https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/city-puts-historic-armory-up-for-sale-redevelopment
Quote
The city-owned former Florida National Guard armory on the northeast edge of Downtown is for sale.
The city published a request for proposals July 3 seeking bids from developers to buy the 2.02-acre site at 851 N. Market St., with an option to redevelop an adjacent 2.97-acre property at 928 N. Liberty St. The building has been empty for nine years.
According to the RFP, the city also might consider a long-term lease with a developer.
I suppose good that the RFP isn't for Demolition.
For those that don't know, this property has had a lot of conversation & controversy around it within the past decade. COJ considered using it as a homeless center (SPAR squashed that idea through vigorous advocacy), then COJ considered allowing a Confederate group to use it, then there was a proposal for an arts center. Lots of energy, consternation & public discussion about all this - none came to fruition as it has major flooding issues. If you want to read about some of that drama, here are a number of links, roughly in order:
https://www-jacksonville-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.jacksonville.com/article/20121016/NEWS/801245452?amp_js_v=a2&_gsa=1&template=ampart&usqp=mq331AQA#referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&_tf=From%20%251%24s&share=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jacksonville.com%2Farticle%2F20121016%2FNEWS%2F801245452
https://www-jacksonville-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.jacksonville.com/article/20121018/NEWS/801245341?amp_js_v=a2&_gsa=1&template=ampart&usqp=mq331AQA#referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&_tf=From%20%251%24s&share=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jacksonville.com%2Farticle%2F20121018%2FNEWS%2F801245341
https://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2013/12/04/armory.html
https://www.jacksonville.com/article/20131202/OPINION/801241963
https://www.jacksonville.com/article/20130705/ENTERTAINMENT/801250280
https://www-jacksonville-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.jacksonville.com/article/20131209/OPINION/801241474?amp_js_v=a2&_gsa=1&template=ampart&usqp=mq331AQA#referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&_tf=From%20%251%24s&share=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jacksonville.com%2Farticle%2F20131209%2FOPINION%2F801241474
Wonder if Vestcor would be interested? Seems like something up their alley.
The flooding issues would be my #1 concern. Is there a city plan to mitigate that? I'm sure the Armory isn't the only building in the area susceptible to that.
The flooding problem will likely limit who's interested in the building.
^Aquarium to armory confirmed.
Uh oh. Someone at City Hall is going to lose their job. Putting out an RFP before demolishing the building? That's not the way we do things, it's easier here.
Update to the The Armory's redevelopment: 3 bids received, 2 from South Florida, 1 local.
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/bids-opened-for-historic-national-guard-armory
Interesting collection of bids. Can't wait to learn more about each one.
The grocer idea sounds very promising but hard to believe.
QuoteExterior Realty Inc. also responded as a no-bid.
Wut?
Quote from: vicupstate on August 15, 2019, 08:43:26 AM
The grocer idea sounds very promising but hard to believe.
Dialogue critique:
How can something be very promising, yet hard to believe?
The grocer has a 10,000 square foot store in a suburban strip mall in Boca. It will be interesting to see what their thoughts are with 80,000 square feet of space in Jax at that location. With that said, I love seeing more diversified parties seeking development opportunities in the urban core. Considering the DIA just gave Vestcor three city blocks for free, would they be willing to gift this building as an incentive for its redevelopment? That's another part of this process that will be interesting to see played out.
Quote from: Bill Hoff on August 15, 2019, 02:44:51 PM
Quote from: vicupstate on August 15, 2019, 08:43:26 AM
The grocer idea sounds very promising but hard to believe.
Dialogue critique:
How can something be very promising, yet hard to believe?
Let me rephrase. The grocer idea sounds very desireable but hard to believe.
It would be great to have a specialty grocer, but hard to believe a sufficient market to support it is there yet.
I'm not familiar with the grocery store - is this perhaps a destination grocer that would be interested in this space due to being in the State/Union corridor and drawing from beyond downtown and Springfield?
It appears to be a smaller, local specialty grocer in South Florida. The Armory site would definitely be a location that would draw from a larger portion of the population than downtown, Springfield and the Eastside. State and Union have a hell of a lot more potential from a commercial market perspective than the majority of the surrounding thoroughfares, due to their high crosstown traffic counts. Nevertheless, I seriously doubt a single grocery store of any kind would take up 80,000 square feet. So it would definitely have to be some sort of mix of uses or spaces.
