The Downtown Investment Authority board approved an incentive May 21 for an Irish pub planned next door to the recently opened Decca Live nightspot.
The board voted 7-0 for the $200,000 incentive to support the proposed Keane’s Irish Pub at 315 E. Bay St.
Planned in the space vacated by the closure of Justice Pub in February, the new establishment is being developed by the owners of Decca Live at 323 E. Bay St.
The incentive was requested by co-applicants 323 E Bay Street LLC and Bay Street Warehousing LLC.
Property records show Bay Street Warehousing LLC is the owner of the three-story building at 315 E. Bay St. That 20,176-square-foot building was built in 1907.
The cost of the build-out for Keane’s is listed at $418,000 in DIA records.
The incentive is from the DIA’s Retail Enhancement Program Targeted Retail Activation: Food and Beverage Establishments Forgivable Loan Program (FAB-REP).
The incentive was approved in DIA Resolution 2025-05-01. Unlike some DIA incentives, FAB-REP loans do not need final approval from the Jacksonville City Council.
Board members approved the resolution with no discussion. It was included in the board’s consent agenda.
The loan would be provided at no interest over five years, amortizing at 20% per year, providing the pub remains in business during that term.
An interior plan of the project shows 13 bar seats; two rows of wall-mounted bench seating with 17 accompanying chairs; 12 tables; a lobby and a kitchen.
The three-story Decca Live music and dance venue opened in January 2025.