J. Brooks Terry
Staff writer
It’s taken a while to iron out the deal, but construction on a new LaVilla restaurant is finally moving forward. Sax Seafood and Grill is expected to open by November.
Located at the corner of Union, Davis and Madison Streets, plans to build the 6,000-square-foot building have been on the City’s radar for some time.
In 2002, Jax Casual Dining was selected by the City to develop the long-vacant LaVilla site with a jazz-concept restaurant, LaVilla Bistro.
Years later, the more than $2 million project has somewhat changed. The jazzy atmosphere is still a component, but the seafood flavor is new.
Representatives from the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission, who are monitoring the project’s progress, said everything is on track with Sax and that tours of the site are being taken from time to time.
Jax Casual Dining is using a $1.9 million low interest City loan to subsidize construction efforts. Aside from that and an $81,000 grant awarded for site preparation, the rest is being privately financed.