Building Up Jax: Vestcor seeks funding for Lofts at Cathedral

VESTCOR SEEKS CITY FUNDING FOR LOFTS AT CATHEDRAL

Vestcor is seeking $1.025 million in city funding for its planned Lofts at Cathedral development.

The project, which is planned for the former Florence Davis YWCA building at 325 E. Duval St. within the Cathedral District downtown, would involve converting the three-story structure into a 120-unit multifamily apartment complex. If approved, Vestcor would receive $625,000 from Downtown Investment Authority’s Northbank CRA Loan Fund along with $400,000 through the city’s historic preservation fund.

In total, the project is expected to cost $28.7 million to complete. Of the 120 units, 36 would be offered at market rate, while the others would be set aside for workforce and affordable housing.

The Florence Davis YMCA building was constructed in 1949. It most recently housed Community Connections of Jacksonville’s operations.

STEIN MART CLOSING ALL STORES

Jacksonville-based department store chain Stein Mart is closing all of its stores as part of bankruptcy proceedings.

The company, which was founded in 1908 in Mississippi, becomes the latest retail casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has six area locations that will now begin liquidation sales:

13475 Atlantic Blvd.
10915 Baymeadows Rd.
4399 Roosevelt Blvd.
11111-80 San Jose Blvd.
1648 University Blvd. W.
3818 S. 3^rd St. (Jax Beach)

LOMAX STREET RE-CONFIGURING TO BEGIN SOON

Lomax Street near Five Points in Riverside will soon look a bit different.

Work on a street realignment project for the span of Lomax Street between Post Street and Oak Street is likely to begin at the end of the month, with expected completion within seven months. The project will involve turning the two-way street into a one-way span while expanding its sidewalks and adding a new pedestrian crosswalk.

The Five Points beacon will be temporarily removed, then realigned with the new flow of traffic upon re-installation.

NOTED PROJECTS

VyStar Credit Union submitted plans for a new public breezeway between its two downtown buildings. Those plans show artificial turf, benches, canopies, countertops, elevated landscaping space, and a decorative fountain. The breezeway will run from Bay Street to Independent Drive.
Restoration Hardware received a permit related to the construction of its new three-story furniture gallery at 4831 Village Shops Way within St. Johns Town Center.
Green Papaya Thai & Sushi Cuisine received a permit for build-out at 12675 Beach Blvd.
Publix received a permit for renovations to its existing location at 11406 San Jose Blvd.
Culvers received a permit for construction of a new, 4,400 sq. ft. restaurant building with drive-thru at 45 Fountains Way within Fountains at St. Johns.
Jet & Ivy Children’s Boutique received a permit for build-out at 206 Ashourian Ave. within The Forum at Greenbriar.
Ember & Iron Rustic American Fare will open in December within Shoppes of St. Johns Parkway.
Hello Smooth received a permit for build-out at 125 Bartram Market Dr. within Bartram Market.
Sherwin Williams received a permit for build-out at 250 Pine Lake Dr. within Nocatee Town Center.
Liberty Health Sciences is now open at 1222 3^rd St. S. in Jax Beach.