John Gorrie Condos

[MusicMan]

If I ever sell one I'll buy a round of drinks for everyone "on this thread" at Pele's. Happy Hour, of course.

[Cheshire Cat]

^ Looking forward to the tour on Wednesday MusicMan.    I will take pics to share with everyone on the forum as well.  My curiosity is piqued. 

[ben says]

If I ever sell one I'll buy a round of drinks for everyone "on this thread" at Pele's. Happy Hour, of course.

I'll remember that!!!

[Bill Hoff]

People do want to rent there though, which I guess is a good sign?

I believe the market for nice rentals in all the historc neighborhoods is relatively strong these days. I've had various friends looking in San Marco, Riverside & Avondale, and Springfield for the last several months, and it's been slim pickings. That's good news.

Anyone know how John Gorrie compares quality-wise with the other school to loft conversions in the downtown-ish area, San Marco Lofts and Market Street Lofts?

Also, not sure what that huge red brick building downtown across from the Clara White Mission on Broad Street is used for (Head Start?), but that'd make a fantastic conversion as well.

[ben says]

People do want to rent there though, which I guess is a good sign?

I believe the market for nice rentals in all the historc neighborhoods is relatively strong these days. I've had various friends looking in San Marco, Riverside & Avondale, and Springfield for the last several months, and it's been slim pickings. That's good news.

Anyone know how John Gorrie compares quality-wise with the other school to loft conversions in the downtown-ish area, San Marco Lofts and Market Street Lofts?

Also, not sure what that huge red brick building downtown across from the Clara White Mission on Broad Street is used for (Head Start?), but that'd make a fantastic conversion as well.

San Marco Lofts is doing extremely well (from what I've heard & seen).

[JFman00]

Not a school, but from my amateur perspective, as another historic conversion the quality of the Gorrie is above that of the Churchwell Lofts. The walls in the Gorrie seem to have been very well soundproofed and they preserved the original plaster as much as possible. When my Dad (trained in the trades) came down and looked at a Churchwell Loft, he had concerns the wall was separating from the lath. Also, there's a strong sulfur odor that comes out of the pipes in the Churchwell if the taps aren't turned on often enough.

I've been scouring the inner neighborhoods for a decent rental but very tough to find anything both decent and convenient (walking distance to Five Points, King St, San Marco Square). At this point I'll be happy to settle for anywhere with a gas cooktop. Sorry to go off-topic but it's been a frustrating search and I needed to vent.

[ben says]

I was in the same boat as you. Solution: stopped looking at bigger condo-ish establishments and went smaller. Churchwell was gorgeous, but didn't like that part of downtown. Bell River is terrible. Gorrie didn't rent. 1661 was full and what was available was too expensive. Chelsea was full and too expensive. Yada yada yada.

So yeah, I used Traditions Jax to find a local landlord. Got a pretty sweet deal. Right off Park, 2 blocks from 5 Points. If you need help, PM me for the landlords info. He owns over a dozen historic apartment complexes in Riverside. And yeah, there's gas cooktop.

[5pointy]

Anyone know how the sales have been going in the past year? Did enough sell to help ease up on the financing from banks?

[MusicMan]

They have been selling pretty well, not sure what financing options are out there but I'll check with the Berkshire Hathaway agent who handles the property and let you know.

Are you thinking of purchasing one, or just curious?

[5pointy]

Might be looking to move soon. I live in the neighborhood and  love it.

[riverside_mail]

Sales have been picking up in the past year. I would say that nearly half of the condos are sold.

[avs]

People do want to rent there though, which I guess is a good sign?

I believe the market for nice rentals in all the historc neighborhoods is relatively strong these days. I've had various friends looking in San Marco, Riverside & Avondale, and Springfield for the last several months, and it's been slim pickings. That's good news.

Anyone know how John Gorrie compares quality-wise with the other school to loft conversions in the downtown-ish area, San Marco Lofts and Market Street Lofts?

Also, not sure what that huge red brick building downtown across from the Clara White Mission on Broad Street is used for (Head Start?), but that'd make a fantastic conversion as well.

Bill, the Market Street Lofts are almost sold out, only two left.  They are different than any other condo/loft in that they are basic in finishes with the intention that the buyers come in and make it their own - as true lofts in big cities operate.  The prices at Market Street are less also because they reflect AS IS pricing. 

If anyone wants to see pics, brochure, pricing etc.  they can go here http://www.intownjacksonville.com/1951-market-street-lofts.html  The units that are left are units 3 and 14.  The rest are sold or under contract

The Market Street lofts are also FHA approved, not many other condos/lofts in Jax are.

[MusicMan]

5 Pointy, let me know if you want to see them. I spoke with the Listing Agent and they are not FHA approved.
They do however have three in house lenders who you would need to talk with (unless you are paying cash).
I have all the contact info for those lenders

[Bridges]

Also, not sure what that huge red brick building downtown across from the Clara White Mission on Broad Street is used for (Head Start?), but that'd make a fantastic conversion as well.

That is supposed to be the Beaver Street Villas.  Clara White is working on it, or at least was.  I think they have run into a few funding issues. 

The 2nd and 3rd floor will be transitional housing for people in Clara White's culinary and janitorial school.

[ben says]

I would say that nearly half of the condos are sold.

..I find this very hard to believe.