“Belk closing presents development possibilities for Roosevelt Square” via Karen Brune Mathis of the Jacksonville Financial News & Daily Record – Belk Inc.’s closure at Roosevelt Square makes way for redevelopment at the Westside shopping center. “Belk’s exit opens the door for the owner to upgrade and redesign this portion of the shopping center,” said Carrie Smith, regional managing partner of the Franklin Street real estate company. Belk will close its store at 4535 Roosevelt Blvd. in January, affecting more than 50 jobs. The 63,000-square-foot stand-alone building was part of the original Roosevelt Mall. Smith said the closing presents an opportunity for property owner Dewberry Capital Corp. She expects a lot of retail interest in the site because there is no available big-box space in that part of the Westside and a number of stores make sense there. Roosevelt Square is near the established Riverside, Avondale and Ortega neighborhoods. “Sporting goods, home improvement or even a theater would be great,” Smith said.
