Before: Stanton Ford Building in 2015
301 North Main Street was originally built for the Hastings Motor Company in 1927. In 1929, it became Stanton Motors. Stanton was a dealer for the Ford Motor Company.
After: The Venue at Historic Stanton Ford
Acquired by Jena and Allyn Dennis in 2021, the 18,000-square-foot Stanton Building is currently being renovated into an event space called The Venue at Historic Stanton Ford. Potential events that could be facilitated at The Venue include weddings, corporate events, pop-up markets, concerts, cultural events and other special occasions.
Before: The Hastings Community Center in 2015
Located at 401 N Main Street. The Hastings Community Center was a community hub that dated back to 1937. What was left of the building was demolished in 2019.
After: The Hastings Community Center & Library Project
Construction is now underway on the Hastings Community Center & Library Project. Under development by St. Johns County, the Art Deco architectural design of the project was inspired by the former Hastings Community Center. When complete, the planned community center and library will feature a full-sized library, a separate children’s collection room, an outdoor children’s reading garden, large meeting and assembly rooms and County Health and Human Services offices in the heart of Hastings’ new Florida Main Street District.
Visiting Hastings Main Street
Established in 2024 in a house erected in 1911 at 125 North Main Street, Main Street Pizza serves class and signature New York-style pies with various sizes and toppings.
Anchoring the 19-mile St. Augustine-to-Palatka Trail, Downtown Hastings is located 50 miles south of Downtown Jacksonville.
Editorial by Ennis Davis, AICP. Contact Ennis at edavis@moderncities.com