JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Action News spoke with the latest man to submit plans to develop the Shipyards.
“I know how to develop. I know how to read blueprints,” said Stephen Grenda. He is the man behind In Him. Grenda submitted the third proposal to the Downtown Investment Authority to develop the Shipyards.
"God anointed me with a gift of healing and miracles," said Grenda.
We found Grenda through the address he registered with his proposal to the city. Grenda showed Action News drawings of what he wants to do.
"A prayer temple, with patient rooms in the back," said Grenda. Besides a prayer temple, he also wants to build an ark on the property that will have a full restaurant on top.
His designs are not as elaborate as what we've seen from Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan. He wants restaurants, condos and a practice field. Khan, though, is asking the city to spend millions to clean up the site.
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Shitaki Enterprises developer Patrick Mullen wants restaurants and a luxury marina, but isn't asking for any tax dollars. He sent us a statement Wednesday saying, "We are thrilled to see so much interest in the Shipyards. We are confident the City will carefully consider each proposal and determine what is in the best interests of the people of Jacksonville. Whoever is selected, we are confident that the winner will be for the people of this great city. I think having a third proposal makes the process more exciting, and ensures that each proposal must stand on its own merits."
We asked Grenda what he'll be looking for from the city.
“Over $200 million a year will go back to the city,” said Grenda.
Grenda said his financial backing will come from Christian tithes, given to the ministry, and says his plan will cost $13.5 million.
City Councilman Bill Bishop hasn't seen the plans, but said the Downtown Investment Authority will look into all the developers' backgrounds.
"They're responsible for developing a big piece of real estate," said Bishop.
Grenda said he's taking this plan seriously, and hopes the city will too. We asked how he feels about going up against Khan.
"He's already been defeated," Grenda said.
The DIA evaluation committee will be meeting Thursday afternoon. We'll be there and bring you all the latest developments.
We did reach out to the other developers. A spokesman with Khan's company has not gotten back to us.
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