product of the builder's experience, available resources, and responses to the local environment."

Note: Plans featured not Buckland House

Its box-shaped exterior is modeled after what has been termed the American Foursquare (used to categorize houses with a square plan, typically two-story, with four living spaces on each floor), with Colonial Revival Style elements. Character-defining features of the Buckland House are the broad front porch, spanning the entire façade, with Colonial Doric columns on pedestals faced with rusticated masonry blocks. The second story uncovered porch component with a wooden balustrade is a very unique feature to this home. The 1/1 sash wood windows are original to the home and are character-defining features, particularly the diamond-light window opening to the porch. Windows are double-hung, meaning the upper sash (or portion of window) can be lowered to let hot air out during summer months. Larger-sized windows are common in Southern, hotter climates. The entry door, with sidelight windows and an operating transom light is another key feature and also serves for air circulation.

LEARN MORE:
Want to learn to identify the style and character-defining features of your home?

The National Parks Service's Technical Preservation Services (TPS) Division has a fun, interactive webtool called The Walk-Through, where visitors can learn how to identify the visual character of a historic building.

NOTE: The plans pictured on the right are to illustrate a SEARS 1916 American Foursquare design, popularly sold by mail order. These are not plans for the Buckland House itself.

Exclusively at the 5 Points Theatre!

info@riversideavondale.org (Riverside Avondale Preservation) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:25:00 +0000

This will be a big weekend at the 5 Points Theatre, with two new films opening exclusively in Jacksonville, and the return of a cult favorite!

Life in a Day is "cobbled together from footage shot by 80,000 anonymous filmmakers around the world over the course of a single day - July 24, 2010... Despite having no conventional narrative, other than the sleeping, waking, rising, bathing, eating and living cycles of ordinary people across the globe, Life in a Day is, without exaggeration, a profound achievement. Alternately funny, scary, boring, moving, amateurish and gorgeous, it is a pretty spectacular thing: a crowdsourced movie that manages to feel singular and whole. "

See it Friday or Saturday at 5:30 and 7:15, and Sunday at 3 pm.

Read the whole Washington Post review here.

See the trailer here:

Myth of the American Sleepover is an indie "coming-of age story about four teens on their last night of summer vacation. It's been getting many comparisons to Dazed & Confused, Richard Linklater's blissfully stuck-in-the-'70s comedy. (It's worth watching the trailer above, I think, just for the fantastic Magnetic Fields song that closes it out.)" according to the TU's Matt Soergel.

See it Friday and Saturday at 9 pm, or Sunday at 5.

Here the trailer:

Finally, Friday at 11 pm and Sunday at 7 pm you can catch the cult favorite REPO: The Genetic Opera, a futuristic rock-opera about organ transplants and repossessions, with an all-star cast including diva Sarah Brightman, Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Anthony Stewart Head and general celebrity Paris Hilton.

Watch the trailer - you'll know immediately if you have to be there!

SUSTAINABILITY: SUCH A FAN!

info@riversideavondale.org (Riverside Avondale Preservation) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:29:00 +0000

Fans can make a big temperature difference right away and can add to an interior / exterior space. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that if you raise your thermostat by only two degrees and use your ceiling fan, you can lower cooling costs by up to 14 percent. According to TheDailyGreen.com, “Fans use 90% less energy than central air, and make rooms feel seven to ten degrees cooler because of the process of evaporation.” In the winter, most fans can be run in reverse, pushing warm air down.

Formerly the eyesore of any interior decoration project, newer models offer many “historic” looks to compliment any decor. There are many companies online that offer more specialized options than your big box retailer. It’s worth a search on the internet—there are even some that function replicating an old “pulley system.”

This Old House has a great guide to purchasing and installing a ceiling fan: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/intro/0,,453858,00.html

Here are some basics about ceiling fans:
1)Select the right fan for the size of the space. Energy Star has a great guide (http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=ceiling_fans.pr_ceiling_fans_basics)
2)Select the right fan for your needs. Fans that have been UL listed with a “damp” rating are good for bathrooms and spaces. If the fan comes in direct contact with water, like on a patio or front porch, look for a UL “wet” rating. These fans include features such as sealed/moisture resistant motors, rust resistant housing, stainless steel hardware, and all weather blades.

