However, according to The Coastal, after the investor threatened to demolish the historic buildings, the City of Jacksonville took ownership in 2002, purchasing the structures for $3 million (£2.4m).

Now owned by the SouthEast Development Group, it was announced in September 2021 that renovation works to turn the trio into a Marriott hotel would begin in the near future, but uncertainty over public funding is stalling the project.

If you're hungry for more, Leland Kent's book, Abandoned Alabama: Exploring the Heart of Dixie, is filled with incredible photography of more amazing abandoned spaces.

Now take a look at the world's most expensive hotel suites

The secrets of America's abandoned skyscrapers