Shipping container food court could be coming to Arlington

JWB Real Estate Capital filed plans with the city Sept. 8 for the renovation of College Park, the former Town & Country Shopping Center in Arlington.

Plans show a shipping container outdoor food court and park, two apartment buildings, public open space, outparcels and an Ellianos coffee shop in front of the existing shopping center at northeast University Boulevard and the Arlington Expressway.

JWB Real Estate Companies LLC bought the 67-year-old center in August 2019 for $5.08 million. 

The 17,733-square-foot shipping container food court is at the southwestern corner of the property. 

The two apartment buildings contain 80 to 100 units total. JWB President Alex Sifakis said Sept. 9 the buildings would have three floors. Each floor measures around 14,400 square feet. Units would be around 600 to 750 square feet. 

They are on outparcels south of the existing McDonald’s restaurant and BP gas station.

The public open space is adjacent to the 53-unit apartment building and is 11,269 square feet.

Ellianos coffee is near the University Boulevard entrance to the shopping center. It operates one location in Jacksonville at 1125 Lane Ave. 

Sifakis estimated previously that JWB will spend $3 million to renovate the center and invest up to $7 million to develop the 2.2-acre mixed-use outparcel.

It also plans to update the facade, landscaping and signage at the property, a February news release said.  

Sifakis was not immediately available for comment late afternoon Sept. 8.

He said in February that he was seeking a grocery store to anchor the center, although none is shown on the plans.

Dollar General, Annie’s Nails, Arlington Bait & Tackle ABT Fishing, Advanced Auto Parts, Legacy Ministries and Davita Inc. are among the existing shopping center tenants. 

JWB commissioned a mural called The Wall at College Park. Area artists have completed the “Arlington” artwork on the south end of the complex facing the expressway.

The property is part of the Renew Arlington Community Redevelopment Area, which the city hopes to assist with rejuvenation.

Property records show Town & Country was developed in 1953 and expanded since then. It comprises about 200,000 square feet of space on almost 19 acres at 903 University Blvd.

“College Park is the front door to Arlington and has been designated a Catalyst site in the Arlington CRA,” Sifakis said in February. “We are committed to making sure any project we undertake over there to be in the best interests of the neighborhood.”

By: Katie Garwood

From: Jaxdailyrecord