Quote(https://photos.moderncities.com/Cities/Jacksonville/Development/Pearl-Square-N-7/i-xPtStws/0/KxXQ2RzrfMfs3Sxwc69LwkmH4JvLBsQBGjZCLfwFx/X2/20250814_DDRB%20AGENDA%20PACKET_test_Page_01-X2.jpg)
Gateway Jacksonville continues to move forward on plans for the development of the Pearl Square District. On Thursday, August 14, the development group will seek Downtown Development Review Board Conceptual Approval for a 15-story residential tower that will include a 32,000 square foot full-service grocery store. Here is a look at the project's conceptual design. Let us know what you think!
Read More: https://www.thejaxsonmag.com/article/conceptual-renderings-pearl-squares-block-n-7/
Just breathe HeightsUnknown, just breathe!
I mean, is this really real? This is getting to be too much out of these Gateway guys
Quote from: acme54321 on August 07, 2025, 10:47:36 PM
I mean, is this really real? This is getting to be too much out of these Gateway guys
What do you mean? That they're building a ton? Yeah, this is only the ones that are mentioned. Potentially 11 different development projects I would think. N1 to N11. If you go downtown, there's a sign for most of their project sites. I think this looks decent. Wish it was more of a wrap around on the back side or 2 towers but it'll work. Guessing the Rosa Parks site will be a flip to fill in the gap in skyline. Just my thoughts.
Quote from: acme54321 on August 07, 2025, 10:47:36 PM
I mean, is this really real? This is getting to be too much out of these Gateway guys
They are literally building a city within a city. Given the lack of vision, planning and other short comings of City and Downtown leaders, this is about the only way to get something done successfully... control your own destiny/ecosystem without interference from helpless City officials.... just take their handouts. It's the Disney model... a nice, neat, controlled environment.
Quote from: MakeDTjaxGre@tAgain on August 07, 2025, 11:05:59 PM
Quote from: acme54321 on August 07, 2025, 10:47:36 PM
I mean, is this really real? This is getting to be too much out of these Gateway guys
What do you mean? That they're building a ton? Yeah, this is only the ones that are mentioned. Potentially 11 different development projects I would think. N1 to N11. If you go downtown, there's a sign for most of their project sites. I think this looks decent. Wish it was more of a wrap around on the back side or 2 towers but it'll work. Guessing the Rosa Parks site will be a flip to fill in the gap in skyline. Just my thoughts.
It was a joke, there were some emojis that didnt translate to the forum in there. It's just hard to believe that this is actually real after decades of flashy renderings with nothing to show.
I do wish that the renderings of this block showed how this will interact with plans for the other blocks to the north and east of it, Rosa Parks, old Claude Nolan/Hotel and FSCJ properties, etc. These renderings look like this block is a bit disconnected from the Pearl Square area but it's right in the middle of all of their holdings.
Nice looking project! Very close to what currently exists on Water Street, minus the second (west) Tower.
The optics of getting Publix to finally come downtown are huge. But more important than the optics, it will make downtown much more livable, not just for downtown residents, but even those in surrounding neighborhoods. Back when I used to live in Springfield, it was rough having to drive all the way to the Riverside Publix. Every other major downtown in Florida has one and many have multiple. Greater Downtown Miami has 5, Orlando has 1, Tampa has 2 (and one just outside downtown), St. Pete has 2, WPB has 1, FTL has 2, and Sarasota has 1.
IMO Jax should have thrown a silly amount of incentives at a developer a long time ago to make it happen, but at least it seems to be moving forward now. The Gateway Jax crew will definitely be hero's when they make it happen.
This will be a good addition to the north edge of the core. I do appreciate how the renderings include the elevated Skyway structure. Unlike some other renderings that have impossible street views because they omit the Skyway (I'm looking at you Jones Bros renovation).
Quote from: CityLife on August 08, 2025, 10:04:53 AM
The optics of getting Publix to finally come downtown are huge. But more important than the optics, it will make downtown much more livable, not just for downtown residents, but even those in surrounding neighborhoods. Back when I used to live in Springfield, it was rough having to drive all the way to the Riverside Publix. Every other major downtown in Florida has one and many have multiple. Greater Downtown Miami has 5, Orlando has 1, Tampa has 2 (and one just outside downtown), St. Pete has 2, WPB has 1, FTL has 2, and Sarasota has 1.
Downtown Fort Myers, where I grew up, jump-started their entire urban revitalization by following a master plan anchored by a downtown Publix. Surrounding retail absolutely exploded following the opening of Publix, and overbuilt residential condos that had been at 30% occupancy following the burst of the housing bubble rapidly filled.
