JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It’s been about three months since the Rise Doro apartments caught fire downtown, destroying the apartment complex just days before it was set to open.
Demolition was still underway on Friday but it should finish soon.
News4JAX was told it would take another three weeks to complete the demolition but it’s unclear what will happen after that.
The fire occurred at the end of January.
It broke out on a Sunday night and burned until Monday, destroying the apartments many planned to move into the following week, leaving only the concrete skeleton of the parking complex and deck.
Timeline: Luxury apartment complex in Downtown Jacksonville goes up in flames weeks before opening
The latest check with the fire marshal is that no cause has been determined and the matter is still under investigation.
“Essentially things remain the same regarding the Doro as they have over the last many weeks,” owner Greg Blais told News4JAX in a statement. “We are working through the insurance process, as well as working to complete the selective demolition of the ground floor underneath the podium. Once we have more to offer, including the ultimate direction the Doro will take, I will be happy to talk with you and your colleagues.”
News4JAX has also been checking with the city.
There have been discussions with the Downtown Investment Authority about the future of the complex and a tax incentive deal with the city will be reworked.
The company hopes to begin a full-court press soon to get back under construction. A big factor is construction materials and the rising costs. However, the company is relieved that the concrete structures are still in place.
For now, demolition will continue and future plans are still being worked out, but it looks like the RISE Doro will soon rise from the ashes.