This news seemed big enough to get its own thread.
The District is no more: Welcome to RiversEdge: Life on the St. Johns.
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/photo-gallery/riversedge-a-new-vision-for-the-downtown-southbank/
QuotePreston Hollow Capital LLC is rebranding its 32-acre Downtown Southbank development, previously called The District, to "RiversEdge: Life on the St. Johns" and has contracted with Toll Brothers for 39 town houses — the site's first confirmed vertical construction.
Boyer said a completed RiversEdge could have up to 950 residential units, 147 hotel rooms, 200,000 square feet of office space, 134,000 square feet of retail and a 125-slip marina.
Preston Hollow Managing Director Ramiro Albarran said after the event RiversEdge should be ready for Toll Brothers to begin construction by the first quarter 2022.
Another 750 multifamily units on two central parcels next to a future city park also could start next year.
Albarran said at the May 25 event that after improvements to the St. Johns River bulkhead are completed, the nearly 4 acres of city parks, a Downtown Riverwalk extension, roads, streetscapes and site infrastructure will begin construction by summer 2022 in one phase.
Featuring some flashy new renderings:
(https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/sites/default/files/styles/sliders_and_planned_story_image_870x580/public/341188_standard.jpeg?itok=9cKDtepI)
(https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/sites/default/files/styles/sliders_and_planned_story_image_870x580/public/341191_standard.jpeg?itok=kt2eR1Ka)
(https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/sites/default/files/styles/sliders_and_planned_story_image_870x580/public/341190_standard.jpeg?itok=ZD_25Bi4)
I want to see more detailed renderings. But...the initial views here are better in my eyes. I feel like now that we have big boys at the table with this project (sorry Rummel and Munz), we may get a better quality product.
Quote from: Steve on May 25, 2021, 09:29:22 PM
I want to see more detailed renderings. But...the initial views here are better in my eyes. I feel like now that we have big boys at the table with this project (sorry Rummel and Munz), we may get a better quality product.
I agree Steve...needed the "Big Boys" to come to bat to make the home run. I wonder what other things Curry and Co. have up their sleeves or are hiding? We were all thinking that this was maybe dead, or we were raising an eyebrow at it thinking that it would be years away from coming to fruition, and then bam...the home run. I really believe we will be hearing more good news soon in BIG JAX!
Super excited to see this project come to life. This particular rendering reminds me a lot of the St Pete waterfront
(https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/sites/default/files/341192_standard.jpeg)
Credit where it's due, the DIA has done a really good job helping to keep this one alive.
Really hoping to see this one truck forward at a good speed.
With the CDD bonds issued, they've got every incentive to not dawdle.
Good to see progress, and getting rid of that 'working title' for the project. The only thing coming out of the ground for certain is some townhouses and probably some 5/6 floor apartments. It is still a 10-20 year build out. But, it isn't a total pipe dream any longer either, so that is good.
Quote from: heights unknown on May 25, 2021, 10:11:08 PM
I wonder what other things Curry and Co. have up their sleeves or are hiding?
More demolitions and branding campaigns for vacant lots.
Quote from: vicupstate on May 26, 2021, 08:02:29 AMIt is still a 10-20 year build out. But, it isn't a total pipe dream any longer either.
I think we're going to see a timeline
much more aggressive than this.
$30+ million in bonds were issued by the developer to finance the horizontal infrastructure work underway now (at the school board building), underway imminently (the bulkheads), and underway in the coming months (roadways and utilities).
The developer's repayment of these bonds is to be financed by REV grants from the DIA totaling ~$50 million that don't kick in until vertical construction begins, on a parcel-by-parcel basis, that expire when the Southbank CRA sunsets in 2040.
A significant decrease in scale for the project also hurts the developers ability to repay the bonds, as they're based on total assessed value of finished vertical construction.
Long way of saying that if we're still looking at undeveloped land even 5-10 years from now, or if we're looking at some scattered midrise apartments, the chances of this project being a financial success for the developer are extremely low.
Unlike something like Lot J, where the Jags had the luxury of a 10-year timeline, all pressure is on these guys to move fast at a decent scale in order to trigger the incentives necessary to repay the bonds before the CRA expires.
No clue if they'll succeed, but I'm loving the new renders, loving the plan for the park space, and really rooting for Preston Hollow to bring this one home.
Quote from: Steve on May 25, 2021, 09:29:22 PM
I want to see more detailed renderings. But...the initial views here are better in my eyes. I feel like now that we have big boys at the table with this project (sorry Rummel and Munz), we may get a better quality product.
Say what you will about Rummel and Munz, but they actually did Downtown a huge unintentional solid. Preston Hollow has so much money sunk into the project, that they have no choice but to ensure that it gets parceled off and developed.
I've always thought this was a far more viable project than Lot J/Shipyard for a variety of reasons. Fortunately, there do not appear to be any signs of the development community slowing down at all. There are still a ton of groups out there actively looking for projects. Glad to see it's getting some traction and starting to take off.
Long term, if this is successful, you will see a ton of infill happen on the Southbank. There are still several large surface lots to build on and some great tear down opportunities. The Southbank and North San Marco have a ton of potential.
Quote from: Ken_FSU on May 26, 2021, 10:11:59 AM
Quote from: vicupstate on May 26, 2021, 08:02:29 AMIt is still a 10-20 year build out. But, it isn't a total pipe dream any longer either.
I think we're going to see a timeline much more aggressive than this.
$30+ million in bonds were issued by the developer to finance the horizontal infrastructure work underway now (at the school board building), underway imminently (the bulkheads), and underway in the coming months (roadways and utilities).