Wow. Is this real? 15 stories and a decently attractive design? I could cry real tears.
Quote from: Ken_FSU on August 08, 2025, 10:16:49 AM
Quote from: CityLife on August 08, 2025, 10:04:53 AM
The optics of getting Publix to finally come downtown are huge. But more important than the optics, it will make downtown much more livable, not just for downtown residents, but even those in surrounding neighborhoods. Back when I used to live in Springfield, it was rough having to drive all the way to the Riverside Publix. Every other major downtown in Florida has one and many have multiple. Greater Downtown Miami has 5, Orlando has 1, Tampa has 2 (and one just outside downtown), St. Pete has 2, WPB has 1, FTL has 2, and Sarasota has 1.
Downtown Fort Myers, where I grew up, jump-started their entire urban revitalization by following a master plan anchored by a downtown Publix. Surrounding retail absolutely exploded following the opening of Publix, and overbuilt residential condos that had been at 30% occupancy following the burst of the housing bubble rapidly filled.
Whoops. Forgot to include Ft. Myers. I have a blind spot there, as I really haven't spent much time there.
Also forgot to mention that Gainesville and Tallahassee also have urban Publix's that aren't in Downtown proper, but in the middle of fairly dense areas of student housing near their downtown's and campuses. It's crazy, but not being close to a Publix is a deal breaker for a lot of Floridians. I have 4 within 2 miles of my house currently. I don't think I would move somewhere where there wasn't one close by.
I may be looking at the conceptual in too much detail but anyone notice on slide 3.5 the building behind the rendering? Could that be their next reveal soon? The tree is blocking a little bit but you can see a sliver of maybe a 5-6 story building.
Couldn't be more happy about this. A Publix next to the Skyway seems too good to be true!
That is a lot (4) of parking garages on Union Street
Quote from: Joey Mackey on August 08, 2025, 02:08:19 PM
That is a lot (4) of parking garages on Union Street
They're already built though, as far as I can see. One can hope that it'll function as the parking for all of Gateway's developments in the area, and if nothing else, they're right on Union which for now functions as an urban highway. At least they could serve as a barrier to the noise and pollution of Union.
Quote from: Jagsdrew on August 07, 2025, 09:31:43 PM
Just breathe HeightsUnknown, just breathe!
LOLOLOLOL...I like it; but it looks "un-Jacksonville" though. And...not tall enough. Pack 20 more stories on it and we're good to go...residential mind you and/or hotel along with it (maybe). Yes! I'm hyperventilating.
Quote from: jaxlongtimer on August 08, 2025, 12:02:28 AM
Quote from: acme54321 on August 07, 2025, 10:47:36 PM
I mean, is this really real? This is getting to be too much out of these Gateway guys
They are literally building a city within a city. Given the lack of vision, planning and other short comings of City and Downtown leaders, this is about the only way to get something done successfully... control your own destiny/ecosystem without interference from helpless City officials.... just take their handouts. It's the Disney model... a nice, neat, controlled environment.
Maybe city officials will take note and follow Gateway's lead.
Quote from: urban_ on August 08, 2025, 04:52:14 PM
Quote from: Joey Mackey on August 08, 2025, 02:08:19 PM
That is a lot (4) of parking garages on Union Street
They're already built though, as far as I can see. One can hope that it'll function as the parking for all of Gateway's developments in the area, and if nothing else, they're right on Union which for now functions as an urban highway. At least they could serve as a barrier to the noise and pollution of Union.
First Baptist still owns the easternmost one.
Just heard that the 22 story n8 will start construction at the end of this year and construction on both parking garages it sounds will happen next month and October and that the hotel next year will start.
Pardon my ignorance I thought the Ambassador Hotel started already. Hotel in Gateway Jax's Pearl Square or hotel at Riverfront Plaza?
Quote from: MakeDTjaxGre@tAgain on August 13, 2025, 08:20:34 PM
Pardon my ignorance I thought the Ambassador Hotel started already. Hotel in Gateway Jax's Pearl Square or hotel at Riverfront Plaza?
Some work was done but stalled out when the owners did. But it's been bought by Gateway and they've been moving forward at a steady clip with all their projects. They see it as a centerpiece of their properties and low hanging fruit so to speak.
Publix confirmed for Downtown Jacksonville store in Pearl Square
Publix confirmed it will open a 31,000-square-foot grocery store in Downtown Jacksonville under an agreement with the Gateway Jax development partnership.