Specialty grocer as a food hall anchor perhaps?
I always pictured the Armory as a great candidate for an arts center like the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, but Torpedo Factory is in the midst of a dense environment with complementing uses.
The Boca Raton grocery reps met with SPAR staff the other day. They have some interesting ideas, but who knows. Personally, I'm a fan of having a residential component. But any project would need to address the flooding issue first - and that ain't easy.
Quote from: Wacca Pilatka on August 15, 2019, 05:25:07 PM
I always pictured the Armory as a great candidate for an arts center like the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, but Torpedo Factory is in the midst of a dense environment with complementing uses.
I was in the Torpedo Factory last month and loved it. My hope was for the Landing to become something similar to that, but I'd be fine with the Armory taking up that idea and running with it.
Quote from: Captain Zissou on August 16, 2019, 11:38:44 AM
Quote from: Wacca Pilatka on August 15, 2019, 05:25:07 PM
I always pictured the Armory as a great candidate for an arts center like the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, but Torpedo Factory is in the midst of a dense environment with complementing uses.
I was in the Torpedo Factory last month and loved it. My hope was for the Landing to become something similar to that, but I'd be fine with the Armory taking up that idea and running with it.
You all might remember several years ago, a group of local arts organizations coordinated to try and transform the armory into The Artery, an arts hub directly inspired by the Torpedo Factory. Alas, city council wasn't persuaded to hand it over.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=5xNtMi4DfQY
QuoteFarmers market, architecture school proposed for old Armory
The former Florida National Guard armory Downtown could become a mixed-use farmers market, greenhouse and event space -or an architecture school.
Property bidder B&H Fine Foods co-owner Barry Adkin said he proposes to turn the property into a farmers market, greenhouse/urban farm, incubator kitchens for local companies and space for performances or events.
B&H Fine Foods is based in Boca Raton, where it operates a grocery store.
Rafael Caldera of Jacksonville-based Arkest LLC
Bidder Rafael Caldera of Jacksonville-based Arkest LLC proposes to open an architecture school on the property. The school would occupy the Armory Building with the neighboring structures demolished and new ones built for the school.
Full article: https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/farmers-market-architecture-school-proposed-for-old-armory
For those who are interested in Caldera's projects, he'll be a panelist at the APA Florida First Coast Section's Affordable and Workforce Housing event this Friday in the Cathedral District. For more information on that:
(https://img.evbuc.com/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.evbuc.com%2Fimages%2F67598589%2F93676574779%2F1%2Foriginal.20190805-170829?w=800&auto=compress&rect=0%2C0%2C780%2C390&s=cb5fad0fac288d5d6553df905c2e6488)
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/affordable-workforce-housing-tickets-68020100953
The farmers' market sounds cool, but not enamored with the "open once a month thing." So the building will sit closed 29 days out of 30? I realize he also wants the incubator kitchen part, but....not terribly excited.
The architecture school sounds cool, but does he have a school lined up or is he starting one that he hopes to get 1,000 students.
Neither of them "wow" me, though a vacant building isn't exciting either.
Would love to know the details about the third bid.
Quote from: Steve on August 21, 2019, 08:44:30 AM
The farmers' market sounds cool, but not enamored with the "open once a month thing." So the building will sit closed 29 days out of 30? I realize he also wants the incubator kitchen part, but....not terribly excited.
The architecture school sounds cool, but does he have a school lined up or is he starting one that he hopes to get 1,000 students.
Neither of them "wow" me, though a vacant building isn't exciting either.
Would love to know the details about the third bid.
A farmer's market once a month is at least realistic. There just aren't enough farmers around here to sustain something open more than about once a week. The only one that's open every day is the Jacksonville Farmer's Market, and despite the name those are almost all resellers from across the country, not actual local farmers. The other parts of that request sound more interesting to me - an urban farm, greenhouse and processing for small farmers is something we don't currently have to the extent we need.
