Mixed-use project proposed for Ambassador Hotel block

[Ken_FSU]

Fun write-up by the T-U.

https://www.jacksonville.com/story/business/real-estate/2022/03/22/jacksonville-ambassador-hotel-become-tryp-wyndham/9450948002/

[pierre]

I stayed at a Tryp by Wyndham in NY and it was honestly one of the worst hotels I've ever stayed in. Hopefully just an issue with that one location and not the brand as a whole.

[thelakelander]

I've never stayed in a Wyndham brand (I'm a Marriott guy with too many points to veer elsewhere) but I wish them well. Just happy to see a building being reused as opposed to being razed.

[jaxlongtimer]

The "basement" level of this building used to house Sunshine Stamp and Coins during the 60's and 70's.  Was the only such store at the time in Jax as I recall and they charged like it .

[heights unknown]

There was a Bar on the north basement side that I used to frequent in my younger days; the Ambassador Lounge. Had some good good times in that place. Hole in the wall yes, but much juicy drama went on down there.

[tufsu1]

I stayed at a Tryp by Wyndham in NY and it was honestly one of the worst hotels I've ever stayed in. Hopefully just an issue with that one location and not the brand as a whole.

I stay at Wyndham hotels quite often and they can be hit or miss. I too have stayed at a Tryp in New York, as well as one in Savannah - they were both good.

[thelakelander]

DIA board gives Ambassador Hotel developer until March 2023 to complete work

A city agency is giving Augustine Development Group LLC more time to complete its estimated $17.6 million renovation of the historic Ambassador Hotel in Downtown because of what the developer says are supply chain-related slowdowns.

The Downtown Investment Authority Board voted 6-0 on Oct. 20 as part of its consent agenda to allow Augustine Development subsidiary AXIS Hotels LLC, until at least the end of March 2023 to complete renovations on what the company says will be a 127-room TRYP by Wyndham hotel and restaurant.

Full article: https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/dia-board-gives-ambassador-hotel-developer-until-march-2023-to-complete-work

[Houseboat Mike]

DIA board gives Ambassador Hotel developer until March 2023 to complete work

A city agency is giving Augustine Development Group LLC more time to complete its estimated $17.6 million renovation of the historic Ambassador Hotel in Downtown because of what the developer says are supply chain-related slowdowns.

The Downtown Investment Authority Board voted 6-0 on Oct. 20 as part of its consent agenda to allow Augustine Development subsidiary AXIS Hotels LLC, until at least the end of March 2023 to complete renovations on what the company says will be a 127-room TRYP by Wyndham hotel and restaurant.

Full article: https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/dia-board-gives-ambassador-hotel-developer-until-march-2023-to-complete-work

Not too surprising. The lead times for some items is beyond 12 months at this point, especially for technology stuff. Glass is another biggie. Hopefully they didn't bite off more than they can handle, it really does feel like we are at some kind of inflection point for greater DT.

[Captain Zissou]

I have not driven by in some time, but I did not realize that they were so far along with the project?  Does finishing by March or June really seem feesible?

[thelakelander]

They've been moving along. June seems realistic and within reach.

[acme54321]

I rode my bike by a few weeks ago and it looked like they had completed interior demo but there is no way that's done by March IMO.

[heights unknown]

Supply chain issues? Seems like it's not really their fault. And I've driven by of late and it's humming right along. Windows are being put in and insides are coming along as well. Old Independent life is being worked on diligently though we all know that will take some time. Lot of work to be done on that one.

[JaxJersey-licious]

I was afraid this would happen. When I went by the Ambassador sight there was no sight of any workers or work having been done on the building in months and was told they still had a problem ordering the windows but it just seemed this project had died a slow death. But unfortunately, it appears this company, already way over their head working on the Ambassador, has financial problems also affecting the Independent Life building (which did seem to have some construction activity) and any future plans for the Central National Bank building.

https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/local/2023/06/28/downtown-jacksonville-developer-deals-with-liens-and-foreclosure-suits/70331767007/

Hate to think of this as another Desperate Downtown Desperately Disperses to get Desperate Developers situation...

[marcuscnelson]

Didn't we give incentives for this? Jeez.

[tufsu1]

Didn't we give incentives for this? Jeez.

Incentives that are not paid out until the project is complete