The developer's repayment of these bonds is to be financed by REV grants from the DIA totaling ~$50 million that don't kick in until vertical construction begins, on a parcel-by-parcel basis, that expire when the Southbank CRA sunsets in 2040.
A significant decrease in scale for the project also hurts the developers ability to repay the bonds, as they're based on total assessed value of finished vertical construction.
Long way of saying that if we're still looking at undeveloped land even 5-10 years from now, or if we're looking at some scattered midrise apartments, the chances of this project being a financial success for the developer are extremely low.
Unlike something like Lot J, where the Jags had the luxury of a 10-year timeline, all pressure is on these guys to move fast at a decent scale in order to trigger the incentives necessary to repay the bonds before the CRA expires.
No clue if they'll succeed, but I'm loving the new renders, loving the plan for the park space, and really rooting for Preston Hollow to bring this one home.
You've accurately described the risk of CDDs in Florida. This is why during the last real estate recession, more than half were underwater and required State subsidies in order to pay back bondholders.
That said, vicupstate is absolutely right. In 5 years, I'd say two of the sites are developed or under construction. Sounds like one is under contract and maybe two more have more than lukewarm interest. There is a long way to go. There isn't anything groundbreaking in the structure of this, its a typical 20-30 year master-planned development... just like Nocatee, E-Town locally; Baldwin Park, Celebration in Central Florida; Watersound, Southwood in the Panhandle. There are plus/minus 600 of them throughout the state, and plus/minus two dozen in Duval County alone. The hype machine around this property over the last 9 years has been a little insane.
DIA deserves some credit for not letting this die and working very well with a reluctant financier that didn't want to be a developer in the first place. Let's just see how the rest plays out over the next 10+ years.
^ If the current off-the-charts demand for housing and related opportunities by residential developers remains un-satiated for the next few years, I could also see more of this project being residential than what is currently shown and, thus, advancing the development timeline.
It appears that the scarcity and pricing of lots in outer suburbia is making infill a lot more appetizing.
Quote from: Captain Zissou on May 26, 2021, 09:05:13 AM
Quote from: heights unknown on May 25, 2021, 10:11:08 PM
I wonder what other things Curry and Co. have up their sleeves or are hiding?
More demolitions and branding campaigns for vacant lots.
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL...I hope not.
Quote from: Captain Zissou on May 26, 2021, 09:05:13 AM
Quote from: heights unknown on May 25, 2021, 10:11:08 PM
I wonder what other things Curry and Co. have up their sleeves or are hiding?
More demolitions and branding campaigns for vacant lots.
I think it was Bowman today who asked what Curry was planning to do with the $600 million the LOGT clears up between the CIP relief and the American Rescue Plan money. Who knows, maybe we'll just happen to start hearing about that Four Seasons again.
Although personally I wouldn't mind grabbing $70 million from the CIP to implement that list of recommendations the working group made a few months back. Maybe a little more to invest in the Landi-
Riverfront Plaza.Quote from: CityLife on May 26, 2021, 10:18:27 AM
I've always thought this was a far more viable project than Lot J/Shipyard for a variety of reasons. Fortunately, there do not appear to be any signs of the development community slowing down at all. There are still a ton of groups out there actively looking for projects. Glad to see it's getting some traction and starting to take off.
Long term, if this is successful, you will see a ton of infill happen on the Southbank. There are still several large surface lots to build on and some great tear down opportunities. The Southbank and North San Marco have a ton of potential.
I've been thinking for a while that the city should do exactly what Preston Hollow is leading on here with the Shipyards. Get the remediation done, put in some access roads, upzone it to the max (after planning for parkspace) and parcel it off to anyone who wants to build on it, whether or not that includes Khan/Iguana/Gecko. If someone wants to buy a couple parcels and build a big multi-use development, fine. But just get it ready, get it onto the tax rolls, and let the market do its work. More of that, less tearing down structurally sound buildings to turn into grass lots.
Quote from: marcuscnelson on May 26, 2021, 11:24:18 PM
Quote from: CityLife on May 26, 2021, 10:18:27 AM
I've always thought this was a far more viable project than Lot J/Shipyard for a variety of reasons. Fortunately, there do not appear to be any signs of the development community slowing down at all. There are still a ton of groups out there actively looking for projects. Glad to see it's getting some traction and starting to take off.
Long term, if this is successful, you will see a ton of infill happen on the Southbank. There are still several large surface lots to build on and some great tear down opportunities. The Southbank and North San Marco have a ton of potential.
I've been thinking for a while that the city should do exactly what Preston Hollow is leading on here with the Shipyards. Get the remediation done, put in some access roads, upzone it to the max (after planning for parkspace) and parcel it off to anyone who wants to build on it, whether or not that includes Khan/Iguana/Gecko. If someone wants to buy a couple parcels and build a big multi-use development, fine. But just get it ready, get it onto the tax rolls, and let the market do its work. More of that, less tearing down structurally sound buildings to turn into grass lots.
Agreed. I've been posting for probably 5-7 years that the City should act as master developer and follow the Brooklyn Bridge Park model.
Here's a post I made about it in a Lot J thread recently:
I posted years ago that the City should follow the model of Brooklyn Bridge Park. NYC essentially acted as master developer; funded park and infrastructure improvements up front and curated the development around the park and waterfront. They created a master plan and issued RFP's for each individual parcel and developed it incrementally over the past 10-15 years. The park is mandated to be self-sustaining from revenue produced by developments in and around the park. It's more than self-sustaining, it's printing money. Even after paying $26 million of expenses (staff, maintenance, etc), it still made a $61 million profit in 2019. The entity managing the park's total financial position is $395 million (assets minus liabilities). But perhaps most importantly, Brooklyn got a world class waterfront park.
