Bostwick Building timeline:

The Bostwick Building from 1902 until its 1919 expansion. (State Archives of Florida)

1880 - First National Bank opens on site. This was Florida’s earliest national bank

1901 - First National Bank is destroyed by Great Fire of 1901

1902 - The first half of current building is constructed

1903 - Bank fails and is purchased by Guaranty Trust and Savings Bank

1919 - Building is expanded to current size

1922 - Guaranty fails and is taken over by Brotherhood State Bank

1925 - Head cashier Thomas R. Hendricks commits suicide in building

1930s - Building converted to office space and continuously owned by Bostwick family

1944 - 1960 - Home of H.J. Klutho’s architectural office

1990s - Jaguar mural painted over boarded up windows

2013 - Behind on property taxes, building owners request for approval to demolish the structure

2013 - City of Jacksonville files foreclosure suit to force sale of Bostwick Building

2014 - The City of Jacksonville wins the foreclosure suit

2014 - Jacksonville-based Forking Amazing Restaurants acquires the Bostwich Building

2015 - Forking Amazing Restaurants breaks ground on the Cowford Chophouse project

2016 - Construction crews installed the highest steel beam on the Cowford Chophouse

2017 - Summer 2017 opening anticipated

The Bostwick Building in 2007

About the Cowford Chophouse

The Bostwick Building in 2017

Quote
The Cowford Chophouse will be Jacksonville’s destination for timeless style and tasteful indulgence. From the meticulously restored setting and expertly crafted menus, to an impeccable commitment to gracious hospitality, guests will experience unrivaled attention to detail at every turn. The restoration of the historic building at 101 E. Bay Street will culminate in a restaurant concept that reflects Northeast Florida’s culinary excellence, history (the name “Cowford” is a nod to the city’s first name), and culture. True to the restaurant’s name, the menu will feature classic chophouse fare such as grilled steaks, fresh-from-the-dock seafood, an extensive raw bar brimming with coastal favorites, and made-from-scratch sides.

Source: https://cowfordchophouse.com/

Before: 2007 Interior Images

After: 2017 Interior Construction Images

Article by Ennis Davis, AICP. November 2007 photographs by Ennis Davis, AICP. March 2017 photographs by Ledia Durmishaj