Quote(https://photos.moderncities.com/photos/i-zVmGhxF/0/L/i-zVmGhxF-L.jpg)
Commercial real estate company to redevelop and integrate historic hotel building into Pearl Square.
Read More: https://www.thejaxsonmag.com/article/gateway-jax-announces-ambassador-hotel-plans/
I'm pretty sure it's too far gone, but man it would be amazing if they could bring back that original façade to 404 Julia.
I believe there's been some discussion there. It will be cool to see this block finally rehabilitated.
Old buildings have so much more character than today's buildings that are mostly cookie cutter, especially relatively smaller projects. Back in the day, most any building was unique enough to be clearly identifiable as to its location, tenant and/or use. Buildings were just as important in making a statement or conveying a business's identity as anything else. Today, not so much.
Go to any office park and find something that really stands out. Hard to do.
It is why historic structures are essential to making a City one-of-a-kind, full of character. Not to mention the historic stories they bring with them that attract added interest from visitors. Everyone likes a good story. With all due respect to Gateway's project, their new buildings don't appear to be very unique looking. Could be any-City, USA. Same for most other newer projects. Glad Gateway supports restoration where they can as it will add some "color" to their development.
Here here...agree wholeheartedly. Yes, history, stories, and personal memories from myself relative to this building. Back in the 80's never stayed at the hotel as it was run down and a rat hole; but I did frequent the bar down in the basement on the north end of the building. I was in my late 20's to early 30's back then and me and my posse LOL used to meet there, get drunk, and make much commotion there and elsewhere downtown. Downtown was tired and very lacking back then but there were some hole in the walls to frequent; and the bar in the basement of the Ambassador Hotel was one of them. I am glad that Gateway undertook this restoration project; I am sure we will see very busy action underway and happening very soon.
(https://i.postimg.cc/FspSynDL/Ambassador-Garage.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/fRXN41p3/Ambassador-Garage-Bird-s-Eye.jpg)
Probably the first Gateway Jax project that I don't like from a design perspective. Not very inspiring and wish they would've included retail along Church Street. It is interesting that the garage is only taking up half the block. They must be planning something for the other half
QuoteThe developers of Downtown's Pearl Square are seeking approval from the Downtown Development Review Board to build an eight-story parking structure west of the Ambassador Hotel.
In a June 5 application to the DDRB, Gateway Jax says it plans to construct a precast concrete garage with 480 spaces for the hotel, other Pearl Square properties, the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and public.
...
Renderings show the north and west sides of the garage clad with metal and louvered panels that give them a checkered facade. The south wall will be painted with a mural, the design of which has not been determined.
The east wall, which abuts the hotel, is unadorned.
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2025/jun/20/gateway-jax-seeks-ddrb-approval-for-parking-garage-at-ambassador-hotel/
Agree on both counts - uninspiring design, and it should have street-level retail.
For me the design is whatever. It's not the best, but if you think this is bad, hold my beer and I'll show you the one at Ocean and Bay lol!
In terms of retail, I'd like to see the flow of the garage, and the DDRB agenda isn't posted yet. I see the vehicle entrance from the image. I'm wondering if what they did was keep that entry drive flat, and the incline from floor 1 to 2 is abutting Church Street.
If the structure of the garage is such that it can't be built later at least, then yea it seems like an odd choice.
Retail will be added when Suntrust Tower occupancy reaches 65%.
Probably may have retail but it says it will have 480 spaces for the hotel and public also jfrd so maybe not best have retail there and shouldn't have any on every building or on every block over saturated when there is hardly anyone living there not many will care eat or shop at these place when they don't want to spend on many things or just don't care about those places. See how many right now are struggling to be there.
You can include retail space when constructing the garage so when the market can support it, it is easy to build out. You can see this is in the JEA garage up the street which has unfinished retail space that can easily be built out.
Judging by Gateway's plans for the immediate vicinity, I don't think the issue is one of the market but more so of logistics as Steve pointed out. If the garage were taking up the whole block, I'm sure retail would've been included
Quote from: Zac T on June 21, 2025, 01:52:21 PMI wish they would've included retail along Church Street. It is interesting that the garage is only taking up half the block. They must be planning something for the other half.
