SoBA Apartments
REVITALIZING APARTMENT LIVING IN THE SOUTHBANK DISTRICT OF DOWNTOWN JACKSONVILLE.
THE PROJECT: Catalyst Development Partners broke ground in June 2018 to build a new 147-unit, 4-story Class A apartment community in the Southbank district of Downtown Jacksonville. The SoBA name was inspired by the highly desirable Southbank area, which is transforming from an office-centric environment to a 24/7 urban neighborhood. SoBA Apartments is positioned with the front entrance along Home Street with adjacency to Kipp and Hendricks Avenues.
THE CATALYST: The Southbank district of Downtown Jacksonville is abundant with industry, art, retail and professional opportunity. Catalyst identified what was lacking, however, was a walkable neighborhood in this area; and that there was tremendous demand for apartments near the Central Business and Hospital Districts. SoBA will provide an alternative for Downtown office workers - who are currently commuting 20-30 minutes daily - to walk, ride their bikes or take the Skyway to their place of work.
SoBA project design is both urban and eclectic, much like the inherent nature of the area to offer one, two and three-bedroom apartments ranging from 612 to 1,151 square feet. Apartment finishes include: gourmet kitchens with table-sized islands, granite counters, subway tile backsplashes, two-tone cabinetry, wood-inspired plank flooring, stainless steel appliances, walk-in showers, spacious closets, full-size washers and dryers, plus balconies and outdoor patios to maximize views from most units.
SoBA offers residents well-appointed and ultra-high end amenities, including a 24-hour Fitness Club with Peloton bikes, interactive cardio equipment and top of the line cross training equipment; indoor Yoga/Spin room with Fitness On Demand classes; comfortable co-working spaces for collaborative meetings; media, entertainment, gaming opportunities; and onsite coffee café. Outdoor resident amenities feature a resort style pool; Summer kitchens with gas grill stations, pub-style dining areas; fire pit with cozy seating; garden daybeds and outdoor yoga.
RESULTS: First resident move-ins commenced in September 2019. Completion of construction, with final delivery of all units and remaining amenity spaces was delivered in Q1 2020. SoBA experienced particularly strong demand from Jacksonville professionals with desire to live near the medical district and bustling Downtown/Riverside area. At 100% leased, SoBA Apartments sold for more than $35 million in July 2021.
