A Boston-based company wants to convert a closed Baymeadows-area inn into an apartment complex near the Baymeadows Park redevelopment project.
Stratford Management Co. said it is negotiating to purchase the property at 8050 Baymeadows Circle W. from Alunity Investments LLC.
The six-building motel was built in 1982 and 1984.
Irene Forsythe with Stratford Management said Thursday the company plans to convert the property into about 103 one-bedroom and studio apartments.
She did not have the exact mix other than to say the majority will be studios.
“We are having it rezoned for multifamily right now,” she said.
Forsythe said Stratford plans to replace the motel’s common spaces like conference and meeting rooms with different amenities.
“A clubhouse, a theater room, a full kitchen, a coffee bar and a fitness center,” said Forsythe.
“We’re also going to put a putting green outside with a trail,” she said.
Transforming a motel is new for Stratford, which focuses on developing traditional apartment complexes in Alabama, Florida, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New York and Wisconsin, according to Operations Director Bob Hull.
“We’re basically trying to get into a niche,” he said of focusing on smaller apartments. “So, we thought we’d try our hand at something like that and see how it goes.”
Forsythe said Stratford’s timeline depends on how quickly they can rezone the property and when they can close on the sale.
“Taking all of those things into consideration, it’s probably going to be early fall before we can start,” she said.
Aqeel Momin with Alunity said Thursday discussions are in the early stages.
“It’s not finalized,” Momin said. He said his group at one point had interest in redeveloping the motel until Stratford made an offer.
“And if things don’t work out, we’ll look at other options,” he said.
Momin did not disclose the offer. His group purchased the 4.8-acre property in 2013 for $500,000.
Danny Becton represents the Baymeadows area on City Council and said Stratford wants to develop 400- to 500-square-foot studio units.
“They are looking to have full-service amenities, clubhouse, pool and everything that a first-class property would have,” he said.