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Ormond Beach, FL — September 7, 2025 Tucked along the Atlantic shoreline on Neptune Approach, one of Ormond Beach’s most iconic mansions is quietly stirring back to life. Long abandoned and steeped in history, the Mediterranean Revival estate has stood as a silent witness to nearly a century of Florida’s evolution—from railroad empires to community service. Now, whispers of renovation suggest the mansion may soon reclaim its place as a living part of the city’s heritage.
🏛️ A Railroad Titan’s Winter Retreat Built in 1928, the mansion was originally the winter home of Richard A. Jackson, a towering figure in the railroad industry. Jackson served as vice president and general counsel for both the Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railroad and the Great Northern Railroad, working alongside industry giants like Otto Kahn and Edward Harriman. After retiring to Ridgefield, Connecticut, Jackson commissioned the Ormond Beach mansion as a seasonal escape. Tragically, he died there in 1934 after slipping on a wet floor and breaking his hip—a fatal injury that claimed his life a week later1.
🍵 From Railroads to Retail Following Jackson’s death, the mansion was purchased by Arthur A. Jones, president of the Grand Union Tea Company, a prominent grocery chain in the early 20th century. Jones lived in the home until his death in 1950, leaving the estate to his wife.
🚗 A Space Coast Entrepreneur’s Legacy In the 1950s, the mansion changed hands again, this time to Charles F. Johnson Jr., a successful car dealer who operated a string of Chevrolet dealerships along Florida’s Space Coast. Johnson’s wife, Margaret S. Johnson, inherited the property after his death in 1990 and remained its final resident. A beloved substitute teacher and tireless volunteer, Margaret was active in organizations such as the Daytona Beach Friends of the Library, the Ormond Beach Library, and the Ormond Beach Historical Society. Her passing in 2016 marked the end of an era for the mansion, which has remained vacant ever since.
🛠️ Signs of Renewal Though the mansion has stood empty for nearly a decade, recent reports suggest that renovations may be underway, sparking hope among preservationists and local historians. The home’s Mediterranean Revival architecture—characterized by stucco walls, red-tiled roofs, and ornate detailing—makes it a rare and valuable example of Florida’s 1920s land boom aesthetics.
As Ormond Beach continues to grow and modernize, the Neptune Approach mansion serves as a poignant reminder of the city’s layered past. Whether it becomes a private residence once again or is repurposed for public use, its revival could mark a meaningful step in preserving the cultural fabric of the region.
Disclaimer: This article is based on historical records and publicly available information. Ownership details and renovation status are subject to change. The views expressed herein do not represent any official position of the City of Ormond Beach or affiliated organizations. Readers are encouraged to consult local sources for the most current updates.
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