A Downtown Investment Authority committee voted unanimously April 13 to advance a $145,784 incentives package for a proposed bar and nightclub at a vacant retail space at 100 E. Adams St.
Hardwicks Bar will be the first LGBTQIA+ bar to open in Jacksonville in 20 years, according to operator Tim Hoal and business partner Elias Hionides.
Hionides said April 7 that he and Hoal were “automatically drawn to” the energy of the Mediterranean Revival-style architecture of the building that Duval County property records show was developed in 1926.
More recently was home of Burro Bar and The London Bridge Pub.
The DIA Retail Enhancement and Property Disposition Committee’s 4-0 decision sets up a final vote April 20 for a forgivable loan and grant package will help finance new ceiling, flooring and bathroom installation, walls, millwork, HVAC and equipment for the operation of the business in the 3,479-square-foot space.
DIA and state Division of Corporations records show Shoppes of Lakeside Inc., the building ownership company, is led by Chris Hionides, Elias Hionides’ father.
Elias Hionides also is vice president of Jacksonville-based property management company Petra, which is owned by Chris Hionides.
The bar business is owned by Hoal, Elias Hionides and Richard Trendel through Downtown Bar Concept LLC, according to state records.
The DIA incentives comprise:
• $100,000 Food and Beverage Retail Enhancement Program forgivable loan.
• $15,000 Sidewalk Enhancement Grant.
• $30,784 building facade grant.
DIA CEO Lori Boyer told board members April 13 that the city agency hopes to resolve any naming conflicts that arise between Hardwicks Bar and Atlanta-based developer Carter’s $140 million mixed-use residential high-rise proposal The Hardwick, expected to be built Downtown on Bay Street.
The projects pay homage to Jacksonville architect Taylor Hardwick, who designed the Haydon Burns Library, now the Jessie Ball duPont Center on Ocean Street.
The planned improvements at 100 E. Adams St. include accordion-style windows to allow patrons an outdoor feel while inside Hardwicks Bar and an unobstructed view of the midcentury modern architecture of the duPont Center.