Use your historic whole-house attic fans
Historic buildings were located and built to take advantage of breezes and, through their design, established patterns of cross ventilation. Many also relied on whole-house attic fans, mounted on the attic floor, to assist in pulling air from outside windows and circulate it throughout the home. Air circulation helps cleanse the home and promotes healthy air. If you have a whole-house attic fan, use it.

Coming this weekend to the 5 Points Theatre...

info@riversideavondale.org (Riverside Avondale Preservation) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 17:58:00 +0000

The new comedy Beginners opens Friday only at the 5 Points Theatre, and cult sensation The Rocky Horror Picture Show returns Friday and Saturday at midnight!

Beginners imaginatively explores the hilarity, confusion, and surprises of love through the evolving consciousness of Oliver, who meets the irreverent and unpredictable Anna only months after his father Hal (played by Christopher Plummer - the father from The Sound of Music) has passed away.

This new love floods Oliver with memories of his father who – after 44 years of marriage – came out of the closet at age 75 to live a full, energized, and wonderfully tumultuous gay life. The upheavals of Hal’s new honesty, by turns funny and moving, brought father and son closer than they’d ever been able to be. Now Oliver endeavors to love Anna with all the bravery, humor, and hope that his father has taught him.

You can see the trailer here:

Also this weekend you can catch cult sensation The Rocky Horror Picture Show at midnight on Friday and Saturday. It has been hugely popular since we re-started it last year with a mix of the curious, the committed, and everyone in between.

Click here to buy your tickets online before Friday at 5 pm and save $2!

And here's the trailer if your memory needs refreshing:

Tree of Life opens Friday at the 5 Points Theatre!

info@riversideavondale.org (Riverside Avondale Preservation) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 15:21:00 +0000

From Terrence Malick, the acclaimed director of such classic films as Badlands, Days of Heaven and The Thin Red Line, The Tree of Life comes this impressionistic story of a Midwestern family in the 1950’s.

The film follows the life journey of the eldest son, Jack, through the innocence of childhood to his disillusioned adult years as he tries to reconcile a complicated relationship with his father. Jack finds himself a lost soul in the modern world, seeking answers to the origins and meaning of life while questioning the existence of faith.

Through Malick’s signature imagery, we see how both brute nature and spiritual grace shape not only our lives as individuals and families, but all of life.

And it has one of the most beautiful trailers ever:

Sustainability - When the Bulb Breaks

info@riversideavondale.org (Riverside Avondale Preservation) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 22:51:00 +0000

We all know the benefits of Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs). It is one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to save natural resources and save some money on energy costs. But what happens when they burn out? What happens when they break? While not the sexiest of topics, it’s certainly worth five minutes of your time to learn the answers.

When the bulb breaks
Don’t panic! Each bulb contains a very small percentage of mercury. In fact, the thermometers we all remember as kids posed a far bigger threat---CFLs contain less than 1/100th of the amount in a mercury thermometer.

EPA RECOMMENDS THE FOLLOWING PROTOCOL IF A CFL SHOULD BREAK:
Before cleanup:
- Have people and pets leave the room.
- Air out the room for 5-10 minutes by opening a window or door to the outdoor environment.
- Shut off the central forced air heating/air-conditioning system, if you have one.
- Collect materials needed to clean up broken bulb: stiff paper or cardboard; sticky tape; damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes (for hard surfaces); and a glass jar with a metal lid or a sealable plastic bag.

During cleanup
- Be thorough in collecting broken glass and visible powder.
- Place cleanup materials in a sealable container.

