Commission Members
Name |
Category |
Michael Montoya (Chair) |
Architecture Professor |
Ethan W. Gregory (Vice-Chair) |
Realtor |
William "Bill" Hoff (Secretary) |
Resident |
Julia Epstein |
Architect |
Becky Morgan |
Interior Designer |
Vacant |
Vacant |
Vacant |
Vacant |
Biographies
Michael Montoya, Chair, Michael Montoya teaches at the University of Florida School of Architecture, primarily in design and lecture courses, with research focused in the areas of pedagogy, suburban popular culture, picturesque and the highway. His professional work spans a career of over 35 years in the profession working for various firms in Jacksonville. Michael Montoya earned a Bachelor of Design and Master of Architecture from The University of Florida.e.
Ethan W. Gregory, Vice-Chair, Ethan Gregory is a resident of Jacksonville since childhood and currently works as a Realtor. After graduating from the University of Florida, Mr. Gregory found a passion in being a housing advocate throughout Duval county and enjoys the history and design of historic buildings. He currently lives in the San Marco area and works in downtown Jacksonville. Mr. Gregory also serves on the RealMLS board of directors.
William "Bill" Hoff, Secretary, Mr. Hoff has lived in Jacksonville's historic districts for 30+ years and has been actively engaged in strategic urban revitalization, improving public spaces, and historic preservation activities since 2009. Bill has served in leadership roles with Springfield Preservation and Revitalization (SPAR), Scenic Jacksonville, Greenscape of Jacksonville, JAX Chamber Hightower Fellowship, Emerald Trail, Riverfront Parks Now, Springfield Merchants and Business Association (SAMBA), and Leadership Jacksonville. Bill is a graduate of Florida State University.
Julia Epstein, Julia Epstein is an Architect with Dasher Hurst Architects. She has wide range of experience of architectural design and construction types ranging from single family homes to airports. She has extensive experience in Historic Preservation and loves living and working in historic Jacksonville Neighborhoods.
Becky Morgan, Becky Morgan is a registered Interior Designer specialized in Historic Preservation and Adaptive Reuse. She attended the Art Institute of Jacksonville where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and later returned to teach there as an adjunct professor. After running her own practice in Springfield, she joined the team at Zyscovich Architects as their Commercial Market Director. Her passion for old buildings and urban design shine through in the projects she leads.
Legislative Authority
Mayor makes 7 appointments. Conduct an ongoing survey and inventory of historic buildings, areas, and archaeological sites in the City of Jacksonville and to plan for their preservation; Identify potential landmarks and potential landmark sites and to make recommendations to the City Council as to whether such should be officially designated. Recommend that the City Council designate specified areas as historic districts and to identify which structures should be considered to be contributing structures; Develop specific guidelines for the alteration, construction, relocation or removal of designated property; Promulgate standards for architectural review which are consistent with standards for rehabilitation established by the United States Secretary of the Interior; Approve or deny applications for certificate of appropriateness for alteration, construction, demolition, relocation or removal of landmarks, landmark sites, and property in historic districts; Initiate plans for the preservation and rehabilitation of individual historic buildings; Undertake public information programs including the preparation of publications and the placing of historic markers; Conduct public hearings to consider historic preservation issues, the designation of landmarks, landmark sites, and historic districts, applications for certificate of appropriateness and nominations to the National Register of Historic Places; and Administer Chapter 307, Ordinance Code.