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COMMERCIAL- HISTORICAL- LANDMARK PHOTOGRAPHY
Jacksonville's Zayres Site: Skate Arena, Comedy Club, Then Demolition (June 2024)
The vacant lot at 11000 Beach Blvd holds a story of transformation and tragedy. Once a bustling Zayres department store, a popular destination for discount shopping in the 1960s and 70s, the site later became a haven for roller skaters and laughter – a Skate Arena and then a Comedy Club.
However, the location is also shrouded in darkness. The unsolved murder of Brinks driver George Schwender in June 1970, allegedly by two men and a female accomplice, cast a long shadow over the Zayres store.
Zayres itself was a retail giant with humble beginnings in the eastern US (1956). It became one of the first major discount chains in America, but like many others, struggled to compete in the changing retail landscape. By 1990, all Zayres stores had closed, marking the end of an era.
FAMILY & COUPLES PHOTOGRAPHY
TESTIMONIAL
Id like to Thank John Hawley not just for his many years of free help and honest support and advice when I met John as I was breaking into the fitness industry and along jacksonville, St Augustine & surrounding Areas Know the Talent John has worked with, this man has never fell short of amazing! For the low cost of services he’s offered to many people but the endless supportive advice to grow a business through media engagement and marketing. I can’t thank this man enough. If anyone is looking for or in need of expanding their business, Pictures of their families, or just helpful advice please reach out to John. I promise you, you will not regret it. He is amazing with children as well as a over protective adult myself John made every accommodation to make my family feel at ease, welcomed, honored and most of all Loved. Thank You John you out did yourself once again! I look forward to our marketing campaign and portfolio we have coming up next!! @johnhawleymedia
if your looking for a great photographer, this man’s got generations of experience & his prices are very reasonable. Growing a business? He’s your perfect go to with a lot of helpful knowledge to help market & expand your advertisement of your Business. I’ve known John since I made my way to Florida over 10years now, I highly approve of how much dedication he puts into anyone who books with him! Always Brother, thank you for the knowledge from fitness industry to the construction industry and always having my best interest!
COMMERCIAL- HISTORICAL- LANDMARK PHOTOGRAPHY
San Marco, Jacksonville, Florida
I enjoyed catching these images of San Marco Preservation Hall. It was built in 1888 by St. Paul's Episcopal Church and first donated and moved in 1977 to the Museum of Science and History along the river downtown. There it was restored and renamed Carpenter Gothic Church for its architectural style. In 1994 it was moved to its current location at Fletcher Park where it is run by the San Marco Preservation Society and serves as a popular wedding venue. The separate building serves as a bridal cottage for the ladies to prep for their ceremonies. It’s a beautiful pair of buildings, park and surrounding community and well worth a visit or photoshoot.
Fletcher Park
1652 Atlantic Boulevard Jacksonville, FL 32207
COMMERCIAL- HISTORICAL- LANDMARK PHOTOGRAPHY
The Legendary Ortega Gangster House
Legend has it that Al Capone owned the home at 2815 Grand Avenue and that Machine Gun Kelly likewise lived there for a time in the 1930s. Hundreds of members of the Facebook group "History Jacksonville," have had stories to tell of their experiences associated with this beautiful Mediterranean Revival-style home. The easiest way to view the home, which private residents currently occupy, is to park at Stinson Park and take the pleasant walk across the Ortega Bridge; the house is the second one you'll come to on the right-hand side. There are very few photos available online of the Ortega Gangster House besides those in our galleries. The Florida Times Union has one associated with their article, in which they researched what they could to separate the facts from rumors with very little success. And I'll leave you with this quote, "Be careful who you call your friends. I'd rather have four quarters than one hundred pennies."
― Al Capone GALLERY LINK
COMMERCIAL- HISTORICAL- LANDMARK PHOTOGRAPHY
The Marble House
Built in 1927, The Marble House in the Riverside- Avondale community of Jacksonville is one of the areas most extraordinary landmarks. Also known as Bryson House after it’s builder and son who later lived in this beautiful 4 bedroom, 4 bath 4,632 square foot home. Marble House is referenced in the book Jacksonville’s Architectural Heritage- Landmarks For the Future written by the Riverside Avondale Preservation Founder Dr. Wayne Wood. I’ve done several photoshoots at this property over the last decade and I won’t be the last. Follow the Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP) Society website for Home & Garden Tour dates.
Marble House address: 1704 Avondale Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32205