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2025/jun/26/ddrb-approves-design-for-ambassador-hotel-parking-garage/
QuoteAsked about plans for a lot abutting the bank building to the west, Moll said it tentatively will be the site of a high-rise residential building.
I asked about this at the beginning of the agenda item discussion. I wanted to hear what was being vetted for the entire block, as well as how this all would fit into the greater Pearl Street District. The answer provided was a good one IMO and the proposed garage wasn't exactly new. It was a slight improvement over what Augustine had already received final DDRB approval for in 2021. Same scale and footprint. The biggest difference is the Central National Bank potentially being an expansion of the Ambassador Hotel (i.e. meeting rooms, conference space, etc.) and a residential highrise on the adjacent lot, as opposed to a mid-rise stick frame building.
Glad to see something happening there.
For the Garage, did they give any indication of considering a future extension of the retail along Church Street?
Just one question about the site plan aerial - there are two green areas on Church Street labeled "Urban Open Splace" - what is "splace"? ;)
I asked about the practicality of the proposed future retail spot. Bryan mentioned that they added a similar sized space at Water Street in Tampa. Its small, so they'll likely need to curate it as an extension of a future business in the adjacent hotel or future adjacent highrise tower. Of interesting note, they did show a master plan illustrating the conceptual layout for retail in the FBC garage between Julia and Hogan and for the grocery mixed-use replacement of the Homerdome. It was mentioned that both of those are anticipated to break ground in 2026.
Quote from: thelakelander on June 26, 2025, 05:44:22 PM
I asked about this at the beginning of the agenda item discussion. I wanted to hear what was being vetted for the entire block, as well as how this all would fit into the greater Pearl Street District. The answer provided was a good one IMO and the proposed garage wasn't exactly new. It was a slight improvement over what Augustine had already received final DDRB approval for in 2021. Same scale and footprint. The biggest difference is the Central National Bank potentially being an expansion of the Ambassador Hotel (i.e. meeting rooms, conference space, etc.) and a residential highrise on the adjacent lot, as opposed to a mid-rise stick frame building.
And how HIGH will that highrise be, or is it too early in the ballgame for an answer to that question?
Too early in the process. They currently have two other high-rise projects proposed. I believe they are in the 16-22 story range. I'd suspect (just my wild guess) that the vision would be something in that range or similar to whats been built at Water Street in Tampa.
Quote from: thelakelander on June 27, 2025, 02:16:28 PM
Too early in the process. They currently have two other high-rise projects proposed. I believe they are in the 16-22 story range. I'd suspect (just my wild guess) that the vision would be something in that range or similar to whats been built at Water Street in Tampa.
Curious what you think, Ennis.
Given downtown's current state, what would be more impactful:
Dense high-rise or mid-rise occupying additional blocks.
Knowing that there's a limit to what the market will bear.
Both are fine. The more the merrier. Need as much as we can realistically get. The product will depend on the financial ability of the development entity just as much as what the market will support. Making sure the design prioritizes the pedestrian over the car is also critical. Brooklyn could feel and look a lot better if we had some design standards we fully enforced. What we really don't need is people putting up gas stations, JTA maintenance sheds, and surface parking lots on blocks of downtown land. That's the worst and that's what we've grown accustomed to accepting.
Quote from: Ken_FSU on June 27, 2025, 02:27:35 PM
Quote from: thelakelander on June 27, 2025, 02:16:28 PM
Too early in the process. They currently have two other high-rise projects proposed. I believe they are in the 16-22 story range. I'd suspect (just my wild guess) that the vision would be something in that range or similar to whats been built at Water Street in Tampa.
Curious what you think, Ennis.
Given downtown's current state, what would be more impactful:
Dense high-rise or mid-rise occupying additional blocks.
Knowing that there's a limit to what the market will bear.