After cleanup
- Promptly place all bulb debris and cleanup materials outdoors in a trash container or protected area until materials can be disposed of properly. Avoid leaving any bulb fragments or cleanup materials indoors.
- If practical, continue to air out the room where the bulb was broken and leave the heating/air conditioning system shut off for several hours.
For more detailed info, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/cfl/cflcleanup-detailed.html

Don’t trash that CFL!
According to the EPA, recycling CFLs is important, for the following reasons:
- Recycling prevents the release of mercury into the environment. CFLs and other fluorescent bulbs often break when thrown into a dumpster, trash can or compactor, or when they end up in a landfill or incinerator. Learn more about CFLs and mercury.

- Other materials in the bulbs get reused. Recycling CFLs and other fluorescent bulbs allows the reuse of the glass, metals and other materials that make up fluorescent lights. Virtually all components of a fluorescent bulb can be recycled.

Where to go to throw (gently place in bin)

**Your local Home Depot has a bin for CFL disposal.

**The City of Jacksonville has a Hazardous Waste Facility at 2675 Commonwealth Avenue (open Tues – Sat 8am-5pm).

Types of waste which may be brought to one of the mobile events or to the HHW Facility include:
- Fluorescent bulbs and tubes, including CFL light bulbs
- Paint, varnish or shellac
- Paint thinners and paint strippers
- Rechargeable, automobile or lead acid batteries
- Thermometers and thermostats
- Drain cleaners
- Pool, automobile, cleaning, lawn, garden and photographic chemicals
- Aerosol cans
- Antifreeze
- Fertilizer and pesticides
- Acids
- Gun powder, ammunition and fireworks
- 20-pound propane cylinders
- Oil and oil filters
- Gasoline, diesel and kerosene
- Fire extinguishers
- Flares

The Big Lebowski plays this weekend at the 5 Points Theatre!

info@riversideavondale.org (Riverside Avondale Preservation) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 18:52:00 +0000

Everyone's favorite cult classic is playing tonight at 11 pm and Sunday at 7 pm at the 5 Points Theatre! We'll have pre-mixed White Russians on hand in honor of the occasion.

Plus, "check in" at the theatre on Facebook or Foursquare and get a free small popcorn!

Click here for online ticket sales.

Here's the trailer if you need to see it again:

New release Larry Crowne, starring Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts will also be playing all week! Check out www.5pointstheatre.com for showtimes.

Larry Crowne opens today at the 5 Points Theatre

info@riversideavondale.org (Riverside Avondale Preservation) — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 19:51:00 +0000

If you feel like seeing a movie without giant battling robots, please out Larry Crowne, starring Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts.

Showtimes: Friday & Saturday at 5, 7 & 9 pm, Sunday at 3, 5 & 7 pm and Monday at 5 & 7 pm. See www.5pointstheatre.com for times after that.

Here's the trailer

Free Breakfast Workshop: Making Historic Properties Accessible

info@riversideavondale.org (Riverside Avondale Preservation) — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 10:04:00 +0000

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is a seminal piece of civil rights legislation enacted to give equal access to facilities to all americans. The Mayor's Disability Council and RAP have teamed up to create a one-hour breakfast workshop for business owners with office or commercial properties in the historic district.

Workshop will discuss the benefits of retrofitting for accessibility, Preservation Brief 32 on making historic properties accessible, and present case studies demonstrating how to make propeties accessible without destroying their significant materials, features, and spaces.

Free Breakfast Workshop
Monday, July 25, 2011
8:30 am
First Guaranty Bank, Conference Room
1234 King Street

RSVP to laura@riversideavondale.org by July 8th, 2011.

Window Preservation Standards Collaborative

info@riversideavondale.org (Riverside Avondale Preservation) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 22:58:00 +0000

The latest edition of "Old House" magazine (September 2011) is devoted to energy saving measures and examples of how people are greening their historic homes. One of the toughest battles in this arena still remains that of original windows. Five of the country's top window specialists - David Gibney, Jim Turner, Duffy Hoffman, John Leeke, and Bob Yapp - decided to do something about it and formed the Window Preservation Standards Collaborative (WPSC).

