by Bailey White
Staff Writer
A small group that includes City Council member Jim Overton and members of the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission met last week to discuss marketing strategies for downtown historical buildings.
Their goal was to come up with a system that would make it easier for developers to find out about special incentives that come along with renovating historic buildings located within the boundaries established by the Downtown Development Authority.
The tool they’ve come up with is a packet of information detailing incentives that will be readily available to parties interested in downtown development.
“This will really close the gap on the development and brokerage industry being ignorant of the newest policies,” said Oliver Barakat, a senior associate with CB Richard Ellis, Inc.
The marketing manual, which will most likely be in the form of a spiral bound booklet or a brochure, would be easy to understand and serve as an educational tool on available City assistance. The information could also land on websites for Downtown Vision, Inc., the City and the JEDC.
“The City has worked hard on establishing these incentives and this will really increase awareness,” said Barakat.
Planners are thinking of including examples of projects that have utilized City incentives, either in Jacksonville or another city, and a list of the 50 or so historical buildings in the area.
“I want to avoid any photographs of buildings because I don’t think the owners would appreciate that,” said Overton.
The JEDC will handle production of the manual, which will probably be funded by the City. At this time, planners are unsure how many copies will be produced.