Urban Construction Update - March 2016

Major construction projects have returned to the landscape of Jacksonville's urban core. Find out where (and more) as we take a brief look at the status of various developments under construction in and around Downtown Jacksonville during the month of March 2016.

Published March 21, 2016 in Development - MetroJacksonville.com

Downtown

1. Lexington Hotel & Conference Center Jacksonville Riverwalk

Vantage Hospitality Group is investing up to $20 million in the renovation of the Lexington Hotel & Conference Center Jacksonville Riverwalk.

[ quote ]Rooms will be renovated in phases with new carpeting, windows, balconies, doors and furnishings as well as redesigned bathrooms.

The hotel will remain open during the project.

The work will include an exterior re-facing, roof replacement, new windows, a renovated porte cochere in the front, the addition of a porte cochere at the entrance of the convention center in the back along Prudential Drive, a remodeled pool area and a redesigned fifth-floor terrace.

In the ground-floor public areas, the lobby, lounge and restaurant will see significant upgrades. Carpeting will be replaced by hard flooring and new furnishings will be added throughout, in addition to the drop ceilings.

The lobby will be redesigned and moved closer to the front, opening up a sight-line to the pool area. It also will have a coffee bar and an art wall and water feature that will front most of the elevators, which now are exposed.

The expanded lobby lounge will be rebuilt with a loggia so that part of the seating area will be outside under cover.

The fitness center will be renovated and the ground-floor restaurant will be renovated with a covered outdoor seating area.[ quote ]

For more information: https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=546154

2.The First Coast Mohs Skin Center

Plans are underway to transform a 1.2-acre site, at Park and Rosselle Streets, into a 2-story 11,516 square foot medical office building and associated retail. The First Coast Mohs Skin Center will occupy the first floor of the proposed Spanish-styled structure. "Mohs" refers to a technique that removes cancerous tissue with minimal effects to healthy tissue. The second floor will be for general offices. The building's footprint will face Park Street with parking in the rear, along Rosselle and Chelsea Streets. The project should be completed by November 2016.

For more information: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2016-mar-medical-office-building-proposed-in-brooklyn

3. Beaver Street Villas

LaVilla's long closed New Center Hotel at 605 North Broad Street is being renovated by nearby Clara White Mission into street level offices and 16 upper level apartment units.

For more information: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2013-jul-more-downtown-mixed-use-beaver-street-villas

4. 100 North Laura Street

The renovation of 100 North Laura Street is underway. Plans include a new restaurant scheduled to open in spring 2016, that will be operated by Black Sheep. However, the restaurant will have a different concept and name than the popular Five Points establishment.

For more information: http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/blog/morning-edition/2015/11/black-sheeps-downtown-location-gets-approval-for.html

5. Washington Street Bridge

The Washington Street Bridge over Hogans Creek is in the process of being replaced. The $1.7 million project includes replacing the existing bridge box culvert with a single span culvert, resurfacing the roadway and reconstructing existing sidewalks. The 10-month long project is expected to be completed in summer 2016.

6. Hobnob Restaurant and Brixx Wood Pizza

Hobnob Restaurant and Brixx Wood Pizza will be opening soon at 220 Riverside.

Hobnob Restaurant

[ quote ]Getting the restaurant scene there requires bringing diversity to the table, Cottrill and Earnest said. Although they’re bringing pieces of Candy Apple to Hobnob — such as head chef Jamey Evoniuk — their focus will be different. It’s a place that will have “global inspirations with global intentions,” according to Earnest.

The restaurant is moving away from the industry trend of local-only ingredients, and pulling in international influences, with dishes like chili garlic salmon.
“There’s been a movement to use local-only products. As an example, if lobster isn’t available locally, then we shouldn’t serve lobster,” Cottrill said.

