About Us at 1951 Market Lofts

Text Box: In 1924, the Board of Public Instruction contracted the well known architectural firm Mark & Sheftall to design and build the Tenth and Market Street school. The 30,000 square foot school was to be located on 1.25 acres on the corner of Tenth and Market Streets in Springfield. The firm selected the then popular “Collegiate Gothic” architectural style, which embodies the neighborhood. The school was renamed Corinne Scott Elementary School in 1959 for the principal who served from 1947-1960. In 1991 the school was considered obsolete and was closed to coincide with the opening of the new, more modern Andrew Robinson Elementary School. The building which had bustled with laughing children, quizzes and tests, and playground antics, now stood desolate. The once proud icon, a contributing property within the National Register Springfield Historic District, deteriorated and became an eyesore in the neighborhood During a visit to Jacksonville, Paul Shockey was introduced to Springfield and the old school. Paul was intrigued. This type of “Dream Building” is what he and his partners in Venture Resources are all about. For the six years prior to this time, Venture Resources has transformed “ugly duckling” properties into up-scaled homes in the Dallas Downtown district. Where others may see ruin, Paul sees historic brick walls, high ceilings, soaring windows that all spell out historic character. With the help and support of Springfield Preservation and Restoration (SPAR), concerned neighbors, an aggressive and supportive City Council and Planning Department, a plan began to take shape for the restoration of this historical landmark. This school was to be the first of all of Jacksonville’s school renovations and restorations. As one of the earlier Springfield visionaries, Paul was able to convert the abandoned schoolhouse into 15 unique, open, airy loft apartments. The new lay out, designed by local architect Robert Broward, was chosen to maintain the historic character of the 89 yr old building , while providing true loft living and 15 unique spaces for each home. Amenities in the building include soaring 13 ft ceilings, expansive windows, full kitchens, tiled floors, security systems, central heat and air, on site parking, common courtyard area, beautiful landscaping and exterior lighting, and gallery style common hallways. These loft apartments are now going through a natural conversion from apartments to unique loft condominiums. In late 2007, Paul and Venture Resources partnered with the upscale, modern furnishing store, BoConcept, to create a sleek new style 1951 Market Loft. With ultra clean white wood floors, crisp cabinetry and modern furnishings, this loft community has been raised to the next level. It truly illustrates the eclectic neighborhood of Springfield. Creative, simplified, modern and historic all wrapped into one space.