Corner Lot Buys Casa Marina Hotel in Jacksonville Beach

Corner Lot Buys Casa Marina Hotel in Jacksonville Beach, Plans Full Restoration and New Boutique Hotel

Jacksonville Beach’s most iconic hotel has officially changed hands.

Local developer Corner Lot has purchased the historic Casa Marina Hotel. They plan to fully restore the 1925 oceanfront landmark building. Alongside, there will be a brand-new 3-story boutique hotel and restaurant directly across the street.

This project marks another milestone in Jacksonville’s ongoing transformation. It blends historic preservation with thoughtful growth in one of the city’s most desirable coastal neighborhoods.

A Century-Old Landmark Gets New Life

Located at 691 1st Street North, the Casa Marina Hotel has long been a centerpiece of Jacksonville Beach culture. It’s known for its rooftop views, art deco architecture, and legacy as a gathering place for locals and visitors.

Corner Lot’s plans include:

• Restoring all 23 existing guest rooms
• Renovating the rooftop bar and event spaces
• Preserving the building’s Spanish-Mediterranean architectural character
• Bringing the structure up to modern code without compromising its historic charm

The goal is to retain everything people love about the Casa Marina. At the same time, ensure it continues serving the community for another 100 years.

New Boutique Hotel and Restaurant Across the Street

In addition to restoring Casa Marina, Corner Lot will build a brand-new mixed-use building on the west side of 1st Street North. Demolition and redevelopment have been approved for the plaza across the street at 102 Sixth Ave N.

The complementary structure will feature:

• 16 boutique hotel rooms
• A full-service restaurant
• Indoor and outdoor dining areas
• A rooftop terrace offering ocean views

Designed to echo the architectural language of Casa Marina, this new development will add new energy to the block. It is set to activate the street year-round and appeal to both tourists and locals.

Height Limits in Jacksonville Beach & the Plaza Across from Casa Marina

A common question from local residents is, “How tall can new buildings be in Jacksonville Beach?”

Most new construction in Jacksonville Beach is limited to a 35-foot maximum height, a rule designed to protect ocean views and maintain the small-town coastal feel. However, some older properties — like the strip mall at 102 6th Ave N, across from Casa Marina — were built before this restriction was established.

Because that plaza was constructed in 1975, it is grandfathered in, which allows redevelopment projects on that site to exceed 35 feet. That’s why the new mixed-use project replacing the strip mall has been approved to reach 59 feet (approximately five stories), even though this would not be allowed for new buildings under current zoning.

A Developer with Deep Local Ties

For Corner Lot CEO Andy Allen, the project is deeply personal.

“I’m really blessed and grateful to be redeveloping some of the places we grew up with,” Allen said. “We absolutely love this city. We raised our kids here. And we want future generations to enjoy the same places we’ve always loved — reimagined for their future.”

Known for major projects across Northeast Florida—including the transformation of One Ocean Resort and the redevelopment of Glenn Kernan Golf & Country Club — Corner Lot is becoming a key player. They are shaping Jacksonville’s next chapter.

Why It Matters for Jacksonville’s Future

This announcement comes at a time of historic growth and reinvestment in Jacksonville Beach. Additionally, aging infrastructure, shifting tourism trends, and increased demand for modern hospitality options, the Casa Marina project sets a new standard for what’s possible. It aims to honor the past, build for the future.

It also speaks to a broader trend. Jacksonville is no longer just the “City of Renderings” — it’s a city in motion. From the urban core to the beaches, developers like Corner Lot are helping shape a future that reflects both where Jacksonville has been and where it’s headed.

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Disclaimer: Featured image is a rendering created by DevelopJacksonville based on publicly released concepts. These are for illustrative purposes only and was not produced by the developer or their team.

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