Live Oak Contracting looks to redevelop JEA’s former headquarters on Church Street into apartments with 180 units, restaurants, retail shops and more.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — JEA’s former headquarters on Church Street in Downtown Jacksonville is set to be transformed into a mixed-use apartment tower, a contracting firm in the process of buying the building and surrounding property announced Friday.

JEA has selected Live Oak Contracting to purchase and redevelop the utility’s former headquarters at 21 W. Church St. JEA opened bids in July for anyone to submit proposals to acquire the 19-story tower built in the early-1960s, according to our partners The Florida Times-Union.

Live Oak Contracting, whose office is just a few blocks from the tower, has built a host of new apartment buildings in Florida and other states. The firm has sought to add renovation of historic buildings to its portfolio and was previously interested in buying and restoring the vacant, yet iconic Laura Street Trio, The Florida Times-Union reported.

Branded as ‘The Jewel at 21 West,’ Live Oak Contracting says JEA’s former headquarters will transform into “a vibrant mixed-use destination that blends historic preservation with modern living.”

“Historic charm will meet modern amenities, positioning the project as a crown jewel of downtown and a hub for culture, lifestyle, and community,” Live Oak Contracting said in a press release.

According to the firm, The Jewel at 21 West will have 180 units, restaurants, retail shops, rooftop amenities and “active ground-floor uses.” Meanwhile, Live Oak Contracting says JEA’s former customer service center, which is being included in the purchase, will be redeveloped into “a hub for food, wellness and creative office space.”

“The redevelopment will also feature structured parking, a central plaza, and activated alleyways inspired by successful urban revitalizations in cities such as Tampa and Denver,” Live Oak Contracting said in their release.

The project is expected to generate more than 300 construction jobs and over 100 permanent jobs, while “significantly” increasing the city’s taxable value, Live Oak Contracting said.

JEA still must negotiate a sales contract with Live Oak Contracting for approval by the utility’s board before the property changes hands, the Florida Times-Union reported. The firm has offered to buy the tower, JEA’s former customer service center and Adair Building for $1 million.