Can an amateur develop their own loft/commercial space downtown?

[TREE4309]

Yeah I thought about mentioning Home Street lofts as well, but they are indeed pricey, and small at that.  The old Club 5 building was turned into offices I believe...no living spaces in that building that I'm aware of.

[thelakelander]

The downtown buildings are pricey.  If you're looking at doing your own thing, try an area like Springfield or Myrtle Avenue.  There's a ton of older brick buildings available in these areas that would be good candidates for affordable loft conversions.

[TREE4309]

What about the west end of downtown (or what's left of it), south of LaVilla?  I see that as an opportunistic area that may see more activity once the new city hall construction gets moving.  I'm not sure where Myrtle Avenue is...I'll mapquest it.

[thelakelander]

There are a few for sale in that area, which was once Jacksonville's Red Light District.  I'm not for sure about pricing now, but a few months ago asking prices were pretty bloated due to speculation of what they would be worth with the county courthouse coming in.  

The most significant cost you'll have is buying the property.  Depending on what you want to do with the interior, everything should be downhill at that point.  My advice would be if your interested in that area, jump on it now before the courthouse breaks ground so you can get in at a cheaper price.  The most interesting buildings are in the area bounded by Davis, Adams, Clay and Forysth Streets.

Here's a link to some images of buildings in the old Red Light District:

Houston Street: Jacksonville's Red Light District
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/content/view/695/117/

I'm not sure where Myrtle Avenue is...I'll mapquest it.

Myrtle is the street that Bay terminates into while heading west.  Its an old former early 20th century industrial district that went downhill when sprawl took over the city and the S-Line railroad tracks were pulled up.  Except for a few streets, the area is now cut off from downtown by I-95, but its still centrally located and has a ton of smaller older warehouse buildings that would be ideal for hard lofts.  If we are successful in getting commuter, light rail or streetcar line back on that rail ROW, this area would easily become Jacksonville's version of Portland's Pearl District.

Here's images of buildings along Myrtle, as well as of the old Springfield Warehouse District.

Where are they and what do they have in common?
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/content/view/537/115/

[fowlerracing]

Very Cool!  Thanks guys this is awesome information!!

[Jared Ellis]

I have always been interested in the same thing however have not been able to put the numbers together alone as of yet.  I am a licensed general contractor and a licensed architect.  I believe I could bring a good deal to the table including substantial financial savings to a project if I were part owner.  I would definitely be interested in a partnership if an opportunity exists.  I'm also a former fine art painter who wants to get back into it and the open space that could be gained from such a venture is very appealing.

[TREE4309]

If anybody is interested in contacting me outside the forum to discuss the development of a small residential loft building (the fewer units the better in my opionion), I can be reached at TREE4309@Comcast.net.  Nothing official...no commitments...just to start conversation/research...a fact-finding mission if you will.

Thanks!
-Todd

[TREE4309]

I'm meeting a property owner tonight to look at some raw loft spaces downtown...details to follow!