LaVilla
LaVilla is a historic African American neighborhood of Jacksonville, Florida and a was formerly an independent city. It developed after the American Civil War and was eventually annexed to the city of Jacksonville in 1887 and is now considered part of downtown.
LaVilla | |
|---|---|
Neighborhood of Jacksonville | |
Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center located in the southwest corner of LaVilla | |
LaVilla Location within Central Jacksonville | |
| Coordinates: 30.3323°N 81.6667°W | |
| Government | |
| • City Council | Garrett L. Dennis |
| • State Assembly | Tracie Davis (D) |
| • State Senate | Audrey Gibson (D) |
| • U.S. House | Al Lawson (D) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.00 km2 (0.385 sq mi) |
| • Land | 1.00 km2 (0.385 sq mi) |
| Population (2008) | |
| • Total | 185 |
| • Density | 190/km2 (480/sq mi) |
| ZIP Code | 32202 |
| Area code | 904 |
It was struck by the Great Fire of 1901. During its height, the area was considered "the mecca for African American culture and heritage" in Florida, particularly its northern sections. It remains primarily an African-American neighborhood. The Ritz Theatre, Richmond Hotel, and the Clara White Mission are among the historic buildings in the area. Several are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The area became a transportation hub with rail service developed by Henry Flagler and was also a cigar making center that included Greek and Syrian immigrants.