What's New? – February 2014

by MetroJax
Parador Parking Garage The Parador parking garage project is now under construction at the intersection of Bay and Hogan Streets. The six-story, $10-million structure will contain 607 parking spaces. Street level retail will be added once the adjacent Suntrust Tower reaches 60% occupancy. The garage is expected to be completed by August 2014.
Southbank Riverwalk Phase one of the reconstruction of the Southbank Riverwalk is underway. Phase one involves the demolition of the former Jacksonville Maritime Museum and Jacksonville History Center buildings.
Levels Former New York Jets wide receiver Laveranues Coles Jr. plans to convert 323-325 East Bay Street into a three-story restaurant called Levels. Coles describes it as an “upscale and grown venue.” Each floor will feature a bar and stage for live music. Construction should start in a few weeks with March 2014 as the anticipated opening date.
801-825 West Forsyth Street 801-825 West Forsyth Street is in the process of being renovated for future uses. These buildings are two of three buildings between the Jacksonville Terminal and Jefferson Street that date back to the days of “Railroad Row” and the Ward Street red light district.
Greyhound Bus Station The Jacksonville Transportation Authority, in coordination with Greyhound, plans to construct a new $6-million bus terminal on West Adams Street, near Johnson Street. According to the initial plan, Greyhound would pay $46,000 each year for a 40-year lease on the new building, which would be completed in 2014. However, Greyhound and JTA are involved in a disagreement at the moment, which is delaying funding to complete the project.
Five Points Village Shopping Center The reconstruction of the fire damaged Five Points Village shopping center at 1012 Margaret Street continues. When complete, the strip center will consist of 17,287-square-foot retail building on 1.29 acres between Forest and Post streets. Retail Properties, Inc., is the developer. Peter Sleiman is the president of Retail Properties.
Engine 15 Brewing Company Engine 15 Brewing recently purchased two historic warehouses at 601 and 633 Myrtle Avenue for a new brewery, taproom, outdoor beer garden and cannery. The new brewery will increase Engine 15’s annual production from 1,000 barrels to 10,000 barrels. The brewery is expected to open in three months.
Corner Taco Corner Taco will be the latest local food truck to open a brick-and-mortar space. Corner Taco has signed a 10-year lease to occupy the Gina’s Deli space at 818 Post Street in Five Points. The new venue is anticipated to open in early 201.