News Summary
Phoenix Investors has acquired the abandoned Anchor Glass plant in Jacksonville for $20 million, targeting modernization and redevelopment. This acquisition aims to breathe new life into the facility, which once employed approximately 144 staff. With planned capital improvements, the site could serve as a hub for manufacturing and logistics, potentially offsetting the economic impact of the plant’s closure and fostering job creation in the community.
Jacksonville Sees New Life for Former Glass Plant
Phoenix Investors, a Milwaukee-based real estate firm, has acquired the long-abandoned Anchor Glass plant located at 2121 Huron St. in Northwest Jacksonville for $20 million. The sale occurred on July 16 and was processed through Phoenix Jacksonville Industrial Investors LLC, with Anchor Glass Container Corporation as the seller.
The former manufacturing facility sits on 23.98 acres and encompasses multiple buildings, totaling over 600,000 square feet. The site, which includes 26 docks and has clear heights of up to 32 feet, is zoned for heavy industrial use and can efficiently accommodate manufacturing, logistics, or e-commerce operations. Its strategic location allows easy access to major highways, including I-95, I-10, and Jacksonville International Airport, making it an advantageous hub for regional and national distribution.
Plans for Modernization and Redevelopment
Phoenix Investors has plans for significant capital improvements at the property. The proposed upgrades include selective demolition, installation of a new roof, improvements to fire suppression systems, as well as cosmetic enhancements through interior and exterior painting and new dock equipment. These renovations aim to enhance the functionality and appearance of the buildings, thus making the site more appealing for high-quality industrial users and potentially speeding up the leasing process.
Anthony Crivello, executive vice president and managing director at Phoenix, indicated that the acquisition aligns with the firm’s strategy to repurpose legacy facilities and create value for tenants. This acquisition marks the ninth former glass manufacturing plant that Phoenix has successfully taken over across the United States, showcasing their expertise in upgrading such sites into modern industrial assets.
Impact of Anchor Glass Closure
The closure of the Anchor Glass plant, which was announced in November 2024, has been a significant blow to the local workforce, projecting layoffs for approximately 144 employees. The facility is scheduled to cease operations by February 2025, primarily due to changing business needs and unfulfilled contractual terms with Anheuser-Busch regarding glass bottle supplies. Employees have expressed disappointment over the timing of the layoffs, especially as they occurred just before the holiday season.
The closure has raised concerns about the economic stability of the surrounding neighborhood, already grappling with high unemployment and poverty rates. The plant has been a vital employer in Jacksonville for nearly a century, primarily producing glass bottles for notable clients such as Anheuser-Busch.
Community Concerns and Future Prospects
The sudden loss of jobs from the closure of the glass manufacturing plant has sparked worries among community members about its long-term economic impact. Displacement of the local workforce may strain available employment opportunities and could exacerbate existing socioeconomic challenges in the area.
In summary, the acquisition of the former Anchor Glass facility by Phoenix Investors presents a potential turning point for the site and surrounding Jacksonville community. With plans for modernization, the transformed property may bring new jobs and economic activity, counterbalancing some negative effects stemming from the previous closure.
As the redevelopment process unfolds, all eyes will be on how Phoenix Investors addresses the community’s needs while capitalizing on the strategic advantages of the property to attract new industrial users.
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Additional Resources
- Jax Daily Record: Buyer of Former Anchor Glass Plant
- Jax Daily Record: Former Anchor Glass Plant Sells for $20 Million
- First Coast News: Anchor Glass to Close Jacksonville Plant
- Glass International: Anchor Glass Set to Close Jacksonville Facility
- The Jaxson Mag: From Rust to Revival
- Wikipedia: Anchor Glass Container Corporation
- Google Search: Anchor Glass Container Corporation
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
