Building Up Jax: New developer for LaVilla townhome project

Building Up Jax is a weekly article series, posted each Saturday morning, that provides you with the latest updates on development and construction in the greater Jacksonville area.

LaVilla townhomes to get new development group

Vestcor has decided to scrap its plans for a townhome community next to Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park in LaVilla – but the vacant property is still set to be redeveloped as townhomes by another developer.

Johnson Commons LLC, a joint venture between JWB Real Estate Capital and Corner Lot Development Group, is expected to take possession of the property and develop a 91-unit townhome community on the site, which Vestcor recently gave back to the city. A second phase of the project would add retail units as well.

As part of the deal, Johnson Commons LLC would also contribute $150,000 to the pending revamp of Lift Ev’ry Voice Park.

The group had previously submitted a bid to develop the site; the city chose Vestcor’s proposal instead. The property, valued at $3.58 million, would be conveyed to the new development group by the city.

St. Johns commercial updates

A few new tenants have been confirmed for some of the many commercial developments underway currently in northern St. Johns County.

Parlor Studios and Mademoiselle Hair Salon received permits for build-out within The Forum at Greenbriar.

7-Eleven is confirmed at Durbin Creek Crossing, where it’ll face the corner of Race Track Rd. and St. Johns Pkwy.

Rukus Cycling Studio plans to open this spring within Bartram Market.

Additionally, the previously-confirmed Island Wing Company received a permit for the construction of a new $1.1 million, 7,300-square-foot restaurant building at 360 Bartram Market Dr. within Bartram Market.

Tru by Hilton now open in Mandarin

Local contractor Stellar recently announced the completion of a new Tru by Hilton hotel in Mandarin.

The 4-story, 106-room hotel is located at 2970 Hartley Rd., just off of I-295; it is being managed by Driftwood Hospitality.

The hotel opened its doors late last month.

Noted projects

The Bolles School received a permit for $2.6 million in renovations to the historic San Jose Hotel building around which its campus was built. The school is converting the second floor of the building into additional dorm rooms and office space.
D.R. Horton submitted plans for Cope’s Landing, a 203-lot single-family residential development off of Cisco Dr. in Northwest Jax. Those plans also show a community center, pool, and playground within the community.
Vestcor received a permit for interior demolition at 325 E. Duval St. The company plans to convert the historic building into apartment units.
Kitchen USA submitted plans for a new 11,000-square-foot warehouse building at Philips Hwy. and Lenoir Ave. to complement its existing location at 6945 Philips Hwy.
Agiliti received a permit for build-out at 10255 Fortune Pkwy.
Brooks Rehabilitation received a permit to expand into an adjacent unit at 7749 Normandy Blvd.
Bryte Payment Solutions received a permit for build-out at 6440 Southpoint Pkwy.
Lion Electric received a permit for build-out at 14353 N. Main St.
Matrix One Source received a permit for build-out at 12735 Gran Bay Pkwy.
Pet Supplies Plus received a permit for build-out within two vacant units in Lakewood Promenade at 1614 W. University Blvd.
Gate Petroleum submitted plans for a new Gate Express Car Wash location next to an existing Gate gas station at SR-16 and I-95 in St. Johns.
Hook & Catch Seafood & Chicken received a permit for build-out at 3609 N. Main St.