Their broader focus doesn’t mean they will disregard local ingredients, but rather try to do something different from many other restaurants in the area. “We will be continuing the path of some folks here, but with our own twist,” Cottrill said. “We’ll have a fun environment with a little more presentation and experiential space.”[ quote ]

For more information: http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2015/08/07/hobnob-aims-to-bring-global-focus-local-impact-to.html

Brixx Wood Pizza

North Carolina-based Brixx Wood Pizza will be opening their first Florida location at 220 Riverside.

[ quote ]The concept will include 3,714 square feet inside with a 1,400-square-foot outdoor patio. The location will feature wood fired pizzas, salads, pasta and sandwiches alongside a wide range of dietary options from vegetarian to vegan to gluten-free. Founders of the concept believe “everyone should be able to enjoy a night out for pizza!” Brixx Wood Fired Pizza is known for its high-quality menu paired with wine and craft beer in a casual but upscale atmosphere. Juna Partners, LLC is the franchisee and Lora Ramsey is the principal representing Florida’s first Brixx location.[ quote ]

For more information: http://advantagebizmag.com/blog/2015/11/03/franklin-street-brings-brixx-wood-fired-pizza-to-florida/

7. Jacksonville Public Library

Exterior renovations continue to move forward on downtown's Jacksonville Public Library.

8. You Can Bank on BBQ

A new restaurant called You Can Bank on BBQ will be opening soon at 331 West Forsyth Street.

9. Laura Apartments

Ron Chamblin, owner of the city's largest independent bookstore, is in the process of restoring a three story building at 225 North Laura Street. When complete, the 100-year-old building will include six apartments above street level retail.

Full article: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2012-may-downtown-residential-project-underway#.U__RV_ldUYk

10. Cowford Chophouse

The restoration of the historic Bostwick Building continues to move forward. Forking Amazing Restaurants intends to convert the structure into an upscale steakhouse restaurant called the Cowford Chophouse. When complete later this year, the two floor dining establishment will feature a rooftop lounge with spectacular views of the city.

11. Riverside YMCA

Construction continues on the new YMCA on Riverside Avenue. The new facility will be 72,000 square feet, about 8,000 square feet bigger than the current one, which was built in the 1950s. Work is expected to take 15 months.

For more information: http://jacksonville.com/business/2015-05-05/story/construction-begin-soon-new-ymca-riverside-avenue

12. Elena Flats

Jack Meeks and his wife, JoAnn Tredennick, recently purchased the Elena Flats building at 122 E. Duval St. Work is underway to convert the former rooming house into four market-rate apartment units. Barring unforeseen complications, the apartments should be ready for rent in early 2017.

13. Element Bistro+Bar+Lounge/Myths

Nightlife Innovations, LLC. has entered into a five year lease agreement with Liberty Bay, Inc. to take over the old Club TSI location at 333 East Bay Street. Construction continues on plans to open a new mixed-use nightlife venue. Specializing in craft cocktails, Element Bistro+Bar+Lounge, will be located in the front of the building. The rear will be converted into a nightclub and live music venue called Myths.

14. Intuition Ale Works/Manifest Distilling

The 36,000-square foot warehouse at 929 East Bay Street is being converted into a new brewery and distillery. Intuition Ale Works will occupy roughly 60% of the structure. Manifest Distilling will occupy the structure's remaining space. Intuition Ale Works is anticipated to open its new location in summer 2016. Manifest will open in spring 2016.

For more information: http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2015/11/06/new-distillery-to-open-in-downtown-jacksonville.html

15. Broadstone River House Apartments

The Alliance Residential Company appears to be moving forward with their plans to construct the 265 unit Broadstone River House apartments on a 3.7-acre parking lot adjacent to the Duval County School Board building.

For more information: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2015-nov-new-downtown-living-broadstone-river-house-apartments-

16. State & Union Street Resurfacing Project

The Florida Department of Transportation is investing $13 million in the resurfacing of State and Unions Streets and the Mathews Expressway between I-95 and MLK, Jr. Parkway. The 4-mile project includes repairing and replacing sidewalks, upgrades to handicap-accessible sidewalk ramps, crosswalks and repair to storm drain pipes and inlets. Also included in this project is the conversion of Main Street, between State and Union Streets, from a one-way to a two-way street. This project is anticipated to be completed in the spring of 2017.

