Local

220 Riverside expected to boost Brooklyn neighborhood

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — In the last year, 220 Riverside has gone from dirt to massive development. When finished, the multi-use development will house 600 apartments and numerous businesses.

"That retail includes a fresh market, Zoe's Kitchen, a hair cuttery place, a corner market and some other venues," said Terry Lorince, executive director for Downtown Vision, Inc. 

Neighbors in the Brooklyn neighborhood are optimistic about the growth. They say the area has been on the decline, but Willie Mae Shiggs believes new construction may be just what it needs -- aesthetically and economically.

"I'm looking and hoping and praying that there would be jobs opening up for the younger generation," she said.

The Skyway is expected to help. As we told you earlier this month, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority is currently trying to secure funding for an expansion into Brooklyn. 

"One of the criticisms of the skyway over time has been it doesn't get you where you want to go. That's one of the exciting pieces of the Brooklyn extension. Now you're going to start to see residential development on the Southbank tied with residential in Brooklyn and a fresh market," said Brad Thoburn, JTA's vice president of Long Range Planning and System Development. 

The apartments and businesses will not be finished for months, but the buzz is in full swing. Shiggs said getting a fresh pair of eyes on an otherwise forgotten about area is a good thing. 

"I hope it would benefit the neighborhood. I really hope it would."

220 Riverside is scheduled to open this fall. Rent for apartments start at $1,000.