Eastside has a lot to look forward to going into 2023 between projects, new residents and further establishing the historic community’s position as more development happens.
The proposed reuse of Debs Store, which opened in 1921, calls for a Goodwill location with access to professional services for residents. Pickett said the store’s owner was rehoused before Christmas, allowing the project to move forward with fundraising and permitting. The project, helmed by LIFT JAX, received a $650,000 grant from the city in February.
Residents refer to the area as “Out East.” Branding was an important focus for the organization in 2022. The HEDC also started Outeast Jaxi, a transportation company that can service games, events and food distributions. The HEDC designated Albert Street to East 1st Street as the “Out East Quarter.”