Daily Record Financial News &
Friday, May 8, 2015
Vol. 102, No. 125 • One Section
35¢ www.jaxdailyrecord.com
LaVilla next on Wallace’s agenda
“We want people to recognize that the National Park Service is more than they think it is.” Chris Abbott, National Park Service associate regional director
Brooklyn fire station also on radar
Photo by Wes Lester/City of Jacksonville
By David Chapman Staff Writer
The Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve in North Jacksonville is administered by the National Park Service. It is considered one of the last unspoiled wetlands on the Atlantic coast.
Park service helping city
‘Urban fellow’ to aid with expertise, funding By Max Marbut Staff Writer Jacksonville has long been known for its public park system. There are more than 400 parks and recreation sites within the city limits comprising of open spaces, trails, beaches, boat and kayak launches and nature preserves, along with coordinated recreational programs. The city’s parks and recreation effort is being augmented through the National Park Service Urban Agenda, a new program designed to increase the
OTHER CITIES IN PROGRAM
influence of the national parks as the government agency celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2016. The Urban Agenda program was launched April 13 in San Francisco by National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis. The intent of the initiative is to create a system of parks, programs and partnerships within the urban environment to improve local economies, identify natural and cultural resources and promote historic preservation. Jacksonville is one of 10 cities — and the only one in the Southeast — selected as a “model city” for the program. Parks... Continued on Page A-2
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Sure, developing the Shipyards and redesigning the Jacksonville Landing have been at the forefront of Downtown redevelopment the past year. But Downtown is bigger than that. And while seeing those two headline projects progress is a priority, Downtown Investment Authority CEO Aundra Wallace has many others planned. He laid out some of those Thursday for two DIA board members reviewing the proposed budget. One of those is having a proactive discussion on LaVilla, a neighborhood he considers the “next frontier” and another gateway into Downtown. Townhomes, starter homes and retail are ideas he has, all with a nod to the area’s history in keeping with a “Harlem of the South” vibe. Wallace said he’d like to spend up to $75,000 next year for planning services in the area. “Let’s not wait two to three years and then the market comes in and they don’t have any guidance,” said Wallace. He also has an eye on a parcel the DIA owns in the Brooklyn area, one that has a little history but has been neglected. Old Fire Station No. 5 sits vacant in the shadows of big business offices and the nearby Brooklyn developments, but Wallace said he can see it becoming a stand-alone restaurant or retail with the right plan. That is, if it checks out environmentally. “It has a lot of value to the Brooklyn area,” he said. “We need to check.” DIA.. Continued on Page A-4
Palencia developer finds new project in area
By Carole Hawkins Staff Writer We know them for Palencia. But international real estate firm Hines expects to develop property in Northeast Florida long after the last lot in Palencia is delivered. The company has started construction on Markland, a 345home community on International Golf Parkway just east of the Interstate 95 interchange. Its community center “Markland Manor House” will celebrate the 19th-century Greek revival style, with two-story columns and surrounding formal gardens.
Public
Home prices will initially range from the $300,000s to more than $600,000. Given its global focus, one might not assume Hines Oshea would stay on in Northeast Florida after its flagship project, Palencia, is complete. Markland is a sign it will. Managing Director Walt O’Shea said Hines has a positive outlook on Jacksonville real estate. “We like the market and we
legal notices begin on page
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continue to find things to do,” he said. Who is Hines and what role will it claim? Founded in 1957, Hines is a privately owned Houston-based real estate firm that has a presence in more than 115 cities around the globe. With $30.7 billion in assets, it is one of the world’s largest real estate organizations. The company builds skyscrapers, corporate headquarters, mixed-use centers, industrial parks, medical facilities and master-planned resort and residential communities. Markland.. Continued on Page A-3
Photo by Carole Hawkins
Hines building Markland in St. Johns County
Hines breaks ground on the 345-home community of Markland, located near Interstate 95 in St. Johns County.
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