Building Up Jax: JWB Real Estate Capital eyes two adaptive reuse projects downtown

JWB Real Estate Capital to redevelop historic downtown buildings

JWB Real Estate Capital is looking to redevelop two adjacent historic buildings near James Weldon Johnson Park.

The development group, fresh off the completion of its Ashley Street Container Lofts project, seeks to renovate the Florida Baptist Convention building at 218 W. Church St. and the Federal Reserve building at 424 N. Hogan St. The Florida Baptist Convention building would be revamped to house 24 market-rate apartment units, two restaurant units, and two retail units. The Federal Reserve building, meanwhile, would become home to two restaurant units and 4,500 square feet of event space.

The company’s plans are currently being reviewed by the city’s Downtown Investment Authority, with up to $8.6 million in city funding being discussed for the $18.5 million project. If approved, construction would begin within six months of the final agreement with DIA.

JWB also owns the Sweet Pete’s building at 400 N. Hogan St.; it received a permit this week to add a rooftop patio to that building as well.

Hallmark Partners seeks second REV grant for Vista Brooklyn

Hallmark Partners is seeking additional funding for its Vista Brooklyn project.

The development group is nearing completion on the project but has gone up to $30 million over its initial $50 million construction estimate. It seeks an additional REV grant, in the amount of no more than $1.56 million, to aid in acquiring tenants for the 12,969 square feet of ground-floor retail space that the building will offer. It also wants to modify its original DIA agreement to allow for commercial office tenants within the space, as opposed to solely allowing traditional retail.

The company says that COVID-19 has limited its ability to recruit traditional retail tenants at its expected lease rate.

Construction on the building is expected to finish up later this year.

Noted Projects

• Wawa received multiple permits related to the construction of its new convenience store and gas station at 1004 N. Edgewood Ave.
• Chick-fil-A submitted plans for a small building addition and a reconfiguration of its drive-thru lanes at its existing location within St. Johns Town Center.
• A permit was issued for the demolition of an existing commercial building at 1931 Blanding Blvd.
• Prime Liquors received a permit for build-out at 6810 103^rd St.
• Palace of Rugs submitted plans for a new sales and cleaning facility along Cesery Blvd. between Arlington Rd. and Arlington Expwy.