A few years back, cannot exactly remember when or the timeframe, someone posted a thread relative to what downtown Jacksonville development or our skyline would look like about now; and if I remember correctly, they said that don't bet on supertalls and very few to no high rises, but mostly midrise and low rise buildings and development. And it appears they were right on mark.
Quote from: thelakelander on June 27, 2025, 02:59:00 PM
What we really don't need is people putting up gas stations, JTA maintenance sheds, and surface parking lots on blocks of downtown land. That's the worst and that's what we've grown accustomed to accepting.
The "anything is better than what's there now" contingent is a strong one.
It looks like there has been activity at the old Jea tower next to ambassador. Any word on this?
Quote from: jcjohnpaint on October 09, 2025, 07:52:09 AM
It looks like there has been activity at the old Jea tower next to ambassador. Any word on this?
It's been very quiet relative to news or activity about the Tower. I did a search on "Co-Pilot" and this is what was replied: "Live Oak Contracting and Lone Pine Development won the bid to purchase and redevelop the old JEA Tower at 21 West Church Street in downtown Jacksonville on August 21, 2025. That's when JEA's Awards Committee officially selected their proposal to buy the former headquarters for $1 million and transform it into a mixed-use development called The Jewel at 21 West." .......I had no idea that the bid was done for that property two months ago in August; was that possibly done quietly? I don't remember seeing or reading any news about it. So...maybe they are beginning to redevelop the property, but usually, there's some kind publicity or news before actual redevelopment (or construction) begins. I would find it hard to believe they would start construction without previous or initial news/publicity.
Quote from: heights unknown on October 14, 2025, 09:05:05 PM
Quote from: jcjohnpaint on October 09, 2025, 07:52:09 AM
It looks like there has been activity at the old Jea tower next to ambassador. Any word on this?
It's been very quiet relative to news or activity about the Tower. I did a search on "Co-Pilot" and this is what was replied: "Live Oak Contracting and Lone Pine Development won the bid to purchase and redevelop the old JEA Tower at 21 West Church Street in downtown Jacksonville on August 21, 2025. That's when JEA's Awards Committee officially selected their proposal to buy the former headquarters for $1 million and transform it into a mixed-use development called The Jewel at 21 West." .......I had no idea that the bid was done for that property two months ago in August; was that possibly done quietly? I don't remember seeing or reading any news about it. So...maybe they are beginning to redevelop the property, but usually, there's some kind publicity or news before actual redevelopment (or construction) begins. I would find it hard to believe they would start construction without previous or initial news/publicity.
Different buildings, Heights!
Sounds like the original post was in regards to the Independent Life tower/old JEA HQ.
This guy here:
(https://dtjax.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/HIri0W9fPNcgrAdsKhgYN2NvLjNdinAfe8nh_Mc7RkQ.jpeg)
You are correct though, Live Oak was awarded the right to negotiate a contract to redevelop the most recent JEA Headquarters.
Details here:
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2025/sep/12/jea-selects-1-million-bid-for-former-hq-to-transform-it-into-the-jewel-at-21-west/
Quote from: jcjohnpaint on October 09, 2025, 07:52:09 AM
It looks like there has been activity at the old Jea tower next to ambassador. Any word on this?
There has been some activity there. I've seen a small crew in there a couple of times. I have no idea of what they are doing though.
Walked by the other day and it looks like some of the exterior and windows were removed. I work at Moca today and will go by again.
Quote from: Ken_FSU on October 14, 2025, 10:37:51 PM
Quote from: heights unknown on October 14, 2025, 09:05:05 PM
Quote from: jcjohnpaint on October 09, 2025, 07:52:09 AM
It looks like there has been activity at the old Jea tower next to ambassador. Any word on this?
It's been very quiet relative to news or activity about the Tower. I did a search on "Co-Pilot" and this is what was replied: "Live Oak Contracting and Lone Pine Development won the bid to purchase and redevelop the old JEA Tower at 21 West Church Street in downtown Jacksonville on August 21, 2025. That's when JEA's Awards Committee officially selected their proposal to buy the former headquarters for $1 million and transform it into a mixed-use development called The Jewel at 21 West." .......I had no idea that the bid was done for that property two months ago in August; was that possibly done quietly? I don't remember seeing or reading any news about it. So...maybe they are beginning to redevelop the property, but usually, there's some kind publicity or news before actual redevelopment (or construction) begins. I would find it hard to believe they would start construction without previous or initial news/publicity.
