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Development
Rebuilding Brooklyn
The city had been evolving a plan to acquire land and solicit proposals from developers for a redevelopment of the area, sandwiched between downtown and the surging Riverside area. But last year, a private developer, Atlanta-based Miles Development Partners, told the city it was interested in Brooklyn. Miles was invited to Brooklyn by Jacksonville Economic Development Commission Executive Director Ron Barton. After seeing the area, Miles began acquiring land from private landowners, says Jason Perry, vice president of development for Miles.
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In July, the city essentially decided to leave the effort in the hands of the private sector. Miles plans to finish acquiring 12.5 acres for a $350-million development called Brooklyn Park that will feature 1,250 apartments, a hotel, office and retail connected by a 300- yard pedestrian walkway. Perry says it will take about six years to complete the project. He is also hoping to persuade the YMCA to relocate from its riverfront site.
Another developer, Jacksonville-based Hallmark Partners, plans a $50-million investment in Brooklyn. Alex Coley, a principal of Hallmark, says his company will develop 250 condos or rental units and 120,000 square feet of office space, which will house the Marks Gray law firm and Elkins Constructors. Marks Gray, a pioneer in redeveloping the area, has also acquired property there.
The city's biggest financial commitment will be in replacing decaying sewers and other infrastructure. The city also will spend up to $5 million to create a park called Brooklyn Central Park.
