Murray Hill Preservation Association

MHPA works on several projects each year to improve public spaces in the neighborhood, provide social opportunities for members, and to provide education about the history of Murray Hill.

In 2010, the MHPA board is working on history education by organizing a Tour of Homes on May 15, 2010. The association is also working with city government to create a Community Garden. In 2009 our Community Garden was closed by the private owner of the property and this community asset is sorely missed.

This year will also see streetscape improvements and pavement resurfacing along Post Street between Edgewood Avenue and McDuff Avenue. When completed, this project will provide much needed sidewalks and landscaping improvements. Work will also continue on the Powers Park drainage project and resurfacing of the surrounding streets.

MHPA will continue to financially support the utilities for the First Block median landscaping. Neighborhood volunteers have been providing clean-up services and are soliciting business sponsors to assist with these efforts. When funds are available, MHPA would like to spruce up the landscaping and mulch for this area. If you can help out, please email us or call (904) 212-1250.

MHPA has approached City Councilman Warren Jones (District 9) regarding completing an architectural survey of the sections of Murray Hill that are East of Edgewood Avenue and North of Post Street. Currently, funding is not available for this project. However, MHPA will continue to fight for this important project.

If you have project ideas, we’d love to hear them and have some help to implement them! Please contact us via email or phone at (904) 212-1250.

Other projects in recent years include:

Murray Hill Town Center – improvements to the Post Street and Edgewood Avenue intersection and along Edgewood Avenue between Kerle Street and Antisdale. Brick paver sidewalks, antique-style lighting and landscaping were installed in these areas.

First Block – improvements along Edgewood Avenue between Plymouth Street and Mayflower Street. Medians were created in the middle of the street between parking areas and landscaping installed. A marker and plaque describing the origins of the neighborhood was installed in front of Jones College. Other markers were installed at each end of the First Block with landscaping. Brick paver sidewalks and new curbs finished off the new look for this area.

Four Corners Park – improvements originally completed in the 1990’s needed a facelift. Walking paths were resurfaced, more durable antique-style lighting installed and several new trees were planted to replace ones lost due to storms and age. A doggie comfort station was also installed.

Plymouth Street Tree Planting Project – native trees and landscaping were installed along Plymouth Street between Talbot Avenue and McDuff Avenue to help screen the visual blight of the railroad tracks and Roosevelt Boulevard overpass.

Pocket Park Projects – landscaping and benches were installed in several parks throughout the neighborhood. The most improved areas are the triangle park at the intersections of College, Hamilton and Talbot and along Mayflower between Edgewood and Talbot where a lovely row of crepe myrtles was installed to screen a parking lot.