John Gorrie Condos

[Bill Hoff]

Also, not sure what that huge red brick building downtown across from the Clara White Mission on Broad Street is used for (Head Start?), but that'd make a fantastic conversion as well.

That is supposed to be the Beaver Street Villas.  Clara White is working on it, or at least was.  I think they have run into a few funding issues. 

The 2nd and 3rd floor will be transitional housing for people in Clara White's culinary and janitorial school.

I was referring a different building, the much larger one across the street.

I believe federal funding/contracting is involved in the Beaver Street Villa project, which takes a very long time to work through. Hence the stall.

[JayBird]

I was referring a different building, the much larger one across the street.

The old Ed Stanton school? Last I had heard that was going to become some charter high school, SGT Bilko Charter High (thats not the name and I cannot remember it but its very similar and this was the joke name when it was announced). The State Board of Ed denied the application but I think it is still tied up in the appeals process. I could be wrong though, that was like a 2012 or early 2013 thing.

[5pointy]

5 Pointy, let me know if you want to see them. I spoke with the Listing Agent and they are not FHA approved.
They do however have three in house lenders who you would need to talk with (unless you are paying cash).
I have all the contact info for those lenders

Thanks.  Wonder why they are still not FHA approved?

[MusicMan]

Pretty stringent guidelines set down by FHA and part of that is difficult for a brand new (in this case 2 year old) condo to achieve. I've said on this website many times if they where FHA approved they would have sold out. OR if they had a deal with Navy Federal Credit Union offering 3-5% down loans................

Anyway, I have a good relationship with the Berkshire Hathaway agent listing them and she just told me at the end of this month they should surpass 50% SOLD. That's good news.

I don't know what type of financing is available but it could be a 10% down conventional loan.  Only
way to find out is to make the call. You can PM me and I'll send you the info.   

[riverside_mail]

I would say that nearly half of the condos are sold.

..I find this very hard to believe.

The Gorrie is on my mail route. By my last count, I deliver to 34 units.

[MusicMan]

Probably one of them is Mrs. Weaver's office, but I believe there are 63 total units............................

[MusicMan]

For anyone who is interested, there is one unit currently being marketed as a rental. A 2/2 with 1400 sf. Asking $1575 monthly. Considering a 1/1 at Belle Riverside starts at $1240 this seems pretty competitive.

[JFman00]

It only took 6 years, but the Gorrie hit 50% sold yesterday.

[mtraininjax]

Financing has changed a LOT in 6 years. That is the difference maker, that and people's financial statements too. Should continue to do well with improving economy.

[JFman00]

John Gorrie condos now FHA approved.

The John Gorrie a condominium was recently awarded Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approval, which allows qualified homebuyers the opportunity to obtain low down payment, fixed rate mortgages at competitive rates.

             "We are thrilled to receive FHA approval for The John Gorrie," said Delores Barr Weaver, owner of The John Gorrie a condominium. "Being FHA-approved allows more opportunity for prospective homebuyers to receive lower down payment rates and various other loan and insurance opportunities."

FHA is the most widely accepted mortgage option by commercial leaders, credit unions and private mortgage companies. Being FHA-approved verifies that the condominium association is financially stable through an independent audit of the association budget; is primarily comprised of owner-occupants rather than investors; and that the construction of the buildings is in compliance with FHA standards.

"A condominium that is primarily owned by its residents typically experience more stable property values than investor-owned communities," said Weaver. "The John Gorrie is truly an exceptional residence for families and individuals of all ages seeking unique charm in a thriving community. We are proud of the condominium and the community atmosphere it has developed and look forward to working with homebuyers through the FHA," said Weaver.

Formerly the John Gorrie Junior High School, the building was constructed in 1923 and was designed by noted Jacksonville architects Roy A. Benjamin and Mellen C. Greeley. The school's ornate design reflects Mediterranean Revival architecture popular in the early 1920s and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1987 before closing in 1997, after the last graduating class. After a dozen years of neglect and disrepair, Weaver began the meticulous restoration and renovation of the two buildings that housed the school, investing a substantial amount of her own time and money into the project. Today, The John Gorrie a condominium consists of 68 residences with luxurious contemporary amenities including 12-foot ceilings, expansive windows, stainless steel GE appliances, CaesarStone countertops and hardwood floors.

The John Gorrie offers one- and two-bedroom residences and two-story townhomes. Amenities include a custom fitness center, a private courtyard, elevators, private gated parking and a resident reading room with Wi-Fi Internet access. Residents are also in close proximity to the St. Johns River and a variety of beautiful parks. Due to the historical elements and significance of the former school buildings, The John Gorrie a condominium has been granted an ad valorem tax abatement towards each homeowner's tax bill through 2021. This abatement translates into approximately a 50 percent reduction in the resident's real estate taxes.

For more information about how you can be part of The John Gorrie community, call Lee S. Elmore at (904) 383-3688 or visit www.TheJohnGorrie.com.