Building Up Jax: The District, Nocatee, Town Center and more

THE DISTRICT LAND SALE COMPLETE

Elements, the partnership behind The District, announced this week that they’ve closed on the sale of the former JEA property upon which the 30-acre community will be developed.

The project – which has been in the works for a few years – has now cleared one of its biggest hurdles toward build-out, having already secured funding from the city.

When complete, it will feature 1,170 residential units, 200,000 square feet of retail, 200,000 square feet of office space, an AC Marriott hotel, a marina, and riverfront bars and restaurants. It’ll also involve the extension of the Southbank Riverwalk, for which much of the city’s funding will be used.

NOCATEE ADDING NEW WATER PARK

The PARC Group, developers of Nocatee, released renderings this week showing off its planned 100,000+ square foot water park.

Nocatee Spray Park is expected to open toward the end of the year and will feature a four-story water slide tower as well as resort-style beach area with beach volleyball courts and other amenities. It’ll also feature Blue Water Bar & Grill, a restaurant also expected to open by the end of the year.

TOWN CENTER UPDATES

Plans were submitted for a new outparcel building at Town Center Promenade featuring three new tenants.

The new building along Tropea Way will feature a 4,000 square foot 5.11 Tactical location, a 1,520 square foot nail salon, and a 1,520 square foot sushi restaurant.

The building will be located next door to Buffalo Wild Wings.

Meanwhile, in The Strand at Town Center, Keke’s Breakfast Cafe received a permit for build-out in its future location.

GATE COMING TO BAYARD

Many years after a “coming soon” sign first appeared at the site, GATE has submitted plans for a new gas station, convenience store, and car wash in what will become the Bayard Retail Center along Philips Highway.

The plans show a GATE Express Carwash at 13567 Philips Highway, next to a GATE gas station and convenience store at 13601 Philips Highway.

To the right of the gas station, four outparcels are also set to be developed to make up what’s being referred to in documents as Bayard Retail Center.

NOTED PROJECTS

Plans for a new Residence Inn by Marriott across from Unity Plaza in Brooklyn were approved by the Downtown Development Review Board this week. The project gained narrow approval, and has generated controversy as it features a suburban-esque design considered inappropriate for the highly walkable surrounding area.
Ron Chamblin, the owner of Chamblin’s Uptown, plans to renovate the building next door at 225 N. Laura St. to include four apartment units and a bottom-floor restaurant.
McDonald’s at 11310 Beach Blvd. received a permit for interior and exterior renovations as the chain continues to gradually upgrade aging locations.
The Church of Eleven:22 submitted plans for a 997 square foot addition to its building at 4911 Losco Rd.
Jimmy Fu’s received a permit for build-out in the shopping center at 9100 Merrill Rd.
River Oaks Dental received a permit for build-out at 6120 San Jose Blvd.