Commercial real estate owner and developer Sleiman Enterprises is beginning renovation of the San Marco Square buildings it purchased in August.
The company said in a news release the properties serve as the “centerpiece of San Marco Square, one of Jacksonville’s trendiest dining and shopping destinations, with views overlooking the square and abundant outdoor seating potential.”
The project comprises three buildings:
• 1974 San Marco Blvd., a historic 94-year-old, 8,200-square-foot building across from the Lion’s Fountain in Balis Park.
• 1980 San Marco Blvd., a Starbucks Coffee shop.
• 1972 San Marco Blvd., a Beau Outfitters clothing store.
The San Marco Square building was built in 1926-27 by Marsh & Saxelbye in the Mediterranean Revival style. It has been referred to as Towne Pump, Square One building and other names.
The renovation plans include repainting the exterior similar to its original color; adding a “winged” feature to Starbucks and Beau Outfitters; and replacing the roof.
The renovations focus mainly on the exterior.
Sleiman is working on the project with the San Marco Preservation Society, residents of San Marco and Jaycox Architects & Associates.
“It’s a privilege for us to be a part of this historic building’s story and Jacksonville’s storied history. We look forward to bringing an experience like no other to this location,” said Toney Sleiman, CEO of Sleiman Enterprises, said in the news release.
According to property records, Marco Square Land LLC, a company affiliated with Sleiman, paid $3.2 million for the property.
The seller was San Marco Limited Partnership, led by investor T. Wayne Davis. Davis bought the property in 1990 for $900,000.
The San Marco Square building is near several restaurants, including Taverna, Maple Street Biscuit Co., The Loop, Seafood Island Bar and Grille and Beach Diner.
Sleiman Enterprises is one of Florida’s largest privately held real estate companies, owning and managing more than 5 million square feet of retail space in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia.
