JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Planning Commission granted approval to convert a hotel into multifamily housing for veterans, according to our news partners at the Jacksonville Daily Record.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a nonprofit that provides housing for American military veterans, got the approval on Thursday to renovate the property on Baymeadows Road and convert it into 145 multifamily apartment units, 18-20 standalone homes and amenities.
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The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was granted approval on AD-26-05 and E-25-04, an administrative deviation and zoning exception for the property, on a 7-0 vote, with Commissioner Amy Fu absent from the meeting.
The commission’s decision constituted final action on the application, with City Council approval not needed.
The hotel, still shown on the Ramada website, appears closed. Online reservations are not being accepted. Calls to the front desk disconnect.
Property records show the hotel was built in 1974 and comprises two parcels totaling 5.18 acres. The Knights 18 Baymeadows LLC bought the hotel in 2021 for $8.22 million.
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.
“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.