by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
As construction on the new Main Library and Jacksonville Museum of Modern Art across from Hemming Plaza progresses, representatives from The Salvation Army say it is the perfect time to move forward on a project they’ve been eying for nearly 25 years.
The organization is proposing a four or five story assisted living center for the elderly on Main Street across from the new library.
“We’ve owned the property [bordering Church, Main and Ocean streets] for years,” said Tania Yount, development director for The Salvation Army. “There have just been issues in the past concerning market value and available funding. This really is the perfect time and it is a great location. We need to address affordable housing for our elderly. It is definitely a priority and this is probably overdue.”
The proposed center — featuring 70 to 80 units — would sit directly across from The Salvation Army’s Senior Center on Church Street.
“Ideally, the two buildings would complement each other,” said Yount. “Hopefully, this project can give the existing center a good shot in the arm.”
According to Yount, funding for the center — it is still in the “preplanning stages” — would be covered entirely through a grant from Housing and Urban Development. She estimated $3-4 million would be required.
“We haven’t submitted our application to HUD yet,” she said. “But they have said they are looking forward to receiving it.”
A formal application will likely be submitted by the end of August. Providing it is accepted, a ground breaking would be expected within a year.
Al Battle, managing director of the Downtown Development Authority, said although DDA is not directly involved in any application process, they do have a few concerns they will address once architect Art Schuldt returns to Jacksonville May 15 with renderings of the project.
“We definitely want to take a closer look to make sure that it fits in with what we are trying to accomplish in that area with respect to affordable housing,” said Battle. “At this stage I can’t say either way. When we get a better idea with regards to design elements, I can say that some healthy discussion will take place.”
For now, Yount remains optimistic.
“The only thing that could get in the way now,” she said, “is if the new mayor said, ‘No.’ The property has been a parking lot for too long and we’re not in the business of providing parking.”