A proposed 66-unit townhome development at Fort Caroline Road and University Boulevard is intended to serve as housing for Jacksonville University staff and students, and contribute to redevelopment of the Arlington community, according to its developer.
Orlando-based Tramell Webb Partners Inc. is proposing Jackson Commons Townhomes on the 3.3-acre site that incorporates three parcels that include the now-demolished Nero’s restaurant, the Blue Boy Sandwich Shop and a vacant lot.
Taylor & White Inc., on behalf of the owners, has filed an application for a zoning exception with the city for the property.
The site is zoned Commercial Community General (CCG-1), under which multifamily residential may be integrated with a permitted use, in this case 4,125 square feet of new retail space as part of the proposal.
Parcels zoned CCG-1 allow for residential uses as zoning exceptions with approved retail. The proposal is under review.
The site is a mile north of the JU campus.
Developer John “Chip” Webb said he looks forward to working with the university to provide convenient housing for faculty and staff as well as senior and graduate students.
“We are impressed and encouraged by Jacksonville University’s commitment to the Arlington community,” said Webb, a principal of Trammel Webb Partners. “Given their level of commitment, we are motivated to develop a community that will help to serve the needs of their professors, graduate students and senior class members. We are also impressed with the Renew Arlington CRA vision plan and think that we will be an asset to that plan.”
Jackson Commons will include 17 four-bedroom/four-bathroom townhomes, one three-bedroom/three-bath townhome, 18 three-bedroom/three-bath flats and 30 two-bedroom/two-bath flats. The plan includes a swimming pool for use by the residents.
“We welcome the investment in Arlington and the positive development for Jacksonville University and the surrounding areas,” said Mike Fleming, senior vice president of University Relations and Development at JU, referring to other recent nearby developments such as the Dolphin Pointe Landing skilled nursing center.
“We’re excited that investors are developing in Arlington and wanting to invest in Arlington,” he said.
The Renew Arlington CRA boundary stretches along University Boulevard from the Arlington Expressway north to the Jackson Commons site, and east along Merrill Road from University Boulevard to Interstate 295.
“We really feel like former Mayor (Alvin) Brown, Mayor (Lenny) Curry and the City Council are investing in Arlington by allowing development to occur there,” added Fleming.
Immediately surrounding the Jackson Commons site are commercial uses including a restaurant, car wash, retail, gas station, bank and professional office space.
Tramell Webb Partners Inc. specializes in single-family land development, multifamily development and real estate consulting services.
Principals Webb, Joe Tramell and Toby Arnheim have experience in large, master-planned, mixed-use communities, including planning, designing, financing, construction and development.
(904) 356-2466