I'm more skeptical of an architecture school. Unless he's talking about UM or the state schools, I have no idea what schools he could be talking about. Otherwise, it's some school that doesn't have architecture already. Additionally, architects have one of the highest unemployment rates of any major, and there are too many schools in the state.
Quote from: Tacachale on August 21, 2019, 10:56:18 AM
The only one that's open every day is the Jacksonville Farmer's Market, and despite the name those are almost all resellers from across the country, not actual local farmers.
Tacahale, your post to came to our attention and we would like to respectfully respond as your comment represents a common misconception. Jacksonville Farmers Market does carry truck loads of produce and agricultural products from local farmers. And, our vendors are all local small business owners (often minorities) working hard up to 80+ hours a week to serve their customers.
In today's world, it is not realistic for full time farmers to staff an urban-located retail or wholesale stall for up to 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. Nor do individual farmers always have the variety of items to attract today's one-stop convenience customers. While we do, on occasion, have a farm family that can spare a family member to run a stall for a few days at a time, nearly all farmers find it efficient and cost effective to utilize the permanent "resellers/wholesalers" at JFM as their selling agents. These agents not only staff the hours, they assemble a wide range of both local and non-local (i.e. items not grown or out-of-season locally) to provide the one-stop convenience that is necessary to attract customers for the local items and to compete with grocers and club stores.
Not always seen by the public, many farmers come during the very early AM hours to wholesale to JFM vendors so they can return to their farming duties. Other JFM vendors own trucks and visit area farms to bring back harvests to JFM.
In conclusion, if you are looking for fresh local/regional produce and agricultural products, JFM has more quantity and variety in one location than any other venue in NE Florida. And, nicely, usually at prices far lower than any other outlet.
We would also like to add that JFM is a rare outlet for variety and affordable produce, seafood and other healthy foods in a food desert. JFM is operated for the benefit of the community so support for it is critical for it to continue well beyond the 80 years it has been in operation.
Thank you for the opportunity to present this clarification and we hope you, and others, will continue to patronize JFM vendors and, thus, support the area farms that supply them.
QuoteFort Lauderdale-based REVA Development Corp. proposes 100 units of workforce housing and a cultural arts facility at the former Florida National Guard armory Downtown.
REVA was among three groups that submitted bids to purchase the vacant city-owned historic Gothic Revival-style Armory Building at 851 N. Market St.
The more than 100-year-old building, along with an optional adjacent property with three warehouses at 928 N. Liberty St., was offered for sale by the city.
"MADE at the ARMORY" would be an adaptive reuse of the Armory Building, said Don Patterson, president of REVA Development Corp.
Full article: https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/fort-lauderdale-based-armory-bidder-plans-cultural-facility-workforce-housing
Another interesting concept I don't completely get. Sounds like the housing will be on the north parcel, and the Armory would be the cultural stuff.
Nothing against any of these uses, but all of these while they sound cool in concept, aren't exactly revenue generators for the main building, a building that's older and prone to flooding.
Quote from: Jax Farmers Market on August 21, 2019, 11:23:39 PM
Quote from: Tacachale on August 21, 2019, 10:56:18 AM
The only one that's open every day is the Jacksonville Farmer's Market, and despite the name those are almost all resellers from across the country, not actual local farmers.
Tacahale, your post to came to our attention and we would like to respectfully respond as your comment represents a common misconception. Jacksonville Farmers Market does carry truck loads of produce and agricultural products from local farmers. And, our vendors are all local small business owners (often minorities) working hard up to 80+ hours a week to serve their customers.
In today's world, it is not realistic for full time farmers to staff an urban-located retail or wholesale stall for up to 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. Nor do individual farmers always have the variety of items to attract today's one-stop convenience customers. While we do, on occasion, have a farm family that can spare a family member to run a stall for a few days at a time, nearly all farmers find it efficient and cost effective to utilize the permanent "resellers/wholesalers" at JFM as their selling agents. These agents not only staff the hours, they assemble a wide range of both local and non-local (i.e. items not grown or out-of-season locally) to provide the one-stop convenience that is necessary to attract customers for the local items and to compete with grocers and club stores.
