GREEN COVE SPRINGS — As the founder of Pragmatic Works, Brian Knight knows what it takes to bring innovation to the table. 

For he and his wife, Jennifer, the city of Green Cove Springs is something to cherish. Nestled among history, quietness and serenity, it's only right to continue adding to its charming atmosphere.

For the Knights, that meant buying property along Walnut Street and turning one of the city's most unique destinations into a place that perfectly balances the past, present and future.

In 2027, Springside will open as a retail complex dedicated to doing just that. The Knights had the idea to turn it into a St. Augustine style village similar to St. George Street. Springside will include a pedestrian walkway centered among five new restaurants, including Italian and southern, and space for an ice cream parlor, spa and food hall.

The neighboring Gustafson home will help anchor the complex and be transformed into a two-story Florida-style eatery. 

"We wanted to find a way to create a destination place as Green Cove at 8 [p.m.] is pretty quiet," Brian said. "And you have the two highest income brackets in Fleming Island and Rivertown that are right nearby. And this is directly in the middle."

Brian and Jennifer said they purchased the historic Gustafson residence, as well as accompanying land, with hopes to bring some additional character to the area. As Green Cove Springs natives, they wanted to allow room for more mom-and-pop businesses to thrive.

While it took some time to finish the deal, Brian said it was a no-brainer to save the deteriorating building. For 59 years, the home of Frank and Agnus Gustafson remained vacant and in bad shape.

"I think it's a good little gesture," Jennifer said. " It was in really bad shape, and it would have been easier to demolish and start from scratch than it was to bring it back."

After beginning the renovation process in January, the Knights said the Gustafson House restaurant is set to open by spring of next year. The restaurant will retain as much historical integrity as possible.

Ma and Pa Gus moved into the home in the early 1900s. After purchasing their first cow, Buttercup, they began producing dairy products for their six children, neighbors and nearby hotels.

The small home business turned into a dairy empire, birthing Gustafson Farms, one of the Southeast's largest family-owned and operated dairy distributors.

Along with remnants of brick interior, the new restaurant will include some of the original doors, windows and flooring, while new additions include an elevator, wine room, bar area, outdoor patio and private dining room. Downstairs will be for casual dining, while upstairs will host a more elevated experience.

"The chef that we're working with is very creative. He's very inventive."

R. Hartwig Construction will be carrying out the building process. While working, Bobby Hartwig said residents that remember Ma and Pa Gus and Buttercup never fail to stop by, telling their stories of what the historic home once was. 

"People are excited to have something coming in and see something done with the house because it's been just sort of falling down for so many years," Jennifer said.

The Knights said they want Springside and the Gustafson House to be a new chapter for Green Cove Springs — one that entails fresh beginnings. They also hope it sparks a renewed interest in reinvesting into the past.

"It's such an important part of Green Cove history. The Gustafson's were pivotal in the whole Southeast, not in just Green Cove. So, it's nice to be able to bring it back."