Jacksonville-based online furniture dealer Industry West is preparing to build-out its new headquarters in the historic 1001 Kings Ave. building on the Downtown Southbank.
River City Contractors is the contractor for the almost $1.76 million project for interior alterations. Bold Line Design LLC of Ponte Vedra is the architect.
It is described as modification of a three-story historic landmark structure. It shows a total 11,702 square feet, comprising 4,089 square feet on the first floor, about 3,644 square feet on the second level and 3,969 on the third floor.
Industry West now is based at 1407 Atlantic Blvd. in nearby San Marco Square.
Industry West co-founders Jordan and Anne England and The Corner Lot Companies CEO Andy Allen and COO George Leone formed ALE Kings Holdings LLC to develop the project.
ALE Kings Holdings bought the Kings Avenue property July 6 for $2.25 million. South State Bank issued an almost $3.6 million mortgage Sept. 30 to ALE Kings Holdings.
“Growth is good,” Allen said by email Oct. 15.
“It will be an iconic building brought back to life and full of energy.”
In 2017, the Englands and Allen partnered to buy the 4,300-square-foot building at 1407 Atlantic Blvd. Industry West moved there in 2018 from a smaller leased space nearby.
Jordan and Anne England started the company as an e-commerce venture, moving from home to leased space and then to San Marco Square.
The 10-year-old company has grown to 42 employees and sales this year of $35 million to $40 million.
The Englands and Allen said previously they anticipated a more than $1 million investment in renovating the three-story Kings Avenue building that was developed before 1912.
They hope to move in during summer 2022.
“Jacksonville is ready for more urban development in this part of the city and the core that’s bringing a new design element,” England said in August.
After renovations, Industry West will occupy the first two floors with showroom, office and creative space.
Breeze Homes, one of The Corner Lot Companies, will occupy the third floor with 12 employees.
There eventually could be a retail coffee shop on the ground floor of the southeast Kings Avenue and Prudential Drive building as the Southbank continues to develop pedestrian traffic.
The Englands and Allen said a startup restaurant-entertainment concept will lease the San Marco Square building upon the move.
Industry West’s workforce comprises about 12 people in marketing, HR and leadership in San Marco, with others at a New York City showroom and a leased nearly 125,000-square-foot Cecil Commerce Center distribution center.
The Kings Avenue structure will provide room for 28 people, allowing the company to build-out more of its internal team.
The Englands look forward to “putting our design stamp on it and creating a vibrant workspace environment like this so people can be creative and keep working on what we’re doing here, which is building a furniture brand that’s accessible to consumers and businesses alike,” England said.
The e-commerce company describes itself at industrywest.com.
It “curates modern, artisan-crafted furniture and decor, with an emphasis on high-design. Our approach is guided by what we interpret as new classics—beautiful, functional pieces capable of becoming timeless.”
Industry West works with manufacturers worldwide for furniture such as tables, desks, chairs, sofas, barstools and other products and accessories.
It serves restaurants, hotels, high-tech startups and residences throughout North America.
The Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project in June for changes to the at least 109-year-old structure’s exterior.
The building is not in a locally designated historic district but is a local landmark.
The Jacksonville Planning and Development Department Historic Preservation Section will need to approve final plans before permitting.
Allen said the group intends to open up the interior to provide more natural light.
The landmark status application shows the building was developed before 1912. It is one of the few remaining commercial buildings reflecting the old City of South Jacksonville of 1907-32.
