Ormond Garage and Main Street building
resident who has a passion for Ormond ’ s downtown – and transforming old buildings into architectural works of art . What was once a bleak stroll down Granada is now a visual of crafted architecture ranging from Victorian and traditional to mid-century modern , Spanish / Mediterranean , Art Deco , contemporary and even kit house plans .
Jones , also owner of the nationwide Metra Electronics based in Holly Hill , does not consider himself a developer . “ I consider myself more of a restorer ,” he says . “ I like to bring a building back to life . I can look at a wreck of a building and see its potential .”
Throughout the past 2 ½ decades , he has gradually purchased numerous older buildings as they became available – and tenants of the finished products run the gamut from restaurants and retail spaces to offices . “ I wanted to get a mix of different types of buildings , with different styles ,” he says .
Dorian Burt , Jones ’ property manager , adds that “ every one of Bill ’ s buildings has an art component ,” be it the architecture , interior décor and paintings – or outside design features .
“ Bill Jones is a champion for the cause ,” comments Truilo . “ He does this because he wants to see a vibrant downtown . I doubt that we would have gotten this far without him .”
All of downtown Granada Boulevard ( beachside and mainland ) is a Community Redevelopment Area ( CRA ) and thus far the emphasis has been on commercial enhancements . But Truilo sees the downtown expanding to focus more on residential . “ Everyone realizes that walkable neighborhoods are essential to a successful downtown ,” she says , noting that the residential area north of Granada is a designated historic district and there are positive signs with various residential properties being renovated . Many of
them too are the acquired properties and restorations of Bill Jones . Jones ( a New York native ) says , “ I feel like I was born to be here . It adopted me ... this is my love here .”
DeBary ’ s origin is connected with the elaborate 1871 DeBary Hall estate . It was built by European-born wine merchant Frederick DeBary as a winter hunting retreat along the St . Johns River , visited by some of the nation ’ s wealthiest people and is now a historic site .
DeBary progressed through the 20th century mainly as an unincorporated residential area and didn ’ t become a city until 1993 . Commercial Highway 17-92 runs through the city , but DeBary never has had a true downtown . City leaders are working vigorously to change that . They have developed a Transit Oriented Development ( TOD ) Zoning Overlay District for the approximate 300 acres adjacent to the SunRail station , the most northern stop on the central Florida commuter rail system – and also one of the most used by riders . The district plan has gotten off the ground with development of an upscale apartment complex and an upcoming 150-home residential community . The designated Main Street and Village Center areas are included in the TOD District as a community gathering place and venue for activities and events – as well as shops , restaurants and professional offices .
“ DeBary has a strong sense of community ,” comments Shari Simmans , DeBary ’ s Communications and Government Affairs director . “ The desire for a downtown is clear from the residents ,” she says . City Manager Carmen Rosamonda agrees , noting that “ we are focused on place making to strengthen our bond .”
Shari Simmans Developer of the Integra 289 Exchange
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