Welcome to San Marco East – where a story of transformation is unfolding, and visionary business owners are bringing back the vibrancy of a community.
Today, San Marco East sits at the tipping point of resurgence with booming development and declining crime. The district is home to numerous multi-million-dollar corporate headquarters. Infill projects are breathing new life into the community as well. Among the most significant developments are 996 market-rate multi-family housing units managed by Chance Partners and 172 workforce housing units under development by Vestcor. Matthew Hugo, COO of Hugo Interiors, can see the changes. “We now have joggers exercising along Philips Highway. It is a great time to be in San Marco East.”
Committed business leaders are the driving force behind the revitalization. In the 1990s five landowners formed the San Marco Community Development Association. The group spearheaded many public-private infrastructure improvements before eventually becoming dormant. As the next generation of business owners moved in, the association was dusted off and rebranded as San Marco East. Hugo is optimistic about continued beautification and attracting like-minded businesses to the area.
Bryan Croft, CEO of HC Brands is leading the collaboration and was a catalyst to a major housing development. “My business partner and I purchased the land across the street to demo a vacant structure for improved security on our own property.” Croft reflected. “It wasn’t even our intention to turn a profit, until Vestcor eventually acquired it for a housing community.” Bryan believes this is just one example of the many win-win possibilities for revitalization in the area. Underscoring San Marco East Business Association’s collaborative impact is a 30% decrease in JSO ‘calls for service’ since its formation.
The San Marco East Business Association is building upon this momentum. The partnership adopted a strategic plan in 2024 to focus beautification and safety initiatives, and continues to invite local business owners to be a part of the team.
San Marco East is also making efforts to create a culture, hosting the inaugural “Meet Your Neighbor Happy Hour” at Icebreakers Bar & Grill in the Community First Igloo. Business owners, employees, and residents came out to enjoy free skating and mingle over complimentary appetizers.
San Marco East invites you to be a part of this upcoming community that is building something new and exciting together — where vision, determination, and collaboration are transforming a community.
