Jacksonville’s Downtown Investment Authority is seeking proposals to redevelop and reuse Snyder Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church, a historic downtown building at 226 N. Laura St.
The approximately 0.26-acre property could be sold, leased or transferred through another arrangement. The city is looking for a partner that preserves the church’s historic character, complements nearby downtown assets and brings activity to the street level. Possible uses identified in the solicitation include entertainment, a restaurant, bar or other hospitality business.
Located at the southeast corner of North Laura and West Monroe streets, the church stands south of James Weldon Johnson Park and near the Main Library and Museum of Contemporary Art. It is within walking distance of downtown housing, offices, City Hall and restaurants.
The church has occupied the site for about 130 years and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as well as designated a local historic landmark. The building, including an addition dating to about 1917, is estimated at 12,337 square feet; the solicitation says that figure must be confirmed.
Religious services last took place there in the 1970s. The St. Johns River City Band purchased the building in 2000 for offices and performance space with a $650,000 interest-free city loan, but the band could not meet the loan terms and the city took ownership.
According to the solicitation, the building has changed little in the past 97 years and retains much of its original character. The city recently spent $427,000 on stabilization and repairs, including work on the roof and ceiling structure, south wall and fire-suppression sprinkler system.
Proposals will be judged on financial strength, economic benefit, downtown activation, design and resiliency, historic rehabilitation, feasibility and the development team’s experience. Teams must include a lead architect or preservation consultant with at least 10 years of historic-rehabilitation experience. No redevelopment plan has been chosen, and the review could include a shortlist followed by a formal request for proposals.
Proposals are due by 5 p.m. on Feb. 3, 2027.
