Urban Construction Update - March 2016

6. Hobnob Restaurant and Brixx Wood Pizza




Hobnob Restaurant and Brixx Wood Pizza will be opening soon at 220 Riverside.

Hobnob Restaurant

[ quote ]Getting the restaurant scene there requires bringing diversity to the table, Cottrill and Earnest said. Although they’re bringing pieces of Candy Apple to Hobnob — such as head chef Jamey Evoniuk — their focus will be different. It’s a place that will have “global inspirations with global intentions,” according to Earnest.

The restaurant is moving away from the industry trend of local-only ingredients, and pulling in international influences, with dishes like chili garlic salmon.
“There’s been a movement to use local-only products. As an example, if lobster isn’t available locally, then we shouldn’t serve lobster,” Cottrill said.

Their broader focus doesn’t mean they will disregard local ingredients, but rather try to do something different from many other restaurants in the area. “We will be continuing the path of some folks here, but with our own twist,” Cottrill said. “We’ll have a fun environment with a little more presentation and experiential space.”[ quote ]

For more information: http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2015/08/07/hobnob-aims-to-bring-global-focus-local-impact-to.html


Brixx Wood Pizza



North Carolina-based Brixx Wood Pizza will be opening their first Florida location at 220 Riverside.

[ quote ]The concept will include 3,714 square feet inside with a 1,400-square-foot outdoor patio. The location will feature wood fired pizzas, salads, pasta and sandwiches alongside a wide range of dietary options from vegetarian to vegan to gluten-free. Founders of the concept believe “everyone should be able to enjoy a night out for pizza!” Brixx Wood Fired Pizza is known for its high-quality menu paired with wine and craft beer in a casual but upscale atmosphere. Juna Partners, LLC is the franchisee and Lora Ramsey is the principal representing Florida’s first Brixx location.[ quote ]



For more information: http://advantagebizmag.com/blog/2015/11/03/franklin-street-brings-brixx-wood-fired-pizza-to-florida/





7. Jacksonville Public Library



Exterior renovations continue to move forward on downtown's Jacksonville Public Library.





8. You Can Bank on BBQ



A new restaurant called You Can Bank on BBQ will be opening soon at 331 West Forsyth Street.






9. Laura Apartments



Ron Chamblin, owner of the city's largest independent bookstore, is in the process of restoring a three story building at 225 North Laura Street.  When complete, the 100-year-old building will include six apartments above street level retail.

Full article: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2012-may-downtown-residential-project-underway#.U__RV_ldUYk




10. Cowford Chophouse



The restoration of the historic Bostwick Building continues to move forward. Forking Amazing Restaurants intends to convert the structure into an upscale steakhouse restaurant called the Cowford Chophouse. When complete later this year, the two floor dining establishment will feature a rooftop lounge with spectacular views of the city.









11. Riverside YMCA



Construction continues on the new YMCA on Riverside Avenue. The new facility will be 72,000 square feet, about 8,000 square feet bigger than the current one, which was built in the 1950s. Work is expected to take 15 months.









For more information: http://jacksonville.com/business/2015-05-05/story/construction-begin-soon-new-ymca-riverside-avenue





12. Elena Flats



Jack Meeks and his wife, JoAnn Tredennick, recently purchased the Elena Flats building at 122 E. Duval St. Work is underway to convert the former rooming house into four market-rate apartment units. Barring unforeseen complications, the apartments should be ready for rent in early 2017.







13. Element Bistro+Bar+Lounge/Myths



Nightlife Innovations, LLC. has entered into a five year lease agreement with Liberty Bay, Inc. to take over the old Club TSI location at 333 East Bay Street. Construction continues on plans to open a new mixed-use nightlife venue. Specializing in craft cocktails, Element Bistro+Bar+Lounge, will be located in the front of the building. The rear will be converted into a nightclub and live music venue called Myths.







14. Intuition Ale Works/Manifest Distilling

The 36,000-square foot warehouse at 929 East Bay Street is being converted into a new brewery and distillery. Intuition Ale Works will occupy roughly 60% of the structure. Manifest Distilling will occupy the structure's remaining space. Intuition Ale Works is anticipated to open its new location in summer 2016. Manifest will open in spring 2016.











For more information: http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2015/11/06/new-distillery-to-open-in-downtown-jacksonville.html




15. Broadstone River House Apartments



The Alliance Residential Company appears to be moving forward with their plans to construct the 265 unit Broadstone River House apartments on a 3.7-acre parking lot adjacent to the Duval County School Board building.





For more information: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2015-nov-new-downtown-living-broadstone-river-house-apartments-




16. 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 spring of 2017.





For more information: https://myfdotnefl.wordpress.com/2015/11/16/state-street-union-street-and-mathews-expressway-resurfacing-project-2/



17. Republic Parking

The Republic Parking surface lot, on the foundation of the old Cunningham Furniture Company at Broad and Forsyth, is in the process of being aesthetically upgraded.





18. 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: http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/blog/morning-edition/2016/02/fscj-student-housing-capitalizes-on-larger-trends.html



19. Level Jacksonville



Chicago-based Iconic Investors LLC acquired the 106-year old Groover-Stewart Drug Company warehouse building for $2.05 million. The 53,000 square-foot Groover Stewart Building is located at 25 Market Street, the 53,000-square foot building will be renovated into office uses.



20. EverBank Field

Stadium renovations continue at EverBank Field. In addition, the Jacksonville Jaguars plan to start construction on a new lex field and amphitheater in April 2016. The 5,500-seat amphitheater and flex field, which will be used for an indoor practice facility, as well as an events and entertainment venue, have been portrayed as a "game changer" by owner Shad Khan.



For more information: http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2016/03/17/jaguars-amphitheater-flex-field-construction-to.html




21. Bold City Brewery Downtown

Bold City Brewery is in the process of opening a new brewery and taproom at 109 E. Bay Street, next to the Cowford Chophouse. The new three-barrel system downtown location is intended to give brewers a chance to try new recipes and brew small, single batches.



For more information: http://jacksonville.com/business/2015-12-01/story/bold-city-adding-downtown-brewery