by Miranda G. McLeod
Staff Writer
The Berkman Plaza only has two townhomes remaining in the first phase of its tower development in Downtown Jacksonville, but try to find a townhome in the second phase — and you’ll be out of luck.
The first Berkman tower was originally developed as apartment units. Berkman Plaza 2, the second and final phase of the project, will be a condominium development. The Harbor Companies sold the original tower to Atlanta real estate investors McRae & Stolz, which converted it to condominiums in 2003.
Berkman Plaza 2 is scheduled to break ground between July 15-30, according to spokesperson Evin Willman.
DB Holdings, an affiliate of Harbor Companies, is still working on the sales center, which was to be ready by June, according to an announcement in April by Alan Travis, a principal with DB Holdings and the Harbor Companies. The center isn’t open yet, but Willman said it should be open soon.
“The sales center is nearly complete. There’s always a delay in building anything,” said Willman.
The project has had a few delays but nothing really serious, said Willman.
Jacksonville’s Design Review Committee made requests for some additional information, particularly on the Bay Street side of the project. The DRC is charged with making sure every structure built Downtown conforms to the City’s master plan.
Watson Realty Corp. is the exclusive sales agent for the property and has already accepted more than 30 pre-construction reservations for the new residential tower. Reservations require a $5,000 deposit.
Pre-construction sales will begin when the sales center opens. Watson site agent Mike Ingmire anticipates signing contracts by the middle of July.
The Berkman Plaza 2 will be 23 stories with 222 units. Studios, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units will range from the $170,000s to the $600,000s. Penthouses will start in the $700,000s.