Jacksonville businessman plans restaurants, more for downtown and Five Points

[thelakelander]

Steve Williams' ambitions as a redeveloper of small, historic buildings are growing.

First, he's decided to purchase the former Peterson's Five & Dime in Five Points. He's had it under contract while he did his homework to make sure it would work.

But now Williams, who's an artist and owner of Harbinger sign company, has made up his mind and said he will close on that property on March 24.

And he's already taken a second step. Williams said he has the building at 331 W. Forsyth St. downtown under contract. It's often referred to as the Tucker Brothers Building after the real estate firm that operated out of it.

But Williams plans to call it The Federal after its first occupant, First Federal Savings and Loan.

The plan there is similar to the Five Points building, which he will call by its original name, Peterson's Five & Dime: Retail and restaurants downstairs, offices upstairs.

Both buildings are two stories. Peterson's is 10,000 square feet while Tucker Brothers is 8,600.

Full article: http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2015-03-04/story/jacksonville-businessman-plans-restaurants-more-downtown-and-five-points

[vicupstate]

Gee, what would this guy want with an old building in DT/LaVilla?  Why doesn't he just build new from the ground up?  Well, I guess in LaVilla, it would be from the slab up.  Doesn't he realize old empty buildings have no value, no potential?  Is Kim Scott getting slack on the job?  This situation demands answers!!

[Tacachale]

This is awesome. More of this, please.

[thelakelander]

Pretty cool. With Citizens moving in across the street later this year, the Federal will have an extra 1k people walking past its front door every day.

[IrvAdams]

^^Yes, I think this building will be an instant hit. Well placed and good foot traffic. Can't wait to see the inside.

[mtraininjax]

And don't forget the bus station is still there full of lots of people who are looking for a handout. Welcome to downtown Citizens!

[thelakelander]

I walk past the bus station every day. I never get asked for a handout. It's basically bus riders waiting for family members or friends to pick them up after arriving in Jax....and a line of taxi drivers.

[Marle Brando]

Is this the former sweet lady blue lounge that never opened/failed?

[thelakelander]

http://www.metrojacksonville.com/forum/index.php?topic=15112.0

^Yes. Also Sweet Lady Blue opened for two or three days before never opening again. I had the opportunity to try them out. The food was pretty good. Too bad they never made it to their "official" grand opening.

[mtraininjax]

I walk past the bus station every day. I never get asked for a handout. It's basically bus riders waiting for family members or friends to pick them up after arriving in Jax....and a line of taxi drivers.

we must live in two different jacksonvilles, I get pan-handled along there.

[thelakelander]

You must look like a sucker . The only thing I ever notice is the guys staring pretty hard at women walking between the garage and EverBank Center.

[Tacachale]

I do get asked for handouts in that area. I don't give any. My day isn't affected much more than a slight irritation.

[thelakelander]

Hmmm. Maybe I just look like I'd say no, so no one bothers me.

[Houseboat Mike]

Looks like this is finally getting started, there are a bunch of guys doing demo and there is a dumpster out front.

[Steve]

^His Five Points project or Downtown Project?