By Bill Bortzfield, WJCT
Development is underway for Union Hall, the next phase of the San Marco Train Station development on Hendricks Avenue.
Jacksonville developer Ashco wants to bring "a sort of outdoor living room to San Marco,” said Tiffany Ash, Ashco vice president of leasing and real estate.
Union Hall is next to Ashco's San Marco Train Station, the former city of South Jacksonville waterworks and electric building developed in 1930 that houses La Nopalera restaurant. It’s next to the railroad tracks that cross Hendricks Avenue
Ashco purchased two structures behind the La Nopalera.
“We have two buildings that we’re remodeling,” Ash said. A restaurant is planned for the 900-square-foot building while at least two concepts are being considered for the larger 3,000-square-foot building.
Art will play a large part in Union Hall. One concept that Ashco plans to bring to Jacksonville features floating umbrellas.
The concept mimics the 1,000 colorful umbrellas that float above Yoel Moshe Solomon Street in the historic Nachalat Shiva district of downtown Jerusalem.
Murals also will play a prominent role, with Ashco planning a competition among local artists.
“We’re looking for approximately 100 artists to be a part of that competition,” Ash said.
The expansion will include 60 additional parking spaces in a lot on Naldo Avenue next to the railroad tracks.
Ash said the cost of the next phase of the development hasn’t been determined because the build-out will depend on the tenant needs.
Ash said Ashco expects to complete the expansion in the first quarter of 2019, meaning it could be open by April 1.
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at [email protected], (904) 358-6349 or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.