by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
The Laura Trio at Laura and Forsyth streets and the old Barnett Building at Laura and Adams streets are under contract. According to a letter sent to City Council members by Jacksonville Economic Development Commission Executive Director Ron Barton, the administration is in discussions with a potential buyer and developer.
Bob Knight, a commercial real estate broker with Addison Commercial Real Estate, confirmed the buildings are under contract, but declined to identify the potential buyer. The buildings have been under contract before but those deals were not completed.
An ordinance introduced to Council Tuesday suggests using $3.5 million from the Historic Preservation Trust Fund to build a parking garage for the Landing. However, in the memo, Barton stressed that money was not meant for such ventures and urged Council to vote against the legislation.
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