Building Up Jax: Plans revealed for LaVilla Line of Emerald Trail

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 LINE OF EMERALD TRAIL PLANS RELEASED

Groundwork Jacksonville unveiled the design for the first phase of its Emerald Trail project.

The model project, to be known as the LaVilla Link, consists of a 1.3-mile trail running through LaVilla and connecting Brooklyn and the S-Line Rail Link. Included in the plans are gathering spots at the Park Street viaduct and the Lee Street retention pond. The trail also runs through several important landmarks depicting local Black history; wayfinding signage and public art installations are expected to complement those landmarks.

You can take a virtual tour of the LaVilla Link plans through the video below.

The LaVilla Line is expected to break ground in the fall and is expected to open in fall 2021. It’s part of the larger Emerald Trail project that aims to provide 30 miles of connected walking and biking trails throughout Jacksonville’s urban core by 2029.

ALDI COMING TO PHILIPS/EMERSON INTERSECTION

ALDI is coming to the busy intersection of Philips Hwy. and Emerson St.

The grocer received two permits this week: one to demolish an existing former Wells Fargo branch building at 3650 Philips Hwy., and another for the construction of a new $1.95 million grocery store. It will join GATE Carwash, Wendy’s, and Dollar Tree among the recent additions to the intersection, which also features a gas station and a Taco Bell location.

NOTED PROJECTS

CVS Health received a permit for interior renovations to an existing location at 4475 San Juan Ave.
Several local Target locations received permits for interior alterations to accommodate online pickup services. This includes its stores on Beach Blvd., Crosshill Blvd., Monument Rd., San Jose Blvd., and River City Dr.
Dunkin’ received a permit for renovations to an existing location at 116 Oakleaf Village Pwky.
Ally Financial received a permit for build-out within an existing office building at 12808 Gran Bay Pkwy. W.
Whataburger submitted plans for a new 3,000 sq. ft. location at 1778 Blanding Blvd. in Middleburg.
Burger King submitted plans for a 2,900 sq. ft. location along Race Track Rd. as part of the Durbin Creek Crossing commercial development.
Florida Blue received multiple signage permits to add its logo and signage to its future parking garage at 800 Forest St.
Ray Carter Kia of Orange Park submitted plans for the addition of a car-washing facility at its existing location along Blanding Blvd.
Kozman Realty submitted plans to redevelop a six-story former FBI building located at 7820 Arlington Expy. into low-income housing.