Tampa-based GTE Financial can build out one of its first two community financial centers that it plans to open in South Jacksonville.
The city issued a permit July 13 for Creo Contracting LLC of Jacksonville Beach to renovate 1,983 square feet of space at 7570 Gate Parkway, Unit 105, in The Palms at Gate Parkway at a project cost of $1.75 million.
The Palms at Gate Parkway is west of Interstate 295 and south of Butler Boulevard. It is at northwest Gate Parkway and Burnt Mill Road, north of Ikea.
BDG Architects LLP of Tampa is the architect. AEC Integrated LLC of Jacksonville provided private plan review.
Plans show three offices, a breakroom, a lounge, lobby and rotunda, and a walk-up ATM.
Jacksonville-based Ash Properties is the landlord.
The 7570 Gate Parkway structure is one of three two-story buildings comprising The Palms at Gate Parkway.
As Building 1, it is the southernmost structure. It is at the left when facing the central building. Unit 105 is on the ground floor.
Also in the building are The Chocolate Bar, Foxtail Coffee Co. and Fore Score Golf Tavern.
The site is across Gate Parkway from The Block Jax outdoor food hall, live music venue, kids play park and dog park.
The second GTE Financial office in Jacksonville is shown on a site plan for Intracoastal Plaza at 14444 Beach Blvd., also owned by Ash Properties, at southeast Beach Boulevard and San Pablo Road.
The city is reviewing a permit for renovation of a 2,848-square-foot former bank building at an estimated project cost of $1.75 million. The renovation will consist of four offices, a breakroom and more.
BDG Architects is the architect. AEC Integrated is providing private plan review.
The Ash Properties plan shows GTE Financial on Outparcel 1, next to Shores Liquors. Le Petit Paris Cafe is on Outparcel 3.
Cushman & Wakefield Managing Director David Hillegas and Senior Associate Francesca Neuman represented GTE Financial in the lease negotiations for both locations.
GTE Financial formally announced May 14 plans to expand into the Jacksonville market with the two locations, confirming earlier reports.
The not-for-profit financial cooperative said it will establish its first Jacksonville-area branch in late 2026 along Gate Parkway and a second at Beach Boulevard and San Pablo Road in 2027.
GTE Financial said in the news release that the expansion is its first full-service retail presence in Duval County and part of a broader statewide growth strategy after receiving approval to serve additional regions across Florida.
Brian Best, president and CEO of GTE Financial, said Jacksonville represents an opportunity to serve more communities “with a personalized, community-focused banking experience.”
“As we grow, our focus remains the same, empowering our members with the financial tools, guidance and support they need to achieve their goals and build stronger financial futures,” he said in the release.
GTE Financial said it operates 24 community financial centers across Florida, serves more than 230,000 individuals and businesses and manages about $3 billion in assets.
“The expansion into Jacksonville is part of GTE Financial’s long-term commitment to meaningful growth,” said Channing Thornton, managing director of Retail Member Sales.
The release said the credit union and its employees contribute millions of dollars annually to charitable organizations and dedicate thousands of hours to financial counseling, volunteerism and community outreach.