by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
It’s no secret that downtown revitalization is a hot topic. While areas on the Southside seem to have little trouble attracting businesses, it isn’t as easy to get them downtown. Whether or not restaurants, law firms and boutiques realize it, there is prime space available and ready for occupancy. Here’s a look at some of the properties currently on the market downtown:
11 E. Forsyth
(commercial space)
For: lease
Size: 4,400 square feet with possibility of dividing a smaller portion.
Features: L-shaped space with full length windows on the corners of Main and Forsyth streets, concrete floors, approximately 12-foot ceilings.
Who’s looking? “We’ve had inquiries from two groups in Orlando,” said realtor Chris Neidhardt. “One is an Italian concept group and another would feature American Cuisine. Now that we are able to actually show the space, there is definitely interest there.”
Ideal candidate: Someone looking to open a casual, upscale restaurant. Building developer Vestcor is pushing for someone who would serve breakfast, lunch and dinner with delivery options for the tenants living in the building. A ventilation system has been installed to accommodate a restaurant.
Current status: Ready for occupancy.
112 W. Adams St.
(old Barnett Bank building)
For: sale
Asking price: $4.5 million
Size: over 100,000 square feet.
Features: U-shaped building with concrete floors. Designed by same firm that produced Madison Square Garden. It is one of the last large buildings in the area without any plans for renovation.
Ideal candidate: Someone with the time and money to tackle such a complex project. While the building does lend itself to mixed usage, residential is the most practical and approachable.
Who’s looking? Developers similar to Vestcor, who have ideas ranging from residential options to office space.
Current status: On the market and ready to sell.
229 Hogan St.
For: lease
Size: 6,200 square feet, although the space can be divided.
Features: Hardwood floors, picture windows, high ceilings.
Who’s looking? Mostly law offices, although retail entrepreneurs and even a nightclub have expressed interest.
Ideal tenant: According to realtor Parker Hudson, the third floor space is ideal for a law office because it is across from City Hall and also near the new U.S Courthouse and Main Library.
Status: Ready for lease, but not for move in.
201 N. Hogan
(Saxelbye Building)
For: lease
Size: 18,083 square feet dispersed throughout the third and fourth floors. One suite is available on the first floor. The space can be divided.
Features: the building, which was originally built in 1928, was renovated in 2001. It has new lighting, ceiling and elevators. There is a touch pad for entry and a parking garage below.
Who’s looking? Professionals in the legal field, although an architectural firm is eying it also.
Ideal tenant: Law offices and court reporters are the most practical because the building is centrally located to most government offices.
Current status: Ready for lease.
W.A. Knight Building
(commercial space)
For: lease
Size: two commercial spaces. One smaller space is 2,470 square feet and a larger measures 2,690 square feet.
Features: 14-foot ceilings, exposed brick and beams. Access to a brick courtyard that can double as a smoking section. Tenant also has the option of living in one of the upstairs lofts.
Who’s looking? Art galleries, barbecue and Japanese restaurants and a retail clothing store.
Ideal candidate: Someone who can fit in well with the community and the tenants living above the space. A solid business track record and a proven product wouldn’t hurt either.
Current status: Ready for occupancy.
45 W. Bay St.
(Cafe Athena)
For: lease, but the entire building is also for sale.
Size: 2,400 square feet with an additional 3,800 in the rear of the building.
Features: atrium in the center of building, Large windows facing Bay Street, next to a parking garage, directly across from Independent Square.
Who’s looking? Mostly restaurants, including Perkins.
Ideal candidate: Space is already equipped for a dining establishment.
Current status: Ready for occupancy.
315 W. Bay St.
(professional lofts)
Size: 20,000 square feet of loft space dispersed over four floors. Each floor may be divided into fourths.
Features: Brick walls, concrete floors, 14-16-foot ceilings. “It was one of first buildings built after the fire so the supporting structure has been very reinforced,” said co-owner Julia Suddath.
Who’s looking? “We’ve been approached by some individuals who want to open an art gallery with a studio on the second floor,” said Suddath. “We’ve gotten a lot of responses and even some residential inquiries. Most people seem to be in their late 20s.”
Ideal candidate: Any professional person seeking an open space is a good candidate. Retail options are possibility on the first or second floor.
Current status: Ready for tenants by late fall.