aby J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Following a recent approval by the Downtown Development Authority, Community Connections says they will be able to start construction on a new administration building by October.
The 5,000 square-foot building will be built on a lot bordering Duval, Liberty and Church streets that the group already owns.
“We’re really excited about the project,” said Pat Hannan, executive director for community connections. “Getting DDA approval was no easy feat.”
Developers Rick Haskew and Tom Beeckler from Mastec Builders said one of the main challenges of the project was the push from DDA to make the new building similar to the existing Davis Center next door.
“They definitely wanted a match,” Haskew told the Community Connections Board of Directors Tuesday. “To account for that we are using identical bricks and windows and the roof will be lined with 40-year shingles.”
The DDA also insisted street lights similar to the ones in the LaVilla subdistrict be used.
“The only problem we had with that,” said Haskew, “is that the cost for each one lies somewhere in the neighborhood between $4-5,000. They wanted to be sure that the property would be well lit and that we would have an active street front.”
Community Connections specializes in providing shelter for formerly homeless women and children while they learn to become financially independent. The group also provides after-school care at various sites throughout Duval County.
“We try to get them on their feet,” said Hannan.