Downtown Development Update: What's rising, what's delayed

heights unknown · June 04, 2025, 09:03:54 PM

Something really needs to be done about the old JEA/Independent Life Tower. It is quickly becoming a dilapidated eye sore. Anyone heard anything more relative to development of this building? I am hoping, and praying that Bryan Moll decides, for whatever reason to include it in his "Pearl Square" chest.

thelakelander · June 05, 2025, 01:56:44 AM

It's tied up in a few lawsuits. Gateway acquired the block across the street, which is where it's parking deck was supposed to be constructed. So that site is pretty much boxed in. So regardless of what happens and/or who owns it, Gateway will be in the mix.

Zac T · June 06, 2025, 02:02:39 PM

Quote from: heights unknown on June 04, 2025, 08:58:04 PM
I don't think it's for the high-rise tower; it's for one of the lower rise residential. Someone correct me if I am wrong. I believe the high-rise tower is next (3rd building) to go up (N8 I believe?), and will be the tallest at 275 feet; N9 will supposedly be 200 feet, or thereabouts in height.

You are correct. The crane is for Block N11. Block N9 is no longer planned to be a highrise but rather a "boutique" office building as pictured below. Block N8 and the garage behind The Ambassador are scheduled to break ground in the fall. I haven't read anything regarding whether or not the Ambassador garage will include ground floor retail space but hopefully it does

heights unknown · June 06, 2025, 05:32:46 PM

Quote from: Zac T on June 06, 2025, 02:02:39 PM
Quote from: heights unknown on June 04, 2025, 08:58:04 PM
I don't think it's for the high-rise tower; it's for one of the lower rise residential. Someone correct me if I am wrong. I believe the high-rise tower is next (3rd building) to go up (N8 I believe?), and will be the tallest at 275 feet; N9 will supposedly be 200 feet, or thereabouts in height.

You are correct. The crane is for Block N11. Block N9 is no longer planned to be a highrise but rather a "boutique" office building as pictured below. Block N8 and the garage behind The Ambassador are scheduled to break ground in the fall. I haven't read anything regarding whether or not the Ambassador garage will include ground floor retail space but hopefully it does

Awesome; totally frickin awesome.

thelakelander · June 06, 2025, 08:38:38 PM

acme54321 · June 06, 2025, 10:52:28 PM

Hard the believe. Gotta give these guys kudos for getting this much off the ground when no one else has even come close.

heights unknown · June 07, 2025, 10:20:38 AM

Yes and I agree; many KUDOS to them for shooting their rocket(s) off to the moon. BTW...that crane looks good but sure looks real skinny. I hope it's secured really good and deep into the ground.

heights unknown · June 07, 2025, 10:24:54 AM

Those brown apartments in back of the crane (the old St. Johns Apartments (don't know what it is now called)), needs to be painted either white or off white to blend in with the buildings in and around Pearl Square. Sarasota skyline is an excellent example of most of the towers blending in together "color wise" so that there won't be a clash of colors of the buildings. I know this is a small and minute thing but believe me it works relative to "eye pleasing" to attract people to certain areas.

urban_ · June 07, 2025, 01:28:23 PM

Great update photos, @Lakelander

acme54321 · June 08, 2025, 10:41:04 PM

Quote from: heights unknown on June 07, 2025, 10:20:38 AM
Yes and I agree; many KUDOS to them for shooting their rocket(s) off to the moon. BTW...that crane looks good but sure looks real skinny. I hope it's secured really good and deep into the ground.

It's a self erecting crane. There is nothing in the ground like there would be for a more traditional tower crane. These are more portable and easier to assemble for use on smaller jobs.

Captain Zissou · June 09, 2025, 10:05:21 AM

Quote from: acme54321 on June 08, 2025, 10:41:04 PM
Quote from: heights unknown on June 07, 2025, 10:20:38 AM
Yes and I agree; many KUDOS to them for shooting their rocket(s) off to the moon. BTW...that crane looks good but sure looks real skinny. I hope it's secured really good and deep into the ground.

It's a self erecting crane. There is nothing in the ground like there would be for a more traditional tower crane. These are more portable and easier to assemble for use on smaller jobs.

The Doro is using a similar, but slightly larger, crane. The office crane has come down at the Shipyards, but the two hotel cranes are still going strong.

Ken_FSU · June 11, 2025, 03:02:16 PM

A few more from driving by today.

MakeDTjaxGre@tAgain · June 13, 2025, 01:13:40 PM

Any updates on the Related project near the Friendship Fountain?

Jones518 · June 13, 2025, 11:10:01 PM

Good question.... Last i heard the related group is supposed to break ground before end of summer.... Late July/early August. Not sure how true that is..

jaxlongtimer · June 14, 2025, 12:05:13 AM

Aren't most high rises built with steel framing? Or, could Related use moving concrete forms? If the former, I wonder how Trump's tariffs on steel and so much more will impact building costs? Plus, the reduction of the labor pool due to the immigration crackdowns? I also don't see interest rates dropping much, if at all. Doesn't seem like a great time to build over the coming months or more.