A big day for Jacksonville.
That comes from the chairman of the Downtown Investment Authority after the board OK’s an $89 million redevelopment plan for four historic vacant buildings in downtown, some of which will involve taxpayer money.
Around $10 million in incentives was unanimously approved by DIA with some amendments during today’s meeting, with most of the board speaking enthusiastically about the project, including Chairman Jim Bailey.
“This is an immensely complicated, difficult undertaking with lots of moving parts,” Bailey said during the meeting. “These buildings have been vacant for decades.”
He’s referring to the old Barnett Bank building and the Brisbee, Florida Life and Marble Bank buildings near West Forsyth and North Laura streets. The latter three are known collectively as the Laura Street Trio.
Mike Langton – who owns property near some of those vacant buildings – came to the meeting to support the incentives, which would take effect only after the buildings are renovated.
“Our downtown will not be rejuvenated until those buildings are done,” Langton said after commenting during the meeting. “They’re pivotal.”
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