JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A New York-based nonprofit plans to convert a Baymeadows Road hotel into affordable housing for U.S. military veterans.
The property is the Ramada by Wyndham Jacksonville I-95 by Butler Blvd at 9150 Baymeadows Road. It is west of Interstate 95.
According to our news partners at the Jacksonville Daily Record, the hotel, still shown on the Ramada website, appears closed. Online reservations are not being accepted. Calls to the front desk disconnect.
The JDR reported that property records show The Knights 18 Baymeadows LLC bought the hotel in 2021 for $8.22 million. The Knights 18 Baymeadows LLC is managed by a company led by Shmuel Bonnardel. He is CEO of Rore Investing, a Jacksonville real estate investment firm.
The state of Florida issued a warrant Jan. 15 stating The Knights 18 Baymeadows LLC owes $643,626.15 in sales and use taxes, along with interest and penalties.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is seeking an administrative deviation and zoning exception for the property from the Jacksonville Planning Commission. The exception would allow the 501(c)(3) nonprofit to create multifamily housing on the property.
Gavin Naples, the foundation’s vice president, told News4JAX that the organization aims to help address homelessness and veterans’ issues in large metropolitan areas throughout the nation.
The foundation seeks to create 145 housing units for veterans in the 146-unit hotel, as well as standalone homes on the property, according to its application for the zoning exception.
Naples, the foundation’s senior vice president for its homeless veteran program, said Tunnel to Towers will perform an eight-figure renovation to the hotel, should the city approve the administrative deviation and zoning exception.
“This is long-term supportive housing. This is not a transitional site. This not a shelter, this is not something that’s subsidized by federal government,” he said. “This is all the acquisition, redevelopment and construction and maintenance in perpetuity is funded by the generosity of the American public.”
Each apartment unit will have its own kitchen and bathroom, Naples said. The first floor of the building will include libraries, lounges, dining areas, gyms, workforce redevelopment centers and more, according to the zoning exception application.
John Wyche, an Air Force veteran, believes the investment would be beneficial to the city.
“I think we need all hands on deck,” Wyche said. “To have someone outside come in, see the need, and put their money where their mouth is, is exciting. Veteransare calling me every day. And they need a place and they’ve served this country, and it’s time for the country to serve them.”
Should the foundation’s requests be granted, it would likely close on purchase of the property in March, Naples said. Construction would begin during the summer and be completed by late 2027.
Tunnel to Towers applications are set to appear before the commission Feb. 19. The commission has the final say on administrative deviations and zoning exceptions.
Read more at the Jacksonville Daily Record
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