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

[Jagsdrew]

I think the new HQ needs to stay in the core. Lot J rendering looks very suburbia.  Lot J should focus around entertainment and nightlife rather than Class A office.

I can see the JEA HQ looking similar to Tulsa's city hall on a slightly smaller scale.  Also, the parking garage needs some better design elements which I know this is the first design but it really needs some work.

[KenFSU]

The four-block option would be a potentially mixed-use co-development led by Steve Atkins.

Kinda love the idea.

[acme54321]

The four-block option would be a potentially mixed-use co-development led by Steve Atkins.

Kinda love the idea.

Well that is kind of cool then.  Makes a lot more sense now

[copperfiend]

The four-block option would be a potentially mixed-use co-development led by Steve Atkins.

Kinda love the idea.

That would be nice

[thelakelander]

Out of these, the four block mixed use project is superior. However, I'd take Block 48 over Lot J. Lot J would be such a waste, IMO. DT would be better off with JEA staying in the actual core. What the Jags want to do should build upon downtown, not directly compete against it.

[itsfantastic1]

Out of these, the four block mixed use project is superior. However, I'd take Block 48 over Lot J. Lot J would be such a waste, IMO. DT would be better off with JEA staying in the actual core. What the Jags want to do should build upon downtown, not directly compete against it.

I agree, additionally the four block option may allow some of the core development from the CBD to spill into the church district and Elbow. However, it was very difficult to tell exactly what they were proposing on each block, but I realize it is all preliminary at this point.

[KenFSU]

^It's a retrofit of the current building, with three additional parcels.

Two other options being considered include moving to the BOA Tower or One Enterprise Center.

Interesting that the land swap is apparently off, and JEA wants to buy that property outright if it decides on it. Hopefully this allows the old tower to avoid the wrecking ball if JEA relocates.

[thelakelander]

The sketch doesn't look like a retrofit. That tower isn't in the same location as the existing tower. It looks like a new tower on the east side of Main Street.

[KenFSU]

The sketch doesn't look like a retrofit. That tower isn't in the same location as the existing tower. It looks like a new tower on the east side of Main Street.

Agreed, the sketch doesn't match the project description.

Here's the retrofit source:

https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/jea-considering-five-new-headquarters-sites

Edit: Actually, looking really closely at it, I think it is the existing tower, with a garage added where the existing customer service center is, some additional space added on, the revolving restaurant converted into a squared off top level, and additional mixed use buildings going toward the cathedral district.

[marcuscnelson]

The JDR article literally says:

Four-block footprint: A proposal by developer Steve Atkins would retrofit and expand the utility's current headquarters at 21 W. Church St.

Atkins' project calls for JEA's current headquarters to be retrofitted and expanded. In addition to JEA's  West Church Street parcel, renderings show three more sites between Main, Ocean, Monroe and Ashley streets developed into mixed-use.

[thelakelander]

Oh I did read the article. I'm just saying that sketch doesn't show the current headquarters being retrofitted and expanded. The existing tower is in the middle of the block. That tower in the rendering isn't. So while they may be proposing to retrofit, they aren't picking up a 19 story building and moving it.

[thelakelander]

Here's a sketch of the proposed 1980s downtown galleria mall they never built. It was proposed when May Cohens and Ivey's were still around. Take a look at the Universal Marion site. The square in the middle of the block is the tower.



Now match that up with the sketch below. Take note of the tower being located on the corner of the block. If that block were the current building site, the tower would be sitting on top of the old Ivey's building:



Also take a look at the site plan. The tower in the sketch is site 2 between Main and Ocean. Look close and you'll even see the green rooftop courtyard.  There's also a ped overpass between sites 3 and 4 on the plan and you can see it in the perspective rendering. So the current Universal Marion site in the sketch is site 1.

[KenFSU]

^Yep, totally see what you're talking about after you pointed out the rooftop courtyard. Pretty sure you're right and the Daily Record caption is wrong.

Even without full details, I think the Atkins plan is the most exciting by a mile. Mixed used, and with how aggressively he's been looking for more multifamily residential downtown, you've got to think that will be a component of the plan.

Worse case scenario is Lot J.

It's not a central location for JEA or its customers. It's not good for downtown, removing 800 bodies from the CBD. And I'd argue that it's not even good for Shad Khan, as culturally, JEA is pretty much the opposite of the live/work/party crowd they want to appeal to.

[heights unknown]

Haven't heard anything yet; nothing. And believe me, I've been looking. Just a hunch, but it's been a little over a year now since they announced this, so they've gotta be close to releasing THE rendering to the public. They probably have had a lot of renderings submitted but are analyzing them and looking over them to choose the right one relative to cost and appearance, and of course other factors that are relative to making that choice. Can't wait until they release it. I hope it is tall, a new icon for the skyline height and appearance wise, and maybe will include parking on the lower floors, something Jax hasn't done much of with its tall buildings and towers. I believe we're close to hearing something from them...we shall see.

I think you might be disappointed, unfortunately.

JEA hasn't even decided where to build yet, let alone what to build.

The first stage of the project, long before CBRE and the JEA solicit bids for any type of design, is conducting a feasibility study of the proposed parcel discussed for construction.

As in, is the parking lot at 325 West Adams that the JEA wants to swap the city for suitable for construction, does the area meet the JEA's other logistical and business needs, and will the parcel allow for whatever growth JEA has planned in the next 50 years.

There's no indication of if or when that study will be complete, or even if it's been formally started.

Once that's complete, then the JEA needs to formally negotiate the land swap with the city.

Then, and only then, will JEA/CBRE solicit bids for construction and design.

Thanks Ken; had completely forgot about the land swap. I hope something starts to happen soon, if not, oh well, there's other goody things happening downtown.

Good call Heights! I was wrong!

The four block development is interesting.

Block 48 isn't very interesting.

Lot J is going to be the x-factor.

I think Curry, Khan, and Lamping are going to push hard for it, but with how closely JEA works with the city, I think it would be hard to give up that proximity..

Thanks; I got lucky; it was just a hunch. But to be honest, I do not like those renderings. I know these are NOT final and there's got to be other renderings out there; this can't be final.

[heights unknown]

Out of these, the four block mixed use project is superior. However, I'd take Block 48 over Lot J. Lot J would be such a waste, IMO. DT would be better off with JEA staying in the actual core. What the Jags want to do should build upon downtown, not directly compete against it.

Yes Lakelander...my sentiments as well, keep JEA in the CBD/Urban core, not displaced away in or near the entertainment district in and around the jags; jags are entertainment, keep it that way, when you get past metro park and up near the landing, that's urban core. That other space near the courthouse seems good to me. Hope that this rendering is the first of many. Jax needs to stop being so retro, old boy, and "in a box," and move up to the sky and be the city of a million people that consolidation says it is. And yes people make a city, but indicative of a city of close to a million people is a dramatic and awesome skyline; so let's bust ass and get moving Jax!