by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Lofts San Marco may open its doors to tenants in about 60 days.
Formerly known as the South Jacksonville Grammar School, work began inside the 35-unit building just over a year ago.
Shortly after purchasing the then-abandoned building from the Duval County School Board in 2001, lead developer Bill Cesery announced plans to gut it and renovate it into residential property.
Cesery said it is the company’s largest and most challenging undertaking.
“We’d like to think of it as our flagship project,” he said. “We’re making sure we do everything right.”
To be sure of that, Cesery replaced everything that wasn’t nailed down.
“Basically everything will be brand new,” he said. “We’ve installed new washer/dryers, granite counter tops and air conditioners.”
In addition, Cesery built a separate building on the property, where three extra units will be housed.
“We’re getting excited to let people see what we’ve done,” he said.
The City, too, seems excited at the prospect of a newly revitalized San Marco.
City Council member Art Shad said he’s preparing legislation to renovate Belmonte Park, an adjacent and unused City property.
Shad said the project, though not motivated by the Cesery development, could serve as a complement.
“I’ve actually been planning to do something with that park for a few months,” he said, “So, no, they’re not really tied together, but I do agree they both can do a lot for that neighborhood. It certainly can’t hurt.”
Shad said it would cost approximately $80,000 for landscaping and to install drainage. He said he was still looking for funding.
“We’re addressing that right now,” he said, “and providing we can do that, I’d like to introduce this legislation by the next Council cycle.”