Berkman 2 to the Highest Bidder

[Steve]

Can't say I'm shocked:

http://m.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2014/04/17/half-built-berkman-2-condo-tower-in-downtown.html?ana=e_jac_bn&u=pWeEsMm3WOO+h30Y5knnbb3ASS&t=1397746288&r=full

[Dapperdan]

I don't know much about construction, but is it even able to be completed? i would imagine it being exposed to weather for 6 years has deteriorated a lot of the building. I would imagine it would have to be imploded and something rebuilt in its place?

[Steve]

Even if it is, I think you'll have a VERY hard time selling units, given the history. My guess is this sells for less than the value of the dirt

If the towers were flipped (the one up for bid being next to the old courthouse), it might make sense for The owners of the Hyatt to snatch it up and do a public-private deal on a convention center.

But...it's not.

[edjax]

I am pretty sure it can be completed.  The towers that sit empty half constructed for about the same time in Mandarin on Goodby's Creek are now being completed by the new owners.

[CityLife]

I am pretty sure it can be completed.  The towers that sit empty half constructed for about the same time in Mandarin on Goodby's Creek are now being completed by the new owners.

Good point, but I wonder how much more structural support Berkman 2 needs given its height in relation to the Goodby's ones.

[vicupstate]

It is very doubtful that anyone will bid > $10.2 mm, so it probably will be Choate's property soon.

[Tacachale]

Yeah, who would pay $10 million for that? At least if the bank gets it, they'll be motivated to sell it.

[acme54321]

Personally I wouldn't want to live in there if it was completed.  The parking garage that was atached collapsed.  Even if the building is sound there is still that thing in the back of everyone's mind.

[hightowerlover]

Maybe the Duval County Jail would have an interest?  Surely they need more housing, I know how Jax loves riverfront government property.

[Overstreet]

You can do most anything given enough time and money.

[mtraininjax]

Why not a parking garage? We have a great track record of building parking garages downtown, then guaranteeing the owners in case of a loss! City does a great job with properties already!

[camarocane]

I doubt they will need to demolish the structure. An engineering analysis will most likely be performed on the structure anyway. Rebar can always be drilled and grouted, concrete can always be patched, but the fact remains that a section of this building collapsed and killed someone. THAT may hurt the value.

[Charles Hunter]

Too bad the reserve is so high - "MetroJacksonville" would like great running down each side (well, not the west) of the building. 

[KenFSU]

If they need to demolish, it would likely be more of a market decision than one based on structural soundness. I'm assuming the site has probably undergone safety inspections every six months. The building's height shouldn't make a difference. Look at the Altamonte Springs' Majesty Building (i.e "the eyesore on I-4"). It's been under construction for almost 15 years now and, unless something has changed in the last few months, still maintains its building permit and safety approvals.

[pierre]

If they need to demolish, it would likely be more of a market decision than one based on structural soundness. I'm assuming the site has probably undergone safety inspections every six months. The building's height shouldn't make a difference. Look at the Altamonte Springs' Majesty Building (i.e "the eyesore on I-4"). It's been under construction for almost 15 years now and, unless something has changed in the last few months, still maintains its building permit and safety approvals.

I read the history of that building. That thing is just a huge eyesore that I doubt ever gets done.