Bespoke House Proposes Creative Revival of Jacksonville’s Old Daily Record Building

Bespoke House Proposes Creative Revival of Jacksonville’s Old Daily Record Building

Website: BespokeHouseJax.com


A Vision for the Arts Economy

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Bespoke House, a nonprofit creative business incubator, has launched its campaign to secure and transform the historic Old Daily Record Building into a creative economy hub for Jacksonville. Located just behind the Florida Theatre, this 8,500 square foot downtown landmark could become a central space for working artists, creative entrepreneurs, and community-driven innovation.

Bespoke House is presenting a formal proposal to the property owner while activating community support through operational grants, sponsorships, and expanded membership. The initiative aligns with the ACE Committee Report under Mayor Donna Deegan’s administration, which advocates investment in infrastructure that supports the city’s growing creative workforce.

Sponsorship Opportunities and Gala


To support the campaign, Bespoke House will host a major fundraising event:

  • Break Room: Severance-Themed Dinner Gala
  • Date: December 22nd, 2025
  • Location: The Grand Downtown
  • Dress Code: Corporate Core Meets Creative Rebellion

Only 10 table sponsorships are available at $2,000 each. Funds raised will go toward activating the lease, completing buildout, and launching programs. Sponsors will receive recognition in Bespoke House's upcoming magazine, livestreams, and branded productions.

The Grand Downtown stands proudly as a leading sponsor of Bespoke House and the official host venue for our monthly First Wednesday Art Walk Activation. This vibrant cultural event is anchored by the Lavilla Art Gallery, a rotating exhibition space curated by Toya Goodman, owner of Elite Group Media. Toya brings her dynamic creative leadership to the forefront, offering a platform for open mic performances and curated vending opportunities that spotlight Jacksonville’s diverse creative community. Through her efforts, The Grand becomes more than a venue, it’s a vital engine of expression, entrepreneurship, and artistic empowerment.

Inside the Proposed Daily Record Facility


The new Bespoke House headquarters will include:

  • Master Artisan Suites for live/work use
  • Patron coworking memberships for $20/month
  • A member-run gallery and gift shop
  • Workshops on financial literacy, grant writing, marketing, and more
  • Production labs for apparel, printing, livestreaming, and podcasting
  • Public exhibitions, events, and community activations

"This is where we cancel the starving artist myth," said Michael Armanno, Executive Director. "We’re building real creative careers inside a building that once printed Jacksonville’s stories. Now we’ll make space for hundreds more."

Long-Term Vision: Westside Expansion at Wesconnett Elementary

This project is just the beginning. Bespoke House also proposes to transform the former Wesconnett Elementary School into a long-term campus focused on:

  • Affordable live/work housing for creatives
  • Programs for youth and families in under-resourced neighborhoods
  • Media, arts, and apparel business incubation
  • Expanded mentorship and economic opportunity

This westside expansion will help close the equity gap in creative access and career development while building Jacksonville’s cultural and economic strength.

Why Now?

According to Bloomberg, Jacksonville's creative class may account for more than 27% of the workforce. Yet, infrastructure to support these professionals remains limited. The ACE Committee's 2023 report cites millions in potential economic impact as “money left on the table” without proper investment. Bespoke House is stepping forward with a clear and actionable plan to turn that potential into sustainable growth.

Get Involved

To sponsor a table, donate, advertise, or become a member:

Visit www.bespokehousejax.com or Donate at 

www.gofundme.com/f/bespokenfor

Media kits and partnership info available upon request: BespokeHouse904@gmail.com
More details at: Sponsor the Break Room

About Bespoke House


Bespoke House is a nonprofit creative cooperative based in Jacksonville, Florida. Its mission is to empower artists and creative professionals with the tools, mentorship, and access they need to build sustainable businesses. Through workshops, media, events, and residencies, Bespoke House fuels the creative economy and champions art as both expression and enterprise.

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