by Monica Tsai
Staff Writer
Walking down the 100 block of East Bay Street between Ocean and Newnan, one can’t help but notice the string of dilapidated eyesores that were once thriving businesses. Droopy awnings still bear the names of former retailers — an Italian restaurant, a print shop, an investigations firm. They all moved on to greener pastures. One company by the name of ProtoKore, Inc. hopes to change that sad scene, or part of it, anyway.
Designated a local historic landmark in January, the Holmes Block will undergo renovations soon in order to blend with the Bay Street Town Center entertainment district. An application for historic trust fund money is in the early application stage.
According to ProtoKore’s project manager, Glen Trotter, the owners of the two-story building wish to lease the majority of the 16,000 square feet of space to hospitality businesses such as a restaurant and entertainment venues, particularly on the ground floor. Retail and offices are being considered for the upper level. Trotter is in the midst of talks with prospective tenants but no commitments have been made yet.
“It would be nice for a design studio or other professional offices,” said Trotter. “Typically, once they [potential lessees] see the construction begin, interest picks up.”
The Holmes Block, which includes 107 to 117 East Bay Street, was one of the first buildings erected after the Great Fire of 1901. Recalling popular pre-fire construction styles, the Holmes Block is the quintessential example of the two-part block pattern so widely used in commercial configuration in the United States from 1850 to 1950.
In the beginning of this early-century building boom, also referred to as the Jacksonville Renaissance, the Duval County Board of Commissioners designated the upper floor of the Holmes Block as the interim Circuit Court and Criminal Court of Records room while the county courthouse was being rebuilt.
It is purported to be the design of George Holmes, who was president of the Florida Board of Architects for many years and also the president of the Florida Association of Architects in 1915. Holmes and his business partner, Civil War veteran Alfred McClure, engineered other local landmarks such as the Central Fire Station and the Jacksonville Women’s Club as well.
A local historical property consultant, with blessings from the Bureau of Historic Preservation in Tallahassee, is advocating for recognition of the site with the National Register of Historic Preservation.
“New awnings will be installed along the storefronts based on historical photographs to replicate what was there before,” said Trotter. “Starting in July, we will begin interior demolition work and coordinate site work with the city sidewalk and streetscape improvement on Bay Street.”
Vacant for more than two years, the building features exposed brick walls on the inside and high, beaded-wood ceilings, a common trait for Jacksonville structures built in the early 20th century. Trotter maintains that the exterior brick facade will be restored to its original look, or as close as possible.
Other repairs will include the addition of an elevator in the lobby and replacing the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. The plumbing and electrical systems will be replaced, too.
City approval has been given to the modifications of the glass storefronts which entails replacing the windows with a style similar to its original appearance. Behind the structure, the developers intend to design a patio facing the alley to be used by a restaurant-tenant.
At this point, the permitting process is nearly complete. Work should begin in a few weeks and wrap up around the end of the year.