A new landmark in downtown Jacksonville is officially open, offering a state-of-the-art parking option and much more for people who work, visit or spend time in the heart of the city.
The VyStar Parking Garage on Forsyth, located at 28 W. Forsyth St., is the latest effort from the credit union to revitalize downtown, after moving its headquarters to the VyStar Tower and significantly renovating the building. VyStar held a ribbon cutting on April 4 at the corner of Forsyth and Laura Street, inviting community partners to celebrate the occasion.
Before attendees made their way to cut the ribbon, everyone was treated to festive music from the structure’s first tenant. Jacksonville Children’s Chorus (JCC) President and Artistic Director Darren Dailey welcomed attendees into JCC’s new facility on the ground floor of the Main Street side of the parking garage. VyStar EVP/COO Chad Meadows hosted the event, with remarks from many who helped turn the concept into reality.
Voices of Jacksonville is the JCC’s adult professional ensemble, comprised of faculty, alumni and friends of the JCC. They treated the audience to a rousing rendition of the national anthem to kick off the ceremony and even let the crowd sing during a song to close the event.
VyStar also announced three new tenants to fill the remaining retail space in the bottom of the garage:
Pour Taproom, which will have indoor and patio space along Laura Street. This newest franchise location will offer a unique self-serve experience that allows visitors to enjoy a rotating assortment of local, regional and national beers, wines and spirits along with gastropub food.
OneJax, which promotes racial, religious and cultural tolerance in the Jacksonville area.
Level the Playing Field Leadership Academy, which empowers young male athletes of color from single parent homes to become successful on and off the field.
After the singing wrapped up, people briefly stopped for some refreshments before walking to the other end of the structure to cut the ribbon. VyStar SVP, Corporate Real Estate Brian Kitchens had the honor of cutting the ribbon, surrounded by many who played big roles in the project.
Afterward, Tony Draper of Pour Taproom explained how the newest franchise location will operate. The restaurant will offer a unique, self-serve experience that allows guests to enjoy a large, rotating assortment of local, regional and national brand beers, wines and spirits accompanied by elevated Gastropub fare. The space is currently in the design phase with plans to open by early 2024.
VyStar has signed a letter of intent for Pour Taproom to lease nearly 9,000 square feet of indoor and patio space along Laura Street. Once it’s open, the venue will offer an open environment for entertainment and a mezzanine available for private event rentals and catering.
VyStar is proud to contribute to the growth of downtown Jacksonville. It’s another way the credit union embraces its role as a trusted financial institution and a strong community leader.