Now I'm the first to call people out who say, "hey why don't we turn the Skyway into the High Line, or hey wouldn't it be cool if we built something like The Vessel in Jax", so I know things that happen in NY, LA, Miami, etc are not always analogous with Jax. Brooklyn Bridge Park happens to be located next to Brooklyn Heights and Cobble Hill (which are insanely expensive and desirable places to live) and also has an incredible view of Lower Manhattan, so the astounding profit they've made there would not exactly translate to Jax. That said, I still think the model of the City acting as the master developer making waterfront and infrastructure improvements, then parceling land off to developers would be more sustainable and successful than giving Khan hundreds of millions of dollars for him to develop what appears to essentially be a market rate development, where he is taking minimal risk and is basically only acting as master developer himself.
The real problem is that COJ is so horrifically run and hires virtually no talent that a concept like this is completely foreign and there would be no faith from the public that the City could pull it off...
Quote from: marcuscnelson on May 26, 2021, 11:24:18 PM
Quote from: Captain Zissou on May 26, 2021, 09:05:13 AM
Quote from: heights unknown on May 25, 2021, 10:11:08 PM
I wonder what other things Curry and Co. have up their sleeves or are hiding?
More demolitions and branding campaigns for vacant lots.
I think it was Bowman today who asked what Curry was planning to do with the $600 million the LOGT clears up between the CIP relief and the American Rescue Plan money. Who knows, maybe we'll just happen to start hearing about that Four Seasons again.
Although personally I wouldn't mind grabbing $70 million from the CIP to implement that list of recommendations the working group made a few months back. Maybe a little more to invest in the Landi- Riverfront Plaza.
Quote from: CityLife on May 26, 2021, 10:18:27 AM
I've always thought this was a far more viable project than Lot J/Shipyard for a variety of reasons. Fortunately, there do not appear to be any signs of the development community slowing down at all. There are still a ton of groups out there actively looking for projects. Glad to see it's getting some traction and starting to take off.
Long term, if this is successful, you will see a ton of infill happen on the Southbank. There are still several large surface lots to build on and some great tear down opportunities. The Southbank and North San Marco have a ton of potential.
I've been thinking for a while that the city should do exactly what Preston Hollow is leading on here with the Shipyards. Get the remediation done, put in some access roads, upzone it to the max (after planning for parkspace) and parcel it off to anyone who wants to build on it, whether or not that includes Khan/Iguana/Gecko. If someone wants to buy a couple parcels and build a big multi-use development, fine. But just get it ready, get it onto the tax rolls, and let the market do its work. More of that, less tearing down structurally sound buildings to turn into grass lots.
Great post, Marcus.
Now is the time.
I don't think people realize that if a private developer were to come along with a $1 billion plan for the Shipyards, or if 10 developers were to come along with plans for the individual parcels, even if we threw every incentive in the book at the project and fast-tracked remediation starting today, we're looking at maybe 2027 before any vertical construction could begin.
Gonna take a year to issue an RFP for remediation, select a winner, and work out the agreement. 18-36 months to full remediate the Shipyards. And another year or two to get the environmental greenlight from the feds to build.
Real lost opportunity to jump on this sooner.
And in terms of opportunity cost, the $20+ million we put into removing the Landing, along with the $13 million previously set aside for remediation from the lawsuit, would have been enough to clean up the Shipyards.
They should start construction on the roads in RiversEdge very shortly and Toll Brothers plans to start construction on their townhouses soon afterwards. Two out-of-town developers are currently in negotiations to develop the mid-rise residential buildings.
Quote from: Zac T on September 24, 2021, 03:29:33 PM
They should start construction on the roads in RiversEdge very shortly and Toll Brothers plans to start construction on their townhouses soon afterwards. Two out-of-town developers are currently in negotiations to develop the mid-rise residential buildings.
I think they've already started construction on infrastructure (well along I think) and those roads/streets. There has been constant activity on the site for the last 4 months or so.
The activity work that you have been seeing is bulkhead work along the river. I have a Facebook group page called Jacksonville construction projects where I post pictures of the progress if anyone is interested.
Quote from: scbennett67@gmail.com on October 30, 2021, 07:15:47 AM
The activity work that you have been seeing is bulkhead work along the river. I have a Facebook group page called Jacksonville construction projects where I post pictures of the progress if anyone is interested.
Thanks SC for the correction. I noticed they were working so assumed it was on those items; but its just the bulkheads on the River...cool, I guess next they'll start working on the streets, infrastructure, etc., or, I hope so (fingers crossed).
I assumed that they would have started the infrastructure work by now, but so far nothing. The DCSB parking lot was finished like a month ago. It may be because they are still doing bulkhead work adjacent to the new lot.
Does anyone know how long Broadcast Place is going to closed for?
If anyone is interested I have a Facebook group called Jacksonville construction projects. Where I post Drone video of this project and others around town. When on Facebook click on menu then groups then type in Jacksonville construction projects.
Why is this taking an incredibly long amount of time? Are we getting fleeced?
"we're able to see the roads take shape and the curbs go in"
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2023/may/18/dia-board-approves-increases-in-time-and-incentives-for-riversedge/ (https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2023/may/18/dia-board-approves-increases-in-time-and-incentives-for-riversedge/)
Quote from: Jagsdrew on May 18, 2023, 09:04:32 AM
Why is this taking an incredibly long amount of time? Are we getting fleeced?
