Freshfields Farm taking shape
Freshfields Farm is scheduled to open its produce and meat market (rendering at right) this fall at 5555 University Blvd. W. in South Jacksonville.
Derek Wagner, spokesman for the Orlando-based company, said the structural steel is being put up, "so folks will see some quick progress made on the site as the building is taking shape."
"It's really going to be an unconventional facility compared to a traditional supermarket. We're using 5-inch thick insulated refrigeration panels in the new construction, so the new building will be incredibly efficient," he said.
"Our sales area will be cooled with refrigeration, as opposed to a conventional HVAC system, so it'll be cooler but more humid than a standard grocery store. It'll be an ideal environment for fresh produce and meats, which is all we'll sell."
Wagner said the Southside market will use far less electricity than the Orlando store and he said a significant portion of the Southside site is being converted from pavement to drought-tolerant landscaping.
Williams & Rowe Co. Inc. is the contractor. The site formerly was the site of Liberty Furniture.
Athleta building out at St. Johns Town Center
The City approved renovations for Athleta at St. Johns Town Center. Russco Inc. General Contractor will handle the 3,794-square-foot project at 4791 River City Drive, No. 119, at a cost of $349,859.
Interior tenant demolition was approved in early June for Athleta, Gap Inc.'s brand that sells women's yoga clothing, swimwear, running clothing and athletic wear.
Gap Inc., based in San Francisco, is a global retailer that sells clothing, accessories and personal care products for men, women, children and babies.
Its brands include Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime, Athleta and Intermix.
In April, Gap was "determined to build upon its product and revenue momentum in 2012, which was achieved as we focused on becoming the world's favorite for American style," said Chairman and CEO Glenn Murphy in a news release.
"There is meaningful opportunity for our diverse portfolio of brands to gain share in the $1.4 trillion global apparel market," he said.
The athleta.gap.com. site shows there are more than 45 stores in 23 states and Washington, D.C. The site shows one Florida store in Coral Gables.
The site says five stores are coming soon to Austin, Texas; Raleigh, N.C.; Milwaukee; Scottsdale, Ariz.; and Lynnfield, Mass.
New Leaf Vapor coming to Five Points
Plans are in review for New Leaf Vapor at 1010 Park St. Noble Construction Group Inc. is the contractor to build-out the 2,850-square-foot store at a project cost of $30,000.
New Leaf Vapor sells smokeless cigarettes and operates one store at 13799 Beach Blvd., No. 101.
For information, visit its Facebook page, New Leaf Vapor Co.
Total Wine plans partial renovation
The City is reviewing a permit application for Total Wine & More in St. Johns Town Center at 4413 Town Center Parkway, No. 300.
Total Wine proposes selective renovations for its existing store for retail use. Plans show improvements to the beer-tasting station and wine-education center.
Fulcrum Construction is shown as the contractor for the $143,000 project.
St. Johns Town Center names new marketing director
Lyndsay Rossman became corporate director of tourism for Simon Malls on Monday and Lindsey Von Hoven, currently with The Avenues mall, succeeds Rossman as director of marketing and business development for St. Johns Town Center.
Rossman will develop and implement a streamlined approach to increasing tourism traffic to Simon Propery Group's 25 destination properties. Simon owns The Avenues and is a part owner of St. Johns Town Center.
Rossman she will continue to be based at St. Johns Town Center while serving the corporate role.
Signs of retail
• Cosmo Nail Bar is posting a sign in the St. Johns Town Center at 10275 Buckhead Branch Drive, No. 123. Heron Electric Inc. is the contractor for the wall sign at a project cost of $1,700. Cosmo Nail Bar is opening in the former Lotus Massage location across from YOBE.
• DTLR is putting up its sign in the Highland Square Shopping Center at 1010 Dunn Ave. in North Jacksonville. CNS Signs Inc. is the contractor for the wall sign at a project cost of $1,000. DTLR, which stands for Down Town Locker Room, is a clothing retailer aimed at the 30-and-under demographic. It focuses on apparel and shoes for a core demographic of customers from ages 15-30.