Public School Number Four

Riverside Grammar School, also referred to as Public School Number Four or Annie Lytle Elementary School, was constructed on the site of the former Riverside Park School in Jacksonville, Florida. The original wood-framed schoolhouse had multiple additions since being built in 1891. It was eventually considered unsafe and closed after being deemed a fire hazard. In 1915, Duval County voters passed a $1 million bond legislation to build a dozen new brick schoolhouses. Construction on the new 46,000-square-foot school to replace Riverside Park began in 1917 and the new elementary school building was completed in 1918 at a cost of $250,000. At the time, Riverside Grammar School had a beautiful view of Riverside Park.

The school was designed by architect Rutledge Holmes, who also developed the Sweet Pete’s Candy Shop on Hogan Street and the old Duval County Armory and built by Florida Engineering and Construction Company. The entire two-story building is poured concrete making it virtually fireproof. The Neoclassical design features large windows and high ceilings with a fireplace in the cafeteria and massive columns prominently placed at the front and side entrances. Classrooms were located upstairs with the library, auditorium, and administration offices on the first floor. 

Even though “Public School Number Four” is inscribed across the capital, it was never referred to by that name while in use. The “Public School Number Four” inscription refers to the school being Duval County’s fourth public schoolhouse. It was known as Riverside Grammar School until 1950, then renamed Annie Lytle Elementary School to honor longtime former principal and teacher, Annie Lytle Housh. During the 1950s, I-10 and I-95 interstate construction isolated the school leading to its closure in 1960. From the late 1960’s to early 1970’s, the school was used as administration offices and a place for storage. Public School Number Four went up for sale around 1975 and briefly became Central Christian School. This would be the last time Public School Number Four would be used as a school and has since sat vacant.

For decades the enormous building was a favorite hangout for the homeless, thrill-seekers, and drug addicts. Beginning in the 1960s, stories began to spread of hauntings and satanic worship. There were also rumors of killer principals, missing kids, and even a cannibalistic janitor that tortured kids in the boiler room. All of which are highly untrue. Although, police reports indicate a rape occurred shortly after the building was condemned, along with various other accounts of trespassing and vandalism. In 1995, vagrants set fire to the auditorium causing half of the roof to collapse. Another fire in 2012 caused the remaining portion to fall.

In 1999, Foundation Holding Inc. purchased the property with plans to demolish the school building. A retirement facility named Lytle House Condominiums was proposed to take its place. Some of the units were sold before construction even began. After public outrage and pressure from multiple historic groups, the City of Jacksonville designated the school a historic landmark in 2000, halting plans for demolition indefinitely. In 2005, The Annie Lytle Preservation Group was created by a group of neighborhood volunteers aiming to preserve and clean up Public School Number Four to make it more marketable to a buyer who would renovate the school. They have spent years volunteering their time to paint over the graffiti, remove tons of debris, and secure the property. The property remains under the ownership of Ida M. Stevens Foundation: the building itself is owned by a local investor.

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