The founders of Roost Restaurants LLC, which opened The Local locations in Miramar and Neptune Beach, propose what is called for now The Lomax Restaurant in the Five Points area of Riverside.
Jacksonville natives Martin E. “Ted” Stein II and Jack Charles “JC” Demetree III lead Roost Restaurants.
“As a restaurant group we’ve strived to introduce new and exciting concepts to Jacksonville and we can’t wait to bring our newest addition,” said Demetree, who declined to provide more details about the Lomax plans.
There is no stated construction time frame or opening date.
The city is reviewing a permit for the addition and remodeling of the former Wells Fargo branch at 803 Lomax St.
Toney Construction Co. and kasper architects + associates Inc., both of Jacksonville, are the contractor and architect.
The permit is for an estimated $600,000 construction project to remodel a 5,855-square-foot building.
Plans show two levels, with three bars, lounge space, a venue platform and a kitchen on the first floor.
Part of the first level that includes the platform is open to the second floor.
The partial second level shows a bar, lounge and seating with a view open to the first floor.
Plans indicate 160 seats.
Property records show the Five Points building was developed in 1956.
Atlanta-based City Limits LLC owns the 0.59-acre property. It bought the site in October 2020 for $1.25 million from Wells Fargo Bank.
The deed restricts the property from being used as a financial services business by any entity other than Wells Fargo.
City Limits LLC is leasing the property to Roost Restaurants LLC.
City Limits LLC partner Brad Westbrook leads Westbrook Real Estate in Atlanta.
The westbrookre.com site shows the Lomax site as a “retail opportunity in 5 Points” for lease. It is represented by Colliers International Senior Director Matthew Clark in Jacksonville.
A brochure shows a “Lomax Kitchen and Public House” as an example of the property’s potential use.
The permit application shows that Codes-ABC Inc. is the private provider for code compliance.
The city issued a mobility fee calculation certificate in April 2022 for a 6,203-square-foot project on the 0.59-acre site. It calculated a fee of $16,454 to mitigate the traffic impact.
The owner was listed as Jack Demetree of Roost Restaurants LLC.
The application said the site was developed as a 2,100-square-foot bank with two teller and ATM lanes.
It would be renovated with a 4,103-square-foot expansion to create a proposed 6,203-square-foot “fine dining” project.
Plans show 21 parking spaces at the lot behind the bank building. The general area also has street parking.
There is no comment about hours of operation.
The application included an October 2021 lease agreement between City Limits LLC and Roost Restaurants LLC.
A plan showed the bank building would be renovated and the addition would be where the teller lanes are.
The Jacksonville Planning Commission approved a zoning exception, E-22-11, to allow the retail sale and service of all alcoholic beverages for on- or off-premise consumption on the Commercial Community/General-1 property.
A companion application for a waiver of liquor distance also was approved.
The location is near Riverside Presbyterian Church.
The commission approved the applications March 3, 2022. A transcript of the meeting shows no opposition was voiced.
Five Points has several bars and restaurants near 803 Lomax St.