"we're able to see the roads take shape and the curbs go in"
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2023/may/18/dia-board-approves-increases-in-time-and-incentives-for-riversedge/ (https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2023/may/18/dia-board-approves-increases-in-time-and-incentives-for-riversedge/)
This is the biggest problem imo. When one developer comes back, asking for more incentives due to rising costs, that opens up a domino effect. Why would the District not seek more incentives than the Trio for example.. it's a slippery slope.
Quote from: Jagsdrew on May 18, 2023, 09:04:32 AM
Why is this taking an incredibly long amount of time? Are we getting fleeced?
"we're able to see the roads take shape and the curbs go in"
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2023/may/18/dia-board-approves-increases-in-time-and-incentives-for-riversedge/ (https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2023/may/18/dia-board-approves-increases-in-time-and-incentives-for-riversedge/)
If it ain't one thing it's another; costs just keep going up, and up.
Another cowboy developer angling for more time, more money eventually, absolutely stunning to see. Not.
Quote from: Jax_Developer on May 18, 2023, 09:33:11 AM
Quote from: Jagsdrew on May 18, 2023, 09:04:32 AM
Why is this taking an incredibly long amount of time? Are we getting fleeced?
"we're able to see the roads take shape and the curbs go in"
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2023/may/18/dia-board-approves-increases-in-time-and-incentives-for-riversedge/ (https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2023/may/18/dia-board-approves-increases-in-time-and-incentives-for-riversedge/)
This is the biggest problem imo. When one developer comes back, asking for more incentives due to rising costs, that opens up a domino effect. Why would the District not seek more incentives than the Trio for example.. it's a slippery slope.
I have a radical solution for these developers complaining about rising costs...build it now before costs rise! Need to break this cycle and create some accountability.
Changes coming for this project, including an increase in incentives.
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2023/oct/03/city-council-to-consider-amending-development-agreement-for-riversedge/
Is anything vertical moving forward with this one? I took a few pictures of the site for the upcoming urban construction update. It basically looks like the street grid is being put in. However, no visible movement with anything on the development pads.
Nope. I do recall the schedule for site work was pretty long. The only thing I've heard as far as building goes is that Toll Bros is putting in townhouses on the east side of the property.
Aretha will be complete at this rate before anything starts at Rivers Edge. They started putting up the parking deck yesterday.
Quote from: marcuscnelson on October 03, 2023, 07:19:10 PM
Changes coming for this project, including an increase in incentives.
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2023/oct/03/city-council-to-consider-amending-development-agreement-for-riversedge/
All I can say about this is.......WOW.
Increase in incentives was approved. Gives them more time to move dirt around for several years. Incredible.
Did the school board ever decide what to do about its offices?
No news yet on the school board's final position.
Quote from: Jagsdrew on October 11, 2023, 08:28:38 AM
Increase in incentives was approved. Gives them more time to move dirt around for several years. Incredible.
I need to get in the downtown Jax development business. No experience or financing necessary, just be a great story teller!
Quote from: jaxlongtimer on October 15, 2023, 09:11:04 PM
Quote from: Jagsdrew on October 11, 2023, 08:28:38 AM
Increase in incentives was approved. Gives them more time to move dirt around for several years. Incredible.
I need to get in the downtown Jax development business. No experience or financing necessary, just be a great story teller!
Yep, come up with a great story, proposal, planned development, make it look extremely professional and top notch, and then "go on take the money and run" as the old song used to say; pocket those financial/monetary incentives and don't build a thing!!!
Quote from: heights unknown on October 16, 2023, 05:14:08 PM
Quote from: jaxlongtimer on October 15, 2023, 09:11:04 PM
Quote from: Jagsdrew on October 11, 2023, 08:28:38 AM
Increase in incentives was approved. Gives them more time to move dirt around for several years. Incredible.
I need to get in the downtown Jax development business. No experience or financing necessary, just be a great story teller!
Yep, come up with a great story, proposal, planned development, make it look extremely professional and top notch, and then "go on take the money and run" as the old song used to say; pocket those financial/monetary incentives and don't build a thing!!!
Don't forget your initial investment -
bribes campaign contributions to members of the city council.
We got more renderings! https://riversedgejax.com/ (https://riversedgejax.com/)
Is it just me, or are those remarkably ugly buildings?
I also note that in their view of the Northbank they show some sort of building on Lenny's Lawn. Appears to have a red or orange roof. Can't wait to see what that will be!! ;)
Quote from: Jagsdrew on November 08, 2023, 07:00:39 PM
We got more renderings! https://riversedgejax.com/ (https://riversedgejax.com/)
Uh huh; yeah right. I'll only believe it when I see more dirt turning, cranes turning, and concrete and steel rising; otherwise, I am not amused.
Totally understand the skepticism, but I stand by my original prediction.
GUARANTEE we see vertical construction by 2018.
Hey, we're 5 years in and they are out there paving the roads now! Progress!!
Quote from: acme54321 on November 08, 2023, 09:30:01 PM
Hey, we're 5 years in and they are out there paving the roads now! Progress!!
LOL...pave the roads, put up a website, and it'll get built and they'll come!!!
Quote from: Ken_FSU on November 08, 2023, 08:57:45 PM
Totally understand the skepticism, but I stand by my original prediction.
GUARANTEE we see vertical construction by 2018.
2018???? Seriously??? Wow! Let's adjust that to 2028.
