Jacksonville, FL — Demolition of the Jacksonville Landing is currently expected to be complete before this year is up.
That’s the latest from the City of Jacksonville, as a contractor is selected to carry out the project.
The General Government Awards Committee has voted to give the job to D.H. Griffin Wrecking Co. Inc., of Plant City, who bid $1.074 million. The City of Jacksonville had already set aside $1.5 million for the demolition and site restoration, so this falls within those limits.
Compass Bank is the only business still operating in the Downtown plaza, and an agreement with the City allows them to continue their tenancy through October 28th. As such, the City is anticipating starting a phased demolition that will not interfere with Compass' daily operations. They currently project being able to complete demolition before this year is up.
This all comes as part of the big settlement package that was approved by the Jacksonville City Council in March. Mayor Lenny Curry and Jacksonville Landing Investments' Toney Sleiman reached a deal to have the City take over control of the Landing from Sleiman for $15 million. This ended the bubbling conflict between the parties, which included a lease dispute and rent withholding. At the time the Council approved that $15 million deal, they also set aside $1.5 million for demolition and $1.5 million for sublease payouts and relocation assistance.
A new plan for the future of the site has still not been proposed by this Administration, but Curry has previously expressed a desire to have something in kind to a plan released about one year ago, which includes a couple of structures for development and substantial green space.