Secret space
Secret Space is a temporary Hush Hush activation using silent disco technology in both familiar and unexpected ways to transform a vacant storefront at 41 E Duval St into an immersive world of entertainment. The Secret Space showcases local talent through monthly events such as live shows and dance parties set in a multi-room digital art installation drenched in color. This Project is made possible by Placemaking Jax, a 2025 Placemaking Award, Downtown Vision, and a team of local creatives dedicated to a vibrant downtown: Cory McCracken, David McCracken, Joshua Dunn, Simeyon Gillespie, Ariel Salgado, Josie Danese, and Dalton Miller
Events:
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Art Walk Open House
📆 First Wednesdays
🕕 6-9PM
Every first Wednesday starting in May we will open our doors for you to experience our vibrant multi-room digital art installation and catch archived footage from past Hush Hush Happenings 👀💫
📸 Give your camera lens a good wipe, because these rooms are selfie ready.
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Dance For Comfort
Presented by Simeyon
🗓️ Saturday, May 10th
🕛 12PM–3PM
Celebrate life, music, and movement with ‘Dance for Comfort’—an EP release 🎶 and birthday party 🎉. Rooted in Trans joy, Black beauty, and radical self-expression. 🏳️🌈
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Disco Brunch
📆 Third Saturdays
🕙 10AM - 1PM
A Family-Friendly event in partnership with Vagabond Flea starting in May.
Food trucks 🍟, local finds 👚, mimosas 🥂, and FREE silent disco with sensory play. Perfect for pint-sized dancers 💃🎧✨ No noise complaints 😎
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Silent Open Mic
📆 Second Wednesdays
🕗 8-11PM
An immersive audio experience—headphones for clarity, subwoofers for the feel 🔊
Beginning with a featured performer, followed by up to 20 open mic performances competing for crowd favorite + cash prize 💰
Newbies and vets welcome to hone your craft, build content, and connect 🎤
architectural History:
“Built in 1946, 41 East Duval Street was the longtime home of the F.O. Miller Piano Company.”
“From 1967 to 1999, it was occupied by the Paulus Music Company. Open at the height of Jacksonville’s Southern Rock scene, the Paulus Music Company was a major downtown destination for aspiring local musicians. Customers included members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet, and .38 Special. Operated by Fred Paulus, the store was a popular spot for touring bands on their Jacksonville stops, and held monthly jam sessions for various musicians.”
“The ceilings were high, covered in old stamped tin, the walls had been coated in layers of paint probably an inch thick before you’d hit plaster. There was a large front showroom lined with linoleum (with its own healthy amount of asbestos no doubt), a counter in the back with an old ring-up cash register where you made your purchases, and an upstairs filled with rows and rows of sheet music.” - The Jackson Mag
“For the monthly bluegrass sessions, Paulus would move the amplifiers so the 20-plus musicians could sit in a big circle. Their instruments sometimes included a gutbucket, otherwise known as a washtub bass. Usually the sessions went on for hours. Sometimes spectators would come in to listen, tap their toes and enjoy cold drinks that Paulus supplied.”
“The music business is in Paulus’ blood. He was taught to make violins by his father who was taught by his father and who knows how many generations before that.” - Florida Times Union
“In January 2004, Volunteers in Medicine, a nonprofit clinic that offers health care to the working uninsured, moved into the building.”
What is Placemaking?
“Placemaking is a multi-faceted approach to the planning, design and management of public spaces.”
“ Placemaking capitalizes on a local community’s assets, inspiration, and potential, with the intention of creating public spaces that promote people’s health, happiness, and well-being.” - Project for Public Spaces
“Placemaking challenges the dominant narratives and norms that have shaped urban spaces. It questions the status quo and encourages alternative approaches that prioritize social justice, diversity, and sustainability. This might involve reclaiming underutilized spaces, promoting cultural and artistic expressions, and fostering community-led initiatives that challenge the homogenization and commercialization of public spaces.” - Nourhan Bassam
"We believe that placemaking is a radical concept that discusses Who should truly hold the power to decide the future of our cities and public spaces, dismantling the oppressive structures that have perpetuated inequality and marginalization.” - The Gendered City
“PlacemakingJax is a highly collaborative process for the people of Jacksonville to engage in the creation of pop-up activations or large-scale interventions in Downtown Jacksonville to transform underused public spaces into celebrated community places. PlacemakingJax is facilitated by Downtown Vision and funded in part by the #DTJax Gala held each February.