Quote from: Charles Hunter on November 08, 2023, 07:14:57 PM
Is it just me, or are those remarkably ugly buildings?
You are not alone. I will match you and raise you one! Can't we find one developer with some real flair and style in this City? DIA/DDRB needs to insist on better architecture! Take some risks! Controversy sells!*
Great architecture creates character and conveys personality and identity for the City. It attracts tourists and adds interest to a humdrum street. How many people travel far and wide to see the the Flat Iron building, the Transamerica pyramid, Falling Waters, the Guggenheim, the Sydney Opera House, the Empire State or Chrysler buildings, the US Capitol, Cinderella's Castle.... ?
Time for Ennis to swoop in and show the way 8).
-------------------------------------------------------------------
*Why I would be fine with the LERP sculpture. It would do wonders as a Downtown attraction pulling in people by the thousands to see what all the controversy is about. And, it would be the one-of-a-kind attraction that instantly says "I am in Jacksonville, Florida" so come see me in person.
Maybe if we slow down on the urban sprawl, rents can actually get to the point where some flare can be added. People would rather see subdivisions frankly. Not to mention all the other reasons why. It would be nice to see Jax, but that's why I goto the beaches.. to get my 35' & under fix.
60 acre property
Four acres " Public"
So glad I do not live in the area nor have any past affinity and hopes, dreams for the area.
I do see the shoreline via vessel quite a bit. I remember when the JEA structure was in place.
Sister lived at nearby Holmesdale just in from the River. River view.
Moved to Colorado....
None of this matters
Video on the artist/central art piece discussed in the marketing materials:
https://www.facebook.com/riversedgejax/posts/pfbid02axrYp1bhnr8FkPJBu7eKQGhAQt5iXtd93JP9cGJ98XGgcU5b6fm49wwrsR3VtCvvl?mibextid=YxdKMJ
With the qualifier that I've never been accused of having great taste when it comes to aesthetics, I kind of like the renderings.
Can't imagine there's a market though for 200,000 square feet of speculative office space when we're sitting at a 26% vacancy rate with our existing downtown inventory?
No, the office will never be built. They will do a rights conversion to MF when it's convenient to. Happens all the time to meet "mixed-use" goals.
Vertical construction on the townhomes expected to start soon
QuoteVertical construction is expected to begin soon at the RiversEdge: Life on the St. Johns development on the Downtown Southbank after a builder closed a deal on land where it plans to build several dozen town houses.
Toll Southeast LP Co. Inc., an arm of Pennsylvania-based Toll Brothers construction, paid $4.095 million for a 2.76-acre parcel within the 32.21-acre RiversEdge property, according to Duval County records.
The seller was Elements Development of Jacksonville LLC, which is controlled by RiversEdge site developer Preston Hollow Community Capital LLC of Dallas.
Preston Hollow is not serving as RiversEdge's vertical developer, but rather is marketing individual property parcels to developers.
Lori Boyer, CEO of the Downtown Investment Authority, told members of the DIA Finance and Budget Committee on April 12 that the deal had closed and that Toll Brothers was nearing the start of vertical construction.
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2024/apr/15/vertical-construction-expected-to-start-soon-at-riversedge-on-the-southbank/
I can confirm that vertical construction has started, looks like walls for the townhomes.
Noticed today that the end of the Southbank Riverwalk by DCPS is now closed and marked as a construction site. I am assuming this is for the extension of the Riverwalk into RiversEdge.
The infrastructure work is coming along nicely and I noticed a playground where I believe the Marshfront Park is planned. The first townhomes are almost complete
Quote from: Zac T on January 05, 2025, 07:02:40 PM
Noticed today that the end of the Southbank Riverwalk by DCPS is now closed and marked as a construction site. I am assuming this is for the extension of the Riverwalk into RiversEdge.
The infrastructure work is coming along nicely and I noticed a playground where I believe the Marshfront Park is planned. The first townhomes are almost complete
Awesome. Progress at Rivers Edge. How do most of you feel about maybe the Ergisi Tower being moved to where the American Lion's development/tower at the old Landing site? I believe they would have to redraw/re-plan the base of the tower if moved to that site.
Quote from: heights unknown on January 05, 2025, 08:26:22 PM
How do most of you feel about maybe the Ergisi Tower being moved to where the American Lion's development/tower at the old Landing site? I believe they would have to redraw/re-plan the base of the tower if moved to that site.
Do you think any serious effort has been put into designing the tower at any location? This was a publicity stunt to draw attention to his other projects, which was successful. The projected costs do not pencil in this market, especially at this stage in development.
Quote from: Captain Zissou on January 06, 2025, 12:27:59 PM
Quote from: heights unknown on January 05, 2025, 08:26:22 PM
How do most of you feel about maybe the Ergisi Tower being moved to where the American Lion's development/tower at the old Landing site? I believe they would have to redraw/re-plan the base of the tower if moved to that site.
Do you think any serious effort has been put into designing the tower at any location? This was a publicity stunt to draw attention to his other projects, which was successful. The projected costs do not pencil in this market, especially at this stage in development.
Thank you!
Quote from: Zac T on January 05, 2025, 07:02:40 PM
Noticed today that the end of the Southbank Riverwalk by DCPS is now closed and marked as a construction site. I am assuming this is for the extension of the Riverwalk into RiversEdge.
The infrastructure work is coming along nicely and I noticed a playground where I believe the Marshfront Park is planned. The first townhomes are almost complete
Yeah the Riverwalk expansion is underway. The boardwalk on the back of the property is actually complete, and it's pretty nice. They started posting a security guard out there after hours so visit at your own risk lol.
