A Michigan-based developer is planning a new childcare center for a prominent lot in Nocatee, The Citizen has learned.
The proposal, submitted as a pre-application to the county on October 13, outlines a single-story, 12,000-square-foot childcare facility at the southeast corner of Crosswater Parkway and Nocatee Landing Trail.
The application names the project as Big Blue Marble Academy — a nationally expanding early childhood education provider that operates approximately 67 schools across eight states as of early 2024.
Founded in 2012, BBMA offers care and education for children from infancy through age 12.
The brand currently has locations in Bartram Park and San Pablo in Jacksonville.
The 3.67-acre site is largely wooded and includes a stormwater retention pond. According to the application a “portion of the land, including the stormwater retention pond, will be cleared and graded for the childcare.”
The proposed design includes approximately 30 parking spaces, over 22,000 square feet of preserved green space and several outdoor play areas, including a designated 10,000-square-foot playground.
The project would feature a 12,000-square-foot building with a planned height of 27 feet.
The developer, 813CRE, is based in Berkley, Michigan, and operates across 37 states, according to its website. Their portfolio includes childcare, urgent care and other developments nationwide.
The firm has previously developed KinderCare locations in Ponte Vedra, Fruit Cove and Yulee. 813CRE is affiliated with EIG14T, a real estate investment and development company that partners with national operators to execute expansions.
Their model focuses on acquiring land, navigating the entitlement and construction process, and delivering fully built locations for tenants to lease and operate.
The venture is in its early stages, and further public review and permitting will be required before construction can begin.
A representative for EIG14T did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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