CBRE and Group RMC announces plans to construct an amenity floor at Bank of America Tower in Downtown Jacksonville

CBRE and Group RMC have announced plans for a new amenity floor in the Bank of America Tower in Downtown Jacksonville.

The Bank of America Tower is the tallest building between Atlanta and Miami. The 42-story tower is located at 50 North Laura Street in Jacksonville’s Central Business District. It features 24-7 security, an on-site coffee bar, deli, two bank branches, and conference center.

The 9th floor was previously the lowest floor with office space that could be occupied by a tenant. Plans for repurposing the 9th floor include:

• A community hub (approximately 6,600 SF) featuring a kitchenette; flexible space for tenants to lounge or host meetings and events; and a recreation area with a golf simulator.
• A conference center (approximately 7,200 SF) featuring a large conference room with flexible walls; and two small conference rooms.
• A fitness center (approximately 4,850 SF) featuring an exercise studio and locker rooms.
• A new leasing and property management office (approximately 1,750 SF).

New York-based owner Group RMC expects to invest approximately $4.1 million with an anticipated opening date in Q1 2024. The project will be managed by CBRE Project Management and is designed by BHDP. Auld and White has been selected as the general contractor.

“Group RMC is a thoughtful ownership group who recognized the need to provide tenants with more shared spaces to create community-oriented experiences for those working downtown. The Bank of America tower will be among the first office buildings in Jacksonville to offer a community amenity package with state-of-the-art equipment and finishes,” said CBRE Senior Vice President Oliver Barakat.

Oliver Barakat and Pat Orman with CBRE Advisory & Transaction Services are marketing the property on behalf of ownership. The property currently has approximately 244,639 square feet available for lease with spaces from 1,138 square feet up to 57,000 square feet.

According to CBRE’s Spring 2023 U.S. Office Occupier Sentiment Survey, 65% of respondents say their companies are requiring that employees return to the office.

Sixty-seven percent of U.S. respondents to CBRE’s Global Live-Work-Shop Survey said that they place more importance on the quality of their working environment than they did pre-pandemic, likely because they have more choices today. Building amenities have an impact on decision-makers who are trying to balance employee experience, health and wellness, sustainability and efficiency. Forty-seven percent of all respondents also rank shared meeting space as important, likely because occupiers are looking for ways to minimize their leased space as much as possible.

Last year Group RMC executed phase one of their capital improvement plan, including installing new furniture, artwork, and lighting in the Bank of America Tower building lobby, which was completed in January. Additionally, the property is undergoing an elevator modernization plan.

The property is managed by CBRE Property Management, led by William B. Davis.