by Bailey White
Staff Writer
When the United States Postal Service vacates the Federal Courthouse in June, patrons of the 900 or so post office boxes there will need to find a new place to have their mail delivered.
A local businessman is planning on meeting that need, and then some.
Paul Boucher has just secured the necessary finances to open Norm’s Pub & Post at 221 N. Laura St., next door to the Cobbler’s Corner and a few storefronts down from La Cena Restaurant.
“It will be a destination,” said Boucher. “Like a mini-mall, it will be a place to come for a lot of different services, with different vignettes.”
Boucher will convert 4,000 square feet of space into his vision, which includes a full service mail center where patrons will be able to buy stamps, mail packages and receive mail via the approximately 2,000 post office boxes Boucher will house on site.
“I know the timing is good,” said Boucher, “because of the post office leaving and with 11 E. Forsyth and other lofts opening.”
In addition to the mail station, Boucher plans to open a restaurant called Blues City Diner, featuring Memphis-style ribs.
There will also be a coffee station, fresh baked goods daily and possibly a dry cleaning service. The pub will feature beer and wine, and the back of the space will most likely be used as a pool hall, with the inspiration coming from John Steinbeck’s “Cannery Row.”
Most of the work Boucher will be doing to the space is cosmetic and he says he’ll start as soon as possible.
“We’re moving as fast as time permits,” said Boucher, who with partner Marti Holloway, owns and operates The Flying Frog, a design studio and antique shop on Beach Boulevard which offers architectural and interior design services. “I’m hoping to be at least partially operating by April 4, when Festival Downtown begins. Right now, it’s a blank canvas.”
Boucher’s plan calls for a grotto-like entrance complete with slate floors and mirrored walls and he’s even planned a “skylight,” which will actually be a work of trompe l’oeil painting and clever lighting.
His plan has gained the support of Downtown Vision, Inc. and members of the City Council, who say Jacksonville is ready for this type of venue.
“Laura Street should be the avenue to the Landing,” said Council member Suzanne Jenkins. “I’d strongly encourage and support a place like this.”
“I’ve been living and breathing this,” said Boucher, adding that he is dedicated to the revitalization of downtown. “I have lived in Jacksonville for 30 years and this is my opportunity to give something back to my community.”