News Summary
The Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) committee is set to evaluate three significant proposals aimed at enhancing the dining and beauty landscape in downtown Jacksonville. The projects, which include two restaurants and a salon, are expected to create jobs and stimulate local economic growth through increased consumer spending. The proposals will be reviewed during a meeting at the Jacksonville Public Library, with financial incentives being sought to support their development.
Jacksonville – The Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) committee is set to review three significant incentive requests during a meeting on August 14 at 10 a.m. The meeting will take place at the Jacksonville Public Library located at 303 N. Laura St. These proposals aim to enhance the dining and beauty landscape of downtown Jacksonville, focusing on specific venues that promise to bring unique offerings to the community.
Proposals Under Review
The three proposals include two restaurants and a salon, each requesting financial incentives to support their development. These projects are expected to not only create jobs but also enrich the local economy through increased foot traffic and consumer spending.
Tavola Trattoria
Tavola Trattoria, proposed by owners Carl and Lindie Garrett, is seeking a forgivable loan of $135,000 to help finance their restaurant. The estimated total cost for the project is $600,000. The restaurant will be located at 1037 Hendricks Ave. in San Marco, in a space previously occupied by Reddi-Arts.
Encompassing 4,500 square feet, Tavola Trattoria aims to offer an upscale Italian dining experience utilizing locally sourced ingredients. The loan will be structured at 0% interest and can be forgiven over three years, provided the business remains operational throughout this period. Carl Garrett brings over a decade of experience from the restaurant industry, having worked in Seattle and Bentonville, Arkansas, to this new venture.
Salon on the Southbank
The second proposal is from Amanda Kelloway for the Salon on the Southbank, which is requesting a forgivable loan of $80,250. This project carries a total estimated cost of $225,125. Similar to Tavola Trattoria, this salon will also be located at the former Reddi-Arts site, specifically at 1038 Kings Ave. in San Marco, occupying 2,675 square feet.
The concept encompasses a salon, spa, and boutique offerings, catering to various beauty needs. Kelloway has been a longtime business owner in San Marco, managing her salon for over 35 years at a different location. The loan, like the other projects, includes a 0% interest structure, to be forgiven over three years if the business sustains operations and meets improvement requirements.
Koto Izakaya & Listening Room
The third request comes from partners Raymond De Padua and Justin Raulerson for Koto Izakaya & Listening Room, who are seeking a grant of $156,000 against an estimated project cost of $692,115. This project is planned for 927 W. Forsyth St. in the LaVilla neighborhood, where they will lease the first two floors of a three-story building, totaling 10,400 square feet.
The dining experience at Koto will combine a Japanese restaurant on the first floor with a bar and a lounge/listening room on the second. The menu will feature small plates, while the lounge will provide complete food and drink service. Much like the other two proposals, the funding is offered at 0% interest and will be forgiven over a period of three years, contingent on the ongoing operation of the business.
Impact on Downtown Jacksonville
The proposals not only aim to diversify dining and beauty options in downtown Jacksonville but also promise to create new jobs and invigorate the local economy. As businesses look to open in this region, the support from the DIA could play a significant role in their success and sustainability.
The upcoming meeting is crucial for the future of these initiatives as the DIA committee will evaluate the potential benefits and viability of each project, which could pave the way for further investments in downtown Jacksonville’s development.
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Additional Resources
- jaxdailyrecord.com: Historic Juliette Balcony in Downtown Jacksonville Receives $256 Million Incentives Package
- Wikipedia: Downtown Jacksonville
- jaxdailyrecord.com: DIA Board Approves $215,000 in Incentives for Besa Bakery and Tea Room Speakeasy
- Google Search: Jacksonville development
- jacksonville.com: Jacksonville Councilman Proposes $45 Million for Downtown Development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jacksonville
- jaxdailyrecord.com: DIA Board Approves Incentives for Two Downtown Restaurants
- Google News: Jacksonville restaurants
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
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