Work is progressing at the Lofts San Marco, formerly the South Jacksonville Grammar School on Flagler Street.
According to project developer and Cesery Companies president Bill Cesery, while much has been done to overhaul the building, original windows, the hardwood floors and, in some cases, chalkboards remain intact.
Cesery bought the abandoned building from the Duval County School Board in 2001.
“Basically, everything else will be brand new,” said Cesery of the 37-unit project. “Every unit will have a washer/dryer, granite counter tops and new air conditioning.”
Targeting a late April opening, Cesery said rental rates should be available within the next week or two.
“We’ve already got a registry and people have been trying to get added to it before they even know how much the rent is, which is great,” he said.
A model apartment should be ready shortly.
Cesery is also responsible for renovating other San Marco buildings, including the Cedar Street apartments, but said the Lofts project was the company’s largest and most challenging undertaking.
“We like to think of it as our flagship project, so we’re making sure we do everything right so that it is a success,” he said. “As we get closer to finishing, we’re getting pretty excited to let people see what we’ve done.”