JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Detours and delays, instead of development. That’s how some describe efforts at revitalizing downtown Jacksonville over the past several years.
On this episode of This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition, we’re looking at what two Jacksonville natives call evidence of the struggle to change things in downtown and discussing the latest setback for work on the Laura Street Trio.
“It’s about a half a city block. Two blocks south of City Hall and two blocks north of the river,” Steve Atkins said.
Atkins and his company, SouthEast Development Group, have owned the property for more than ten years. During that decade of attempts, none have been successful at restoring, preserving and recreating the area.
Just recently, the redevelopment plan moved from the Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) to the Jacksonville City Council. Then, the city council questioned the terms of the deal and pushed it back to DIA. It’s been frustrating for Atkins.
Councilman Matt Carlucci said the Trio is important to the entire downtown, due to its history. The three buildings were built early in the 20th century, after The Great Jacksonville Fire of 1901.
“These buildings helped set the direction of Jacksonville’s future up to this point,” Carlucci said. “And if they’re redone, they will help set and reset our future again. They’re the gift that keeps on giving.”
It’s also important to Carlucci to honor the people who built The Trio.
“Those buildings have architectural features that you can’t find anywhere else. They are three of the most historically important buildings in Jacksonville or the Southeast and certainly in Florida,” Carlucci said.
What were the terms that caused the city council to deny the project’s approval? What do Carlucci and Atkins have to say about Southeast Development’s track record in downtown?
We’re diving into the topic and examining what these two lifelong Jacksonville residents hope will happen.