Jack Garnett, CCIM, is a commercial real estate broker. He is the owner and president of Garnett Commercial Real Estate, Inc.
WHAT DOES HE DO?
Garnett Commercial specializes in the office and industrial sectors, providing services which include leasing; investment sales, land sales, tenant representation; build-to-suit and general development. The company is currently handling the sale of the Computer Associates Building in Deerwood Center in addition to developing two 9,600 square foot office buildings in the UNF First Coast Technology Park. Current clients include the North Regency One and Two buildings, the UNF First Coast Technology Park and 100 Laura Street downtown.
WHAT’S UNIQUE ABOUT 100 LAURA STREET?
Formerly known as the Barnett Bank building, 100 Laura Street was the crown jewel of downtown Jacksonville’s skyline in the 1960s. After an extensive and complete renovation, the building features 136,500 square feet of office space in the middle of the central business district.
PREDICTIONS FOR DOWNTOWN JACKSONVILLE
“It’s starting to turn the corner. Frankly, you need people in order for downtown to thrive and I think the City has done an excellent job of providing incentives for builders and by promoting downtown as a viable place to live. The City is also focusing on preservation efforts for some of the city’s historic buildings. When the economy turns, there will be more of an opportunity for an urban lifestyle, as opposed to the suburban lifestyle we’re accustomed to. We’re now in the position to have people live and work downtown. As we get an influx of people relocating or transferring from the North, we will see this urban environment grow. I really think we’re right on the cusp. As people begin living downtown, then we’ll need additional businesses to serve them.”
BEFORE GOING INTO BUSINESS FOR HIMSELF
Garnett worked for Regency Centers Corp. for 10 years handling leasing, sales and asset dispositions before forming Garnett Commercial Properties four years ago.
COLLEGE
A graduate of the University of North Florida, he received his bachelor of business administration degree with a double major in marketing and management.
WHERE IS HE FROM?
The son of a career Navy man, Garnett was born in Virginia Beach and has lived all over the country. He moved to Jacksonville in 1970.
FAMILY
Garnett resides in Neptune Beach with his wife, Debbie, and their two kids: Matthew, 9 and Caitlyn, 8. Their oldest daughter, Michele, 24, recently got married.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Garnett was the chairman of The Players Championship in 2002 and is currently on the board of directors of the RITA (Research is the Answer) Foundation, an all-volunteer group that raises funds to support breast cancer research. He is on the board of the Northeast Florida chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is also active in his church.
HIS FAVORITES
Although Garnett admits to being a bit of a history buff, he usually reads publications on current events (history in the making). He enjoys old John Wayne movies and listening to both classic rock and country music.
HOBBIES
Garnett’s hobbies include boating, fishing, playing golf and spending time on the beach.
LAST VACATION
“Debbie and I went to Hawaii, sans kids, on our last vacation. Although we love our children dearly, it was a wonderful break. I think most parents can relate.”