News

Photo courtesy of Mark Krancer

City of Jacksonville awards Memorial Park balustrade project to local firm

Intron Technologies selected to replace 600-foot-long balustrade

Shortly after Hurricane Irma ripped down the iconic balustrade in Memorial Park in September 2017, the City of Jacksonville erected temporary fencing.

Shortly after Hurricane Irma ripped down the iconic balustrade in Memorial Park in September 2017, the City of Jacksonville erected temporary fencing.

 Jacksonville, FL, July 1, 2020 – Memorial Park Association is please to share that Intron Technologies, Inc. was selected by the City of Jacksonville as the contractor for the Memorial Park balustrade replacement project. The Jacksonville-based company is certified by Cathedral Stone Projects Inc. for historical concrete, stone and masonry restoration projects using the Jahn Restoration Mortar system. The 28-year-old company includes in its historical restoration project roster the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and the Lightner Museum in St. Augustine.

“Memorial Park is a gem and one of the City’s flagship parks,” said Randy DeFoor, City of Jacksonville District 14 Councilmember. “We are delighted the City’s balustrade restoration project will utilize a local firm, Intron Technologies, to create the iconic balustrade. This is a win-win for our community.”

The iconic balustrade in Memorial Park was irreparably damaged during Hurricane Irma in September 2017. Additionally, light fixtures atop the original balustrade that had been removed over time will now be replaced with new fixtures and added back to the restored balustrade. These new light fixtures will reflect the historic character of the original fixtures, but will be improved through the use of long-lasting aluminum poles and high-efficiency LED lamps.

In order to be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the plans to replace the balustrade were reviewed by local, state and federal engineers, as well as environmental and historical experts prior to awarding the project. The work on the $404,994.00 project is expected to begin in the fall.

“Like the community, we are thrilled the balustrade restoration project will be underway soon,” said Michele Luthin, a vice president of Memorial Park Association. “Additionally, park supporters and lovers of history may be interested to know pieces of the approximately 600-foot-long concrete balustrade were salvaged after Irma and are available for purchase.”

The proceeds from the sale of salvaged pieces will benefit Memorial Park Association and will be used for park maintenance. To inquire about availability and price, please email info@memparkjax.org.