| Florida Times-Union
New Del Webb community to open $13 million amenity center in 2021
The newly opened active adult community, Del Webb Nocatee, has plans for those 55 and over to live large in Ponte Vedra. Construction has begun on a $13 million amenity center that is slated to open summer 2021.
Included is a 22,000-square-foot Canopy Club clubhouse with ballroom for gatherings, local bands and arts-and-crafts; a seminar room; a fitness center; and private wine lockers. Outside will feature resort-style and lap pools; pickleball, tennis and bocce ball courts; and a private tavern with full-service food and beverage.
“We want all homeowners to lead healthy, fulfilling lives built around their interests and friendships,” said Clint Ball, North Florida Division president of Del Webb parent company PulteGroup, in a news release.
The gated community at 73 Glenhurst Ave., which has more than 125 homes sold, currently has a Lifestyle House with full-time Lifestyle Director, outdoor pool, fitness center and gathering spaces. It offers 11 single-family floor plans from 1,581 square feet to 3,361 square feet, with prices starting at $294,990. Two attached-villa home designs start at $266,990.
For more information, visit DelWebb.com/nocatee or call (904) 543-3927.
In other news:
● Sorry, no vacancy — International DC 5 is full.
The industrial building at the Jacksonville International Tradeport is now 100 percent leased, real estate developer Jackson-Shaw recently announced.
Of 93,600 square feet available in the Class-A space, supply chain logistics company XPO Logistics Inc. recently signed on for 41,600 square feet, while tire distributor Priority Tire had earlier leased the other 52,000 square feet, according to a Jackson-Shaw news release.
“International DC 5 has a lot to offer tenants between its location, modern building design and the logistical advantages it provides,” said Cushman Wakefield Director Tyler Newman in the release. “We’re thrilled to have this building fully leased during these challenging times.”
Texas-based Jackson-Shaw still has 140,000 square feet available in its International DC 1 industrial space at the Tradeport, with auto glass wholesaler Mygrant Glass occupying the other 60,000 square feet, according to the release.
The project was a partnership of Jackson-Shaw and New York-based Link Logistics Real Estate, and Haskew Construction is the general contractor. BB&T is the construction financier, and R.E. Perry Co. represented the tenant.
● It’s not quite purchasing a home sight-unseen, but the rise of online homebuying during the COVID-19 pandemic continues to add a new wrinkle to the residential real estate market.
A new Zillow survey has found that more than a third of Americans are now more likely to try buying a house completely online, while 43 percent of sellers are more comfortable marketing their home totally online. In addition, one out of three buyers would still prefer a virtual or video home tour over an in-person one after the outbreak is over.
While the survey didn’t break down results for the Jacksonville area, Zillow Home Trends Expert Amanda Pendleton told The Build-out that safety is on the minds of everyone across the country, even as sales activity is at its fastest clip in two years.
“Virtual tours are a way for home shoppers to narrow down their options from the safety and comfort of their current home, and only go visit the serious contenders in person,” she said. “Our data shows that virtual tours are an option that home shoppers want, and I expect that will continue not only through this era of social distancing but beyond, given the convenience and time saving they offer.”
The new Zillow findings indicate that digital real estate tools that are growing in popularity with consumers will likely continue to be in demand for transactions in the future, the company stated in a new release.
“The home shopping tradition of loading the family into the minivan and touring open houses all weekend may be over,” said Zillow economist Jeff Tucker in the release. “Now shoppers are realizing they can use virtual tours to either skip in-person shopping or at least to winnow down their options and visit fewer homes in person, making it easier and less time-consuming to find their next home. That speed advantage can give buyers a leg up in today’s fast-moving market.”
Nearly two-thirds of Zillow Premier Agents polled reported a drop in in-person showings during much of the coronavirus outbreak, and nearly a third said they expected that to keep up after the outbreak ends.
● A 100,000-square-foot U-Haul self-storage facility with more than 1,000 units is slated for St. Augustine south of County Road 16A and on the north side of Florida 16.
The units at U-Haul Moving & Storage of Mill Creek will feature climate-controlled options and high-tech security, with towing equipment, moving supplies, truck and trailer sharing and U-Box portable storage containers offered as well, according to a U-Haul news release.
The three-story building, expected to be done by fall 2021, will also include a re-use center for household goods and materials for the community; a Take A Box, Leave A Box ecofriendly program; professional hitch installation; propane; and RV/boat/vehicle storage.
Amanda Bauer, president of U-Haul Co. of Jacksonville, said she expects 12 or more employees to be hired when the facility is open (for information, visit jobs.uhaul.com), with the goal to hire locally to promote job growth within St. Augustine. U-Haul also encourages local contractors to bid on construction work.
“St. Augustine is a growing community, and U-Haul plans to invest in the future,” Bauer said in the release. “Our studies show we can reduce traffic congestion in St. Augustine by providing a full-service U-Haul facility in this area.”
U-Haul is classified as an essential service provider and has remained open throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, offering contactless programs and enhanced cleaning protocols, the company said in the release.
● The new Icecapade Frozen Treats shop has opened at 1833 N. Pearl St. in Jacksonville, specializing in artisanal Caribbean-themed ice pops for takeout, catering or dine-in.
In 2018, owners Dionne and Joseph Wellington opened a sidewalk kiosk in Historic Springfield featuring the treats, and now they have unveiled a brick-and-mortar location on the site, according to a JAX Chamber news release.
“We are offering a healthy alternative to traditional frozen desserts, and it’s vegan-friendly,” said Dionne Wellington in the release. She and Joseph Wellington based their frozen ice pops on childhood memories.
Icecapade Frozen Treats has an island theme and includes “lite bites,” adult and kid-friendly ice pops, an art gallery spotlighting local artists’ work and umbrella-covered outdoor seating.
The shop is currently offering walk-in and curbside pickup orders. Plus, a summer carnival is planned for Friday, Aug. 7 from 6 to 9 p.m., with masks and social distancing required.
Learn more at IcecapadeFrozenTreats.com.
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