Hoping to add another layer to a downtown building’s rich history, the owners of the Standard Marine building near the Fernandina Beach riverfront say the mixed-use project is closer to construction after a four-year wait.
Summer House Realty owners Jenny and James Schaffer bought the landmark located at 101 N. 2nd St.in June 2021 for $750,000, according to the Nassau County Property Appraiser’s Office. Jenny Shaffer, who has experience from the city’s planning board, said she would push her children in a stroller in the area and “fell in love.”
While the restoration appeared a challenge, the pair of real estate brokers said they are familiar with renovations.
“It wasn’t an overnight thing. It took a lot of planning and a lot of years,” Jenny said. “I saw this as a real opportunity to expand the footprint for downtown and the walkability.”
The couple plans a boutique hotel with at least 10 rooms, a restaurant and a coffee shop, targeting 12,000 square feet when completed. Jenny Shaffer said the use of the building’s rooftop can be unique to downtown.
“It’s going to be an extraordinary water view,” Jenny said. “I look forward to toasting with friends and watching fireworks on the rooftop.”
There will be a public hearing on Sept. 18, where Historic District Council members will review an amendment to the property’s Certificate of Approval regarding the installation of a new roof and structural steel frame, replacing the windows, repairing the exterior finish, replacing existing wood doors and repainting the sign on the western portion of the building.
With everything approved, the Shaffers anticipate the construction process will take 12 to 15 months. The Shaffers said the years-long extension of Alachua Street posed a problem in getting a construction crew at the site.
“We couldn’t move forward until the city completed the water retention,” James Shaffer said.
The property is prone to flooding, Jenny Shaffer added.
“We will be heavily relying on the city to do their part with the floodwall and protecting us as citizens and our businesses, but we are going to be doing a lot of flood proofing with the building too,” Jenny said.
The property was built in 1882 by C.H. Huot, who also constructed the building at 10 N. 2nd St. in 1878. The music venue Tigre Island Room now occupies that building.
The Standard Marine has seen a variety of uses in its 143-year existence. It has been a warehouse, mill, chandlery, furniture store, maritime store, among other things.
The thick brick was shipped from Philadelphia, which is why Jenny said the building has stood the test of time. The couple had to use a drone to examine the second floor, where they spotted fireplaces. The Shaffers ultimately decided against demolition.
“It’s always cheaper to tear something like this down to the ground and start over and build brand new,” James Shaffer said. “But we love the aspect of keeping this old building alive.”
A complete overhaul for the historic structure is coming.
“We love the story and how it’s tied to maritime, the working waterfront,” Jenny said. “It helped the shrimpers and people on boats. There’s a lot of different layers to this.”