AUGUST 21 TO AUGUST 27, 2025 | JAXDAILYRECORD.COM
BUSINESS & LEGAL NEWS IN BAKER, CLAY, DUVAL, NASSAU AND ST. JOHNS COUNTIES
NEW HOPE AHEAD FOR LAURA STREET TRIO?
INSIDE
LAW & THE COURTS
Chief judge wants pause for courthouse art project PAGE 10
MANUFACTURING
Glass company could bring 1,000 jobs to Nassau County PAGE 3
Photo by Monty Zickuhr
The Laura Street Trio of historic buildings at Forsyth and Laura streets in the core of Downtown Jacksonville. From left, they comprise the Florida Life, Old Florida National Bank, also known as the Marble Bank, and Bisbee buildings.
Jacksonville-based Avant Construction says it is working with a well-capitalized buyer interested in acquiring the decaying structures in the heart of Downtown. BY RIC ANDERSON MANAGING EDITOR
T
he emergence of a new prospective buyer partnering with a local construction company with a proven track record of historic restoration work has kindled new hope that the Laura Street Trio of early 20th-century buildings in Downtown Jacksonville can be brought back to life.
Alan Cottrill, president and CEO of Avant Construction Group of Jacksonville, confirmed reports that his company is working with an out-of-state party interested in acquiring the Trio from longtime owner SouthEast Development Group and its principal, Steve Atkins. The deal would also include the sale of the renovated former Barnett National Bank building. Cottrill declined to identify the possi-
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ble buyer but said they are well-capitalized, have completed two development projects and have experience in adaptive reuse projects. The buyer’s principal owns a home in Ponte Vedra, he said. Jacksonville City Council President Kevin Carrico, who has years of experience with the Trio as a second-term Council member and former chair of SEE TRIO, PAGE 8
THE MATHIS REPORT
Planned grocery store looks like a Harris Teeter More details emerge about the grocery store that matches the operations of Harris Teeter that is planned in the Atlantic North shopping center in East Arlington. PAGE 6
MANUFACTURING
Nothing sour about this move Family-owned pickle maker expanding with new warehouse, headquarters. PAGE 18 CITY GOVERNMENT
Council cuts Deegan plans Looking to roll back the millage rate, the Jacksonville City Council targets programs favored by Mayor Deegan. PAGE 4 REAL ESTATE
Home prices remain steady But inventories continue to rise in Northeast Florida. PAGE 20
VOLUME 112, NO. 41 | TWO SECTIONS | PUBLISHED SINCE 1912