12. State & Union Street Resurfacing Project
The Florida Department of Transportation is investing $13 million in the resurfacing of State and Unions Streets and the Mathews Expressway between I-95 and MLK, Jr. Parkway. The 4-mile project includes repairing and replacing sidewalks, upgrades to handicap-accessible sidewalk ramps, crosswalks and repair to storm drain pipes and inlets. Also included in this project is the conversion of Main Street, between State and Union Streets, from a one-way to a two-way street. This project is anticipated to be completed in the summer of 2017.
For more information: https://myfdotnefl.wordpress.com/2015/11/16/state-street-union-street-and-mathews-expressway-resurfacing-project-2/
13. FSCJ Dormitory
The Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) is in the process of converting the long vacant Lerner Shops Building into student housing. When complete, FSCJ plans to house up to 60 students in the structure at 20 W. Adams Street. In addition, FSCJ plans to open a “Panera-style” culinary café on the building’s ground floor that will act as showcase for the school’s culinary program.
For more information: https://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/blog/morning-edition/2016/02/fscj-student-housing-capitalizes-on-larger-trends.html
14. Hemming Park Renovations
Renovations continue at Hemming Park. Currently permanent fencing is being installed to limit pedestrian access to the retaining walls and fountain surrounding the Confederate monument in the center of the park.
For more information:
15. Gate Petroleum
Vertical construction is underway on a new Gate gas station at the SW corner of Park and Forest Streets. When complete, the $1.3 million gas station will feature 20 fueling positions and 6,401-square-foot convenience store with outdoor seating.
For more information: https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=547270
16. Tossgreen
Local healthful fast-casual restaurant chain Tossgreen, plans to open a 1,500 square foot restaurant on the ground-floor of the SunTrust Tower in summer 2017. Offering breakfast and lunch, the restaurant will include outdoor seating along Laura Street.
For more information: https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=548927&searchtext=tossgreen
17. LIVE Bakery and Bar featuring Maria’s Baked Goods
The Live Bakery and Bar will be opening soon at 327 and 331 East Bay Street. According to the Jax Daily Record, “Owner John Ferra said the bar area would offer seafood, such as oysters and crab legs, and operate more as a sports lounge. He expects to open about 4 p.m. and close late.”. In addition, Live Bakery will be an offshoot a Greek-based bakery operated by Maria Ferra at 5570 Florida Mining Boulevard South. The bakery will specialize in bread and dessert products. The 200 seat restaurant, bar and bakery will employ 15 people when it is completed in six to twelve months.
For more information: https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=549171
18. Houston Street Manor
Beneficial Communities, LLC, an affordable housing developer, plans to transform a vacant lot at 139 North Jefferson Street into a 72-unit senior housing development. Vertical construction continues on the $8.6 million, seven-story building with five floors for apartments over two stories of parking.
19. The Happy Grilled Cheese
Anthony Hashem, the self-proclaimed ‘Sultan of all Things Cheesy’ behind popular The Happy Grilled Cheese food truck, is opening his first brick and mortar location this week in downtown Jacksonville. Downtown diners can enjoy a full menu of gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and melts at 219 N Hogan Street.
https://www.moderncities.com/article/2017-feb-the-happy-grilled-cheese-opening-downtown
20. Burlock & Barrel Whiskey Distillery
The Burlock & Barrel American Whiskey Distillery plans to open a whiskey distillery to produce premium spirits in Brooklyn. The new distillery will be located at 417 Magnolia Street.
For more information: https://www.moderncities.com/article/2016-jul-burlock-barrel-whiskey-distillery-coming-to-riverside
21. Baptist Health Lot A Parking Structure
Construction continues on the development of a new parking garage for Baptist Health at 1051 Palm Avenue. The proposed garage will be a seven story building with an overall height of approximately 90 feet. The project will have a footprint of 116,793 square feet with a total of 817,551 square feet providing 2,247 parking spaces with 33 accessible spaces. The parking garage is needed to support the continued growth and master planning of the Baptist Medical Center on the Southbank. The garage is anticipated to be completed by January 2018.
For more information: https://www.moderncities.com/article/2016-oct-baptist-health-plans-massive-southbank-parking-garage
22. Sidney J. Gefen Riverwalk Park
Work continues on the construction of a re-routed riverwalk that will replace an existing Northbank Riverwalk footbridge in Sidney J. Gefen Riverwalk Park. When complete, the re-routed riverwalk will include a new launching spot for kayaking.
For more information: https://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2017-05-16/northbank-riverwalk-footbridge-jacksonville-be-demolished-kayak-launching-spot
23. The Barnett
The conversion of the old Barnett National Bank building will soon be underway. Recently, two building permits have been issued for $399,250 worth slab work and another $258,700 worth of interior demolition. Major work should begin in two to three months. When complete, the Barnett will include 50,000 square feet of commercial office space and 100 apartments.
For more information: https://jacksonville.com/business/real-estate/2017-06-02/first-work-beginning-old-barnett-bank-building