JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2014 Duval County School Board members are weighing two very different options as they work toward selecting a new home for district headquarters.<\/p>\n
During a workshop meeting Tuesday, board members discussed whether to prioritize a lower purchase price or a more central location as the district moves forward with plans to sell its current headquarters on the Southbank and relocate district operations.<\/p>\n
One option under consideration is the Prominence Office Park near Interstate 95 and Baymeadows Road. According to information presented to the board, the property offers about 160,000 square feet of office space and could accommodate roughly 1,000 employees. The purchase price is estimated at $14.2 million.<\/p>\n
The other option is the Midtown Office Park. While smaller and more expensive, district leaders say the property offers advantages when it comes to location and future growth. The Midtown site includes about 68,000 square feet of office space with room for approximately 515 employees and carries a price tag of about $16.3 million.<\/p>\n
A key factor in the discussion is accessibility.<\/p>\n
A study completed for the district found Midtown is closer to the center of Duval County\u2019s population. The analysis found about 160,000 more people would be within a 30-minute drive of district headquarters if it were located at Midtown rather than Baymeadows.<\/p>\n
District officials have also pointed to Midtown\u2019s proximity to the geographic center of both the county\u2019s population and the district\u2019s workforce. Supporters of the site say that could make the location more convenient for employees and families across Jacksonville.<\/p>\n
Still, some board members expressed concern about the cost difference between the two options, particularly given the larger size and lower price of the Baymeadows property.<\/p>\n
The headquarters discussion comes as the district continues efforts to sell its current administrative offices.<\/p>\n
The district\u2019s real estate agent told board members it is moving forward with the highest bidder for the current headquarters property. The agent said a contract is expected to come before the school board for consideration during its October meeting.<\/p>\n
No final decision has been made on a future headquarters location. Board members are expected to continue discussions as negotiations move forward on both the sale of the current building and the potential purchase of a new site.<\/p>\n
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