News Summary
Dennis + Ives, a transformative mixed-use project in Jacksonville’s Rail Yard District, has successfully completed its initial phase with full leasing. This 7.25-acre project aims to revitalize the area with office spaces for women and minority-owned businesses, dining options, and plans for future amenities, including a concert venue and educational facilities. The project’s leasing represents a major milestone towards fostering a vibrant community hub near downtown Jacksonville.
Jacksonville – Dennis + Ives, a mixed-use development located at 1505 Dennis St. in the Rail Yard District of Jacksonville, has reached a significant milestone as its initial phase is now fully leased. This multiphase project, spanning 7.25 acres to the west of Interstate 95 and Downtown Jacksonville, aims to transform the area into a vibrant hub for work, dining, and entertainment.
Project Overview
The development’s name comes from the intersection of Dennis and Ives streets, where the project is situated. The first phase focused on the adaptive reuse of a former cold-storage warehouse, converting it into office spaces, which began five years ago. The renovation covered 30,000 square feet and now comprises a mix of tenants, with the majority being women-owned and minority-owned local businesses.
Current Tenants
Entities that have secured office space within Dennis + Ives include a diverse array of businesses such as:
- Rebecca Davisson Interior Design
- Luxury Point Studio
- Thomas Duke Architect
- Workscapes
- VanCamp Commercial
- Reinel Architecture & Design
- Jan Rice, Realtor
- Paradigm Vision Group
- REVA Development
- Roswell Risk Services
Additional tenants are set to join shortly, including Ruckus, a local marketing firm, Mark Carson English Gallery & Studio, and a new Regus center—marking the company’s fourth establishment in Downtown Jacksonville. There is also a national wealth management firm that has not yet been disclosed.
Leasing and Development Partners
The Urban Division of Colliers is the designated leasing agent for Dennis + Ives, while investment partners in this ambitious endeavor include Tom Finnegan from Charleston, SC, Trip Stanly, and Ken Grimes. In response to the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, the development strategy has evolved to emphasize “work from here” office configurations.
Future Phases and Amenities
Looking ahead, Phase 1B is anticipated to add a 1,200-square-foot café featuring 10,000 square feet of covered outdoor space, with completion expected by summer 2024. Moreover, future phases of the project are poised to introduce educational facilities, complementing a planned graduate campus for the University of Florida nearby.
Ultimately, Dennis + Ives is entitled to develop up to 500,000 square feet of commercial space and 435 residential units. The entire development is strategically located within a federal Qualified Opportunity Zone, offering attractive tax incentives for potential investors.
Proposed Concert Venue
In addition to educational and commercial spaces, plans are underway for a 26,000-square-foot concert and event venue, managed by Marathon Live, which aims to accommodate between 1,000 and 2,000 fans. This venue is designed to enhance the existing entertainment options in Jacksonville and is part of a broader vision to establish Dennis + Ives as a mixed-use destination that integrates office, retail, dining, entertainment, and potentially, hotel accommodations.
Community Initiatives
As part of its community-focused approach, the Dennis + Ives project will feature The Workshop, a coworking space showcasing local artists’ works—a unique endeavor that supports local talent. The project has also considered future expansions of dining options, including a social hall concept that features smaller food stalls depending on market demands.
To connect and enhance the area further, the development’s location is close to the planned Emerald Trail, which aims to link neighborhoods around Downtown Jacksonville. The construction of the Dennis + Ives Creative Office began its initial phase in late 2020, emphasizing eco-friendly renovations to promote sustainability within the community.
The initial property for the Dennis + Ives development was purchased in September 2019, with the site containing structures built between 1945 and 1985. Auld & White Constructors LLC served as the general contractor, collaborating with various design and engineering firms to realize this innovative project.
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Additional Resources
- Jax Daily Record: Dennis + Ives First Phase of Adaptive Reuse Project Fully Leased
- Jacksonville.com: New Music Venue Planned for Jacksonville’s Dennis + Ives Project
- The Jaxson Mag: A Look Inside Dennis + Ives
- Jacksonville.com: Five Jacksonville Music Venue Books Hulvey
- Jax Daily Record: Dennis + Ives Coworking Space Opens in the Rail Yard District
- Wikipedia: Jacksonville
- Google Search: Adaptive Reuse Projects
- Google Scholar: Urban Development Jacksonville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mixed-Use Development
- Google News: Dennis Ives Project
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
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