Cool drone video below of the Northeast/Fitness Park at Rivers Edge starting to take shape. Maybe the least talked about of all the new public spaces, but the four park spaces coming up over there may collectively end up being one of the best of the bunch. Healthy Town/The District/Rivers Edge has been a long town coming, but you've got to think all the infrastructure work is going to ultimately make that a really attractive area for private development.
(https://i.postimg.cc/qRSGkNhv/IMG-2780.jpg)
https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1061137122706916&id=100064319157318
Just putting in the infrastructure at this site and the Shipyards is what should have been done with both of these sites 20 years ago. If so, they'd likely be close to build out from the previous two 2000s booms by now. Anyway, I'm looking forward to checking out these public spaces once they are completed.
The city issued a permit for the centerpiece sculpture in Central Park, called "The Pearl." I had no idea how large it is going to be. 50 feet tall and 57 feet wide is pretty substantial. It'll look great from across the water
(https://i.postimg.cc/sx7BK34j/The-Pearl.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/R0hNy7Lb/The-Pearl-Dimension.jpg)
QuoteRiversEdge along the Downtown Southbank is preparing to add an aluminum and stainless steel sculpture called The Pearl.
The city issued a permit Aug. 1 for the sculpture at 1915 RiversEdge Blvd. along St. Johns River frontage at the 34-acre residential, retail, office, hotel, park and marina development.
...
The artwork will be anchored to a concrete foundation.
Craft Engineering Studio of New York City is the structural engineer.
The architect is Marc Fornes, who leads TheVeryMany, a New York City-based studio that says it specializes in large-scale, site-specific structures "that unify skin, support, form, and experience into a single system."
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2025/aug/04/the-pearl-rising-at-riversedge-on-the-downtown-southbank/
I dig it!
(https://content.imageresizer.com/images/memes/You-had-my-curiosity-but-now-you-have-my-attention-meme-10.jpg)
This might become the NFL broadcast money shot (assuming they stop using the old footage of the Landing).
This is cool. Any idea of when it'll be built / when this part of the riverwalk is likely to open now?
If only there were to be another signature icon on the northbank to bookend the river...
(https://tse3.mm.bing.net/th/id/OIP.uwN53nCZGsoUf9w0UECv7QAAAA?rs=1&pid=ImgDetMain&o=7&rm=3)
With the speed of the infrastructure work at River's Edge in the last year, I think we're going to see this one rise really fast in the coming months. I know it's thousands and thousands of pieces riveted together, so I guess a lot of it will depend on how much of that is done on-site versus already fabricated. Hopefully it comes with some epic uplighting as well, as it would look LOVELY at night. To Zac's point, this thing is huge, and will be such an awesome addition to the SB skyline. It's been slow going since 2016, but I cannot imagine that developers don't take significant interest in these pads sooner than later. I think we hear hotel first.
To Todd's point, I really hope there's still an avenue to get a significant public art piece funded for the Riverfront Plaza pedestal, AND I still contend that a 2x or 3x scale Rexy on the riverfront, next to MOSH, with Jax signage would be the single best authentic marketing opportunity and social media photo op imaginable for visitors. It's not manufactured or try-hard. Just pure, authentic, fun Jacksonville.
Gets back to Lori Boyer's node concept from years back for the Riverwalk. Having that series of large, well-lit beacons to keep people moving and engaged from spot to spot, and then clustering amenities near them. The Pearl will be fantastic, as will those parks down there. Friendship Fountain has never looked better, the playground is fantastic, and hopefully the restaurant happens. The massive projection wall at Musical Heritage Park will be awesome at night. Just need to continue that momentum with large public art or other "beacons" to distinguish Riverfront Plaza (the Jax statue, for example) from Shipyards West (loved the large JAX climbing wall that was included in one of the designs) to MOSH (Rex) to Met Park.
I read that article earlier and though the same thing. That's pretty massive.
While this art install will be really cool, I'd like to see an announcement of some vertical construction other than Toll Brothers...
For those who missed it, here's a piece about some of the smaller scale interactive art that's also going up at Riversedge.
https://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2025/07/25/interactive-art-at-riversedge.html
Quote"Heart of the Park" is an interactive sculpture that pulses with light in synchronicity with the heartbeats of visitors who sit on it and place their hand upon its sensor. Franco said her installation is about love, connection and the heart. "You put your hands [on it] and it grabs your heartbeat and then this captured beat beats light with your heartbeat," she said. "And then you can share this moment with other people. It's all about connection. It's about being together, being present in the moment."
Her other work, "Interlace" is six sculptural illuminated swings people can sit on and engage with. The shape of the swings was inspired by human movement and the body's muscular system. They can accommodate a maximum of six people.
Franco said she's included light in all seven of her artworks at the park, "so they look really beautiful during sunset."
Well, I guess that means the Pearl Street buildings by Gateway won't be erecting a giant pearl... idea already taken 8).
That's bigger than the Chicago Bean.
Out of curiosity, did they mention a vertical construction date or timeline for non Toll Bros parcels constructions? Seems like they're trying to get the public parks done first. According to idigjax the expected completion date for the parks has been updated from Spring 25 to Late 25 - realistically Spring26 imo.
Quote from: MakeDTjaxGre@tAgain on August 05, 2025, 07:25:11 PM
Out of curiosity, did they mention a vertical construction date or timeline for non Toll Bros parcels constructions? Seems like they're trying to get the public parks done first. According to idigjax the expected completion date for the parks has been updated from Spring 25 to Late 25 - realistically Spring26 imo.
