Downtown’s swell began to grow in earnest this year.
Transformative plans for the Shipyards revealed. First tenants for the much-anticipated Brooklyn developments. Healthy Town taking root, evolving into The District.
“I think we have had good momentum,” said Aundra Wallace, Downtown Investment Authority CEO. “I want to make sure we continue it.”
Wallace wants to “pick up where we left off” with the Laura Street Trio and Barnett Bank building project.
Developer Steve Atkins in early November came forth with a financing plan that relies on a partnership with The Molasky Group of Cos., a Las Vegas-based real estate team.
That move came months after Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan’s Iguana Investments foreclosed on Atkins’ group claiming no payments were made on a 2013 loan to purchase the buildings. That court date is in late April.
The Landing saw more public input and eventually designs were drawn up for a revamped mixed-use site. However, a lawsuit filed by the city in early October has grinded that project to a halt.
Construction on $90 million in improvements at EverBank Field is scheduled to begin soon and be ready for the start of football season. The project includes an amphitheater and flexible practice facility.
Glimpses of both initially were part of that Shipyards presentation by Khan. Wallace said redevelopment negotiations on the riverfront parcel haven’t stalled, but rather focus shifted to the stadium improvements.
He’s comfortable with the Shipyards talks and a reasonable expectation for 2016 would be to receive financial numbers on the project’s total cost and then start planning.
“We’ve got our work cut out for us,” said Wallace.
As for under-the-radar wins? Look for continued focus on the authority’s retail enhancement program, which has pumped $544,000-plus into growing Downtown businesses.