The Jacksonville Children's Chorus is moving its headquarters back to Downtown Jacksonville.
The organization announced Wednesday that it will take up residence in VyStar Credit Union's soon-to-be-completed Forsyth Street Parking Garage, where it will enjoy multiple rehearsal spaces and a location in the heart of the city.
The chorus is expected to begin operating in its new, nearly 6,000-square-foot location by the end of 2022. VyStar and its construction partners will complete the build-out of the structure with a floor plan designed to support retail space and unique initiatives such as choral activities.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity for the Chorus to have a state-of-the-art facility specifically designed for children and choral music," Darren Dailey, the chorus's president and artistic director, said in the announcement.
The Jacksonville Children's Chorus was founded in 1995 at Jacksonville University to fill a need for a children’s music program in the area.
In its first year, the choir had only 16 voices. Since then, it has grown to a membership of more than 350 singers participating in five choirs.
In 2020, the chorus moved from its home in Downtown Jacksonville to a shared space with The Florida Ballet in Arlington. As it moves back, the chorus expects to contribute to a renaissance of the arts Downtown.
“I am confident that this space will be the perfect long-term home for the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus, especially at the heart of the city, to be a vibrant part of Jacksonville’s efforts to elevate Downtown and the arts,” said David DeCamp, chair of the chorus's board of directors and Real Estate Committee.
VyStar President CEO Brian Wolfburg said the Forsyth garage project was designed in part to further Downtown revitalization.
“We are excited to welcome the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus to this space and look forward to the additional energy and creativity they will bring Downtown,” Wolfburg said. "The added bonus of children being able to benefit from this new facility is really a dream come true.”