G'ville's tallest building downtown.On West University Avenue just a few
blocks from the University of Florida.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Construction began during Florida's land boom in
1926 ... envisioned as a grand hotel ..to be named
the Hotel Kelley or more popularly known at the
time as the Dixie Hotel... the name didn't matter
because the hotel never materialized when the
building boom turned to bust.
Completion delayed for almost 10 years until
funding made possible by Georgia Seagle,a female
entrepreneur from nearby Jacksonville ,Florida.
The building was donated to the
University of Florida and named for Georgia's brother
John F. Seagle.
Home in 1936 to the original Florida State Museum ( later renamed the Florida Museum of Natural History)
After the Museum moved in the late 70's the building
remained empty until it was sold for $1 with the
provision that it be completely renovated.
Today the first 6 floors are for commercial use
and the remaining floors are residential units.
Four units per floor with the exception of the top
floor. ..The penthouse with the hot tub on the roof
and a magnificent view of Gator Country.
