The company was founded by Pat Geer, its president, in 2003 to provide website development and hosting, database management and information technology consulting. Graphic design was later added and about a year ago, Geer again expanded the business to include copy and printing services.

When a retail space in the lobby at EverBank Center became available, Geer said it was time to make the decision to move his operation downstairs from the fourth floor. He said the impending opening nearby of the new Duval County Courthouse and the relocation of 1,600 EverBank employees into the building also were factors in his decision to give up a little altitude and take the business to the street level.

“We are a lot more visible and a lot more accessible,” Geer said.

New customers were already dropping off work Wednesday afternoon. One of the company’s newer clients works in the building but never knew they could do business with another tenant until they saw the new store in the lobby, said Richard Geer, vice president.

“Being more visible is huge,” he said.

Another retail addition is in the works at EverBank Center. Building tenants were notified Wednesday that Nature’s Table Café is planning to open in September on the second floor in the former food court.

According to the company’s website, the restaurant offers breakfast and a lunch menu consisting of sandwiches, salads, soups and rice bowls, including vegetarian and gluten-free choices. There are currently more than 75 franchise cafes in 12 states, with the closest to Jacksonville at the Volusia Mall in Daytona Beach.

mmarbut@baileypub.com

356-2466

The project, 220 Riverside, proposed by Hallmark Partners, comprises 294 residential units with a clubhouse and amenities deck adjacent to the City’s urban park development on Riverside Avenue at Forest Street.

Architect Jason Faulkner, principal of Studio 9 Architecture, said the project’s design was substantially developed with the park in mind.

The site plan includes more than 15,000 square feet of retail space facing the park.

“The whole project is driven by the park. The retail aspect has to support the park,” said Faulkner.

He said having the commercial element of the design relating to the park will add an element to the public space.

“The park is only going to function if we program the park year-round,” said Faulkner.

He said the design of the building will add a new and more contemporary look to Jacksonville’s architectural inventory. The windows on the apartment units slide horizontally and the design of the exterior will include the use of corrugated metal panels, something that has not been used to date in North Florida.

Questioned by board members about the choice of corrugated metal, Faulkner said it’s an urban design trend that has become widely used in other markets.

“It’s all over the country. We think Jacksonville is ready for it,” Faulkner said.

He said the material is economical, requires little maintenance and will give the building texture.

On the overall design, Faulkner described it as “not overly ornate.”

“We’re going to let the geometry of the building speak for itself,” he said.

Another element of the design shown in the presentation is a “living wall” on the parking garage facing Riverside Avenue.

Faulkner said that while it will likely take more than a year for the wall to reach full potential, it’s included in the design as a way to “make a garage wall even remotely inviting” in an urban environment.

The project now faces architectural plan review by the City prior to building permits being issued. The developer’s representative said Thursday that construction can’t begin soon enough.

“We’d be happy to start this afternoon,” said Coen Purvis, senior vice president of Hallmark Partners.

mmarbut@baileypub.com

356-2466