Durnford Enterprises, Ltd. was formed in February 1980, in order to acquire the historic Brent Block. The partners felt an obligation to enter its development with a commitment to the city’s ongoing historic preservation. As one of North America’s most historic cities, Pensacola has had its share of unique leaders who have contributed to its culture, government or economic development. One of these was Elias Durnford.

Who was Elias Durnford? He was a young British engineering lieutenant who had served with distinction during The Seven Years (French & Indian) War. As the war drew to a close in 1763, young officers like Durnford were being mustered out. Fortunately, because of strong family connections, Elias was able to gain a place in the New World as an engineering officer and surveyor to British West Florida. This territory was newly acquired at the peace table in Paris. And so, in 1764, he arrived in Pensacola with a commission to literally create a new plan for the city. 

He set about this plan by creating a new town design based upon a classic pattern. There was a square about which government would be built; another square was set aside for public affairs and military drill. Streets were set at right angles and named for the royal family and principal personages in government. Of equal interest was the assignment of garden plots. With each building lot, the individual was issued a companion piece of ground along the northern border of the town; these were cleared, and each family tried to grow a part of its food. A thoroughfare developed along this long row of gardens which was logically called Garden Street. The name still applies.


In addition to his engineering duties, Durnford was for a time the colony’s lieutenant governor. He was also acting governor after Gov. Elliott hanged himself. As soldier, administrator, engineer and surveyor, Elias Durnford was the only principal British official to have constant residence here from the beginning to the end of authority by Britain.


When Gen. Galvez’s Spanish forces overwhelmed the British in 1780 Durnford was paroled, left the colony and returned to the north of England, living out his years there. His interest in solid planning, sound administration and commerce made him a man of substance who deserved a better place in local history. Thus, the new developers of the historic Brent Block, upon which Durnford strode many times, felt that it was fitting to name their organization for him, thus rekindling interest in his name and deeds.

Excerpts from the forward of the Brent Block by Crawford Rainwater
--founding General Partner