Study recommends JEA demolish, rebuild headquarters at $57 to $64 million

[thelakelander]

Some sketches from the 1971 Master Plan when the DDA proposed connecting these buildings with May Cohens (now city) via a multi-level above ground enclosed shopping mall:

[vicupstate]

I have always found the JEA building very unattractive.  I don't see retail going back into that area either. DT has a long way to go before that would happen. Maybe JEA could rehab/add on to the Old Independent Life building (not to be confused with the Wells Fargo building, which was the succeeding Independent Life building).   

[vicupstate]

Reminds of when their were proposals for the other JEA building.




Edjax, I believe they have a chilling plant behind the new courthouse.

This was the old Independent Life building wasn't it?

[thelakelander]

^Yes, JEA doesn't own that building anymore.

[thelakelander]

I have always found the JEA building very unattractive.

Like the Haydon Burns Library, it's a Mid Century Modern complex of buildings.  Some will hate the look of buildings from that era, others will cherish them.

I don't see retail going back into that area either. DT has a long way to go before that would happen.

Yeah, nothing full blown like it was in the 1960s. However, Main/Ocean still had an AADT around 20k in 2015, according to FDOT Traffic Online. That's significantly higher than any other streets in DT outside of State and Union.

While it probably won't land a Target, the traffic count, DT's workforce population, ground floor plates, dedicated parking and site visibility could be feasible for some other big box uses like a Walgreens, Staples, Office Depot, etc. Because of the floor plates, the various buildings may be suitable for a host of other mix of uses ranging from dining, cultural and retail to hotel, office and residential.

[heights unknown]

I love the look of the old Ivy (now JEA) building. I remember this building in the early to mid 60s when it was virtually new (I was about 7 or 8 years old back then). I have always loved skyscrapers and was in awe of them and back in the day I used to get happy when my Mom said we were going shopping to Woolworth's, penny's, may cohens, etc. It was a treat to me holding her hand and just gawking and staring at those tall buildings (no true talls or even supertalls in jax back then). In my opinion, and I hope, they sell the existing building, and build a brand new skyscraper (around 400 to 500 feet tall), to provide a signature and impact to the city and the skyline; hey, JEA is a local business and commercial force in Jacksonville, so don't be scared JEA, provide an "in your face" impact and effect by building a signature skyscraper to add to our already interesting skyline (it could use a lot more for a city of almost 900K people). This is my take.

[jaxjaguar]

Since they don't want the parking structure under the building a realistic expectation would be ~250-300' high. If they put the employee parking under the building it could be closer to 400'

[thelakelander]

Without integrated parking, with the amount of desired square footage, you'd probably be looking at something in the range of EverBank on Riverside Avenue.

[heights unknown]

Modest and restrained, but doable and acceptable.

[FlaBoy]

Without integrated parking, with the amount of desired square footage, you'd probably be looking at something in the range of EverBank on Riverside Avenue.

What about the idea of them buying an existing building like the Aetna Building, Riverside Everbank, or One Enterprise?

Also, there is way too much vacant land for them to demolish the building. Sell it off. I think a great block for the building would be across from the Library on Main. They also already own some land across the street where the Salvation Army is.

[thelakelander]

An existing building constructed for another use, basically puts them in the same situation that they have with the JEA Building. If you're going to spend millions because one building isn't suited for your specialized operational needs, you might as well build something new that is designed and built specifically for your niche.

[Tacachale]

It seems crazy to pay to tear down the building when there must be other lots that would be suitable. Unlike some uses, a utility company office facility doesn't need a prime location and ought to work anywhere else in downtown. Plus, what are they going to do until the thing is demolished and rebuilt? There must be some other way to do this.

[JaxJersey-licious]

For consideration...JEA build anew, the School Board sells their property on the river and lease either the customer service center or part of the former tower. Thoughts?

[thelakelander]

^Hmm. Well it would have the dedicated parking that the school board seeks. However, it's about twice as much space than the school board needs.

[FlaBoy]

^Hmm. Well it would have the dedicated parking that the school board seeks. However, it's about twice as much space than the school board needs.

Even just the Customer Service Center?