Not always seen by the public, many farmers come during the very early AM hours to wholesale to JFM vendors so they can return to their farming duties. Other JFM vendors own trucks and visit area farms to bring back harvests to JFM.
In conclusion, if you are looking for fresh local/regional produce and agricultural products, JFM has more quantity and variety in one location than any other venue in NE Florida. And, nicely, usually at prices far lower than any other outlet.
We would also like to add that JFM is a rare outlet for variety and affordable produce, seafood and other healthy foods in a food desert. JFM is operated for the benefit of the community so support for it is critical for it to continue well beyond the 80 years it has been in operation.
Thank you for the opportunity to present this clarification and we hope you, and others, will continue to patronize JFM vendors and, thus, support the area farms that supply them.
Thank you for your response. I certainly don't mean to knock JFM or resellers in general. My point was that a producer-only market in our area, like what's proposed for the Armory, can't be expected to open every day. Our area farms simply don't grow enough to support that without produce coming in from other areas. I definitely believe that JFM provides valuable service to people who need it and is a great asset for the community.
Looks like a mixed use of workforce housing, office and arts space (hypothetically) heading to The Armory building. Seems rather aspirational, but we'll see:
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/cultural-facility-workforce-housing-selected-for-armory
More details about the proposed plan for The Armory. Pretty ambitious:
https://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2019/09/18/new-details-on-downtowns-armory-redevelopment-an.html
Doesn't look like they are providing much space for the Emerald Necklace, although it is hard to tell how wide that green strip is along the creek. Speaking of the creek, isn't this an area of frequent flooding? Doesn't look like they have taken that into consideration, either.
I like the overall concept and mix of uses. If they can pull it off, it will be huge for Springfield, the Eastside, the Cathedral District and State & Union Streets. More housing is a plus but I'd be happy if they can just activate the Armory itself. I suspect, what's shown in that quick RFP sketch will change dramatically as the components go from concept to reality.
Is it just me or is anyone getting to the point that "art space" is code for "we have no idea how to get real retail or office users here".
Reva Development plans on leasing the Armory for $1 a year. No ownership mean no responsibility. Can give the Armory back to the city and profit from the work force housing project. This sound like the Landings all over!
COJ will own Live! at Lot J as well. Yet everyone who doesn't know better seems to think it will be a game changer.
Quote from: nuts over reality on October 26, 2019, 01:03:56 PM
Reva Development plans on leasing the Armory for $1 a year. No ownership mean no responsibility. Can give the Armory back to the city and profit from the work force housing project. This sound like the Landings all over!
Leasing from the City instead of developers owning these projects is just another taxpayer giveaway as they pay no property taxes during the lease. That's on top of the incentives the City gives them elsewhere but they probably won't include the tax savings in the public totals to avoid a taxpayer backlash. And, with the leases at bargain rates they get another giveaway.
Imagine no property taxes on hundreds of millions of value in Lot J or elsewhere. At 1.5 to 2% tax rate, we are talking about $15,000 to $20,000 per million per year so $100 million in development equates to $1.5 to 2.0 million per year of no taxes to support City services or our schools.
Also Reva will make about 4 million alone, once he completes the work force housing project and probably will has a non-recourse HUD loan.
So if the project fails Reva could walk away with 4m profit and stick the government with the loan.
Quote from: nuts over reality on October 28, 2019, 11:23:06 PM
Also Reva will make about 4 million alone, once he completes the work force housing project and probably will has a non-recourse HUD loan.
So if the project fails Reva could walk away with 4m profit and stick the government with the loan.
As is if all this plus no property taxes, generous city incentives (plus any other tax credits) and a bargain lease are not enough, the Armory and Lot J are both in Federal Opportunity Zones. This means that developers can defer paying current capital gains taxes from unrelated projects for up to 10 years (i.e. an interest free loan by the Feds), get a substantial reduction of said capital gain taxes and, the real zinger,
never-ever pay any income tax on any of the profits on any of these new developments! And, really, will any of these developments improve the quality of life for the surrounding residents or just, on the best of days, gentrify their neighborhoods and further their plights.
With all these breaks, how can the developer lose, even on a dud of a project? It's the ultimate taxpayer giveaway.
To be fair, doesn't the armory flood? I wonder what's the plan to deal with Hogans Creek?
