Two weeks after Hurricane Irma's wrath shut down the Downtown Wells Fargo Center, building management told tenants the tower could reopen soon.
"Thanks to the diligent efforts of over 150 personnel working around the clock over the last 11 days, we are anticipating WFC to reopen in the coming days and will advise you with a date certain and with as much advance notice as possible," Senior Property Manager Jane Reischman with Banyan Street Capital wrote in an email to tenants Friday.
The building closed Sept. 8 in advance of the storm, which pushed floodwaters from the St. Johns River into two basement levels and shut down power systems at the 1 Independent Drive property.
Most tenants in the 37-story tower made other arrangements, such as leasing temporary space, working remotely or sharing space in branch offices.
"For those tenants that decided to relocate to other locations and made arrangements regarding temporary space, please feel free to contact us to begin discussions regarding coordinating your return back to WFC," Reischman wrote.
She said management plans to provide limited early access to IT and essential personnel so they can inspect, verify and confirm that internal business systems, such as phones, internet, cable and information technology, are operational.
The date for such access is to be determined, she wrote.
Reischman said limited access is due to ongoing restoration processes and the removal of large equipment, trucks and related machinery.
For now, the lower level parking garage on B1 and B2 will remain closed due to staging of remaining equipment necessary from restoration and cleanup efforts, she wrote.
Tenants who park in the basement garage will need to park on a temporary basis in the nine-story Jax Center garage at 1 W. Bay St. across from the building.
She said Lanier Parking, which oversees the Wells Fargo Center parking operations, has been notified. Card access will not be required. Cardholders will not be required to pull a ticket.
"Your patience and understanding during this time has been greatly appreciated by our entire team. We look forward to seeing you all very soon"