San Marco

San Marco, San Jose

Peruse Jacksonville history and you will find that the Acosta Bridge is given credit for having opened the south side of the St. Johns River for development. The result was what is now known as the community of San Marco, which gets its name from the Piazza San Marco in Venice, Italy. San Marco is a potpourri of architectural styles and uses. From large, expansive riverfront homes to quadstyle apartments, San Marco seems to have a lifestyle fit for both singles and families. If the square is the center of San Marco, the ornately-made bronze lion sculptures, accompanying fountain and gazebo are the square’s trademark. On either side of the square are a vibrant array of shops and a mix of local fare and franchised cafes and restaurants from which to choose. The San Marco Preservation Society keeps an eye out to ensure this community’s historic properties are being restored to their original intent. San Marco is also home to Theatre Jacksonville, the oldest continuously running community theatre in the U.S. Travel south of San Marco on Hendricks Avenue and you will come to the area known as San Jose. Within minutes, it becomes obvious you are now surrounded by more than the traditional-styled homes offered in San Marco. San Jose is where magnate Alfred I. DuPont built his expansive 15,000-square-foot summer home, Epping Forest, which has since been converted to a yacht club that is the center of an exclusive residential community. Epping Forest, which includes 58-acres with 3,200 feet on the St. Johns River, is known for its superb fitness facility and walking paths.