By Michele Leivas
A Philadelphia law firm will be brought in as outside counsel to assist the Jacksonville City Council in crafting legislation for a redevelopment agreement for the Laura Street Trio.
The Personnel Committee voted Sept. 17 to retain Ballard Spahr at $625 an hour to help bring the redevelopment agreement across the finish line.
“My expectation is to have a bill filed and through the process by the winter break at the end of December,” City Council Vice President Kevin Carrico said.
While the city already has law firm Gray Robinson on retainer, Carrico put forward Ballard Spahr for consideration, citing projects it has executed in other cities such as New Orleans and Washington, D.C.
“This Laura Street Trio could really transform our downtown,” Carrico said. “I think having the best firm represent us to help with legislation is paramount in getting this done.”
The city previously allocated $100,000 to acquire third-party law firms. Past Council President Ron Salem said he didn’t anticipate the council exceeding those dollars while crafting a redevelopment agreement since much of the work has already been done.
“I don’t think it’s a six-month process,” Salem said. “I think everyone’s thinking this can be done in 60 days or so.”
Carrico clarified there is no connection between the law firm and lobbying firm Ballard Partners. Jordan Elsbury is managing partner of Ballard Partners’ Jacksonville office and has been involved with the Laura Street Trio project.
This is the latest development in the ongoing saga of the three historic buildings following a tumultuous summer that saw the city file – and then drop – a foreclosure lawsuit against property owner and developer Steve Atkins. Filed in August, the lawsuit alleged administrative fines in excess of $800,000 for code violations accruing since 2015. On Sept. 16, the city moved to dismiss the lawsuit.
“SouthEast Development Group, (Downtown Investment Authority) and the Mayor’s Office continue negotiations to determine the best path forward in completing renovations of the Laura Street Trio project,” a statement from the mayor’s office read. “Current plans are to move forward without the lawsuit as agreed to by both parties.”
Jacksonville-based Live Oak Contracting issued a press release the same day the lawsuit was dropped announcing its partnership with SouthEast Development Group on the adaptive reuse project.
“Together, Live Oak and SouthEast Development Group will collaborate to present a visionary proposal that promises to breathe new life into these historic assets,” said the release.
When completed, the mixed-use development will feature 169 multifamily apartments, a an Autograph Collection Hotel by Marriott and retail and entertainment spaces.
“As a company that has proudly called Jacksonville home for the past decade, Live Oak is deeply invested in the future of this city,” CEO Paul Bertozzi said. “Our headquarters is right across the street from the Laura Street Trio, making this project incredibly personal. We’re excited to be part of revitalizing a piece of Jacksonville’s history and to create a space that will serve generations to come.”
