Historic restoration, renovation and new home construction in Avondale
Avondale was designed by Cleveland landscape architect William Chase Pitkin Jr. under the principles of the City Beautiful Movement with curved streets, generous lots, sixteen pocket parks and a deliberate sense of place.
Today, Avondale is part of one of the largest historic districts in the country. The combined Riverside-Avondale district stretches 3 square miles and represents fifteen distinct architectural styles, from Mediterranean Revival and Spanish Eclectic to Tudor Revival and Craftsman bungalow. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Avondale’s homes represent a standard of design and construction that simply isn’t reproduced in modern development.
M&M Homes has deep roots in this neighborhood. Whether we’re restoring original exterior details on a century-old facade, reconfiguring an interior for the way a family actually lives today, or building something new that respects the architectural context of the street, we bring the same care and craft to every project.
AREA CONSIDERATIONS
Planning to build, renovate or remodel a home in Avondale?
Construction in a National Register Historic District comes with its own set of considerations. Work that affects the exterior of contributing structures typically requires review and approval from the City of Jacksonville’s Historic Preservation Commission. Material choices, architectural details and even paint colors may be subject to guidelines designed to maintain the visual cohesion of the district. We’re experienced navigating this process and will guide you through every requirement before work begins.
QUICK FACTS
- Officially founded January 6, 1921
- Part of the Riverside-Avondale National Register Historic District
- 15 distinct architectural styles represented across the combined
- districtDesigned by landscape architect William Chase Pitkin Jr. under the City Beautiful Movement
- The Riverside Arts Market runs draw 4,000+ visitors every Saturday
- Annual events include Luminaria, the RAP Home Tour and the Garden Tour
WHAT WE DO IN AVONDALE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Often, yes – it depends on the scope and location of the work. Projects affecting the exterior of a contributing structure within the historic district typically require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the City of Jacksonville’s Historic Preservation Commission, while interior work generally does not. We’ll help you understand what applies to your specific property before any planning begins.
Yes, new construction within a historic district is permitted but must be compatible with the existing architectural character of the street and surrounding structures. That means thoughtful design, appropriate scale, materials, roof pitch and detailing. Not a replica, but a home that earns its place on the block. We’ve done this successfully and understand what the approval process involves.
Avondale features a particularly concentrated collection of Mediterranean Revival homes, reflecting the Florida land boom aesthetic of the early 1920s when the neighborhood was developed. You’ll also find Tudor Revival, Spanish Eclectic, Colonial Revival and Craftsman bungalows throughout the neighborhood. The combined Riverside-Avondale district is considered the most architecturally diverse neighborhood in Florida, with fifteen distinct styles represented.
Period-appropriate materials, specific wood profiles, masonry types and window configurations can cost more than modern equivalents and sourcing them sometimes adds lead time. We’re honest about this upfront and build it into scope and budget from the start. We also know where to source the right materials efficiently, which helps manage both cost and timeline.
Generally, no. Historic preservation guidelines in Jacksonville’s designated districts focus on exterior alterations visible from the public right-of-way. Interior renovations, reconfiguring layouts, updating kitchens and baths and improving systems typically proceed without commission review. We’ll confirm what applies to your specific property during our initial consultation.
Most run from about four weeks to six months, depending on scope. A focused exterior restoration might run four to eight weeks; a full exterior restoration or significant interior renovation can take three to six months or more. Projects requiring Historic Preservation Commission review add roughly four to six weeks on the front end. We account for this in every project schedule.
Yes. While this page focuses on Avondale, we work throughout the combined Riverside-Avondale historic district, as well as in San Marco, Mandarin, the Beaches and other established communities across Northeast Florida. If you have a project in Riverside or an adjacent neighborhood, we’d like to hear about it.