So, Preston Hollow isn't actually developing RiversEdge themselves. Instead, they're working with the city on the public infrastructure (roads, parks, and other horizontal elements), while marketing the individual parcels out for private development by other developers. Nothing has been publicly announced beyond Toll Brothers developing the Townhomes, so I'd expect it's going to a minute, and possibly a few years, before we see vertical buildings rising out of the ground, unfortunately. As noted previously, I'd expect the marina to come next, followed by hotel.
QQ - With RiversEdge having their ribbon cutting tomorrow, does anyone know if The Pearl has been installed yet? I haven't been there in a few months after the security guy driving around kicked me out :P. Also, if not yet installed, wonder what the timeline is? The permit has been approved since August if I'm not mistaken.
No pearl.
Quote from: acme54321 on November 24, 2025, 05:43:00 AM
No pearl.
NO PEARL forever, or, it hasn't been built yet?
Quote from: MakeDTjaxGre@tAgain on November 23, 2025, 10:45:06 PM
QQ - With RiversEdge having their ribbon cutting tomorrow, does anyone know if The Pearl has been installed yet? I haven't been there in a few months after the security guy driving around kicked me out :P. Also, if not yet installed, wonder what the timeline is? The permit has been approved since August if I'm not mistaken.
Dude, same. I actually was going to take a peek at the townhomes. I think it's more than I want to spend, but I'm actively looking and those people are seriously the most unfriendly people there. Great advertisement for your large development.
From my understanding, the ribbon cutting is more about the rebuilt/new riverwalk, and the parks are more of a soft-opening.
I think the Pearl's construction is supposed to be done by March when RiversEdge's public spaces fully open.
Quote from: Steve on November 24, 2025, 09:10:57 AM
Quote from: MakeDTjaxGre@tAgain on November 23, 2025, 10:45:06 PM
QQ - With RiversEdge having their ribbon cutting tomorrow, does anyone know if The Pearl has been installed yet? I haven't been there in a few months after the security guy driving around kicked me out :P. Also, if not yet installed, wonder what the timeline is? The permit has been approved since August if I'm not mistaken.
Dude, same. I actually was going to take a peek at the townhomes. I think it's more than I want to spend, but I'm actively looking and those people are seriously the most unfriendly people there. Great advertisement for your large development.
I would be so afraid of flooding in those units
Quote from: Steve on November 24, 2025, 09:10:57 AM
Quote from: MakeDTjaxGre@tAgain on November 23, 2025, 10:45:06 PM
QQ - With RiversEdge having their ribbon cutting tomorrow, does anyone know if The Pearl has been installed yet? I haven't been there in a few months after the security guy driving around kicked me out :P. Also, if not yet installed, wonder what the timeline is? The permit has been approved since August if I'm not mistaken.
Dude, same. I actually was going to take a peek at the townhomes. I think it's more than I want to spend, but I'm actively looking and those people are seriously the most unfriendly people there. Great advertisement for your large development.
I'm planning to pop by today, just to see what's open without being harassed by security.
Quote from: jcjohnpaint on November 24, 2025, 09:47:05 AM
Quote from: Steve on November 24, 2025, 09:10:57 AM
Quote from: MakeDTjaxGre@tAgain on November 23, 2025, 10:45:06 PM
QQ - With RiversEdge having their ribbon cutting tomorrow, does anyone know if The Pearl has been installed yet? I haven't been there in a few months after the security guy driving around kicked me out :P. Also, if not yet installed, wonder what the timeline is? The permit has been approved since August if I'm not mistaken.
Dude, same. I actually was going to take a peek at the townhomes. I think it's more than I want to spend, but I'm actively looking and those people are seriously the most unfriendly people there. Great advertisement for your large development.
I would be so afraid of flooding in those units
They are actually pretty high. None of that property flooded during Irma.
Was the "Pearl" cancelled?
I saw a report this morning on social media that the centerpiece pearl art installation at River's Edge has been cancelled. If that's true it's wild that they build around this centerpiece, used it in all of the marketing information for the development, and then scrapped it after the park designed around it was complete. I really hope this isn't true, or at least if it is there is good reasoning and a plan in place to put a centerpiece art install in that spot as planned.
I saw a random post from "Hidden Jacksonville" that claims this but it's really hard for me to believe. They built the entire park around that sculpture. I don't know if I buy it.
Also apparently city contributes $1 million to "public art" for the park and the total cost is about $2.26 million. So city is contributing a little less than half.
I wonder if the city tried to get out of that obligation due to optics or something, and that resulted in entire thing stopping? Very hard for me to believe they won't still have piece of art there.
Quote from: Jankelope on January 06, 2026, 12:12:06 PM
I saw a random post from "Hidden Jacksonville" that claims this but it's really hard for me to believe. They built the entire park around that sculpture. I don't know if I buy it.
Also apparently city contributes $1 million to "public art" for the park and the total cost is about $2.26 million. So city is contributing a little less than half.
I wonder if the city tried to get out of that obligation due to optics or something, and that resulted in entire thing stopping? Very hard for me to believe they won't still have piece of art there.
Had the chance to check out the RiversEdge parks for the first time on New Year's Day. Yet another instance of the city absolutely crushing it with the public space. The parks are nice, and that boardwalk is beautiful. The Central Park space badly needs that signature piece of central public art though to tie it all together and provide some kind of visual beacon from the river. I actually reached out to a few of the parties a couple of weeks back for details on timeline, and everyone has gone weirdly dark on the Pearl. I've got no independent confirmation that it's been canceled, but no one seems to be talking publicly about the status.
