A New ‘Urban Oasis’ Will Host Three New Restaurants in Historic Brooklyn
An exciting project is coming to Downtown Brooklyn—and many locals are looking forward to the upgrade. It is what many are calling a future “urban oasis.”
Downtown Development Review Board approved the final design for the project at its Oct. 8, 2020, meeting. Construction began last October and a move-in date is slated for late summer of 2023, according to Jacksonville Daily Record.
Now a vacant lot surrounded by a rusted chain link fence, 400 Riverside Ave. will soon be brimming with restaurants and activity thanks to veteran restaurateur and entrepreneur Mark Janasik, owner of the popular Southern Grounds Coffee. The project, called HUB Brooklyn, will feature not only the coffee shop but a restaurant/bar and bakery, according to the website.
Alder & Oak, is the bar concept that would inhabit the space and would specialize in local and coastal-inspired wood-fired cuisine and Prohibition-style cocktails. The restaurant would be open for lunch, but is planning on high times during the evening when the drinks take center stage, according to the Jacksonville Daily Record.
Southern Grounds will also be located at the HUB for the early crowds. The local coffee shop has expanded across Jacksonville and, most recently, at the Jacksonville International Airport.
Lastly, the HUB has plans to include the Blueberry Bakery, a gourmet bakery that specializes in handmade confectionery, including cheesecakes, muffins, cookies, and other baked desserts.
The HUB will feature plenty of outdoor space and a rooftop terrace with a view of the St. Johns River. There will also be space available for special events.
“It’s a place to meet friends for coffee and artisanal fare, a refuge from the office grind, a spot to refresh after walking the Emerald Trail, perhaps cocktails and alfresco before the evenings’ big event,” Janasik told the Florida Times-Union in an interview.