For more information: https://myfdotnefl.wordpress.com/2015/11/16/state-street-union-street-and-mathews-expressway-resurfacing-project-2/

17. Republic Parking

The Republic Parking surface lot, on the foundation of the old Cunningham Furniture Company at Broad and Forsyth, is in the process of being aesthetically upgraded.

18. FSCJ Dormitory

The Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) is in the process of converting the long vacant Lerner Shops Building into student housing. When complete, FSCJ plans to house up to 60 students in the structure at 20 W. Adams Street. In addition, FSCJ plans to open a "Panera-style" culinary café on the building's ground floor that will act as showcase for the school's culinary program.

For more information: http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/blog/morning-edition/2016/02/fscj-student-housing-capitalizes-on-larger-trends.html

19. Level Jacksonville

Chicago-based Iconic Investors LLC acquired the 106-year old Groover-Stewart Drug Company warehouse building for $2.05 million. The 53,000 square-foot Groover Stewart Building is located at 25 Market Street, the 53,000-square foot building will be renovated into office uses.

20. EverBank Field

Stadium renovations continue at EverBank Field. In addition, the Jacksonville Jaguars plan to start construction on a new lex field and amphitheater in April 2016. The 5,500-seat amphitheater and flex field, which will be used for an indoor practice facility, as well as an events and entertainment venue, have been portrayed as a "game changer" by owner Shad Khan.

For more information: http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2016/03/17/jaguars-amphitheater-flex-field-construction-to.html

21. Bold City Brewery Downtown

Bold City Brewery is in the process of opening a new brewery and taproom at 109 E. Bay Street, next to the Cowford Chophouse. The new three-barrel system downtown location is intended to give brewers a chance to try new recipes and brew small, single batches.

For more information: http://jacksonville.com/business/2015-12-01/story/bold-city-adding-downtown-brewery

RIVERSIDE/AVONDALE

22. Le Macaron French Pastries

Le Macaron French Pastries is in the process of opening their second Jacksonville location in the Shops of Avondale.

For more information: http://www.lemacaron-us.com/about

23. The Bridge

Designed by Office of Architecture (OAD), The Bridge is a transformation of the old Pier 17 building at 4619 Roosevelt Blvd, into a mix of retail and restaurant spaces, adding new flavor to the Marina Mile scene.

The 17,489 square foot building will include 7,023 square feet of rental units, a 4,371 square foot restaurant and 2,491 square feet of amenities. Amenities will include gallery, lounge and cafe space. In addition, a 532 square foot covered outdoor patio will be built along the Ortega River. Furthermore, the project contains space for an outdoor rooftop restaurant overlooking Marina Mile's working waterfront scene.

For more information: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2016-jan-coming-soon-the-bridge/page/1

24. Luba's Pet Grooming

Luba's Pet Grooming will be opening in the former Cafe Freda space at 2782 Park Street.

25. Riverside Community Garden

Construction on the Riverside Community Garden on the defunct site of the Willowbranch Rose Garden continues. The exterior of the garden will incorporate roses, public seating areas along the serpentine wall, and a public herb garden, as well as vining food plants available to all regardless of whether they are gardeners.

For more information: http://www.riversideavondale.org/index.php?id=280

26. Riverside Dog Park

Construction on the Riverside Dog Park is now underway. The 2-acre, off-leash park will be located under I-95 in Riverside Park.

For more information: http://www.riversideavondale.org/index.php?id=236

27. Hoptinger Bier Garden and Sausage House

Hoptinger Bier Garden and Sausage House will be investing $1 million to build-out a new restaurant and bar in Five Points at 1037 Park Street. The new restaurant is expected to open in spring 2016.

