New concepts and renovations are breathing life into downtown Jacksonville, which is in the middle of a transformation.
The revitalization includes buildings that have sat empty for decades, like the newly renovated Barnett Building, renovated after sitting empty for years.
Photos: New proposed apartments for downtown Jacksonville; Rent to start at $550/month
The Old Ambassador Hotel on Julia Street is another old structure now getting a major makeover.
Built in the 1920’s, it has been empty for 20 years.
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The block it sits on was purchased by Augustine Development Group for $5.4 million.
The company's plans for the property next door include a 200 unit apartment and mixed-use building,
Bryan Griener, president of Augustine Development gave Action News Jax a tour inside of the building, which is just a shell right now.
In the 1930s, it was also home to a popular Jacksonville bar.
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Soon the building will transform into a 100-room hotel, rooftop restaurant, speakeasy, and wine cellar.
Less than a mile away, a hip new shipping container apartment concept was proposed on Ashley Street.
“Three hundred and twenty square feet, they’re pretty small, set up like a studio,” Alexander Sifakis, president of JWB Real Estate Capital said
The project will total around $1.2 million, and the 18 container apartment units will run about $550 a month.