JWB Real Estate Capital President Alex Sifakis said Sept. 9 construction on College Park, the former Town & Country Shopping Center in Arlington, could begin by mid-2021.
JWB filed plans with the city Sept. 8 that show a shipping container food court and park, two apartment buildings, public open space and an Ellianos coffee shop.
The center is at northeast University Boulevard and the Arlington Expressway. Built in 1953, it comprises about 200,000 square feet on 19 acres at 903 University Blvd.
Sifakis said he and his team looked at other successful shopping center renovations in Jacksonville and across the country to create their redevelopment plans.
“It seemed like that mix, getting some residential and some experiential retail was critical,” Sifakis said.
Dollar General, Annie’s Nails, Arlington Bait & Tackle ABT Fishing, Advanced Auto Parts, Legacy Ministries and Davita Inc. are among the current tenants.
Sifakis said his group looked at similar concepts like Sparkman Wharf in Tampa and Boxi Park in Lake Nona to design the 17,733-square-foot shipping container food court and park.
Both use shipping containers to house small, counter-service restaurants and have outdoor seating and entertainment.
The two apartment buildings will be three floors with 80 to 100 units total, Sifakis said. Units will be 600 to 750 square feet.
They are on outparcels south of the existing McDonald’s restaurant and BP gas station.
The public open space is adjacent to the 53-unit apartment building and is 11,269 square feet.
Ellianos is near the University Boulevard entrance to the shopping center. It operates one location in Jacksonville at 1125 Lane Ave.
Sifakis said JWB is talking with a couple of grocers about opening in the shopping center. He is not sure which space in the center a grocer would occupy.
“Our key right now is to get a grocer,” he said. “We’re making some good progress to get a grocer in there.”
Sifakis said he still estimates the shopping center renovation to cost around $3 million and the new construction to cost around $7 million.
JWB plans to update the facade, landscaping and signage at the property, a February news release said.
JWB commissioned a mural called The Wall at College Park. Area artists have completed the “Arlington” artwork on the south end of the shopping center facing the expressway.
The property is part of the Renew Arlington Community Redevelopment Area, which the city hopes to assist with rejuvenation.
