SMPS ISSUES STATEMENT REGARDING TERRACES AT SAN MARCO TOWNHOME DEVELOPMENT

On Monday, October 18, the San Marco Preservation Society (SMPS) Board of Directors met for its monthly meeting. The Toll Brothers, developers of the residential portion of the East San Marco parcel, also known as Terraces at San Marco, had been invited and agreed to attend this meeting to present their renderings, elevations, and plans for the upcoming East San Marco townhomes project, which is located between the new Publix, Wells Fargo, and Fletcher Park. Over the weekend, Toll Brothers sent an email stating that their representative would be unable to attend.  A reason for this cancellation was not provided.

The SMPS has been involved in the East San Marco planning process for almost 20 years, especially the last three years as progress on this development accelerated. In the last seven months, representatives from SMPS met with Toll Brothers once (March 2021), reviewed architectural styles prescribed by the PUD, supplied historical relevance of the site, requested further information as well as architectural renderings, provided preliminary feedback, and twice requested a presentation to the full SMPS Board of Directors. To date, these requests have been unfulfilled.

The SMPS has received clear feedback from the San Marco community regarding the architecture of the Terraces at San Marco. The SMPS acknowledges these concerns and stands in opposition to the current architecture and façade planned for the Terraces at San Marco.

As we explore our options for future action, the SMPS is open to — and encourages — further discussion and communication.  We would like to work together with Toll Brothers and the City to make this new development one that is befitting of San Marco. We invite the community to join us as we seek solutions that benefit our entire neighborhood. Please direct all correspondence to  info@smpsjax.com.