For more information: http://jacksonville.com/business/2015-08-25/story/hoptinger-open-five-points

28. Timoti's Seafood Shak

Timoti's Seafood Shak is planning to open a new restaurant at 1018 Park Street in Five Points. Known for their fish tacos, lobster rolls, local and wild caught seafood, Timoti's operates a popular restaurant in Fernandina Beach's historic district.

For more information: http://www.timotis.com/

29. Bearded Buffalo Brewing Company

Scott McAlister has started interior work on the Bearded Buffalo Brewing Company on King Street. When complete, the entertainment venue will offer craft beer, a broad liquor selection and food. The 99-seat restaurant/bar will be located at 1012 King St. between Burger King and Panda House.

30. Happy Grilled Cheese

Happy Grilled Cheese is opening a brick and mortar across the street in the original Cozy Tea space.

For more information: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2016-mar-happy-grilled-cheese-in-five-points-renderings

31. 3313- 3317 Post Street

Four two-story townhome units are being developed by Hoose Homes and Investments LLC at 3313-3317 Post Street in Murray Hill.

32. South Kitchen and Spirits

Construction is underway on South Kitchen and Spirits at 3638 Park Street. South Kitchen will be a new 250-seat, 8,071-square-foot restaurant.

33. Magnolia's Pub

1198 South Edgewood Avenue will become the new location of Magnolia's Pub. The family friendly restaurant serving waffle sandwiches, salads, dessert waffles, weekend brunch and pub fare was recently approved for a parking reduction and outside sales of beer, wine and liquor. The new restaurant should open in early 2016.

For more information: https://www.facebook.com/Magnoliaspub

SPRINGFIELD

34. 348 East Third Street

Take 2 LLC is in the process of renovating a mixed use building at the intersection of 3rd & Walnut. The long abandoned 7,945-square-feet building was built in 1919.

35. Dozier Apartments

Proposed Exterior Elevations

Construction is underway on a 14-unit affordable housing apartment complex at 122 West 8th Street. The proposed multi-family infill project will be developed by Operation New Hope.

For more information: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2013-sep-infill-apartment-project-coming-to-springfield

36. Castle on Klutho Park

Michael Bourre, owner of Bourre Construction Group recently purchased the 106-year-old Drew Mansion, at 245 West Third Street. Bourre plans to renovate the 4,989-square-feet home into a company office and showroom.

For more information: http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2015/02/20/local-contractor-purchases-historical-drew-mansion.html

37. Main Space

Fashion designer and Jacksonville native Alyssa Key is planning to turn 1101 Main Street into a mix of uses. Uses include the Love Brigade & Crux Collective on the second floor, Southern Roots Filling Station (coffeehouse), Main Space (a multi-use space), and perhaps a beer garden will be on the first floor. Main Space is expected to open summer 2016.

38. The Jacobs Building

The long vacant Jacobs Building at 115 West 2nd Street is being renovated into apartments by Accelerated Contractors. The 6,315 square foot building was built in 1906. The renovation project is expected to cost $650,000.

39. Crispy's - 1735 North Main Street

ALthough exterior work has not started, owner John Crispens continues to progress on the interior conversion of 1735 N. Main St. into an Italian-themed restaurant and bar, art gallery and dry cleaning service. Originally, the Akra Bros. department store, the 5,850-square-foot space will feature a 150-seat restaurant that will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week. Crispy's is expected to open in May 2016.

For more information: https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=546734

40. 1717 North Main Street

It appears the former Serentea location at 1717 North Main Street is in the process of being renovated for a new tenant.

41. Hubbard Street Bridge

The Florida Department of Transportation's $1.5 million project to reconstruct and replace the Newnan/Hubbard Street Bridge over Hogan’s Creek, is underway.

The project includes removing the existing bridge deck while retaining the existing historic architectural walls of the Henry J. Klutho-designed bridge that dates back to 1929. The roadway approaches will also be rebuilt to facilitate the bridge replacement. The project also includes refurbishing existing sidewalks and adding bike lanes. The project is scheduled to be complete in fall 2016.

