JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Big changes could be coming to Downtown Jacksonville as JEA leaders discuss the idea of moving the utility's corporate headquarters.
The current building on West Church Street was built in 1962 and JEA has been in the building since 1989. JEA leaders said the building is too old, too big and the cost to repair is too high. The company first started looking into renovating or tearing down its current building several years ago before looking into other development options to house its hundreds of employees.
The company's board took bids from developers on Tuesday for a new location. Members of the procurement staff opened six packages containing bids from developers. The developers include:
- Energy Innovation Properties, LLC
- KDC
- Kimley Horn
- Ryan Companies
- The Cordish Companies
- Touchton Property Partners
The exact proposals are confidential during a "quiet period" as board members review the suggestions. Some of the developers did identify areas for the new office.
Energy Innovation pointed to locations on Ashley, Church, Ocean and Main streets. KDC mentioned the District on the Southbank, which is land already owned by JEA.
Kimley Horn proposed 1201 Kings Avenue on the Southbank.
Ryan Companies pointed to the location of the current headquarters.
The Cordish Companies mentioned Lot J near TIAA Bank Field, where a $2.5 million development backed by Jaguars owner Shad Khan is proposed.
Touchton Property Partners wants to move JEA's offices to the Bank of America tower.
"A lot has to be determined through this evaluation process, depending on when the final section is made, final contract is negotiated and whatever timeline they propose to start construction and complete," said Nancy Veasey of JEA.
The budget still has to be determined. The proposals will be discussed at the next scheduled JEA board meeting on Jan. 22 and examined at a special meeting Feb. 5.
JEA customers who spoke with News4Jax want to see cost-effective changes.
"I'd like to see changes like what they do at the courthouse," said Ronald Thompson, who works downtown.