News Summary
Jacksonville’s Laura Street Trio is gaining renewed interest as Avant Construction Group assists a potential buyer amidst ongoing legal issues. The historic buildings, including the renovated Barnett Building, face challenges from neglect and vandalism. The future hinges on a purchase agreement and a legal battle concerning violation fees related to these properties. The trio, built after the Great Fire of 1901, holds significant architectural heritage and could lead to urban revitalization efforts in downtown Jacksonville.
Jacksonville is seeing renewed interest in the historic Laura Street Trio, a group of abandoned buildings in the city’s downtown area. The Avant Construction Group is currently assisting a potential out-of-state buyer who is interested in acquiring these properties amidst ongoing legal challenges. The sale includes the historic Barnett Building, which has been renovated into a mixed-use space featuring apartments, retail, and office options, although three floors of the building still remain undeveloped.
The president of Avant Construction Group reported that the organization is conducting extensive “due diligence” to evaluate the properties. This process involves the use of advanced AI-powered 3D imaging technology to assess the current conditions of the buildings and to identify possible renovations. While the buyer’s identity has not been disclosed, it has been confirmed that the potential buyer has connections to Northeast Florida, including a residence in Ponte Vedra Beach.
The interested buyer and the current owner, Southeast Development Group, have entered into a purchase and sale agreement which could precipitate the completion of the transaction within 90 days. This development is significant because Southeast Development Group is engaged in a legal battle with the City of Jacksonville, owing over $800,000 in violation fees tied to the neglect of the buildings. Numerous issues, including vandalism and graffiti, have arisen as a result of the prolonged vacancy of these historical structures.
If the city wins its lawsuit, the outcome could lead to the public auctioning of the Laura Street Trio. The legal dispute is ongoing, and it stems from a previous potential buyer who withdrew from negotiations in March 2025, prompting the city to further pursue its lawsuit against Southeast Development Group.
History and Significance of the Laura Street Trio
The Laura Street Trio consists of three significant buildings: the Florida Life Building, the Bisbee Building, and the Marble Bank Building. These structures have remained vacant for decades and were built following the Great Fire of 1901 that devastated much of Jacksonville. The historical value and architectural heritage of these buildings contribute significantly not only to the city’s skyline but also to the potential revitalization efforts aimed at rejuvenating downtown Jacksonville.
Current and Future Development Plans
The Barnett Building, which is the only successful redevelopment project initiated by Southeast Development Group, was completed in September 2019. It stands as a model for future projects aimed at revitalizing the Laura Street corridor. Alan Cottrill expressed optimism that the revitalization of these historic structures could invigorate the area and contribute positively to downtown Jacksonville’s urban landscape.
Avant Construction Group has a history of successful redevelopment projects, including transforming the Federal Reserve Bank into a social club and converting other historical buildings into apartment units. The ongoing difficulties encountered in revitalizing the Laura Street Trio reflect broader challenges faced by Jacksonville in its urban redevelopment efforts, particularly since the city acquired the buildings in 2002. Previous plans for redevelopment have failed to materialize, leaving the buildings in a dilapidated state for many years.
Looking Forward
The potential acquisition of the Laura Street Trio marks an important moment in the ongoing revitalization of Jacksonville’s downtown area. The combination of new buyer interest and the expertise of Avant Construction Group could signal a turning point for these historic structures that have been neglected for too long. The outcome of the legal battle between Southeast Development Group and the city will also play a critical role in shaping the future of these important buildings.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- News4Jax: New Potential Laura Street Trio Buyer
- Jax Daily Record: Avant Construction Working With Buyer
- First Coast News: Why Not Just Knock Down the Laura Street Trio?
- The Jaxson Mag: It’s Time for the Laura Street Trio’s Owner to Bow Out
- Jacksonville.com: Laura Street Trio Ownership Change
- Wikipedia: Laura Street Trio
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.