For more information: https://myfdotnefl.wordpress.com/2016/02/22/newnanhubbard-street-bridge-resconstruction-project-to-start/

42. Springfield Restorations and New Construction

Every week, it appears that more restoration and residential infill projects are getting underway in Springfield.

SAN MARCO

43. Interstate 95 Overland Bridge

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) began January 14, 2013 to replace the series of overpasses that carry traffic over Hendricks, Kings and Montana avenues along 2.3 miles of I-95 near downtown Jacksonville in Duval County. Known as the Overland Bridge project, it will improve traffic flow along the I-95 corridor just south of the Fuller Warren Bridge. I-95 will be widened to provide an additional lane for southbound traffic. As the project is built, traffic will use parallel roadways, which upon completion of the I-95 bridge structures, will remain and provide additional capacity for traffic between the Fuller Warren Bridge and north of Emerson Street. The $227 million project is estimated to be completed in mid 2016.

For more information: http://www.i95overlandbridge.com/

44. The Hexagon

A retail kiosk called "The Hexagon" is being added in the courtyard of San Marco Station on Hendricks Avenue.

45. Ronald McDonald House

Construction continues on a 3-story addition at the Ronald McDonald House. Located near Nemours Children's Hospital, the $7.6 million project will add 27,671 square feet and 24 rooms to the existing 30-bedroom facility.

46. The Flame Broiler

The Flame Broiler is in the process of opening a restaurant at 1539-1541 San Marco Boulevard.

For more information: http://www.flamebroilerusa.com/coming-soon/

47. Hollingsworth Showroom

Worth Turner recently acquired the former Peterbrooke chocolate factory at 1458 San Marco Boulevard. Turner plans to move the Hollingsworth Showroom into the building's first floor. The Hollingsworth Showroom, features high-end kitchen, bath, tile and lighting and is currently located at 1903 Hendricks Avenue.

48. The Bearded Pig

Chad Munsey and Michael Schmidt plan to open a barbeque restaurant called the Bearded Pig at 1224 Kings Ave.

Quote

It will be patterned after Franklin Barbecue, the Austin, Texas, institution where the lines for lunch start at 9 a.m. each day. Beef brisket, which dominates Texas barbecue the way pork shoulders dominate Southeastern barbecue, will be a big part of the menu, he said. But there will there also be ribs, sausage and chicken.

It will be fast casual — order at the counter and the food will be brought to you.

The building is 2,400 square feet, but there are another 3,000 square feet outside, much of it will be covered with seating for about 60, he said. There’s going to be a grassy area with picnic tables, a children’s play area and bicycle parking.

He said he hopes to start construction in June and open in September.

Full article: http://jacksonville.com/business/2015-05-19/story/former-bistro-aix-partner-plans-san-marco-barbecue-beer-garden

49. M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Land clearing efforts are underway on the future site of the MD Anderson Cancer Center. When complete in 2017, the 200,000-square foot cancer center will be the third such partnership between M.D. Anderson and a U.S. hospital system. M.D. Anderson has a similar partnership with a hospital in Brazil.

50. Towers of Jacksonville

The Retirement Housing Foundation is spending $8.5 million to renovate the Towers of Jacksonville affordable housing complex. Work being performed on the 194 unit apartment building includes the replacement of plumbing, HVAC, wiring, elevators and other infrastructure throughout the 44-year-old building. In addition, each apartment will be modernized with new kitchen cabinets, full-size appliances, new bathrooms, fresh paint and carpeting.

For more information: http://residentnews.net/2015/06/04/owners-spend-millions-give-towers-jacksonville-makeover/

Development update by Ennis Davis, AICP. Contact Ennis at edavis@moderncities.com

This article can be found at: http://dev.metrojacksonville.com/article/2016-mar-urban-construction-update-march-2016