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JRTC LaVilla Murals and History Panels

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

For the JRTC at LaVilla, Jones Worley created one of the most comprehensive transit-based historical art programs in the Southeast, transforming what could have been a standard transit facility into a cultural landmark. After extensive research with local historians about early civil rights leaders, artists, and community figures, Jones Worley developed seven thematic narratives that tell the story of Jacksonville’s transportation evolution, from indigenous settlements at the St. Johns River to the modern “City of Bridges.” This research-driven approach ensured historical accuracy while creating compelling visual storytelling.

CLIENT

Jacksonville Transportation Authority

LOCATION

Jacksonville, Florida

ASSIGNMENT

Research, strategy, storytelling, and experiential graphic design

The firm delivered 25 custom wall murals and 21 history plaques throughout the facility, each contributing to a cohesive narrative about LaVilla’s diverse population and their contributions to Jacksonville’s transportation infrastructure. These installations highlight key figures like James Weldon Johnson and John Rosamond Johnson, composers of “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing.” The murals have received widespread community acclaim for their vivid representation of LaVilla’s history and have become a destination feature of the JRTC, with visitors often touring the facility specifically to experience the historical artwork. The project successfully transformed a transit hub into a cultural institution that builds neighborhood pride while educating travelers about Jacksonville’s rich transportation heritage.