by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
Entrepreneur and restaurateur Paul Sifton is unveiling his latest venture today. Called “927” in reference to the building’s street address on West Forsyth Street (at Lee Street near the Osborn Center), it’s a multipurpose facility designed and furnished for special events with guest lists from 10 to 200 people.
Sifton, who is a partner in Koja Sushi at the Landing and The Galley restaurant at Beach Marine, has spent the last three years renovating the building.
Originally a feed store and warehouse when it opened 100 years ago, all the floors have been refinished, the original brick walls restored and 21st-century plumbing and electrical service was installed. For 40 years prior to Sifton taking on the building and the project, it was a restaurant equipment company’s warehouse and repair shop. Many of the fixtures in 927 were salvaged from the inventory.
“There was an unbelievable amount of stuff in this building when I bought it. We used what we could and then filled 33 dumpsters with the rest,” he said.
Sifton is licensed to provide in-house catering and beverages, or clients can make their own arrangements.
“It’s up to you. You can be as little or as much involved as you wish,” he said.
Sifton’s 927 offers 10,000 square feet of flexible party and meeting space on two floors. He has already booked several business meetings, birthday and anniversary parties and weddings. Games include billiards, table tennis and an indoor golf range. There’s also an elevated stage equipped with a baby grand piano and part of Sifton’s collection of late model and vintage motorcycles is showcased in the decor.
Sifton came to Jacksonville 20 years ago and discovered the neighborhood when he opened a document storage business in the building two blocks from 927 that’s now the home of Sally Industries. He was inspired to tackle the renovation because he loves old warehouses.
“They just don’t build them like this anymore. 927 is a very interesting old building and the renovation was a lot of fun. It would have been a shame to see it torn down,” he said.
For rental rates and other information, call Chris Brown at 655-6603 or e-mail [email protected].
The first thing you see when you enter the building is part of Sifton’s collection of motorcycles.
Sifton has collected an eclectic assortment of fixtures and art for 927.
It’s always Christmas at 927.
Part of the second floor is set up like a board room for meetings or training sessions.
The view of the Osborn Center from 927.
356-2466