238 West Duval Street - Absentee Landlord

[icarus]

238 West Duval Street was originally designed and built as the headquarters for the Independent Life Insurance Company.  It is a great example of mid-century modern architecture completed in 1955.

Despite numerous failed attempts to acquire and reposition the property, this tower has sat vacant as another example of failed downtown policies and priorities.  This is somewhat surprising because of its location adjacent to the Federal Courthouse and close proximity to the Taj Mahal East (County Courthouse).  The building also offers great views of Hemming Plaza and relatively easy access to the people mover.

The vacancy is even more surprising since the landlord is none other than the COJ.  I personally think this would be a great test case for the DIA.  How do you get a building we already own ... to be utilized?

For reference, here is a link to some proposed designs to renovate and add-on to the existing structure:

http://www.dasherhurst.com/portfolio/independent-life-building/

[fieldafm]

Great idea!

[thelakelander]

Great set of renderings but that building isn't owned by COJ. Chris Hionides purchased it a few years back.

[icarus]

Lake -

Chris bought it through a holding company (233 W Duval Street, LLC) along with the Seminole Club. Both properties were foreclosed and a bankruptcy ensued.  I do not know if it was finalized as of yet but the Seminole club has been deeded over to the lender.

233 W. Duval Street has $329,414.07 in accrued unpaid taxes due to the bankruptcy.  At this point, I think the real question is who gets it ... the bank or COJ but it is not likely that Chris retains it.

[rcmmngs]

While we are speaking of that block, Hionides bought my father's old building at 218 W. Church St. nearly 30 years ago.  Last time I checked, someone had bought the building for the taxes due. That beautiful Klutho building is now crumbling. What a shame!

[strider]

Do these downtown buildings also get the rolling fines treatment?  If so, add hundreds of thousands in rolling fines as well as the back taxes.  In this case, perhaps the rolling fines could be a good thing as I believe then the city can more easily foreclose and take the buildings. As much as I hate rolling fines, since they are here, we may as well get some benefit from them.

[fsujax]

This is one of the most depressing areas of Downtown. What should be a vibrant area looks like a scene from an a zombie movie.It really makes me sick that nothing has been done with the orginal Independent Life Building.