Sweet Pete's: The Historic Seminole Building
Project Overview
Location
Our Role
Project Size
Project Type
Jacksonville, FL
General Contractor
28,000 SF
Historic Renovation

About the Project
In 2014, Avant undertook the full interior and exterior renovation of the historic building after Marcus Lemonis, host of The Profit, invested in transforming the local candyshop, Sweet Pete’s, into a downtown destination. The renovation included cosmetic updates, such as replacing rotted wood and painting old walls, as well as more significant changes like rebuilding a corner connecting the front and side porches to recreate the original wraparound porch. Walls were added and moved, and the building’s old basketball court was transformed into a candy-making production area. More recently, Avant has helped the building’s new ownership, JWB, with additional renovations such as adding a third floor outdoor deck and other interior renovations.


Unique Elements
Blending craftsmanship with preservation, Avant transformed the historic Seminole Building into a vibrant hospitality venue while maintaining its architectural integrity. The historical significance of the structure presented both challenges and opportunities, requiring a thoughtful approach to restoration. Working collaboratively with the owner and tenants, our team provided hands-on, personalized service that extended beyond traditional construction practices to enhance both the functionality and design of the space.
