LAVILLA: THE WILL HOTEL

Preserving Heritage & Restoring A Historic Landmark

Join the Revival of LaVilla's Historic Heart

In 1917, Fannie Harvey, an entrepreneurial trailblazer, owned and operated The Will Hotel in Jacksonville’s thriving LaVilla district, once hailed as the “Harlem of the South.” This vibrant community was home to Black businesses and residential estates, Cuban immigrants, Jewish merchants, and a flourishing jazz scene, making it a hub of culture and commerce.

Today, the building that was once a symbol of economic and cultural vitality sits vacant, but not for long. We’re transforming this historic landmark into a modern mixed-use development, bringing back community and re-investment in one our underserved historic cities.

COMING SOON

Entrepreneurship Center & Coworking Spaces

The New LaVilla is a 6300 SF designated historic landmark that will house a coffee shop, gift shop, meeting, and office spaces. The center includes full service coworking space including meeting, conference, training and event spaces plus 2BR, 2BA live-work accommodations. The center is currently seeking a coffee and cafe shop, and small retail tenants such as a gift shop, florist, or bookstore open to center members, tourists, and the public. The center is located on LaVilla's historic main street which sees 6800 Annual Average Daily Traffic,, and sits across from the Duval County Courthouse is central to downtown landmarks and venues that include Everbank Stadium (home of the Jacksonville Jaguars), and sits across fro the Duval County Courthouse with approximately 1.1 million visitors monthly.

OUR MISSION

The New LaVilla is a visionary impact development initiative rooted in a deep appreciation for historical preservation and community revitalization. Our mission is to breathe new life into forgotten spaces, honoring the past while creating a vibrant future for generations to come.

OUR VISION

We envision a world where equity for all is achieved through entrepreneurship.

Where the opportunity to create the life you desire is a means to sustainable living that is a way of life embraced by all. A world where every individual has access to community, small business resources, and collaborative, flexible work solutions that enhance their quality of life while minimizing their environmental footprint through revitalization and reuse of historic business centers.

WHY CHOOSE US

Sustainable Economic Growth & Innovative Business Support

The New LaVilla because we prioritize heritage-focused development and community revitalization. Our commitment to sustainable economic growth ensures job creation and supports local businesses. With innovative strategies and a passion for preserving history, we aim to transform LaVilla into a vibrant hub that benefits everyone. Join us!

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COMMUNITY

Collaborating with local stakeholders, investors, and community leaders is at the heart of our approach. Our partnerships drive positive change and contribute to the sustainable growth of the neighborhoods we serve.

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HISTORY

We are dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage and architectural significance of this iconic site.

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DEVELOPMENT

An impact investment campaign and real estate development project to support the renovation of a historic landmark in a culturally rich community remembered as the Harlem of the South.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

A Historic Landmark and Community Asset

Create access to jobs for area residents.
Support the expansion of existing businesses and encourage the creation of new service and retail businesses to serve the needs of the community.
Encourage redevelopment of vacant and underutilized buildings.
Stimulate new investment within the LaVilla historic district, adding to the tax base.

THE NEW LAVILLA

WALK SCORE - 80 | TRANSIT SCORE - 68 | BIKE SCORE - 51

The 6300 SF designated historic landmark is currently under the design phase with full renovation and buildout projected to be completed by 2028. Investment in this project is ideal not only because it offers increased revenue potential and return on investment, but it supports small business and entrepreneurial development priorities eligible for financial incentives offered by the City of Jacksonville’s downtown Investment Authority (DIA).

The New LaVilla will house a coffee shop, gift shop, meeting, and office spaces. We will employ up to 20 full- and part-time employees including four (4) full-time staff that include a Facility Director, Community Manager, Event Manager, and Marketing Manager. The Community Manager will be responsible for day-to-day management and member relations. The full-time Event Manager will be responsible for increasing event sales with a focus on boutique weddings and bridal showers, office launch events, and networking receptions.

Additionally, the Entrepreneurship Center will add three to five solo entrepreneurs who will assist coworking members and the public. The team of entrepreneurs consists of those in need of flexible part-time work while they grow their business. The Entrepreneurship Center will offer financial and business coaching, employment services and training through free and paid services.

The New LaVilla is a single member limited liability company domiciled in the State of Florida.

The New LaVilla

Breathing new life into our forgotten main streets - one building at a time.

Team Leaderboard

Team Members