Planning And Engineering Firm Receives Redevelopment Award

Zev Cohen and Associates, Inc.

Zev Cohen and Associates, Inc. a multi-disciplinary planning and engineering firm and Courtney and Jason Rowe, owners of Wicked Davey's Fancy Saloon located at 232 N. 2nd Street, Fernandina Beach, Florida are the recipients of the 2007 Outstanding Private Development Award from the Florida Zoning and Planning Association, (FPZA) a statewide organization that promotes and encourages sound development. The awards program has been the centerpiece of FPZA's efforts to identify and promote best practices in planning and development trends both in the public and private sector for over 25 years. This redevelopment is the first improved property within the City's Community Redevelopment Area (CRA). The CRA is an area made up 54 parcels which consists of working waterfront businesses, vacant and underutilized parcels, and transitional commercial uses.

232 N. 2nd Street was a deteriorating building when it was purchased in 2004. The 5,000 square foot building, circa 1870, has had many reincarnations. It was the former home of Christopher's Place, and Club 440, which were African American clubs. It was also home to the legendary A Touch of Class.

The redevelopment of 232 North 2nd Street maintains its historical character as Wicked Davey's Fancy Saloon. As it stands today, the beautifully restored building operates as a live-work unit. It consists of a 2,500 square foot restaurant operating on the first floor and a beautifully renovated 2,500 square foot residence on the second floor.

This project is the first step in fostering a large-scale redevelopment movement in the City. The completion of its extensive renovation is an accomplishment for urban infill, redevelopment and economic revitalization.