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The Oaks at Durkeeville

Oaks at Durkeeville Early Learning Academy plaque

The Oaks at Durkeeville is a housing community in Durkeeville, Jacksonville that provides public housing for those with low incomes funded by the government. It is located at 1605 North Myrtle Avenue in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Jacksonville. The Oaks are owned and operated by Jacksonville Housing Authority.

Summary

Today when someone visits Durkeeville they will notice a multi use community. "On Myrtle the main avenue through Durkeeville includes residential, commercial, recreational, industrial, and religious land uses." Many of the historical buildings and housing have been torn down and rebuilt. Myrtle Avenue is wider than most streets because of the streetcars that used to run on it. The Durkeeville Historical Society located on Myrtle Avenue has been a popular spot for tourists. The Society also hosts fundraisers to bring families together in the local neighborhoods.

J.P. Small Memorial Park has been renovated to meet the needs of todays athletes. Games are still played there by high school and college teams. The field is a special place with a lot of baseball history. The field is within walking distance of the Oaks of Durkeeville. The Oaks at Durkeeville is a development with plenty of local resources available within a close distance for families that reside here.

History

The area came to existence in 1902 when a black-owned street car system joined northwest Jacksonville to Downtown Myrtle Avenue, which caused a transit loop. An individual named Dr. Jay H. Durkee, a well known real estate developer sold and donated sections of land to African Americans. One area was the Durkee field, now known as J.P. Small Park, Jacksonville’s first baseball field. Many homes were built by African American contractors. Durkeeville is the result of growth for the African Americans during segregation. During this time it was mandatory that African Americans be separated from whites. The neighborhood had many different classes, they were middle and working class families. Once segregation ended, it caused a decline in the neighborhood with wealthier African Americans moving to better areas. This caused a decline in Durkeeville, leaving low income and struggling families behind. The area went downhill and struggled with poverty and crime. The Oaks at Durkeeville was originally a 215 unit public housing complex opened for occupancy in 1957. It was built under the Public Works Administration. The old projects were replaced in 1999. The Public works Administration was created to help in the recovery after the Great Depression. It put a lot of people to work and created roads, bridges, and building projects.

Features

Durkeeville Historical Center

Durkeeville is home to the Durkeeville Historical Center. There someone can find an abundance of history of the African American influences of Durkeeville. The center has a rich culture of artifacts, pictures, and videos. Many items were donated and collected by local residence.

Edward Waters College

Durkeeville is also home to Edwards Water College which was founded in 1866 to bring education to freed slaves. It is the oldest black college in Florida. The college was relocated in 1904 after the Great Fire of 1901 to its present location at 1658 Kings Road.

Housing space/Rent

The Oaks at Durkeeville are owned and operated by Jacksonville Housing Authority, the rent is adjusted to your income. Established for safe and decent housing for low income families. Public forms must be filled out and then you are placed on a waiting list for when one comes available. The buildings consists of one, two, and three bedroom apartments.