Ryan Companies Closes on Land Earmarked for New JEA Headquarters

Ryan Companies US, Inc. announced today that they have closed on the parcel of land where the new JEA headquarters will be built. Ryan Companies was selected, after a lengthy ITN process, in April 2019 to develop, design and build the new headquarters. The 1.5-acre parcel Ryan proposed for is on the 300 block of West Adams Street in downtown Jacksonville. The property was purchased by Ryan Companies for $2.6M. Construction is expected to begin in September and be completed in early 2022. 

Since being selected, Ryan Companies has been working to create a project that focused on JEA’s customers and employees; a project that supports and strengthens the JEA culture, safety values, business continuity and security.

“JEA looks forward to seeing the headquarters project move to the construction stage after a long planning period to address business continuity.  The downtown location helps JEA as a municipal utility provide continued support to its customers, employees and the community,” says JEA CEO and Managing Director Paul McElroy.  “We appreciate Ryan Companies work with us in adapting plans to meet JEA’s goals and needs for years to come.”

The current headquarters was built in 1962, and analysis completed in 2014 and 2016 showed improvements needed would rival the cost of a new building. The Downtown Development Review Board (DDRB) approved the initial building concept plans in December of 2019 and the revised design in June of 2020. 

“The headquarters project will be a tremendous point of pride for JEA, its customers, its employees and the City of Jacksonville,” said Doug Dieck, President, Ryan Companies Southeast Region. “Today is a big step in a long process.  Ryan, JEA and CBRE have been focused on a goal of bringing a world-class, class A office building to downtown Jacksonville to serve JEA for years to come.  We are excited start to construction.” 

JEA’s new seven-story headquarters will break ground in October 2020 with a completion date in early 2022. The new building will include approximately 153,000 of rentable square feet, with an accompanying eight-floor, 640 stall parking garage. The facility will complement the surrounding area with a focus on the experience of the employee and the customer. From the skyline view to the customer experience, the architects considered all angles. Natural light, open flexible floorplates and access to outdoor spaces are part of the design elements included in the building. The team placed an emphasis in honoring the downtown skyline by designing with outdoor workspaces affording views of the courthouse lawn, the St. Johns River and the historic Hemming Park.

“Working with JEA and the City of Jacksonville over the course of the past year has been a great pleasure,” said Dieck.  “We know how important the decision to build was for the JEA board of directors, the JEA executive team and the City.  Together we have come up with an excellent result.”

About JEA

JEA is a not-for profit, community-owned utility serving an estimated 478,000 electric, 357,000 water, 279,000 sewer customers and 15,000 reclaimed water customers in portions of four northeast Florida counties.  Its’ sole purpose is to ensure the electric, water and wastewater demands of its customers are met, both today and for generations to come.  JEA’s goal is to provide reliable services at the best value to its’ customers while ensuring the areas’ precious natural resources are protected.