A panel of real estate executives covered the Northeast Florida map recently when discussing the hot spots for future retail development, including Downtown Jacksonville.
Panelist Drew Margol of Margol Commercial Realty Services recalled growing up in Jacksonville.
“Downtown was where it was,” he said, referring to the area’s center for business and shopping at the time.
Margol said that recent developments, including proposed multifamily housing in the Brooklyn area between Downtown and Riverside, was encouraging.
“Downtown is so waiting to happen,” he said.
Margol joined Sandy Perez, regional leasing director of Equity One Inc.; Spencer Phelps, director of real estate for the Florida region for Kimco Realty; and Carrie Smith, regional managing partner of real estate services with Franklin Street, on the panel.
Former City Council President Elaine Brown with Killashee Investments moderated the discussion. Mayor Alvin Brown also made remarks.
They spoke at a program of the International Council of Shopping Centers Next Generation group in April at The University Club.
They discussed the popularity of the St. Johns Town Center and shared their insights into other growing markets:
• Brown: Yulee in Nassau County.
• Perez: The area of Florida 9A/Interstate 295 East Beltway and Hodges Boulevard and southeast to the Beaches.
• Phelps: Mandarin and River City Marketplace in North Jacksonville.
• Smith: St. Johns County.
• Margol: St. Augustine and the World Golf Village in St. Johns County as well as Downtown Jacksonville.
“At some point, Downtown Jacksonville is going to be the place to be,” Margol said.
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