Nearly nine months after it purchased the former Edgewood Bakery building, Community First Credit Union says it’s moving forward with plans to turn the long-vacant structure into the institution’s Murray Hill branch.
In a June 30 release, Community First says it will renovate and repurpose the building at 1012 Edgewood Ave. S. with a design that will make it “like no other branch in its (the credit union’s) network.”
Plans include a front lawn and social area, a community room and architectural features not normally seen at Community First’s branches. The exterior will have a permanent structure featuring a food offering.
The release stated that architecture and design teams are in the early stages of interior renovation, which includes some reconstruction. The project is on a timeline for completion in late 2026.
The city is reviewing a permit application submitted June 30 for Premier American Construction Inc. of Middleburg to start selective demolition at an estimated project cost of $10,000 to prepare for renovations. TTV Architects Inc. of Jacksonville is the architect.
Coppola PR, which prepared the release, said interior work would commence once the permit is approved. Auld & White Constructors is the building team for the renovations. The building will be managed by NAI Hallmark when completed.
Community First President and CEO Sam Inman said in the release that the credit union “intends to create a Murray Hill branch to fit in with the unique character of the Murray Hill retail corridor and serve members where they are.”
“We believe this key retail site in the corridor will enhance consumer traffic to the area, revitalizing this strategic corner which has been vacant and deteriorating for nine years.”
Community First says the design includes a one-story floorplan, a redesigned parking lot, a drive-thru and full exterior updates. The interior will feature a mural depicting historical photos of the neighborhood, a common element in the credit union’s branches.
The plan drew a vote of confidence from the Murray Hill Preservation Association.
“Murray Hill Preservation Association (MHPA) is enthusiastic about the incorporation of the historic Edgewood Bakery building and look forward to the innovative designs for the new meeting space, food feature, and outdoor community areas,” said Greg Beere, president of the association, in the release.
“MHPA believes this custom-tailored branch will serve as a vital anchor for the Edgewood Avenue commercial corridor.”
Community First said it bought the property in October 2024. The deed recorded with the Duval County Clerk of Court shows the purchase price was $1.65 million.
The building and grounds were owned by restaurateur John Valentino through Pie High Real Estate Holdings LLC. He acquired it for $700,000 in 2016, the year Edgewood Bakery closed.
The property had been the Edgewood Bakery since 1947.
Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan’s company Stache Investments bought it in 2015 before selling it to Valentino.
Community First identifies itself as one of the largest credit unions in Florida, with $2.8 billion in assets and 180,000 members. The institution operates in 23 locations and employs a workforce of more than 450 employees.
Editor at Large Karen Brune Mathis contributed to this report.