The part of LaVilla north of Adams Street was for many years a center of African-American life and culture in Jacksonville . The southern part of the neighborhood was developed as a major railroad hub in the late 19th century ; several rail lines met at Union Station ( now adapted for use as the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center ) . For a time , this was Jacksonville 's primary red light district . The author Stephen Crane frequented this area during his time in Jacksonville ; he met his future wife , Cora Crane , who was at the time a brothel proprietor
Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center
Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center
LaVilla