JEA weighs options to repair - or tear down aging downtown tower

[mtraininjax]

The building is a dump, City Hall has nicer offices than what is in this building. Renovating Floor by Floor would be a nightmare, as the elevators would first need to be replaced and even then a single freight elevator with 3 passenger elevators is by no means current as compared to other buildings like CSX, BCBSFL or other downtown buildings.

They would be better off with a new building, perhaps in Lavilla, where they have plenty of room to spread out and not build a monstrous structure. Federal Reserve chose to build a structure with new security instead of the old building where JFRD is now. The security there is pretty intense and it makes sense if they can build close to the new Transportation Hub.

[Steve]

Not disputing their desire to move out - go ahead. But why knock it down? Buy land (or a building or lease space) and sell the current building.

[marksjax]

I was curious to find that the Universal-Marion Building has a direct tie to one of our biggest philanthropists, Louis Wolfson
This from Wikipedia:

"His Universal Marion Co. owned the Miami Beach Sun and the Jacksonville Chronicle newspapers and made movies through a subsidiary. The firm co-financed the production of Mel Brooks' first movie, The Producers, which won an Oscar and later became a major Broadway play.[6] The building now known as the JEA Tower in Jacksonville was called the Universal-Marion Building when the firm was the largest tenant. At its peak, his industrial and commercial empire had total assets estimated at a quarter of a billion dollars."

Another fact about Mr. Wolfson I did not know was that he also was the breeder and owner of Triple Crown Winner Affirmed.

[Lunican]

How is demolishing and building a new structure on that site less disruptive than a potential power outage from a potential storm?

The building isn't even that old! If they couldn't maintain what they've got they can't maintain a new one either!

[CityLife]

That conference room on the top floor is awesome with great views. It would probably be a bar/club/restaurant in bigger cities, and could potentially be one down the road if JEA sells the building. I'm not a huge fan of mid-century modern, but think the biggest issue with this building and old city hall are the colors. I think a little exterior touch up would make a huge difference. As others have pointed out, architectural styles go in and out. Who is to say this won't be a cherished style in 50 years?

Real shame is that there isn't a strong demand for downtown housing or hotels, or JEA could probably make out pretty well by putting it on the market.

[icarus]

I am all for preservation of interesting, cool, old buildings. But this aint that.

+100

[Lunican]

Maybe they can renovate the Old Jea Tower and move into that.

[mtraininjax]

think the biggest issue with this building and old city hall are the colors. I think a little exterior touch up would make a huge difference.

How does changing the outside color of the building improve the functionality of the elevators or raised floor systems in the building? The floors are very much like those that were in the Southern Bell building, raised flooring, which is not used as much anymore. The building is obsolete without a major rebuild and if we have a hurricane, sounds like its in real trouble. Why not just start over, for the money, and then give the city the building, because COJ knows what to do with real estate  , but get into some new digs for a major player of employees in Jacksonville, for years to come. Its embarrassing that they invite people from other power companies to come to meetings and events at these HQ. They were nice in their time, but its come and gone.

[thelakelander]

I was curious to find that the Universal-Marion Building has a direct tie to one of our biggest philanthropists, Louis Wolfson
This from Wikipedia:

"His Universal Marion Co. owned the Miami Beach Sun and the Jacksonville Chronicle newspapers and made movies through a subsidiary. The firm co-financed the production of Mel Brooks' first movie, The Producers, which won an Oscar and later became a major Broadway play.[6] The building now known as the JEA Tower in Jacksonville was called the Universal-Marion Building when the firm was the largest tenant. At its peak, his industrial and commercial empire had total assets estimated at a quarter of a billion dollars."

Another fact about Mr. Wolfson I did not know was that he also was the breeder and owner of Triple Crown Winner Affirmed.

This building was also the headquarters for Charter back in the 1970s.

[strider]

The fact is, it is "trashed"" because they allowed it to get that way. If they actually cared about the building or what other power companies thought, they would have not allowed the building to get "trashed". So a great Idea, let's built them a new building so they can trash that one too!

I suspect that it is far cheaper to "trash" the building you have, build a new one and abandon the old one than it is to properly keep the existing building maintained and updated. The issue is then, we end up with a second JEA building empty and unwanted. Nice.

[camarocane]

The fact is, it is "trashed"" because they allowed it to get that way. If they actually cared about the building or what other power companies thought, they would have not allowed the building to get "trashed". So a great Idea, let's built them a new building so they can trash that one too!

I suspect that it is far cheaper to "trash" the building you have, build a new one and abandon the old one than it is to properly keep the existing building maintained and updated. The issue is then, we end up with a second JEA building empty and unwanted. Nice.

Stupid.
Its not "trashed" by any means. The building has just not been maintained as well as it could be, by that I mean they only invest in critical issues to keep it safe and functional... Now its nearing its end of live and a major overhaul MAY need to occur, but its definitely not trashed....If you were the CEO of JEA im sure you wouldnt mind telling rate payers to expect an increase becasue they want new carpet in the lobby  and tile in the restrooms to "impress" Duke and FPL reps. 

[Jax Friend]

If this building is allowed to fall it will be a sad day in Jacksonville. As we careen toward the future buildings like that of the JEA Tower will begin to be appreciated. This was a quality building built for a major corporation. It is rare to find buildings anywhere that exhibit its characteristic. If this city ever wants to coin a school of architecture for itself buildings like the JEA Tower need to be celebrated and protected.

I am all for preservation of interesting, cool, old buildings. But this aint that.

You're right, let's tear that B%#@# down. I can see it now, a starved classical design, all in stucco, no doubt. It could be the symbol of Jacksonville's new tomorrow. Can't wait

[Steve]

Interesting quote in the Daily Record Article:

http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=545426

"The goal is to stay Downtown," he said. "We are anchored to Downtown."

That could mean the only options would be to repair the building's deficiencies or tear it down and build a new structure on the site to replace it.

The estimated cost for demolition and replacement is listed in the report at nearly $44 million with the caveat that replacing the building would involve "significant uncertainty in cost estimates."

Moving JEA's more than 750 Downtown workers into a new space nearby likely would not be an option.

Finding 300,000 square feet of single-site office space Downtown for lease would be a challenge, said Traci Jenks, senior director of brokerage at Cushman & Wakefield.

She said that amount of space in a single building is not available for lease Downtown. It could be available in a suburban office park, she said, but construction might be the best choice for the size needed.

"It's more of a 'build-to-suit' opportunity for something that size," said Jenks.

At what point does the private market look at constructing an office tower? At 300k SqFt, it makes JEA an awesome anchor tenant, doesn't it?

[MEGATRON]

Why not sell it and include a JEA campus as part of the Healthy Town buildout.

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

At what point does the private market look at constructing an office tower? At 300k SqFt, it makes JEA an awesome anchor tenant, doesn't it?

Hmmmmm....

Would the possibility be there for the JEA to help jumpstart the commercial aspect of Khan's shipyard plan?