Scenic Visions

Photo Courtesy of Old Arlington Inc

Designed to complement our successful Great Cities Symposium, Scenic Jacksonville is pleased to present Scenic Visions, an exciting program that will shine a spotlight on neighborhoods outside of the urban core.

Our goal is to rediscover hidden gems within our community while engaging civic leaders and neighborhood stakeholders in thought-provoking experiences and meaningful conversations that help to catalyze community improvement.

The inaugural 2024 Scenic Visions focused on Arlington, once the fastest-growing area of Duval County.

About Arlington

Arlington experienced a 30-year boom after the opening of the Mathews Bridge in 1953 that attracted young and innovative architects who today are celebrated as leaders of the mid-century modern movement. Robert Broward, Taylor Hardwick, William Morgan, Robert Broadfoot, Gilbert Spindel and others left their mark on Arlington – and Northeast Florida – with numerous architecturally significant homes, businesses and churches.

Arlington was incorporated into the city in 1968 as part of Jacksonville’s consolidation and by the 1980s new development had moved south and east and the all-too-familiar cycle of neighborhood decline had begun.

In contrast to the blight seen along many of the commercial corridors, Arlington is awash in history and natural beauty.

A Three-Part Series

Produced in partnership by Scenic Jacksonville with Old Arlington Inc., the JAX Chamber Arlington Council, Greater Arlington Civic Council, and Jacksonville University, our three-part series spotlighted Arlington’s riverfront, neighborhood, and future was a river taxi tour, trolley tour, and panel discussion during April and May of 2024.

Spotlight on Arlington’s Riverfront – River Taxi Guided Tour

Saturday, April 6th, 9:30am – 12:00pm

On this sold-out guided tour of the Arlington from the vantage point of the beautiful St. Johns River, Old Arlington Inc leaders and Scenic Jacksonville representatives shared history and context of the shoreline and neighborhood, including the rowing facilities, historic and new development, Jacksonville University and the Marine Science Institute, Reddie Point Riverfront Park and more.

Spotlight on Arlington Neighborhood – Trolley Guided Tour

Saturday, April 20th, 9:30am – 12:00pm

On this sold-out guided trolley tour of the Arlington neighborhood, Old Arlington Inc leaders and Scenic Jacksonville representatives shared context of the neighborhood’s unique assets, with stops at Norman Studios, Tree Hill, Jax Rowing Club, Kona Skate Park, the Butterfly house and more.

Spotlight on Arlington’s Future – Panel Discussion

Wednesday, May 29th, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
at Jacksonville University’s Frisch Welcome Center

Moderator: Joyce Morgan – Property Appraiser, COJ and former City Council District 1

Panelists:

Tim Cost, President, Jacksonville University
Steve Matchett, Executive Director Old Arlington Inc.
Karen Nasrallah, Redevelopment Manager, City of Jacksonville
Trish Kapustka, President, JAX Chamber Arlington Council
Rory Dubin, President, NEFAR Northeast Florida Association of Realtors

With this free panel discussion on the future of Arlington, featuring its local visionaries, investors, ambassadors, and civic leaders, our goal was to provide a meaningful interactive discussion to spur civic action and engagement on realizing Arlington’s significant potential.

View Highlights of Bob Buckhorn’s Speech