Seven stories tall, the Mediterranean Revival style Florida Theatre was considered the finest theater in Jacksonville when it opened in 1927. Roy A. Benjamin, co-architect, figured prominently in the rebuilding of Jacksonville after the fire of 1901. Benjamin designed both commercial and residential buildings in a variety of architectural styles. Some of his Jacksonville designs include the Arcade Theatre, the Park Lane Apartments, the San Mateo Theatre and the Leon Cheek residence. He also designed numerous buildings throughout the state including dozens of theaters and served on the national board of the American Institute of Architects as a theater specialist.

Information courtesy of Florida Division of Historical Resources, a division of the Florida Department of State.

Photo courtesy of State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory, http://floridamemory.com/items/show/142633