Riverfront development gains conceptual approval from DDRB

Posted on April 3, 2021 By Editor Brooklyn, Downtown, Springfield, Riverside, Avondale, Ortega, Murray Hill, San Jose, San Marco, St. Nicholas, Top Stories

Updated renderings of the East facing façade, the direction facing St. Johns River Park and the Friendship Fountain was a large question mark for DDRB board members. Related Group team members went back to the drawing board and provided relief [or façade projections, versus flat fronted] along this portion of the development along with other measures - to the pleasure of the voting board – and subsequent approval.

Over the past two months, the highly anticipated project set to replace River City Brewing Company on the Southbank had gone back to the drawing board. After some tough scrutiny over the project’s highest and best use, as well as its size and scope, developers illustrated a willingness to get creative and come to the table for compromise.

The constructive critiques and clarifications from DDRB [Downtown Development Review Board] board members had caused the development team to go back to the drawing board and bring forth changes that would eventually please those critical of the initial concept, gaining a sweeping 7-0 vote in favor of the plans, March 23.

The latest changes that were rolled out included reimagined spaces, both in terms of the floor layouts, unit counts and floorplans, as well as courtyards and building amenities for residents. Cindy Trimmer, a partner with Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow, PLLC., the firm representing the interests of Related Group, made mention of the fact that the building has been ‘completely redone’ to accomplish the mutual goal of moving ahead with the riverfront parcel’s progression.

Updated renderings of the East facing façade, the direction facing St. Johns River Park and the Friendship Fountain was a large question mark for DDRB board members. Related Group team members went back to the drawing board and provided relief [or façade projections, versus flat fronted] along this portion of the development along with other measures - to the pleasure of the voting board – and subsequent approval.

According to DIA [Downtown Investment Authority] Executive Director and former Councilperson for District 5, Lori Boyer, things have been moving in the right direction for the project.

“DDRB appreciated the modifications for the enhanced corridor to the river, it was more compatible with the site,” she shared. It eliminated the ‘closed in’ effect that can occur when developing parcels along an area that offers views to a river, or other valued assets for the public. Along with the corridor widening, the site is smaller, taller, and narrower on this next phase, which Boyer applauded as well.

Other key points that pleased the DDRB and DIA officials was River City’s proposal to run a ‘Ship’s Store’ adjacent to the existing boat ramp, as well as giving up a portion of park space that will increase the size of St. Johns River Park, often referred to as Friendship Fountain Park. An agreement between the City and the lease holder to reconstruct docks and maintain the fuel dock, as one of the only fuel providers along the St. Johns River downtown, was an important amenity to maintain. According to Boyer, it has become an essential element of the site, along with a portion of public dockage and transient slips.

Boyer also emphasized the importance of Related Group’s willingness to accommodate those who were constructively critical of the initial plans, citing the “high quality, respectful developer” that she believes will be a true asset moving forward, in light of a growing riverfront skyline, which has been a priority for city leaders.

In review, the finer points

Plans call for an 8-story building with 325-residential units, an adjoining 8-story garage with 535 parking spaces, and a restaurant concept (yet to be conceptualized and submitted for review) on the ground floor, which is said to offer seating outdoors, increasing the ability to enjoy dining and entertainment offerings.

The new lease holder, RD River City Brewery LLC, had entered into a contract back in 2020 to assume the remaining 77-years on a ground lease of 99-years from Maritime LLC. The latter lease agreement was established back in 1998, after it was inked with the City of Jacksonville.

According to its website, Related Group is a real estate development group that has enhanced skylines with real estate development characterized by innovative design, enduring quality, and inclusive living. The firm is based out of Miami, FL, but has offices in Orlando, Tampa, Atlanta, Texas, Arizona, Las Vegas, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, and Panama.