Building Up Jax, 10/8: Old Riverside YMCA coming down

Development news was rather slow this week, as all eyes were focused in on Hurricane Matthew and how it would impact the First Coast. So far, it looks like damage was moderate, but it’s likely that the storm has set at least a few development projects back by days or even weeks. We’ll have more on that whenever information starts coming in, and as our team explores the damage across the city.

That being said, we do have a few bits of news to note this week, starting with the upcoming demolition of the old YMCA building in Riverside.

Former Riverside YMCA coming down

The old YMCA building at 221 Riverside Ave. will be demolished soon.

According to the Jax Daily Record, demolition of the Yates Family YMCA will begin within the next few weeks. It was recently replaced by the Winston Family YMCA, which opened directly behind the old building.

Following demolition, the plan is to sell off the land to a developer. It’s zoned for “community, residential or office” usage, and is near several major office towers as well as being across the street from Brooklyn Station in Riverside.

The land is owned by YMCA of Florida’s First Coast. The organization hopes to add a parking lot for the new building on this land as well.

Noted projects

• A permit for build-out valued at $168,284 has been issued for the main corridor of Jacksonville International Airport – presumably for the pending addition of Great American Bagel.
• Ruby Tuesday has submitted plans to remodel its three Jacksonville locations, according to Jax Daily Record. The chain is trying to give its brand a refresh to appeal to a younger demographic.
• In a bit of unfortunate news, One Spark founder Peter Rummell announced that he doesn’t intend to keep funding the festival. The festival was scaled back massively this past year, and is still in the midst of being retooled.
• Sweet Tomatoes has closed both of its Jacksonville locations – one near Regency, one in Orange Park – according to multiple sources.
• Family Dollar was issued a permit for $550,000 build-out at 5466 Collins Rd. in Ortega.
• According to Jax Daily Record, LISC Jacksonville is moving out of the Farah & Farah building at 10 W. Adams St., and into a different Farah-owned building: 100 N. Laura St. They’ll join F&F’s call center and Black Sheep among others.
• The former Nero’s restaurant at 3607 University Blvd. will be demolished.