Building Up Jax, 9/17: Whiteway Deli sale, Barnett building back to Khan, and more

This week, historic Riverside restaurant Whiteway Deli changed ownership. Additionally, the battle over the Barnett National Bank building came to an end, plus several other projects noted in this week’s Building Up Jax.

Whiteway Deli purchased by McAlister

The historic Whiteway Deli on King St. has changed ownership.

This past week, it was announced that owner Sam Salem sold the deli to Scott McAlister. The deal included both the deli and its building, which also features Sweet Theory Baking Company.

McAlister also owns multiple bars in the area around the deli, and recently announced his intention to develop Bearded Buffalo Brewing Company on King St. as well.

It marks the end of an era at the deli, which had been owned by the Salem family since the 1960s. The deli itself has been around since the ’20s.

Barnett goes back to Khan

A lengthy battle over downtown’s Barnett National Bank building culminated this week in a foreclosure auction.

In 2013, a legal battle began between developer Steve Atkins and Jaguars owner Shad Khan. Khan’s Stache Investments loaned $3 million to Atkins to purchase and redevelop the historic building, but Atkins never made any of the agreed-upon loan payments. Khan took Atkins to court over the busted deal last year, and according to Jax Daily Record, Atkins was found to owe $4.6 million to Stache Investments.

As a result of the auction, the property has reverted back to Stache Investments. Khan will presumably seek out a more trustworthy developer to partner with in hopes of reviving the vacant building.

Noted projects

• Two McDonald’s locations will get a facelift: one at 6030 Fort Caroline Rd., and one at 7784 Blanding Blvd.
• The Black Knight Financial Services building at 601 Riverside Ave. will undergo renovations valued at $500,000.
• Surfer the Bar is planning on opening in the former spot of Freebird Live around the end of the year, via multiple sources.
• A permit was issued for demolition at the Mandarin South shopping center, the first step in its pending renovation.
• Office furniture store Knoll will open a showroom on the ground floor of downtown’s Dyal-Upchurch building, via Jax Daily Record.