With permits issued Dec. 10, developers Marc Peter Kozman and Magdi Samuel can start work on converting the former FBI Building into the Arlington Apartments at a cost of $11 million.
As Theotokos Holdings LLC, the developers own the property at 7820 Arlington Expressway and will turn the six-story building in 118 apartments with an amenity center and gym.
Axios Construction Services LLC of Fern Park is the contractor. Fisher Koppenhafer of Jacksonville is the architect.
The city issued permits for 95,256 square feet to be converted into apartments at a cost of almost $10.98 million and for a 6,745-square-foot amenity center and gym at a cost of $100,000.
Kozman and Samuel said in September they hoped to renovate the former FBI building in Arlington into 118 apartments “as soon as possible.”
“Jacksonville is a nice town,” said Kozman, who is based near Toronto, on Sept. 18 during a visit to Jacksonville.
“It made good sense to us.”
Kozman said Jacksonville offers a diversified economy. Along with development Downtown, he said the area offers a good school system and a marketplace that attracts students and young professionals.
Previously filed plans show the building will be converted into 70 one-bedroom and 48 two-bedroom units. Plans show a gym, recreation areas, amenities and a courtyard.
City Council enacted Ordinance 2020-0295 for rezoning and 2020-0294 for the land use change Aug. 11.
The group rezoned the property to a planned unit development and changed the land use to high-density residential.
The Halff Associates Inc. engineering and architecture consulting firm applied to the St. Johns River Water Management District for a permit exemption that involves redeveloping the office building into low-income housing.
Kozman said his group is not targeting any specific market for renters but is aware of the area’s demographics. He said rents will be in line with the neighborhood.
In a written description, Halff Associates, represented by Joe Loretta, said the project is expected to be completed in one phase in 12-15 months.
Kozman Realty Inc. paid $1.2 million for the vacant building, according to a deed executed Sept. 26, 2019. It conveyed the property in July to a related group, Theotokos Holdings LLC. Samuel is a partner.
The city approved interior demolition in November 2019.
The building was developed in 1975 on a 4.79-acre site
The Federal Bureau of Investigation leased the building for the Jacksonville field office until the bureau moved in 2009 to a government-owned structure at 6061 Gate Parkway.
The building sat largely vacant after the FBI relocated. The Class C office building has been vandalized and without power.
“It seemed like an opportunity to serve the community,” Kozman said.
“Everybody needs somewhere to live.”