Wheels up.
A proposed new 74,500-square-foot commercial development is preparing to land north of the St. Augustine Airport, according to a report.
Named “Airport Commons,” the splashy project includes retail and garage space for boats and vehicle storage, bringing a blend of businesses to a rapidly changing span along U.S. 1., according to the Jacksonville Business Journal.
Located about 2.8 miles north of the airport, the proposal for the roughly six-acre was submitted to St. Johns County and the St. Johns River Water Management District for review on May 27.
JDR reported that a site plan shows two retail buildings alongside a 36-unit storage facility named Vault Garages, where garage condos will be sold individually for long-term boat, vehicle, or equipment storage.
Custom Builders owner Daryl Grubbs told the outlet the first confirmed tenant is Total Salon Studios, which will occupy 9,000 square feet with 40 private salon suites for independent stylists and beauty professionals.
Additional negotiations are underway with local restaurants and healthcare providers to fill the remaining spots.
“We’re looking at a variety of users,” said Grubbs. “This area is really underserved.”
He envisions the development as a destination for both local residents and travelers headed to and from the nearby airport.
The Vault Garages concept, already popular in other parts of Florida, targets car enthusiasts, boat owners, and small business operators in need of storage.
Airport Commons North LLC purchased the four parcels making up the development site in two separate deals this month — paying $2.2 million to Shipwatch LLC on May 8 and $900,000 to CWIC LLC on May 20, JDR said.
The county’s Development Review Committee will review the project at its June meeting.
Grubbs told the paper that he hopes to obtain permits and begin site work within 60 days, with construction starting immediately after.
