by Monica Chamness
Staff Writer
Representatives from Langton Associates conducted a ”sneak preview” Wednesday of the W.A. Knight Building, which is being refurbished to accommodate three retail and 12 residential units.
“We’ve been waiting for downtown renovation to happen for so long,” said City Council member Elaine Brown. “I’ve toured loft apartments in other cities, but I never thought we would really see them in Jacksonville. It’s so exciting.”
Galvazined and wood windows, marble walls, tile and mahogany wood floors are being restored to their original condition.
“We’re so pleased that the floors were in a lot better shape than we anticipated,” said Lisa King, spokesperson for Langton. “They will be buffed out and will look just like new. The nice thing about old stuff is the craftsmanship that you don’t even see anymore. It comes out beautiful.”
Young professionals and empty-nesters will be targeted for the living quarters and law firms for the downstairs retail space. An unnamed restaurant is considering space on the ground floor.
Offering 705 to 962 square feet, residential rentals will run from $725 to $1,090. Units will be ready for occupancy by May. Major appliances such as washers and dryers, satellite television and security systems will be available to all tenants.
Contrary to the traditional concept of loft apartments, the units are described as “soft lofts” meaning they will lack an industrial feel. No bricks will be exposed to the interior.
Historic architectural features such as certain walls will be retained to secure federal historic tax credits to finance the project. The building was constructed in 1923.
About 32 people are on a waiting list for the apartments.