Executive Suite expanding at EverBank Center Downtown

Wednesday, March 12, 10:39 AM EDT

By Karen Brune Mathis, Managing Editor

In another sign of Downtown confidence, Executive Suite Professionals is expanding at EverBank Center to take the entire 14th floor.

The Jacksonville-based office suites venture opened in July on part of the 14th floor at the 301 W. Bay St. tower. Ownership decided to move into the remaining 10,000 square feet of space to fill the almost 31,000-square-foot floor.

“We have had great success in filling our space in phase one,” said Lisa Gufford, managing member and co-founder.

She said the organization brought 65 businesses Downtown since July.

Gufford said the second phase will open in May with another 43 suites. She said there are commitments for 16 already.

Auld & White Constructors LLC is the contractor for the project, which is in permitting review, at a cost of almost $561,000.

Executive Suite Professionals offers furnished executive suites along with voice/data, reception and other services; meeting rooms by the hour or by the day; virtual offices; and more. Visit executivesuiteprofessionals.com for more information.

The first phase comprises 50 offices along with four meeting rooms, a reception area, a client lounge and some break-out areas with windows that provide views of Downtown. The second phase will add another conference room along with the suites.

Gufford said her goal is 100 new Downtown businesses by next July, the first full year of operation.

EverBank Center is near the Duval County Courthouse, which Gufford has said is convenient for clients who do business there. A wall in a corner facing the new courthouse will be decorated with a large black-and-white historical framed photo of the old courthouse.

Gufford said clients include attorneys, financial advisers, engineering firms, court reporters, mediators, marketing companies, travel agencies, home health care agencies, staffing firms, international investment banks, pharmaceutical companies and other small businesses.

She said most of the lease agreements are for a year or more, but she will build a package to meet the client’s needs. The floor also has several sets of multiple offices that cater to businesses with several partners or employees who collectively need a suite with its own entrance.

“Most clients will sign for six months to a year to two years, and that is standard for the industry,” Gufford said, emphasizing she offers all-inclusive packages.

Gufford said she also will target international companies with the next phase.

Gufford said she has been in the area for 33 years and in the industry since 1999.

“For 10 years, I was right about organizing a new business center Downtown,” she said.

Executive Suite Professionals is a partnership of Gufford, Duke Addison, president and CEO of Addison Commercial Real Estate, and Bortie Twifford, a Washington, D.C.-based entrepreneur and former Jacksonville resident.

As seen onjaxdailyrecord.com

http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=542447

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