Mayor: Berkman Plaza II sold with plans for entertainment complex

The Berkman Plaza II in downtown Jacksonville has been sold with plans for a hotel and space for entertainment.

Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry told Action News Jax that the building along East Bay Street has been sold.

Curry said the new buyer is new to Jacksonville and has plans for a hotel and entertainment piece

He said he's been working with Choate on the sale for the past three years.

“This is a win for Jacksonville today,” said Curry. “We will very soon be at a point where people will not be driving through downtown going, ‘what is that eyesore?’

The building's troubled past dates back to 2007, when its parking garage partially collapsed, killing a local father and injuring 21 others.

It has sat unfinished ever since, and barbed wire does little to keep people out.

An Action News Jax investigation in 2016 revealed JSO had been called out to the building 800 times in three years.

Mayor Curry's office released a statement about the sale of the Berkman II:

“Mayor Curry has long recognized the importance of downtown development to city-wide growth and vitality.  As a hub, downtown is a key driver of our economic growth engine. Today, this engine received a big boost, as the mayor announced the sale of Berkman II. Following months of collaborative discussions between the mayor, Choate Construction, and a new developer, we are one step closer to our commitment of ensuring that Jacksonville’s waterfront is put to its highest use. Plans, to be announced in detail by the developer in the coming days, include a hotel, riverfront entertainment area, and parking garage. It is our understanding from the developer that the existing structure and conditions of Berkman are sound and will be integrated into planned efforts. Work is expected to begin this week. The administration is incredibly excited about this agreement, and looks forward to continued discussions with the developer to identify next steps and efforts that will enable them to reach their goals.”

Action News Jax is working to learn more about plans for the building.

Watch CBS47 at 11 for the latest details.

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