by Caroline Gabsewics
Staff Writer
It has been three months since Zoes Kitchen became the first tenant in 1661 Riverside’s retail space and since then one new business has opened, one is on its way and two others are in lease negotiations.
The mixed use development between Margaret and May streets along Riverside Avenue offers both residential and retail space. The retail space is only on the ground floor along Margaret Street. The residences include 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units — 69 one-story lofts and 21 two-story townhomes. Currently, there are only 12 residences available, and many of 1661’s residents are young professionals.
Jamie Swanson — leasing representative with The Shopping Center Group, LLC — is the contact person for the retail spaces of 1661 Riverside. Swanson said there are just over 12,000 square feet of retail space in the building, and not much of that is still available.
“There were 10 individual retail spots available, and some of the tenants have two spots,” he said. “I think they (the retail spots) have been leasing well. We are on pace considering the unique market there in Riverside.”
Both Zoes Kitchen and Snap Fitness occupy two retail spaces.
Swanson said a Smoothie King will be opening soon and he is currently in lease negotiations with two other prospects. He added that one of those prospects will be the tenant of the largest space offered, which is visible from Riverside Avenue and both Margaret and May streets.
“It is a highly visible spot,” he said. “After these two tenants sign there will only be 2,400 square feet left.”
Swanson believes Riverside has a lot to offer both its residents and businesses.
“It is turning into a walking community that Jacksonville hasn’t had,” he said. “Riverside is a dynamic community, with the age demographics and income demographics.
“It is a very eclectic part of Jacksonville.”
Swanson said he thinks Riverside is a popular area for new businesses because of everything its has to offer.
“Zoes has been doing fantastic. They do great lunch business and they have a catering business, too,” he said. “Snap Fitness opened its first location in Jacksonville and they have a 24-hour gym concept that works great with many of the residents’ work schedules.”
Shannon Peek and his wife Judy opened Snap Fitness seven weeks ago. They were in the real estate business, but because of the slow market and their interest in fitness, they decided to open a gym.
“It’s a great neighborhood and very diverse,” said Peek. “It is one of the more fun places to have a business. People have wanted to see this (a walking community) happen Downtown, but it has happened on its own in Riverside.”
Peek said there are currently 550 Snap Fitness locations in the U.S. with about 500 more set to open in the next six months.
“Right now it is the number one franchise in the country,” he said. “We are hoping to open more in Jacksonville.”
Peek said the 24/7 fitness option is very popular because it offers business people in the area with crazy schedules a place to work out when it’s convenient.
Right now Snap Fitness is the only fitness center in the core of Riverside, with the YMCA on Riverside Avenue and a Bailey’s Powerhouse Gym on Cassat Avenue.
Zoes Kitchen, also a franchise, was the first retail tenant to open in 1661 Riverside. The restaurant thrives on healthy living and offers a homemade, but healthy cuisine. The first Zoes Kitchen opened in Ponte Vedra Beach. In December 2005, Tyre Stuckey opened the Ponte Vedra location, and due to its success, he decided to open a second restaurant in 1661 Riverside. Stuckey was out of town on business and could not be reached.
Lifestyles Realtors is the sales and marketing agent for the residential component of the building.