News Summary
Jacksonville’s Allstate Campus office park is set to undergo a major transformation into ‘The Pondry’, a new community featuring multifamily housing with affordable units. This redevelopment is a significant move to meet the city’s growing housing demand, with plans for 470 multifamily units, of which 188 will be specifically affordable. The project aligns with Florida’s Live Local Act, ensuring a positive impact on the community.
Jacksonville’s Allstate Campus Set for Transformation into Affordable Housing
Jacksonville is buzzing with exciting news as the city has given the green light for a major redevelopment project that promises to change the face of the Allstate Campus office park. The property, spanning an impressive 29.77 acres near the junction of Butler Boulevard and San Pablo Road South, is set to become “The Pondry,” a brand-new community focused on multifamily housing that actively includes affordable units. This is a big win for the area, addressing the pressing need for housing options.
What’s Cooking?
The approval comes in the nick of time, following the Jacksonville City Council’s recent rejection of a mixed-use development plan put forward by the Trevato Development Group. Just a week after the council’s decision, new plans were submitted on December 17, 2023, showcasing a heightened focus on providing housing that residents can afford.
The exciting aspect is that this new development is under Florida’s Live Local Act, a legislation designed to facilitate increased mixed-income housing initiatives without the need for zoning or land-use changes. This means that the project can move full steam ahead while making a sincere effort to help the local community.
Details on the Development
The Trevato Development Group, operating through SP 1776 LLC, purchased the property for a cool $20 million in 2023. Representing the project is the capable attorney Steve Diebenow, who brings his expertise to the table as the team navigates the planning and developmental stages.
On January 15, 2024, the Jacksonville Planning and Development Department confirmed that the submitted application meets all the necessary provisions of the Live Local Act, especially with regard to affordable housing. Out of the proposed apartments, around 188 units will specifically be allocated as affordable housing, providing a glimmer of hope for families looking for housing solutions in this bustling city.
What Can Residents Expect?
The project is set to construct up to 470 multifamily units, consisting of a good mix of unit types. This includes 235 one-bedroom, 202 two-bedroom, and 33 three-bedroom apartments. Designed with community needs in mind, the revised plans also include other exciting features like a pool, four courtyard areas, and a parking deck equipped with a staggering 1,605 parking spaces to accommodate both residents and the existing office facilities on the site.
Listening to the Community
The initial mixed-use proposal faced some significant pushback from local residents, particularly those living in the nearby Pablo Creek Reserve gated community. Many voiced concerns about potential increases in traffic congestion and how the new development would conform with the character of their existing neighborhoods. In response, the developers made notable changes to their plans, removing a proposed hotel and retail space, refining their focus solely to the residential side.
Aiming for Affordability
With the need for affordable housing becoming increasingly pressing, the plan dictates that at least 40% of the residential units must remain affordable for the next 30 years. This means that families earning less than 120% of the area median income—projected to be around $123,000 for a family of four by 2025—will have better opportunities to find a home here.
The transformation of the Allstate Campus into The Pondry is shaping up to be an important step towards addressing housing shortages in Jacksonville. As the project proceeds, the eyes of the community are focused on how it unfolds, with growing hopes for both the present and future residents of this dynamic city.
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Additional Resources
- Jax Daily Record: New Plan for Development of The Pondry Includes Affordable Apartments
- News4Jax: Local Faith Leaders Ask Mayor to Consider Trust Fund for Affordable Housing
- Action News Jax: Broken Promise on Jacksonville Affordable Housing
- First Coast News: Affordable Housing Leaders Discuss Solutions for Duval
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