Different buildings, Heights!
Sounds like the original post was in regards to the Independent Life tower/old JEA HQ.
This guy here:
(https://dtjax.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/HIri0W9fPNcgrAdsKhgYN2NvLjNdinAfe8nh_Mc7RkQ.jpeg)
You are correct though, Live Oak was awarded the right to negotiate a contract to redevelop the most recent JEA Headquarters.
Details here:
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2025/sep/12/jea-selects-1-million-bid-for-former-hq-to-transform-it-into-the-jewel-at-21-west/
Hi Ken; thanks for responding. I must have got the addresses mixed up. That photo, which is of the old Independent Life Building built in the 1950's (and later the JEA Building), is the building I was referring to; is it on Church or Duval? Now the tower they recently moved out of, I think, (old Ivey Headquarter and later JEA), is the one on 21 West Church Street (am I correct?). Thanks.
Something must be getting ready to happen at that tower (recent JEA building); if it is, I wish they'd announce it publicly. Huh....Jewel at 21 West; I like that name.
I'm glad to see Gateway Jax moving forward with permits for N4 and their parking garage behind the Ambassador hotel.
Plans show some retail soace on the ground floor of the garage which is a plus.:
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2025/nov/03/gateway-jax-gains-permits-for-downtown-apartments-parking-totaling-735-million/
Unfortunately Citizens is moving forward with their move out of downtown at the same time:
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2025/nov/03/estimated-8-million-sought-for-citizens-property-build-out-in-baymeadows/
Hopefully another prominent business will seize the opportunity of citizens leaving downtown. With all the investment in downtown, the area should start to become more appealing for a corporate headquarter relocation. Can DCPS relocate by leasing space in the building citizens is moving out of ?
Not sure what the permit for N4 is about, but it's been under construction for a number of months and they've had a tower crane out there for at least a few weeks now. All of these vacant blocks filling up is drastically changing the look of that area. When they get N8 and N9 going Pearl street will be unrecognizable.
Quote from: acme54321 on November 03, 2025, 09:24:32 PM
Not sure what the permit for N4 is about, but it's been under construction for a number of months and they've had a tower crane out there for at least a few weeks now. All of these vacant blocks filling up is drastically changing the look of that area. When they get N8 and N9 going Pearl street will be unrecognizable.
I was thinking the same thing. Not sure if many have looked at the Water Street project or website.
Minus this wooden apartments on top of concrete pedestals, it's mostly the same. Though Tampa has taller structures, and more of a compacted more modern-like urban area for the most part. According to some of the backers behind the project said it lacked parks and parking, so that's what they'll be mainly pitched on for phase 2.
Nonetheless, back to Jax, it's progress for DT Jax to continue to grow upon. With that being said, I messaged them with hopes they can incorporate some actual visual graphics and/or vids of their progress of the Gateway Jax project on their site. It's good to see the transformation over time, measure their deliverables and showcase what it was and what great strides they've made. Still might be a little premature for vids and whatnot, but something to look at from outside potential residence, people like most of us that want to see DT Jax grow and commercial partners - not to mention the marketing benefits. Jacksonville is growing get in now while it's a hot.
Here's Tampa's Water street progression through development.
https://www.waterstreettampa.com/project-progress (https://www.waterstreettampa.com/project-progress)
Quote from: acme54321 on November 03, 2025, 09:24:32 PM
Not sure what the permit for N4 is about, but it's been under construction for a number of months and they've had a tower crane out there for at least a few weeks now. All of these vacant blocks filling up is drastically changing the look of that area. When they get N8 and N9 going Pearl street will be unrecognizable.
