A Downtown mansion is in review for some initial renovations.
The city is reviewing a permit application for ADA and restroom renovations for the almost 16,000-square-foot Porter Mansion at 510 N. Julia St.
JWB Real Estate Capital bought the 1.5-acre property Aug. 30 through 510 N Julia LLC for $2.6 million. JWB President Alex Sifakis said the group is working on small interior renovations now at a cost of about $50,000.
Robbins Design Studio is the architect. Codes-ABC Inc. is handling code compliance review.
The three-story Porter Mansion was built as a private residence after the Great Fire of 1901. Sifakis said previously the original architect was Henry John Klutho, who helped in the reconstruction of Jacksonville after the fire.
The building was in jeopardy of condemnation by the city in the early 1980s when KBJ Architects bought it to serve as its corporate office and restored in in 1981.
The mansion has original architectural features such as mahogany woodwork and solid mahogany pocket doors, stained glass and other features.
KBJ Architects moved and sold the property to a private investor in 2017.
Property records and marketing materials show the building comprises three stories of office space and a basement.
Sifakis said Aug. 20 the structure will be renovated for lease as office space to a single tenant on the top three floors. He estimates a $600,000 project.
He said the group will save the basement for restaurant use when the market is ready. The grass lot to the south will provide outdoor seating.
“We are committed to revitalizing Downtown,” Sifakis said.
JWB already owns the historic Seminole and Federal Reserve buildings at 400 and 424 N. Hogan St. and the Baptist Convention Building on the same block at 218 W. Church St.
JWB Capital applied for permits totaling $9 million to renovate the Federal Reserve and Baptist Convention buildings. The Seminole Building is in use by Sweet Pete’s candy shop and event space.
