Jacksonville Beach city officials recently approved moving forward on a rezoning request by Jax Beach Investment Holdings (JBIH) for a proposed development in the 100 block of 5th Avenue North. The plans call for a two-story, mixed-use project that will include a second story rooftop restaurant over a retail/office space.
Greg Saig, managing partner of JBIH and various other beach restaurants and bars, has owned the property for more than 10 years with hopes to develop the project, which is adjacent to the longtime beach bar Mango’s, across from the Jacksonville Beach pier. Plans for Mango’s are to continue as the same beach community bar it has been for more than 50 years with plans for some improvements to bathrooms and the outdoor patio.
“We believe that the beaches central business district has now reached the stage where this new development works within the current fabric of our beach community,” said Saig. “New hotels like SpringHill Suites and restaurants such as O-Ku Sushi and Oaxaca have demonstrated the ability to develop new concepts in the area that work well and support additional establishments for beach residents and tourists alike.”
The project is located on 5th Avenue North and comprises the half block from Mango’s to Second Street. JBIH started its Planned Unit Development (PUD) hearing on April 22, at the City Hall with hopes to complete this stage by early summer. The proposal is to allow for the redevelopment of the existing property into a mixed-use restaurant/drinking establishment/office/retail project.
The preliminary development for the property includes a two-level complex with retail space on the ground floor and a high-end dining establishment featuring coastal Tulum Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, with a lounge and private member club.
JBIH described the restaurant concept as “a destination where salt air and an open fire combine to stir the senses and elevate the experience for those with a refined taste for fare, spirits and their surroundings.”
“Once this zoning approval stage is completed, we will move into full construction and capital plans needed for the project to hopefully start early next year,” Saig said. “With the central business district positioned well for future development, we hope to be a key part of that growth for the city and the beach community.”
Saig is a local beach native with many successful restaurant and hospitality concepts in the area including but not limited to Salt Life Food Shack, Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille, Surfer The Bar, Mango’s, and Casa Reina Taqueria & Tequila in St. Augustine.
