Transforming a Dark Legacy Into Light for Our Community

The inaugural project of Naphtali Community Projects in the Lavilla neighborhood of Jacksonville, Florida seeks to renovate the abandoned historic buildings of West Forsyth St. into a brand new fully operational youth center for ages 14 to 24 years old.

These buildings were previously constructed in the Lavilla township as part of North Florida’s post Civil War “Red Light District.” We are transforming that history into hope for the neighborhoods of Lavilla, Brooklyn, Downtown, Westside, Riverside and any community youth who seek a clean, safe place to develop their athletic and personal goals into meaningful action through positive relationships and open resources.

The district will include a basketball court, rock wall, dance studio, meeting spaces and lobby areas for local youth to utilize alongside business opportunities for local retailers and coffee vendors to grow the neighborhood economy and provide job training and income for qualified patrons of the center.