Residential Panama Park

The 1910 development of Panama Park by George W. Clark Sr. is an example of an early 20th century railroad suburb. Unlike streetcar suburbs, which formed continuous corridors stretching outwards from city cores, railroad suburbs tended to form in pockets surrounding interurban and intercity passenger railroad stations. Railroad suburbs in the US originated during the mid-19th century as a response to the popularity of the steam locomotive. Designed by Frederick Law Olmstead in 1869 and arguably one of the first planned communities in the country, Riverside, Illinois is a famed railroad suburb example. During the early years of Panama Park’s development, the community’s connection to Jacksonville was largely provided by daily passenger rail and steamboat service.

Panama Park is a 10-acre public park along Buffalo Avenue, between 59th and 60th Streets. Established in 1929, it was the largest public recreational facility in north Jacksonville when the city consolidated with Duval County in 1968.

The former Lola Culver Elementary School was one of architect Henry Klutho’s last great Prairie-style designs. The building is highlighted by two central towers surmounted by terra cotta eagles. After serving the Panama Park community for 92 years, the doors to Lola M. Culver Elementary School were closed for the last time. Today, the building is the home of the North Florida Educational Institute.