Permit filed to renovate Five Points Theater for Marathon Live

The city is reviewing a permit application for the estimated $1.2 million renovation of the two-story, 13,320-square-foot theater space in the Five Points Theater building at 1028 Park St. for Marathon Music.

The theater was the former Sun-Ray Cinema, which had operated a two-screen movie theater in the building since 2011. Its lease expired and was not renewed. It closed July 6.

Marathon Music is listed on plans as the owner of the space in the project. HJM Architects Inc. of Kansas City, Missouri, is the architect.

Jacksonville-based Avant Construction Group is the contractor.

Plans show the first level with a stage performance area; concentrated standing and seating space; more standing space; a kitchen; a prefunction lounge; the backstage and greenroom area; business space; an office and box office; the loading dock; and more uses.

The second level has a mezzanine that overlooks the first level along with a kitchen, seating and standing areas, business space and a greenroom.

There are restrooms on both levels.

The theater's future

The city has been reviewing a permit application since September for Compass Group Inc. of Yulee to demolish nonstructural elements, finishes and seating of the previous theater space at an estimated project cost of $100,000. Costs could be adjusted as the permit is reviewed.

According to the application, Compass Group will demolish about 12,000 square feet of the former Sun-Ray Cinema space.

The permits are part of Union South Partners' plans for a $2 million investment to renovate the historic building.

Marathon Live, a venue management company based in Nashville, Tennessee, announced July 8 that the former Sun-Ray Cinema in Five Points will become a live music venue in January that will be called FIVE.

According to its website, Marathon Live provides turnkey services, including booking performers, marketing, ticketing, event operations and food and beverages tailored for each event.

The four-story, 35,000-square-foot building, designed by architect Roy Benjamin was built in 1927 and opened as the Riverside Theatre. It was the first theater in Jacksonville to screen films with sound while also accommodating live theater performances.

Retail, offices remain

The building also has tenants occupying retail and office spaces that will remain in place for the duration of their existing lease agreements.

Andrew Seng and Jay Weaver, founders of Union South Partners of Decatur, Georgia, bought the building May 16 for $7 million through 1028 Park LLC. The seller was the Shad family through 5 Points Theatre Building LLC.

"We have a strong record of success in activating adaptive reuse projects very similar to this one across the southeast to enhance their appeal as mixed-use destinations for both the immediate neighborhood as well as the broader community," Seng said in a news release.

"The Five Points Theater building has played an iconic role in helping shape this neighborhood during the past century, and we intend to keep its historic roots as an entertainment and retail complex intact."

The venue opened and closed a few times during the 1930s and 1940s before being remodeled in 1949 and reopening under the name that remains today, the Five Points Theater building.

The theater closed in the 1970s because of the growth of suburban multiscreen cinemas.

The space later functioned as a live acting theater run by the River City Playhouse before transitioning in 1991 into Club 5, which presented live music performances. Club 5 closed in 2004.

The Shad family acquired the building in 2004 for $2 million and invested $5 million in renovations, restoring its original façade and also securing historic landmark designation from the city.

The building currently has retail and office space available for lease under the new ownership.

In addition to renovations planned for the theater and retail spaces, the new owner is planning a modernization of the office lobby, common areas and restrooms.

Colliers International is the leasing agent for the building.