And now, for something completely different.
The Downtown Development Review Board took a step Thursday toward relinquishing its authority to approve the site plan for and architecture of every new construction project on a 33-acre site on the Southbank.
Elements Development of Jacksonville LLC has under contract the former JEA Southside Generating Station site east of the Duval County School Board building and plans to build The District, a planned community that includes residential, commercial and retail space, a 200-room hotel and a 125-slip marina.
“We realize we are breaking new ground here,” said Elements partner Michael Munz.
He and developer Peter Rummell unveiled the plan more than one year ago when they agreed to purchase the land for $18.5 million. Build-out cost is projected as high as $500 million.
Downtown Investment Authority Development Coordinator Jim Klement said the intent is to “get to a set of guidelines” that establish overall design standards that would be reviewed by staff for the site layout and architecture for each structure.
The developers would not be required to bring specific designs to the board for its approval.
He said after the master design is approved, “we may never see them again.”
Project planner and architect Kent Knight said the project will create a new skyline for the Southbank through various heights of buildings and different roof shapes.
“We don’t see The District as one homogeneous architecture style,” he said.
Munz said the developers being able to determine final designs will help sell the project to the end-users of the site.
“As we go to market, the flexibility you can provide us to provide to them will be critical,” he said.
Board member Rafael Caldera said he sees The District as “a city within the city” and he likes the idea of incorporating a range of architectural styles. “Just don’t come back with roof tiles,” he added.
Board members agreed when the master development plan comes back to them for final approval, they want a great deal of detail on the acceptable design standards.
“I’m fairly confident in this group,” said board Chair Fred Jones. “But I think we have to have defined guidelines.”
Munz didn’t provide a timeline for submission of the final design standards other than to say, “We can get it back to you very quickly.”
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