* by Bailey White
Staff Writer
The Southbank will soon have a dozen new luxury condominiums. A recently-vacated Hendricks Avenue building near Prudential Drive is being converted into 12 loft-style homes.
“Seven of the units have already been sold,” said Margie Petitt, of Lifestyles Realty, the firm handling sales and marketing for the lofts.
Construction began last week on the building, which was once a seminary. The developers are leaving the exterior of the brick building, but are remodeling the roof and interior. According to Petitt, everything is on schedule and completion is expected by March 15.
Five of the seven apartments already sold were bought as second homes by people who live at the beach.
“It used to be the other way around — people in town wanted homes at the beach,” said Petitt, “but a lot is going on downtown now.”
The apartments are “true lofts,” said Petitt, with “exposed beams, granite throughout, and Bosch stainless appliances. They’re very high-end.”
Prices range from $195,000 to $400,000.
According to Petitt, Michael Soans of Ocean Boulevard Development, the company reviving the building, studied high-end lofts in Atlanta with the intention of bringing that style to Jacksonville.
All of the second floor units are sold, as are all but one of the first floor units. Four penthouse apartments have a mezzanine level and are currently available.
Petitt said people are drawn to San Marco because of recent development and renovations, including the San Marco Branch Library and the City’s intent to improve Hendricks Avenue with new infrastructure and line the street with trees.
“This is the affluent side of the river and people want to be here,” said Petitt.