Quote from: Ken_FSU on January 06, 2026, 02:14:25 PM
Quote from: Jankelope on January 06, 2026, 12:12:06 PM
I saw a random post from "Hidden Jacksonville" that claims this but it's really hard for me to believe. They built the entire park around that sculpture. I don't know if I buy it.
Also apparently city contributes $1 million to "public art" for the park and the total cost is about $2.26 million. So city is contributing a little less than half.
I wonder if the city tried to get out of that obligation due to optics or something, and that resulted in entire thing stopping? Very hard for me to believe they won't still have piece of art there.
Had the chance to check out the RiversEdge parks for the first time on New Year's Day. Yet another instance of the city absolutely crushing it with the public space. The parks are nice, and that boardwalk is beautiful. The Central Park space badly needs that signature piece of central public art though to tie it all together and provide some kind of visual beacon from the river. I actually reached out to a few of the parties a couple of weeks back for details on timeline, and everyone has gone weirdly dark on the Pearl. I've got no independent confirmation that it's been canceled, but no one seems to be talking publicly about the status.
that signature piece of central public art...
(https://www.jacksonville.com/gcdn/presto/2021/08/05/NFTU/631991cb-6581-4cb0-bef4-4f0e59ac42fd-Perkins_and_Will_river_view.png?width=660&height=311&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Quote from: Todd_Parker on January 06, 2026, 04:07:02 PM
Quote from: Ken_FSU on January 06, 2026, 02:14:25 PM
Quote from: Jankelope on January 06, 2026, 12:12:06 PM
I saw a random post from "Hidden Jacksonville" that claims this but it's really hard for me to believe. They built the entire park around that sculpture. I don't know if I buy it.
Also apparently city contributes $1 million to "public art" for the park and the total cost is about $2.26 million. So city is contributing a little less than half.
I wonder if the city tried to get out of that obligation due to optics or something, and that resulted in entire thing stopping? Very hard for me to believe they won't still have piece of art there.
Had the chance to check out the RiversEdge parks for the first time on New Year's Day. Yet another instance of the city absolutely crushing it with the public space. The parks are nice, and that boardwalk is beautiful. The Central Park space badly needs that signature piece of central public art though to tie it all together and provide some kind of visual beacon from the river. I actually reached out to a few of the parties a couple of weeks back for details on timeline, and everyone has gone weirdly dark on the Pearl. I've got no independent confirmation that it's been canceled, but no one seems to be talking publicly about the status.
that signature piece of central public art...
(https://www.jacksonville.com/gcdn/presto/2021/08/05/NFTU/631991cb-6581-4cb0-bef4-4f0e59ac42fd-Perkins_and_Will_river_view.png?width=660&height=311&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
I still love this one, and am bummed to have seen it railroaded by mouthbreathers who sit on social media 20 hours a day just looking for a reason to bash the city they actively chose to live in. Funding would have been a challenge regardless, but that pad badly needs some type of iconic Jax signage or landmark to backdrop the skyline. Was clearly a first draft, with public workshops to follow, meant to be viewed and engaged with from dozens of angles. Art is subjective, but feels like the normal bad-faith crowd turned it into a meme without even trying to understand the process or the intent.
I thought it was cut due to funding issues.
Patiently waiting for Taco Charlie to weigh in...
Quote from: Ken_FSU on January 06, 2026, 04:54:33 PM
Quote from: Todd_Parker on January 06, 2026, 04:07:02 PM
Quote from: Ken_FSU on January 06, 2026, 02:14:25 PM
Quote from: Jankelope on January 06, 2026, 12:12:06 PM
I saw a random post from "Hidden Jacksonville" that claims this but it's really hard for me to believe. They built the entire park around that sculpture. I don't know if I buy it.
Also apparently city contributes $1 million to "public art" for the park and the total cost is about $2.26 million. So city is contributing a little less than half.
I wonder if the city tried to get out of that obligation due to optics or something, and that resulted in entire thing stopping? Very hard for me to believe they won't still have piece of art there.
Had the chance to check out the RiversEdge parks for the first time on New Year's Day. Yet another instance of the city absolutely crushing it with the public space. The parks are nice, and that boardwalk is beautiful. The Central Park space badly needs that signature piece of central public art though to tie it all together and provide some kind of visual beacon from the river. I actually reached out to a few of the parties a couple of weeks back for details on timeline, and everyone has gone weirdly dark on the Pearl. I've got no independent confirmation that it's been canceled, but no one seems to be talking publicly about the status.
that signature piece of central public art...
(https://www.jacksonville.com/gcdn/presto/2021/08/05/NFTU/631991cb-6581-4cb0-bef4-4f0e59ac42fd-Perkins_and_Will_river_view.png?width=660&height=311&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
I still love this one, and am bummed to have seen it railroaded by mouthbreathers who sit on social media 20 hours a day just looking for a reason to bash the city they actively chose to live in. Funding would have been a challenge regardless, but that pad badly needs some type of iconic Jax signage or landmark to backdrop the skyline. Was clearly a first draft, with public workshops to follow, meant to be viewed and engaged with from dozens of angles. Art is subjective, but feels like the normal bad-faith crowd turned it into a meme without even trying to understand the process or the intent.
Cloud Gate was ridiculed in the beginning, as well, and now it receives 10 million visitors a year and is Chicago's most photographed spot.
https://worldhistoryjournal.com/2025/08/08/millennium-park-history/ (https://worldhistoryjournal.com/2025/08/08/millennium-park-history/)