JACKSONVILLE, Fla.–Community First Credit Union said it is renovating and repurposing the former Edgewood Bakery to become a new branch and plans to incorporate elements from the bakery into its design.
Community First bought the property in 2024 for $1.65 million and is now awaiting a city permit before it begins interior renovation. It plans to open the branch in late 2026.
“There has been much speculation about the building and if it was reuseable in any way to become the branch,” the credit union said in a statement. “We’re excited to announce that it will be renovated into the new branch, and it will be unlike any other in the Community First location.”
Front Lawn & Social Area
According to Community First, the new branch will include a front lawn/social area, including a food feature, along with a community room and other design elements that will be driven by the bakery building and its Murray Hill location.
Community First said it is also considering additional upgrades to technology to pilot at the branch.
“True to our name and purpose of strengthening communities, one member at a time, Community First intends to create a Murray Hill branch to fit in with the unique character of the Murray Hill retail corridor and serve members where they are,” President and CEO Sam Inman said in a statement. “We believe this key retail site in the corridor will enhance consumer traffic to the area, revitalizing this strategic corner which has been vacant and deteriorating for nine years.”
Fond Memories of Bakery
Added COO Meissa Thomas in a statement, “Our executive team, board and I are committed to preserving some of the local flavor of the Edgewood Bakery. I’m personally passionate about preservation as a native with treasured family memories of the role of the bakery in my own life, including birthday cakes and my own wedding cake.”
The $2.82-billion Community First said it has more than 1,300 members who live within about 2 miles of the site.
