In 1901 “The Great Fire” swept through Jacksonville’s downtown area, leaving piles of ash in it’s wake.
Where the First National Bank branch building stood before the fire the Bostwick Building was built after. It opened in 1902, among the first projects to be granted a construction permit following the fire. One hundred fifteen years later the iconic building still stands.
It’s construction was the project of architect J.H.W. Hawkins, a New Yorker who moved to Jacksonville after the Great Fire and designed homes for several notable residents including U.S. Senator J.P. Taliaferro and Samuel B. Hubbard. The building was designed in the Renaissance Revival style.
It’s first occupant was the First National Bank of Florida. It was also home to the Guaranty Trust and Savings Bank, the Brotherhood State Bank for Savings, and several professional offices, including the office of the legendary architect, Henry John Klutho.
In recent times the building had become dilapidated and structurally unsound. The Bostwick family had plans to demolish the building, instead, Jacques Klempf, a Jacksonville native and owner of the Cowford Chophouse, purchased the building at auction in 2014. Despite the building’s significant damage from years of neglect, Klempf saw potential, not just for the historic landmark, but for its surrounding area.
In a statement released to the Press following the purchase, Klempf stated that his goal was “to restore the building so the community can enjoy a piece of our city’s history and to promote economic development in Downtown Jacksonville.”
The building was restored, literally, brick by brick, at an expense that exceeded what a new building would have cost.
Many details of the building have been restored to their original glory with support from the Downtown Investment Authority and the City of Jacksonville’s Historic Preservation Trust Fund. Restored elements include the historic arched windows, exterior bricks, metal cornice, and 300-year-old heart of pine lumber that is seen throughout the building today.
Additional artifacts recovered during the renovation were donated to the Museum of Science and History (MOSH) as The Cowford Collection.
Interior finishes were selected to complement the existing architecture, while reflecting the vision of the owner, the city of Jacksonville, and the St. Johns River in a classic style to stand the test of time. The two prominent patterns used are Herringbone and a rectilinear pattern, which was found on the original safe deposit boxes discovered in the vault.
Upon entering the first floor lobby, guest are immediately greeted by burnt wood detailing on the host stand, inspired by the Shou Sugi Ban technique. Other details inspired by the building’s unique history include a wine locker display in front of the host stand, which nods to the original bank vault that was present prior to construction; the ceiling design at the first and second floor levels, which were inspired by the original tin coffers found in ruins; and original paintings by Jacksonville artist Jim Draper, whose jaguar mural once spanned across the building’s boarded-up windows.
While the first floor features a casual environment highlighted by large community tables bearing an artistic nod to the St. Johns River, the second floor features more intimate tones and a seven-seat “River Bar” with a dramatic gold leafed glass face and Silver Egeo Marble top.
Framed photographs line the ornamental stairway, depicting the original building and various phases of its extensive transformation — from the foundation to the rooftop terrace, where guests can enjoy unimpeded views of the city that inspired this one-of-a-kind destination.
Renovations and restorations are complete and the Cowford Chophouse is open and ready for business. As of Thursday, Oct. 26, the steakhouse is open to the public.
You’ll find an extensive mix of steaks and seafood, appetizers of all types, succulent soups and salads, and a dessert menu as interesting as the building it is served in Not to mention, dessert cocktails. Yes, I did say, dessert cocktails.
The wine selection is as breathtaking as the view from the rooftop bar and the cocktails are worthy of a firewalk.
Visit their website for additional information and to see their full menu.