By Carole Hawkins, [email protected]; and Karen Brune Mathis, [email protected]
International developer Hines announced in January it is working to acquire about 105 acres along Gate Parkway for a master-planned community.
Landowner Brightman Skinner also announced the deal, referred to as Mill Dam Branch, but did not identify who the developer would be.
Hines is known locally as the developer of Palencia, a 2,200-acre master planned community North of St. Augustine.
A privately owned Houston-based real estate firm, Hines has a presence in 199 cities around the globe, $87 billion in assets, and is one of the world’s largest real estate organizations.
The Southside parcel under contract is located on the southwest quadrant of Interstate 295 and Butler Boulevard.
The company said it is planning a live-work-play community that will blend residential, office, neighborhood retail and will reflect Hines’ reputation for high-quality design and architecture.
Hines also said the community would continue the company’s track record for connectivity, with pedestrian-friendly pathways, a central lake and abundant green space.
The project would be completed in phases over six to eight years, said Hines Jacksonville Managing Director Lane Gardner during a meeting with Southside residents.
He said the project could mix single family homes, multifamily units and townhomes, with some assisted- and independent-living units.
Retail will be geared toward restaurants, stores and services needed by residents.
There would be green space, walking trails and community access to the lakefront. Skinner has estimated the property sale could close in August.
The land would need to be approved by the city as a Planned Unit Development, he said. The property is owned by the Charles Brightman Skinner Jr. Trust and HE Otter LLC, another Skinner family owner.