Developed outside of Jacksonville’s city limits

The development of San Mateo began in 1955. Located along the Broward River, the neighborhood was located 15 miles from downtown Jacksonville, outside of city limits. The neighborhood was developed during a period of time when the city of Jacksonville was in economic decline. In 1950, the city’s population was 204,275. By 1960, it had declined to 201,030. On the other hand, Duval County’s population increased from 304,029 in 1950 to 455,411. Neighborhoods like San Mateo eventually joined the city through consolidation with Duval County in 1968.

A 1950s house in San Mateo. | Joan Roberts

Built by Meyers and Lazeau Builders

The first residence at 341 Baisden was completed in 1955 was built by Pipitone. Additional lots were sold off to Soforenko. However, most of the homes in San Mateo were built by Meyers and Lazeau Builders, Inc. Owned and operated by Richard Meyers and Paul Lazeau, Meyers and Lazeau operated between 1955 and 1971 and marketed themselves as Jacksonville’s fireplace home builders. Their homes at San Mateo were designed to feature fireplaces, Florida rooms, decorative block walls, glass sliding doors, sky-dome lighting and Florida basements.

A 1950s San Mateo promotion by Meyers and Lazeau Builders. | Joan Roberts. Additional information provided by Janet Pickel.

Dominated by Mid Century Modern Ranch Architecture

The dominant architectural style of San Mateo is Mid Century Modern Ranch. Mid-century modern ranch homes are often characterized by clean lines, flat or low-pitched roofs, and a minimalist design aesthetic that incorporates natural materials like wood and stone.

A 1950s interior view of a ranch style model house in San Mateo. | Joan Roberts

Named after a river named in honor of St. Matthew

While located on the banks of the Broward River and Long Branch Creek, San Mateo is the Spanish translation of St. Matthew. In 1562, the French established Fort Caroline on a high bluff overlooking a river they called Riviere de Mai (River of May). This name was selected because they arrived there on May 1. Three years later, Spanish soldiers captured Fort Caroline and renamed the river San Mateo to honor the saint whose feast followed the day they captured the river. Eventually, the name was changed to Rio de San Juan. During British occupation, it was translated to the St. Johns River.

Long Branch Creek is a tributary of the Broward River and serves as San Mateo’s eastern boundary. It shares the same name as the more well known Long Branch Creek near Evergreen Cemetery and Panama Park.

Affordably priced homes

San Mateo was envisioned as a community nestled in the shade of giant oak trees, magnolia, holly and dogwood trees along the north shore of the Broward River. Homes were priced between $13,000 and $17,000. Targeting veterans in the first decade following the end of World War II, with a VA home loan, a buyer could close on a property for $10 and then move in with a monthly payment ranging between $77.79 and $102.88.

1950s home prices in San Mateo. | Joan Roberts

San Mateo today

San Mateo is located along the Broward River near the intersection of North Main Street and Eastport Road. A quiet neighborhood, the community and landscape has matured and aged well with time.

Editorial by Ennis Davis, AICP. Contact Ennis at edavis@moderncities.com