All Preservation Trades Network members (all passionate about original windows) they realized that they needed to arm State Offices, local Preservation Commissions, and preservation advocates with tools on different approaches to weatherization and restoration--approaches backed up by data on energy efficiency. As far as WPSC is concerned, they are taking back the narrative the window replacement industry has hijacked through marketing.

With an estimated rate of 32 million original windows lost each year, now is the time to act. In most cases, original windows can be cost-effectively restored and made as energy efficient as replacements. There is an immediate need for standards for energy-efficient restoration, as well as well-researched energy data on the thermal efficiency of original windows.

WPSC will host a summit this summer at Kentucky's Pine Mountain Settlement School, where the group will be conducting testing and revising the draft Standards. The WPSC Standards will go beyond Preservation Brief 9 (Repair of Historic Wood Windows) and will address energy efficiency, plus also provide examples for different types of windows. For more information on WPSC, and to view a draft of the Standards (currently being drafted) visit http://ptnresource.org/WPSC/

Community Celebration at the Cummer Tomorrow!

info@riversideavondale.org (Riverside Avondale Preservation) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 19:50:00 +0000

Carmen Godwin, Executive Director, Riverside Avondale Preservation

News & Notes From Your Executive Director

Celebrate Your Great Neighborhood With Us!

Join Riverside Avondale Preservation and The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens for a celebration of the special place you call home, the Riverside Avondale Historic District. We will be gathering on the Cummer's front lawn tomorrow, Tuesday, June 14th, between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. to enjoy live music and a variety of fun family activities. There will be bike tours, free entry to the exhibit opening, and much more.

Over thirty years ago RAP partnered with the Cummer Museum to create an exhibit focused on the unique architectural and cultural assets that makes our area so special. With the announcement of Riverside Avondale as a Top Ten Great Neighborhood, and with the Cummer celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, it seemed like perfect timing to join forces once more.

This time, we are having a huge community celebration on the Museum's front lawn and inviting everyone to enjoy the exhibit for free! There will be live music, ample seating, and several art-making stations. Leigh Burdette of (red-e)2ride will be hosting free neighborhood bike tours at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. from the Lane building parking lot (use your bicycle or ours!). The Tree Cup Cafe will have tasty treats for sale, and also will offer a cash bar.

Best of all, you'll be among the first to see The Cummer's new The Neighborhood as Art exhibit, which celebrates the art, architecture, people, parks, river and landscape that make this such a fantastic neighborhood. The exhibit features thirty-four selected works on display, including paintings, photographs, 3-dimensional works and video. Additionally, several of Riverside Avondale Preservation’s historic photos will be featured, which will provide a historical perspective of the neighborhood alongside the artists’ contemporary interpretations.

Hope you'll come celebrate with us.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail this weekend at the 5 Points Theatre

info@riversideavondale.org (Riverside Avondale Preservation) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 21:20:00 +0000

King Arthur and his knights embark on a low-budget search for the Grail, encountering many very silly obstacles.

Tickets are only $5 if you buy online before 5 pm on Friday!

For tickets for the show on Friday, June 10th at 11 pm, click here.

For tickets for the show on Sunday, June 12th at 7 pm, click here.

Here's the trailer, if you need a reminder about the film:

From PreservationNation Blog: Q&A with NPS on New Sustainability Guidelines

info@riversideavondale.org (Riverside Avondale Preservation) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 12:52:00 +0000

The National Trust's Sustainability Director, Patrice Frey, and Program Assistant Rachel Bowdon recently asked the National Park Service to share some assessments about the new Illustrated Guidelines on Sustainability for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings --including the most common misconceptions about greening historic buildings and the appropriate use of renewables on historic buildings and sites.

The guidelines help clear misconceptions that historic buildings are not inherently green, and tackle others such as the long-standing debate over new versus original windows. They also provide helpful "how-to" advice for the integration of energy saving measures while still meeting the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation.

Read Q&A blog article>>>