from Staff
The new Commercial Council at the Northeast Florida Builder’s Association gives members of the commercial real estate community a new place to network, hear an educational speaker and be offered opportunities for continuing education.
Approximately 40 commercial builders, real estate brokers and trade partners attended the first meeting as founding members to offer input to the council’s purpose and direction.
The second meeting was also well attended and focused on a panel discussion surrounding sustainable building practices. Meetings are held at the NEFBA office on Atlantic Blvd.
Tim Adkinson, NEFBA third vice president and civil design department manager at King Engineering Associates, is the chair.
“The large turnout indicates there is interest in creating a Commercial Council at NEFBA,” said Adkinson. “We need to know how we can serve commercial builders and what their needs are. There are many issues in the commercial sector that need to be addressed.”
NEFBA already has a number of commercial builders that are active members.
“But, in order to cater to them, we felt this is something that needed to be done to tend to their needs,” said Tritt. “We will offer an opportunity for continuing education, licensing and obviously the networking aspect and governmental affairs side of things.”
The meetings are open to all NEFBA members.
The meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of the month at the NEFBA office. Dues for the new council were established at $75 a year in addition to NEFBA membership dues.
According to attorney Arnold Tritt Jr., a NEFBA member and partner with Tritt & Franson, the new council will not compete with other existing commercial associations.
“The associations will work together for a common good,” said Tritt. In addition to the new Commercial Council, NEFBA’s councils include the Nassau Builders Council, Clay Builders Council, St. Johns Builders Council, Putnam Builders Council, Sales & Marketing Council, Remodelers Council and the Masonry Council.
“Both associate members and builder members gravitate to different councils,” said Glenn Layton, NEFBA first vice president. “There is a place for everyone who wants to make a difference.”
For more information contact Merritt at [email protected].
Designs are ready for Jackson Square
Designs are complete for Jackson Square at San Marco, a proposed transit-oriented development along Philips Highway just south of Interstate 95.
The development site covers approximately 18 acres, including the former Jerry Hamm Chevrolet location and other smaller parcels. It is the largest re-development project on the boards in Jacksonville’s San Marco district.
Jackson Square is based on the design principals of Transit Oriented Development and designs have been done by the Basham & Lucas Design Group. This new trend emphasizes the creation of livable, walkable communities oriented around public transportation systems. This type of development makes it possible to live a high quality life without complete dependence upon an automobile.
“The time has come to re-develop this great location that will play an important and strategic role in the future development of Jacksonville’s Urban Core,” said Steve Cissel of FirstStar Development. “Jackson Square will be a mixed-used destination that will change the community for the better.”
The developers have started clearing land for the community, which is planned to have up to 900 multi-family rental units.
In addition, Jackson Square will offer approximately 150,000 square feet of retail space and approximately 200,000 square feet of office space.
Founded in 1998, the company is headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., and has designed projects in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Louisiana, Virginia, Delaware, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky and Texas.