by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
While the City works to resolve one failed deal, another project can’t move forward until a settlement is reached.
Developer Mike Langton said a mixed-use development at the site of the old Barnett Bank building won’t happen until the City negotiates a settlement with Humana, Inc.
In July, the health care provider defaulted on a agreement to construct a 375-space parking garage at Bay, Water and Hogan streets.
“We’re still waiting,” said Langton. “Unfortunately, there isn’t much we can do until they figure out what Humana owes and eventually recover the land that was tied up in that deal.”
Kirk Wendland, executive director for the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission, has been leading efforts to reach a settlement between the City, Humana and Landing owner Tony Sleiman. Part of the deal involved allotting parking spaces for Landing customers.
“Humana did receive a default notice earlier this year,” said JEDC spokesperson Jean Moyer, “and there have been subsequent conversations since then. However, this is a very complex, tri-party agreement and there is nothing to report right now. Hopefully, in the future we’ll see more progress there.”
That isn’t exactly good news for Langton, who needs much of the available land to build a parking garage for the Barnett project.
“My project, and really any other project, won’t work downtown without parking,” he said. “That’s the honest truth and everyone knows it. You need that element.”
Langton is also waiting for a City commitment to help fund the multi-million dollar restoration project.
The developer said he and recently hired consultant/lobbyist Ginny Myrick have been working with
Mayor John Peyton’s office in an
effort to make that point clear.
“It’s too expensive otherwise,” he said. “For now, we’re hoping they understand that unless assistance — that isn’t unlike what was offered
to 11E. and The Carlington — is offered, it will not work.”
Last year, Langton announced
plans to purchase the 160,000
square-foot building and later
reopen it as a luxury loft,
hotel, bank and restaurant
complex.