Ikea took a huge step Monday toward ground-breaking when it paid $13 million for the 25-acre site it will develop in South Jacksonville.
Ikea Property Inc. of Conshohocken, Penn., bought the land from HE Otter LLC and HE Shoulda Investments LLC, led by members of the Skinner family of landowners.
The popular Sweden-based home-furnishings company expects to break ground in the fall at northwest Gate Parkway and Interstate 295 and open in fall 2017.
Spokesman Joseph Roth said Tuesday that until it breaks ground, the company is focused on designing the store’s interior and developing construction documents and drawings.
The 294,000-square-foot store can be expanded to 335,000 square feet, according to plans submitted to the St. Johns River Water Management District.
The retail furniture company announced in October it would build its first Jacksonville store at 7801 Gate Parkway and hire about 250 people.
HE Otter LLC is led by Lanny S. Thomas and HE Shoulda Investments LLC is led by Charles Brightman Skinner Jr.
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