Quote from: thelakelander on October 28, 2019, 11:51:59 PM
To be fair, doesn't the armory flood? I wonder what's the plan to deal with Hogans Creek?
If the Armory (or Lot J) floods and the City owns it, they will probably get the taxpayer funded FEMA to cover the damages. Another advantage to leasing from the City.
Like I said, the developers in these deals almost can't lose.
Any news on the armory, still sitting empty. Maybe the mayor needs to look at this deal to. I thought the idea was to preserve the armory and make it part of the community again. It seem that the interest is in tearing down the maintenance buildings and building apartments.
Why would someone offer to buy the maintenance buildings but only lease the armory?
Can we put JEA in there??
Has anyone heard if the armory plan is going forward?
Haven't heard anything since the pandemic began.
Quote from: jaxlongtimer on October 28, 2019, 11:39:13 PM
As is if all this plus no property taxes
What are the property taxes paid by Lot J today?
any update on the armory?
Crickets.
I'm falling asleep.
From the Business Journal
Quote
A project to redevelop the former National Guard Armory into a hub for local artists is moving forward nearly a year after the project was announced.
On Sept. 8, the Mayor's Budget Review Committee will address a request to authorize the execution of a Lease and Economic Development Agreement between the city and Ft. Lauderdale-based REVA Development Corp. for the Armory at 851 North Market St. and the adjoining 928 North Liberty St. parcel.
Don D. Patterson, president of REVA, declined to comment on the specifics of the MBRC meeting, but he told the Business Journal things were still on track for the plan laid out in September 2019.
"The goal is to create and renovate the existing building for the benefit of bringing together Jacksonville's rapidly developing art community. We really see this as a hub for the creators," Patterson said Friday. "We intend to partner with the local organizations that are already doing phenomenal work and really just work hard to be a vehicle for helping foster real arts and culture in the city of Jacksonville."
https://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2020/09/04/lease-agreement-the-armory-mbrc-tuesday.html?ana=e_jac_bn_breakingnews_breakingnews&j=90527047&t=Breaking%20News&mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiTWpKaE5qQmpNMk01TkRGbCIsInQiOiJPT1ZCR2xLcGk5S2lXTzdqdTFSUGIwaVBPd2NGSVEzRmNcL2crTlFiVWFXaERad0doMGJqTGE0MjUyK0FHSSttMFIwMlF3VGw3d0RVRzdFaFwvODFcL01raGRiXC9UTkptOHAweVdwTVJJV01DTlwvRExnc2NGdzZcLzIrbXpmeU5vbGVrMCJ9
Good to see this still moving forward. If successful, this will be huge for the Eastside, Springfield and the Cathedral District.
MBRC approves Armory Building redevelopment agreement
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/mbrc-approves-armory-building-redevelopment-agreement
Has anybody checked the warehouse parcel for contamination? Isn't that a major problem for this general vicinity?
From JBJ, flooding, what flooding?
Quote
Council member Aaron Bowman asked Wendland if REVA has considered the potential for flooding from Hogan's Creek.
Wendland said the developer will include a disclaimer clause in its tenant leases.
"Part of it's just planning, frankly," he said. "In the Armory, they're going to have to notify the lessors that there's a possibility of flooding at certain times."
Wendland added that the mid-rise residential building would be built on top of a two-level parking garage that would mitigate flooding inside the apartments.
"There could be some issues with cars needing to get out of there, but there shouldn't be a situation where the units are in jeopardy," Wendland said.
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/arts-focused-renovation-at-historic-armory-building-moves-to-city-council
Flooding any other other issue such as this needed to be dealt with during due diligence. That should be written into the contract.
Quote from: Charles Hunter on October 24, 2020, 09:56:47 PM
From JBJ, flooding, what flooding?
Quote
Council member Aaron Bowman asked Wendland if REVA has considered the potential for flooding from Hogan's Creek.
Wendland said the developer will include a disclaimer clause in its tenant leases.
"Part of it's just planning, frankly," he said. "In the Armory, they're going to have to notify the lessors that there's a possibility of flooding at certain times."
Wendland added that the mid-rise residential building would be built on top of a two-level parking garage that would mitigate flooding inside the apartments.
