The Cathedral Terrace Apartments complex is slated for a $27 million renovation.
The project is part of the $35.5 million Renew Jax partnership between the city and LISC Jacksonville to improve low-income housing.
The city will contribute $803,000 from the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program.
Other funding sources include $4 million in loans from the Florida Housing Finance Corp., mortgage revenue bonds and private tax credit financing.
It is the first major renovation of the 240-unit, 21-story urban core high-rise at 701 N. Ocean St. since it opened in 1974, said Teresa Barton, CEO of Aging True, the local nonprofit that sponsors the property.
“We have repaired the roof and done the usual maintenance. This is the most ambitious renovation we’ve ever done,” she said.
Upgrades include plumbing, electrical service, exterior and common area lighting and a new security system.
The roof will be replaced, as will the elevators and HVAC system. New windows will be installed throughout the building.
Each of the 700-square-foot, one-bedroom apartments will have a completely renovated kitchen, including new appliances.
New bathroom fixtures, flooring, lighting, door handles and locks will be installed.
Also in the design are an expanded computer access area, a new fitness center and an improved auditorium with a public address system.
The renovation will be done in stages, one floor at a time. Residents will be relocated to available units in the building during construction, and then moved back to their apartments when the renovation of the floor is complete.
Barton estimated the project will be complete in 18-24 months.
Residency is limited to low-income elderly or disabled adults. Ninety percent qualify for federally subsidized housing.
Some pay as little as $80 per month including utilities, Barton said.
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