by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
For months rumors have swirled over whether offices along the Southbank Riverwalk will be vacated and torn down, making way for Super Bowl-related activities next year.
Flanking the Radisson Hotel, the office complex is owned by Riverwalk Hotels LLC. Both its Miami-based business partners have remained mum on the subject, though at least one business owner in the complex said she has been told she will have to vacate the premises by the end of the year.
“I was recently contacted by (Radisson manager) Joe Hockenbury,” said Mary Fisher of Mary Fisher Design. “I was told I needed to be out by Dec. 31.”
Neither Fisher, who has been in her space for nine years, nor any other building tenant has been given official notice. Fisher said, however, that she expects to have something in writing by the end of the month.
“We had all heard the rumors about what was going to happen to these offices, but I guess we know now,” she said. “It’s very disappointing.
“There isn’t a better of view of Jacksonville than right here.”
Hockenbury could not be reached for comment.
Fisher said she was told large tents will likely be erected and reserved for corporate parties after the debris has been cleared.
The offices are located next to the old Crawdaddy’s restaurant, which is condemned and will also be demolished.
“From what I understand they have the potential to make a lot of money by putting up these tents. I think I heard something like they will be rented out for about $200,000 a piece,” she said.
Representatives from the Super Bowl Host Committee said that while they have made contact with Hockenbury and other hotel representatives, they were unaware of any official arrangement regarding the office complex property.
“We’ve had preliminary discussions with Radisson officials regarding use of their property during Super Bowl week,” said Host Committee spokesperson Heather Surface, “but nothing has been officially determined.”