"There could be some issues with cars needing to get out of there, but there shouldn't be a situation where the units are in jeopardy," Wendland said.
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/arts-focused-renovation-at-historic-armory-building-moves-to-city-council
Aka "deal with it". Lol.
QuoteAgreement for $23 million proposal to renovate historic Armory Building approved
City Council approved a deal Oct. 27 between Fort Lauderdale-based REVA Development Corp. and the city to renovate the historic Armory Building for a $23 million arts-focused complex.
In a 19-0 vote, Council approved Ordinance 2020-591 that includes a redevelopment agreement and a 40-year, $1 annual lease for the armory at 851 N. Market St.
REVA plans to brand the redevelopment "Made at the Armory" with art studios and galleries and retail, restaurant, performance and event spaces.
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/agreement-for-dollar23-million-proposal-to-renovate-historic-armory-building-approved
REVA is required to make a $3 million initial investment in the property, Wendland said. It also must maintain "minimum levels of maintenance" on the building. The city could terminate the lease if the building is not maintained or if activity at the property is not sufficient.
So if the armory building is not maintained the city gets the armory back and now looses the majority of the land needed for parking.
"It has some attractive components for the developer. It ties them to a series of benchmarks and timelines that I think are pretty strict and well-balanced," Hughes said.
The armory should be up and running before the developer is allowed to destroy the adjacent property. The goal is to bring back the armory as a vital part of the downtown.
There are plenty of residential projects already planned for the area.
Has any one done a parking study on the Armory?
Maybe this needs to be reassessed as the viability of the plan that's been presented.
^I'm confused. When I read the article, I got the impression that the developer has an option to acquire an adjacent parcel to construct the residential portion. It comes off as a potential second phase, with the armory being the first phase.
The goal of the developer is to build the housing and vacate the armory.
That's the reason he is doing a $1 lease.
What he has proposed for the armory is a long shot.
Back to the 1 lease. If the armory fails he owes the city only 20.00
To put a food hall and art studio's in the armory is probably a 10 mil investment.
He will apply for a HUD loan to build the apartment part. That where the money is.
As a developer contract he can build almost 30% into the cost of the loan as his profits.
Also the loans are usually non recourse.
If he builds the apartments and owns the land and gives back to the city the armory he own the majority of the land that exist around the armory.
What use will the Armory have with no parking.
Also as I mentioned before has a parking study been done on the concept for the Armory.
Last, the tenants will be told the build might flood. Great solution.
Apartments wont flood but all the cars will be flooded. Great answers.
Reva was trying to do a development in pompano with the cra. it was turned down. I think he still has an outstanding loan with HUD for that project.
The city just sees 25 million dollar investment as a source or revenue. They should focused on the true validity of the project.
sorry for not checking my grammar and spelling.
QuoteThe goal of the developer is to build the housing and vacate the armory.
Was this in the documentation? That's the first I've heard of this goal. Is there anywhere that we can read and learn more about it?
Why wouldn't the developer want to acquire ownership of the armory?
Reason:
If the concept fails he not responsible for the property taxes on what ever value is set to the property once ownership is transferred.
This is why he want's the dollar a year lease. Reduce your obligation.
What is the property tax the city is charging for the armory?
If the developer feels that the project will be successful you would purchase the property and use it as collateral to obtain a loan for the development of the armory.
I enjoy reading your comments on projects that the city is doing. You have alot of knowledge on Jacksonville.
The DIA should do more due diligence on this project.
Of course the quote is my quote!
REVA is required to make a $3 million initial investment in the property, Wendland said. It also must maintain "minimum levels of maintenance" on the building. The city could terminate the lease if the building is not maintained or if activity at the property is not sufficient.
The statement above is from the commission meeting.
