Former Kmart Site Reimagined into Thriving Retail Hub

Boulevard Crossing is a transformative redevelopment of a long-vacant Kmart site at 5700 Beach Boulevard in Jacksonville, Florida. Positioned at the intersection of Beach and University Boulevards, the site presented a rare opportunity to reposition a high-visibility property into a dynamic, multi-tenant retail center that would better serve the surrounding neighborhoods.

Hallmark Partners, in partnership with Ladson Construction and local design firms, spearheaded the project to deliver a new destination for essential services, food and beverage offerings, and community-oriented amenities.

Challenges

• Site Stagnation: The 13-acre parcel sat largely vacant for years, previously occupied by a shuttered Kmart.

• Aging Infrastructure: The site required extensive demolition, redesign, and modernization to accommodate new users.

• Tenant Recruitment: Attracting quality, service-oriented tenants to a previously underperforming corridor required strategic positioning.

Solutions

• Targeted Redevelopment: Reimagined 8 acres of the former parking lot into a modern retail center while preserving key site access points.

• Phased Construction: Delivered new building shells and pad sites in stages to accommodate tenant-specific timelines.

• Strategic Leasing: Secured nationally recognized tenants focused on convenience, healthcare, and dining to enhance community value.

Results

• Premier Tenant Mix:

  • McDonald’s (new prototype design)

  • Starbucks (freestanding with drive-thru and patio)

  • AT&T, Wingstop, Deca Dental

  • Community First Credit Union (2024 opening)

  • Einstein Bros. Bagels (coming soon)

• Improved Community Access: Enhanced traffic flow and site layout to serve over 66,000 vehicles daily.

• Long-Term Value Creation: Repositioned an underutilized asset into a stable, income-generating property with long-term growth potential.

Summary

Boulevard Crossing demonstrates the power of strategic infill redevelopment in reactivating aging commercial corridors. Through creative planning, expert execution, and a tenant-first approach, NAI Hallmark and its partners delivered a successful transformation that enhances the urban fabric of Jacksonville and meets the evolving needs of local residents.