Community First Credit Union Purchases Murray Hill Retail Location

Credit Union is in the very early stages of planning for the site

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Oct. 15, 2024 – Community First Credit Union, one of Florida’s largest credit unions, announces it has purchased the vacant retail property and building at 1012 Edgewood Avenue South. Community First is in the very early stages of analysis related to the property and building, but it plans to serve Murray Hill with a future financial services branch.

The property was listed for sale in the spring of 2024 by Legacy Restaurant Group. It was formerly the Edgewood Bakery from 1947 until it closed in 2016. Community First has not yet determined if it can repurpose or renovate the existing structure. While it is not designated historical, the property has been a significant contributor to the Murray Hill business corridor and its history.

"The Edgewood Bakery building has been a mainstay in the Murray Hill neighborhood since 1947,” said Greg Beere, board president of the Murray Hill Preservation Association. “Something special is happening in Murray Hill and this is just another example of how attractive it is to entrepreneurs, small businesses and others who serve our community. Community First will play a vital role in Murray Hill's commercial and neighborhood revitalization and quality of life," 

Community First is expanding and improving its branch network, aiming to enhance member service by configuring spaces to create a modern retail experience. Community First locations feature financial service lobbies, drive-thru teller access and 24-hour ATMs. 

Designed with Community First's modern branch concept, its new branches have open floor plans, upgraded digital technologies, and a historical mural depicting the history of the locations. Community First has more than 1,300 members who live within about two miles and that number continues to increase with neighborhood growth.

“Community First has a long history of serving our members and being strong community partners,” said Sam Inman, president and CEO of Community First. “We intend for this future Murray Hill location to become an asset to the historic Edgewood Avenue Business Corridor retail strip that has been serving the neighborhood for almost 100 years.”

Community First is undertaking its largest historic investment in its branch network with six new branches announced or opened since 2022 when it had 19 locations. The credit union recently announced the opening of its Murabella Branch (Branch 22), the start of construction of its Beachwalk Branch (Branch 23), a property purchase for its Callahan Branch (Branch 24) and property purchase for a Treaty Oaks location in St. Johns (Branch 25). It is also building a new location in Southside Quarter on Gate Parkway to replace its Baymeadows Branch.

Community First Credit Union of Florida is a state-chartered credit union based in Jacksonville serving anyone who lives or works on the First Coast. Community First is one of the largest credit unions in Florida with $2.8 billion in assets and serving 175,000 members. Community First has 22 locations and more than 450 employees. A not-for-profit, Community First is a full-service financial institution offering banking, loans, mortgages and investments for consumers and businesses across the First Coast. Visit www.communityfirstfl.org.

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