Real estate investor building outreach center, office space

On N. Clay Ave. A new building will be constructed in 605 to house Humble Bee Ginnings Inc. and its affiliated organizations, as well as a space for middle and high school students to gather.

The organization consists of several parts – Humble Bee Ginnings Inc .; the nonprofit Humble Horizons; and the outreach center, Humble Beginnings.

Samuel Holmes Jr., CEO and founder of Humble Beginnings, said he wanted to build a place for children.

“We’re trying to make it beautiful,” said Holmes.

Humble Bee Ginnings Inc. is a real estate investment company that rents and leases homes, and helps with housing, moving, cleaning, and odd jobs. It is also affiliated with the nonprofit Humble Horizons, which offers various outreach programs for teenagers and adults in the community.

The 4,000-square-foot building will house the organization’s offices and will include offices to rent, a computer room, a party / conference room that can be rented, and a kitchenette.

A recreation room for middle and high school students will host games, televisions, and other activities.

“When it’s done, it will be a nice hangout for them to hang out at in the evening,” said Holmes. “You will have a safe place on the northeast side.”

While there are other programs in Jacksonville – and other places like the YMCA – Holmes said this will provide a location in the northeast of the city that doesn’t have as many options.

“I’m from the northeast of the city and I want to do everything I can to give something back,” said Holmes. “Every adult, every young person deserves opportunities. I want to offer as many positive opportunities as possible on this side of the city.”

Brian Nyberg, Jacksonville community development director, said the property was rededicated a few months ago and work on the property has begun.

“They have the foundation and work on the plumbing and bring the drains in,” Nyberg said.

Nyberg is also excited about the prospect of a contact center, he said.

“It provides office space and a place to get kids off the streets at night,” he said.

Once the plumbing is done, the foundation will be poured and the building built, Holmes said.

The parts of the building are ready to be shipped from Texas and are just waiting for the foundation to be completed. At this point, construction will only take two to three weeks. Holmes will then spend several months renovating the interior of the building, he said.

Due to the pandemic and delivery and delivery delays, Holmes was reluctant to set a schedule for the opening, but said he hoped it would open by July.

“We want it to be open on time for school,” said Holmes. “The recreation area will be a key factor with our mentoring programs for the non-profit organization.”

While the organization is already running several of their mentoring programs, this building will give them a space of their own, Holmes said.

“I can’t wait to have our own building – our own home,” said Holmes.