by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
Two more new business are heading downtown.
Parker Hudson, president of General Real Estate Services, Inc. and owner of the long-vacant Underwood’s Jewelers building at the corner of Hogan and Monroe streets, said he has landed two new tenants.
“I do have a tenant moving in and they are ready to open. We are just waiting on the fire and building inspector,” said Hudson, who’s excited to finally have his property generating some revenue. “I’m pretty pumped up.”
Within a week, Hudson expects International Cafe to open its doors. The new restaurant featuring sandwiches and other lunch items will be next door to Desert Rider. Owner Lillian Borge could not be reached for comment.
On Thursday, Parker also signed a lease with Mail Boxes Etc., which will open next to International Cafe. The franchisee, Terry Wilkins, could not be reached for comment either.
“The permit was just finalized yesterday [Wednesday],” said Parker. “They could open within two to three months.”
Parker bought the building in June 2001 and has been trying to lease space ever since. Only in the past six months has he gotten any serious inquiries. International Cafe will give downtown workers another dining option, while Mail Boxes Etc. may help provide basic postal services once the United States Postal Service — which is having trouble finding another downtown location — is forced to vacate the old Federal Courthouse.
(The City has obtained the old courthouse in exchange for parking spaces in the Water Street garage. Plans are to incorporate the old courthouse into the new $211 million Duval County courthouse complex.)
“They’ll be able to sell stamps, accept mail and send things via UPS,” said Hudson.
The rest of the first floor of the building has been renovated and Hudson has a solid tenant in mind. He expected to sign a lease with the tenant on Thursday, but minor issues arose.
“We’re still negotiating,” he said.
Eventually, Hudson would like to lease the entire building, which has a mezzanine and third floor, both of which need work. Hudson said he’d be willing to do the renovations or the prospective tenant could pay for them and hire their own contractor.