by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
To the casual observer, the large “Coming Soon” sign posted in Panera Bread’s plush lawn on Hendricks Avenue is a bit misleading. Without asking, it certainly appears that the days of warm cinnamon crunch bagels and get-it-yourself coffee are numbered.
Don’t fret, Panera isn’t going anywhere. The sign promoting 4,600 square feet of space pertains to the corner lot, not one of the Southbank’s most popular weekday breakfast and lunch spots and one that can see long lines on weekend mornings.
“Whatever we do, we will make sure Panera is happy,” said Robert Harris, a partner with the Harris, Guidi, Rosner & Mordecai law firm located just down the street from the development site. “We will not relocate them, but will work with them. Plus, Panera has a long term lease.”
Harris and fellow attorney Mark Rubin bought the property where Panera sits on three years ago and have leased it to Panera since. In addition, Harris and other partners also own the gas station across the street from Panera that the firm uses for storage and a house directly across from the firm. He also has several other vacant parcels of property in San Marco that he is holding on to as investments.
Located at the corner of Landon and Hendricks avenues, the property is adjacent to the San Marco branch library and community center, both of which are undergoing multi-million dollar renovations as part of the Better Jacksonville Plan, as is Hendricks Avenue, which is slated for long overdue improvements. All of these enhancements will eventually make Harris’ property even more desirable. The objective now, he admits, is to get the project out of the ground.
“I have already pulled the permits for 4,700 square feet of commercial or retail space,” said Harris. “It has been permitted for a year or two. I have had a bunch of inquiries about the property. Some just want a small portion, some want to use it all.”
Harris hired architect Mike Waburn, who has already designed the building that will one day occupy the site. The simple design encompasses the exterior shell and allows for future tenants to have some freedom regarding the interior look.
Although he won’t rule out any options, Harris would prefer either professional offices — legal, medical, architectural or accounting —or a mixed use facility that incorporates professional offices, a retail shop consistent with San Marco and a small restaurant.
Time-wise, there is no timetable. Harris said his real job is keeping him busy to the point he hasn’t had time to sit down, pick a start date and break ground. He did say that once the job starts —contracted tenants or not — it shouldn’t take more than about six months to complete.
“We may just start without any suitable tenants,” said Harris.