Let’s Talk Real Estate – Dec 2023/Jan 2024
Jacksonville has seen many changes since the pandemic and we’re about to see more. While other cities have emerged from the pandemic weaker, with the loss of residents, retailers and restaurants, Jacksonville has emerged intact, stronger, and more desirable to both locals and tourists alike. Jacksonville is changing and I have never been more excited to live here. We are entering a new phase I call “Jacksonville 2.0.”
Lodging has changed the most, with all four of Jacksonville’s historic hotels exchanging hands, and a fifth new one being added, The Kubli Haus. All five Lodges—TouVelle House, Jacksonville Inn, Magnolia Hotel, McCully House Inn, and Kubli Haus, have been extensively remodeled and improved by their new owners. McCully House Inn also purchased the adjacent lumber yard and is creating a destination resort, rumored to include a pool, spa, firepit, cottages, restaurant, and a bakery. They may even offer outdoor movies at night. (In early November, the new owners of the Jacksonville Inn announced they’d decided to put the property on the market, presumably leaving the existing restaurant, wine lounge and real estate office tenants in place.)
On the restaurant front, Bella Union and Back Porch are now open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Gogi’s, our 5-star dining experience, is back; C-St Bistro has added more craft Pizza choices, UMI’s is serving great sushi, LaFiesta is open, while Las Palmas is surviving from a food truck until their restaurant gets rebuilt. (Construction/remodeling began the week of 11/10/23). Other restaurants choices still include the Restaurant at Jacksonville Inn, SuraTini, and the just-opened Cowhorn Kitchen on N. 5th Street that will serve a seasonal menu inspired by the team behind Cowhorn Vineyard & Garden. Lastly, Churro Rush just opened and is making downtown Jacksonville a little bit sweeter, serving Churro’s and all sorts of desserts that can be enjoyed in-house or to-go.
The wine scene continues to grow in Jacksonville with the new Jacksonville Wine Trolley. Daisy Creek Vineyard has expanded with a nice indoor tasting room with great views, a fireplace, and TV. At the Jacksonville Inn, the Jacksonville Wine Lounge, on the street level, is a great place to hang out, sip wine, eat some small bits, and watch all that’s happening in town. Just opened, is Parkhurst Wine Cellers at the edge of town—with a seasonal menu and tasting concept created by their executive chef. Lastly, Remotion just completed the purchase of the Historic Orth House on Main and Oregon Street, and the rumor is, they’ll have guest rooms upstairs with a wine tasting room, kitchen, and extensive gardens on the main level.
The Jacksonville music scene continues to grow with world-class chamber music coming this winter, with concerts in January, February, and March, held at New City Hall. And, this past summer, Britt came up with the idea of showing a classic movie on the hill, The Princess Bride, with the music score played by the full Britt Orchestra. It was so successful that we can expect similar concerts this coming summer.
On other fronts, we have a new Yoga and a Pilates studio, Acupuncturist, Elevate Medicine Collective and Dormouse Farm store, (which is moving to the Bigham Knoll campus and expanding their offerings with an indoor farmers market.) We will soon have the Jacksonville Market, in the former Gary West Meats building, which will be part grocery, liquor, convenience store, and deli.
As Jacksonville 2.0 takes shape, we have a lot to look forward to in 2024!