Building to replace Berkman Plaza II nearly doubles in height, according to plans

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The troubled Berkman Plaza II will come down for good this Sunday to make way for new plans.

Councilmember Reggie Gaffney said he saw the plans yesterday for a new building up to 50 stories high, similar to the height of the condos on the Southbank.

STORY: Berkman Plaza II, an eyesore in downtown Jacksonville, to be demolished this weekend

“Not a lot of people are in favor of taller buildings downtown, but I am,” he told Action News Jax’s Robert Grant. “This is the most excited I’ve been in almost seven years.”

The plans include 200 townhomes and 200 condos along with retail and the possibility of a hotel, but the company still needs an approved permit.

Gaffney said it could take up to eight months to clear the debris from demolition and get a permit. He hopes to see construction start by 2023.

However, the building’s past has many skeptical if the plans will ever come to life.

Action News Jax reported in January when the owner, Park Beeler of PB Riverfront Jacksonville, owed the demolition company, Pece of Mind, more than $1 million.

City council approved fronting up to $2 million for the cost of demolition itself, which Gaffney said the owners have promised to reimburse. If they don’t, it will become a lien on the property.

Action News Jax also reported Beeler’s own troubled past.

INVESTIGATES: Developer for troubled Berkman II has his own troubled past, including prison time

Gaffney said, “That’s behind us. What we have today is a new beginning. We know it’s going to be down in two days.”

Demolition is set for 10 a.m. Sunday.

©2022 Cox Media Group