JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A $1.2-million-dollar demolition project on Berkman Plaza II is set to start as early as Thursday.
The demolition crew says their operation has been pushed back because they were waiting for pieces of equipment they haven’t received yet.
“This city and this community has been patient for over 10 years and in another 90 days we’ll have something to smile about because this will not be an eyesore for Jacksonville anymore," said City Councilman Reggie Gaffney.
The high-rise building was supposed to start two weeks ago.
The President of Pece of Mind Environmental, Steve Pece, said the setback is because they’re missing pieces of equipment for their high-reach excavator.
“Overall it looks like a very well-built building," Pece said. "Unfortunately, with today's market, it's not good for proper future developments which is why this building has to go away."
Pece says they will start demolishing the building from the top-down and the process will take about three months.
Gaffney said after the building is knocked down there are plans that could bring more affordable housing and jobs to that area.
“I know we're going to have green space right there so there can be a play park area right there," Gaffney explained. "I know the first floor will be retail and then you’re going to have townhouses."
The owner of Berkman Plaza II says the new building will have 300 total units and 35,000 square feet of retail, and there are also plans to add a specialty grocery store and a possibility for a hotel on the tower portion of the building.