So if the armory building is not maintained the city gets the armory back and now looses the majority of the land needed for parking.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Cities/Jacksonville/History/Duval-County-Armory/i-5WdBW9Z/0/fc7c9a5c/L/DSC_1061-HDR-L.jpg)
What they've planned for the Armory (event space, art studios, performance space, art galleries, mini-food hall, etc.) sounds like raw open space. The Joinery (see images below) is a new food hall in Lakeland done on the cheap for less than $1 million. Basically they took a warehouse and subdivided a portion of it for a few vendor stalls while leaving the majority of it open as communal seating and craft brewery. I suspect the communal area also acts as event space. As long as the Armory is structurally sound, to use as a warehouse likely won't require a $10 million investment.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Cities/Lakeland-July-2020/i-CCgFGr9/0/439a7c02/L/20200717_194826-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Cities/Lakeland-July-2020/i-Zr2rKCC/0/471c7170/L/20200717_194904-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Cities/Lakeland-July-2020/i-V7NfvKH/0/377eb380/L/20200717_195214-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Cities/Lakeland-July-2020/i-9ThKHtT/0/d035a9ab/L/20200717_195349-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Cities/Lakeland-July-2020/i-PrnTsBW/0/41dcb91c/L/20200717_195409-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Cities/Lakeland-July-2020/i-h9kJT9f/0/7dd6b9d1/L/20200717_195618-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Cities/Lakeland-July-2020/i-656z36J/0/101c1b7a/L/20200717_200705-L.jpg)
I've heard that REVA has been working with the Eastside on some sort of level for this particular project. I don't know too much about this particular deal with COJ but there are several examples of developers leasing public property instead of purchasing. Publix has leased their downtown Lakeland offices in an old JCPenney building for more than 20 years now for something like $10/year.
(https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/sites/default/files/307223_standard.jpeg)
The parking lot appears to be fairly large although at some point the part on the optional parcel will probably shrink with the restoration/reconstruction of Hogans Creek, which should help with flooding in the long term. I'll see if I can find a copy of the documents discussed in the article to better understand what's proposed.
I don't get it. If all they wanted was the other land, there are other parcels to do it on that don't have an armory tied to them.
https://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/boynton-beach-commission-set-to-review-town-square-project-as-cos
https://www.cfdc.org/publix-announces-headquarters-expansion-adding-700-jobs/
good reading
Sounds like two cool projects. I'm familiar with the Publix expansion. However, my quote above about the Downtown Lakeland IT office in the old JCPenney (321 S Kentucky St) was incorrect. The lease is cheaper than I thought. The CRA leased that building to them for $1/year for 20 years. For Lakeland, doing so was a good way to get 600 high paying jobs into a dead downtown space immediately. Jax should consider doing the same when it has an opportunity. It's a quick way to activate dead sites, knowing activity can have a great long term public payoff.
What's the connection to the Boynton Beach project? Is REVA involved with it some way?
Out of curiosity, what spaces/buildings Downtown would be suitable for such a role, if it were to be implemented here?
no, an example of the cost to renovate a older building. The renovation cost for the high school was 10 mil.
With publix, they would have added them jobs regardless. they are adding onto their corporate campus currently to handle the additional staff they have added.
Also they are looking for local and state money to do so.
After making over 3.2 billion net.
That building looks in way worse shape than the Armory and it includes some uses that require a different interior built-out.....like a public library. Without knowing more, it's hard to equate the two as equals in terms of renovation costs.
With Publix, they would have added jobs, but those jobs would have likely been at their suburban industrial complex off Wabash and US 92. Publix only moved corporate jobs into the closed JCPenney back in the 1990s because they were approached by the LDDA and given a deal they could not refuse, along with them being a good corporate citizen in that community. Publix, along with Watkins Trucking (who took the empty neighboring Maas Brothers building on a similar deal), directly led to that city being able to bring its downtown back to life in a fraction of the time that Jacksonville has talked about revitalizing its own downtown. In the years that have followed, Publix has grown significantly, including adding a large corporate headquarters on the south side of town near the airport (that opened right before I moved from Lakeland to Jax) and now they have hundreds of more Downtown Lakeland jobs than they started off with the JCPenney deal years ago.
Has anyone heard if the armory is going to be redeveloped. Went by the armory and seems like nothing has happened. tthx
Community meetings planned to discuss a block grant for Made at the Armory.
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2024/mar/11/community-meetings-planned-on-funding-to-transform-historic-armory-building/
What about flooding?
Good question.
Drove by this afternoon and there was a crew out there doing geotech, so something is still happening. Maybe.