Flames engulf centruy old Jacksonville building

Flames engulfed the century old building at 725 Edison Avenue, Tuesday morning.

Neighbor Nate Shiggs says he was woken up by the billowing smoke.

He tells Action News Jax, “I saw a big blaze of fire. The topside was on fire. It looked hard to contain.”

Thirty-five firefighters worked for an hour extinguishing the flames.

JFRD says the building was vacant and has always been a concern.

A search of city records shows it was built 111 years ago.

Jireh Rodriguez, real estate agent for the building, says it was up for sale last year after it was denied landmark status.

The realtor explains, “It was a building that he had a sandwich shop in, he also did have a housing apartment in there.”

PHOTOS: 111 year-old Jacksonville building fire

Rodriguez tells Action News Jax the building was locked and boarded up, he has no idea what could have ignited the fire.

He says they’ll likely have to tear down the charred debris.

Neighbors are glad no one was hurt, but upset the neighborhood landmark is gone now.

The state fire marshal is investigating what caused the fire.

Cox Media Group