a day ago
Making room for more downtown parking
A vacant building in downtown Jacksonville is being demolished to make room for additional downtown parking.
The structure located at 214 E. Rusk, known as the former Oncor building, is owned by the Jacksonville Economic Development Corporation. Demolition work, performed by the DEAA Corporation, began Thursday, June 5.
According to DEAA Corporation employee Ezra Chamberlain, the work would – in good weather – take about two to three weeks to complete. With the rains continually interrupting work, it may take considerably longer.
Westbound traffic is reduced to a single lane while the demolition work is in progress.
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Westbound traffic on Rusk Street/U.S. 79 is reduced to a single lane while demolition crews are working.
JEDCO President Shane Pace said Frank Dobrovolny, who owns Dobrovolny Law Firm next door, will expand his business somewhat and the remainder of the space will become city parking. Pace said JEDCO is currently working towards an agreement with Dobrovolny to sell the portion of the property he wants for his expansion.
Once the agreement and Dobrovolny's building plans are finalized, JEDCO can begin leveling, pouring asphalt and striping the remainder of the property for parking. Pace estimates a 90-day period for completing the project.
An estimated dozen spaces will eventually be opened as free public parking.
