A New Chapter for the Old JEA Building

A Historic Landmark on the Market

The Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA) has embarked on a new chapter in its history. On August 27, 2024, the JEA announced plans to sell its former headquarters campus, a landmark building that has stood tall in downtown Jacksonville for decades.

A Piece of Jacksonville History

The 19-story JEA building, completed in 1963, is renowned for its distinctive hexagonal windows and the rotating restaurant, The Embers, that once graced its rooftop. Over the years, it has served as the headquarters for various businesses, including Universal Marion Company and Charter Oil Company. JEA itself occupied the building from the late 1980s until 2023, when it moved to a new facility downtown.

Timeline of Events

• 1963: The JEA building is completed.

• Late 1980s: JEA moves into the building as its headquarters.

• 2023: JEA relocates to a new headquarters downtown.

• 2024: JEA announces plans to sell the former headquarters campus.

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​Redevelopment Potential

The sale of the JEA building presents a unique opportunity for redevelopment. The Jacksonville Historical Society has praised the building as a "masterpiece" of mid-century modern architecture. Its prime location and distinctive features make it a highly attractive prospect for developers.

JEA hopes that a new owner will invest in the property and contribute to the ongoing revitalization of downtown Jacksonville. While office-to-residential conversions are uncommon in the city, the JEA building's floor plates are well-suited for this type of adaptive reuse.

Potential uses for the building include:

• Hotel: The building's central location and proximity to downtown attractions could make it an ideal location for a boutique hotel.

• Mixed-use development: A combination of residential, commercial, and retail spaces could create a vibrant and dynamic urban environment.

• Office space: While the office market in Jacksonville has faced challenges in recent years, the JEA building's location and unique features could attract tenants seeking a distinctive workspace.

The New JEA Headquarters

While the former headquarters is up for sale, JEA has already settled into its new home. The utility's current headquarters is a modern, seven-story building located downtown. It was completed in 2022 at a cost of $72 million and is situated on a 1.5-acre site.

JEA has entered into a 15-year lease with the building's owner, Ryan Companies. This long-term agreement, valued at $153 million, ensures that JEA will occupy the space for the foreseeable future. The annual rent under the lease is approximately $10.2 million.

The New Era for Downtown Jacksonville

The sale of the JEA building marks a significant milestone for downtown Jacksonville. As the city continues to evolve and grow, this historic property has the potential to play a vital role in its future. Whether it becomes a residential complex, a commercial space, or a mixed-use development, the JEA building's legacy will undoubtedly endure.