Yes, I drove past yesterday, and saw how block N8 was being cleared....Gateway Jax is making a lot of progress in a relatively short amount of time...i will be excited to see N8 break ground and take shape since it will be the taller building (22 stories) and a more visually impactful addition to the city's skyline.
As far as permits for n4, Pre-construction mobilization (site clearing, fencing, demo) often begins while final permits are still being approved.
Gateway Jax may have multiple permits for different parts/stages of the project (e.g., site work vs full building permit). Some parts of the work (foundational work) may have fell under a prior approved permit or existing envelope, while newer parts needed additional approvals hence why this most recent permit just solidifies that the project can continue moving forward.
It sure is great to finally see long-vacant blocks transform into active, dense, mixed use spaces after decades of decline and stagnation.
Quote from: Jones518 on November 04, 2025, 06:27:43 AM
Quote from: acme54321 on November 03, 2025, 09:24:32 PM
Not sure what the permit for N4 is about, but it's been under construction for a number of months and they've had a tower crane out there for at least a few weeks now. All of these vacant blocks filling up is drastically changing the look of that area. When they get N8 and N9 going Pearl street will be unrecognizable.
Yes, I drove past yesterday, and saw how block N8 was being cleared....Gateway Jax is making a lot of progress in a relatively short amount of time...i will be excited to see N8 break ground and take shape since it will be the taller building (22 stories) and a more visually impactful addition to the city's skyline.
As far as permits for n4, Pre-construction mobilization (site clearing, fencing, demo) often begins while final permits are still being approved.
Gateway Jax may have multiple permits for different parts/stages of the project (e.g., site work vs full building permit). Some parts of the work (foundational work) may have fell under a prior approved permit or existing envelope, while newer parts needed additional approvals hence why this most recent permit just solidifies that the project can continue moving forward.
It sure is great to finally see long-vacant blocks transform into active, dense, mixed use spaces after decades of decline and stagnation.
Yeah they must have had multiple permits. They're way past site prep though. When I drove by the week before it looked like they had been goign vertical for at least a month.
Was in Jax and downtown Jax today, and yeah, looks like they're getting ready to start construction on the N8 block. It was wiped "slate clean." That part of town will probably be where it will be happening, and if so, the Bay Street corridor of bars, clubs, etc. had better "step up."
Quote from: heights unknown on November 04, 2025, 08:52:57 PM
the Bay Street corridor of bars, clubs, etc. had better "step up."
that is happening - with Decca drawing in crowds every weekend...Hardwicks's elevating the Ocean Street portion of the Elbow...and Keane's just opening
Quote from: tufsu1 on November 04, 2025, 09:22:45 PM
Quote from: heights unknown on November 04, 2025, 08:52:57 PM
the Bay Street corridor of bars, clubs, etc. had better "step up."
that is happening - with Decca drawing in crowds every weekend...Hardwicks's elevating the Ocean Street portion of the Elbow...and Keane's just opening
And don't forget, people will come downtown in droves just to pay $1.75 to take a ride in a Ford Econoline Van. (OK, the 2025 version). How can the Pearl District compete with that?
I drove through Pearl street for the first time in a little while this weekend, and they are actively doing foundation work on the Ambassador garage and they have ramped up sitework on block N8. I wouldn't have believed this would actually happen a few years ago ;D.
This is what happens when a develop has actual capital and doesn't use city deals as leverage before applying for capital. Gateway team is the best thing to happen to downtown in living memory. Even with it not yet being done, they do the things that they say. Assuming the full scope of the Gateway project eventually happens, and a tower gets built on Riverfront Plaza with Apartment, Hotel, Retail, Restaurant, and Rooftop...they will be the single biggest "dam breaker" in the 21st century of Jacksonville Downtown Development.
I am also excited to see what Preston Hollow is able to do at Rivers Edge.
Quote from: Jankelope on January 20, 2026, 09:28:55 AMI am also excited to see what Preston Hollow is able to do at Rivers Edge.
Part of me thinks they are slow rolling announcements until the Toll Bros townhouses are all sold. Then they can announce all of the buildings that are going to block the townhouse water views lol.
Lol that's a hilarious and plausible theory