Jacksonville-based Ja-Ru Inc., which imports and distributes impulse toys, bought 31.7 acres in Flagler Center for $3 million in a sale recorded Wednesday, according to Duval County property records.
Ja-Ru, a 51-year-old company, is based at 4030 Philips Highway, where it owns a 147,000-square-foot office, warehouse and distribution center on about 5.9 acres, records show.
Ja-Ru also owns a 50,200-square-foot warehouse and 4,400-square-foot office on 1.6 acres nearby at 2950 Powers Ave.
Ja-Ru and Flagler representatives did not respond to phone calls, emails or a visit to Ja-Ru offices.
Ja-Ru's website, jaru.com, says Ja-Ru is a Florida-based toy company with offices and showrooms in Jacksonville and Hong Kong.
It said it has become the leading supplier of impulse toys worldwide. It employs more than 150 people, with more than 100 in the United States.
It sells throughout the country and ships to more than 35 countries. It distributes outdoor and classic toys and more.
According to its website, brands include Toss 'Em Water Bomb, Splash Fun, Explore Planet Earth, Dino World, Pocket Travel, That's Gross! and Fun Bubbles, among many others.
"It is rare to go into any retailer anywhere in the world and not find a JA-RU toy," says the website. Its logo calls it JA-RU Inc., The Rack Toy Co.
The website said the family- owned operation began in 1961 by Bernard Selevan in his garage. He named the company after his two sons, Jack and Russell, who now run the business.
Jack Selevan's sons, Marc and Andrew, are part of the third generation of the business.
Ja-Ru bought the Flagler land from FC Land Parcels LLC of Coral Gables. Records show the property is vacant and comprises 23.69 acres for business-park development and the remainder is a retention pond, conservation and easement.
The property carries a taxable value of $5.16 million.
Ja-Ru's existing Philps Highway property is valued for tax purposes at $3.78 million. Ja-Ru bought the property in 1984 for $390,000. The building was constructed in 1985.
The Powers Avenue structures were built in 1972 and have a taxable value of $1.1 million.
The 4030 Philips Highway site is about 12.5 miles north of the Flagler Center property.
Flagler Center is a 1,022-acre business park that houses 1.4 million square feet of office and industrial space, according to the flaglerdev.com website.
The center is in South Jacksonville, between Interstate 95 and Philips Highway, south of Old St. Augustine Road. Baptist Medical Center South, Citicorp's credit card division campus and Web.com are among the major users.
The center is entitled for an additional 2.4 million square feet of office space, 150,000 square feet of retail space, 410 multifamily units and 130 hotel rooms, the website said.
"Flagler Center's build-to-suit opportunities, as well as existing space options, are attractive choices for high-growth companies who require a sophisticated business setting in close proximity to rooftops and amenities," said the website.
Ja-Ru is privately held. State records show it was incorporated in 1967 in Florida.
Jack Selevan is listed as the president and treasurer, and other officers and directors include Russell Selevan, Marc Selevan, Andrew Selevan, Bruce Connor and Arnold Prodber.
Macy's still says no plans
A spokesman for Macy's Inc., which has headquarters in New York and Cincinnati, said the commercials and promotions for the retailer on area TV and radio outlets don't mean a Jacksonville store is imminent.
"Macy's does advertise on radio nationally and in many local markets. We often reach out into areas where we do not have bricks-and-mortar stores," said Jim Sluzewski, senior vice president of corporate communications and external affairs.
"Keep in mind that Macy's serves customers nationally, including via macys.com, which is available 24/7 to customers across America and around the world. We also know that many people shop at stores in other cities," he said.
"While we maintain our policy of never commenting on where we may or may not be looking at future store locations, I would not read anything into local radio ads," he said.
A store location search at macys.com shows the closest Macy's stores to Downtown Jacksonville are in Gainesville, Daytona Beach, Ocala, Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Oviedo and Savannah.
Macy's has been a longtime source of local speculation.
In 2006, Macy's advertising on area television sparked speculation that the famous retailer, which operated in every major Florida market but Jacksonville, would finally open in Northeast Florida.
Back then, Macy's parent company, Federated Department Stores, rebranded most of its U.S. stores under the famous Macy's name and wanted to spread that word. A spokeswoman said there was nothing to announce for Northeast Florida.
Health care developments
• The City OK'd a permit for tenant build-out for Baptist Primary Care in Arlington at 7001 Merrill Road, No. 10. Towers Contracting Co. of Northeast Florida Inc. is the contractor for the 4,150-square-foot, $258,618 project.
• The foundation permit was approved for Fort Caroline Gardens at 9150 Fort Caroline Road. Westmoreland Construction LLC is the contractor for the $30,000 foundation. The construction permit application shows a 25,000-square-foot addition to the assisted-living facility. Westmoreland is shown on the application as the contractor for the $3 million project.
• Kendale Design/Build General Contractors LLC will handle office build-out for Bremer Brace at 423 Margaret St. at a project cost of $114,655.
• Allied Tire Sales Inc. sold property at Normandy Boulevard and Ellis Road to FRE Jacksonville LLC Nov. 30. Site development plans filed with the City for FRE Jacksonville LLC show a proposed 6,463-square-foot medical office building on 5.88 acres at 5607 Normandy Blvd., at Normandy and Ellis.
Food notes
• The Burger King at 7900 Blanding Blvd. is slated for remodeling for new Burger King décor and seating. Diversified Commercial Builders Inc. is shown on the building permit application as the contractor of the $83,000 project.
• A business license was issued for Dunkin' Donuts at 3930 Sunbeam Road, the site of a former Lubi's restaurant.
• The sign was approved for Steamin restaurant, "Home of the Steamburger and Fatdog!," at 9703 San Jose Blvd. River City Sign Co. is the contractor for the wall sign at a project cost of $1,800. In August, the City approved tenant build-out there. Coastal Atlantic Inc. is the contractor for remodeling the almost 3,000-square-foot restaurant at a project cost of $77,300. The Steamin' Jax Facebook page indicates that it will open Saturday and features photos of its food and shows craft beers, wines and beertinis.
@MathisKb
(904) 356-2466