In a Sept. 3 news release, Gateway and Publix announced they had signed a lease for the grocery chain to occupy ground-floor space in Gateway's Block N7 mixed-use development at 119 W. Beaver St.
That project is part of Pearl Square, Gateway's $750 million, multiproperty development in the NorthCore area of Downtown.
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2025/sep/03/publix-confirmed-for-downtown-jacksonville-store-in-pearl-square/
Very glad to see that this is finally confirmed!
Fantastic!!!! This is awesome and will be another step towards a great downtown!
Glad to see the news if finally out. Excellent get for the State/Union corridor. Hopefully it helps people see the potential of that entire strip between I-95 and the Mathews Bridge.
Finally. so they gonna build this thing late next year they said next summer but we all know many months they have shifted block n8 from summer to winter of December. Kinda dumb to start in n8 in December when you aren't going to get much done right away in first two weeks and then things start winding down and everyone is gone for Christmas and doesn't start work till after new years and if things start to pick up during that new week.
Awesome. I know this is off topic for this thread, but I really wish, somehow some way, that Gateway (Moll), will also take over the old Independent Life/JEA Building that is "cata-corner from the old Ambassador Hotel, and do something (residential?) with it. That would really soothe my heart and nerves. It's sad to see that old icon just sitting there rotting. As a child in the early to mid 60's, when me and my Mom lived in LaVilla, other than the neon Barnett National Bank sign blaring at night, that neon stem at the top of that building was awesome, mesmerizing and attracted attention to say the least; I hope if and when whomever purchases it and renovates it, that they turn that stem back on.
Please click on the below link to see a photo of the old Independent Life Building after it was completed in the 1950's, and note the stem at the very top; that stem, post, or whatever it was called, lit up at night with an audacious fanfare and was quite hypnotic and mesmerizing; enjoy!
https://abandonedfl.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/JEA-Tower.jpg
Yes, awesome news about the Publix which will have residential (I guess) straddled on the top of it. Hopefully a great shot in the arm for this and all of Gateway's projects in that area of town!
Quote from: heights unknown on September 04, 2025, 09:16:13 AM
Awesome. I know this is off topic for this thread, but I really wish, somehow some way, that Gateway (Moll), will also take over the old Independent Life/JEA Building that is "cata-corner from the old Ambassador Hotel, and do something (residential?) with it. That would really soothe my heart and nerves. It's sad to see that old icon just sitting there rotting. As a child in the early to mid 60's, when me and my Mom lived in LaVilla, other than the neon Barnett National Bank sign blaring at night, that neon stem at the top of that building was awesome, mesmerizing and attracted attention to say the least; I hope if and when whomever purchases it and renovates it, that they turn that stem back on.
Please click on the below link to see a photo of the old Independent Life Building after it was completed in the 1950's, and note the stem at the very top; that stem, post, or whatever it was called, lit up at night with an audacious fanfare and was quite hypnotic and mesmerizing; enjoy!
https://abandonedfl.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/JEA-Tower.jpg
In due time! Either the developer will get it together (I have noticed some crews in there over the last few weeks) or they'll lose it and someone else will finish it up. Its a great building and would be the cherry on the top of everything happening right now in that section of the Northbank.
Hopefully not too blurry or doesn't takes away from the win, but pictured below was grabbed from IG. Seems we have a glimpse of what else is to come for Gateway Jax. It starts with N4-N11. Interested to see what N1-N3 looks like as well. But what is planned so far is a true walkable neighborhood, including the TOD at Rosa Parks station. Much needed!
Moll was on an interview yesterday and mentioned more than 20 restaurants are planned. That's epic!
(https://i.postimg.cc/B6tSh59t/IMG-0131.jpg)
I hope I get to live to see all of this when complete. It appears, or seems that once finished that area will be its own little downtown within the Urban Core and Downtown Jax! I will make it a point, when all is finished, to "hang out" and check out the "buzz" to see whats a happening LOL.
Does anyone have any idea what and where N1 - N3 will be? I haven't heard anything about those.
.
Quote from: heights unknown on September 04, 2025, 07:19:29 PM
Does anyone have any idea what and where N1 - N3 will be? I haven't heard anything about those.
I believe N2 and N3 are the two blocks next to rosa parks station on the right border on w state st and w union st. Can't remember where N1 is at probably on the left side of the station.
Quote from: MakeDTjaxGre@tAgain on September 04, 2025, 12:28:11 PM
Hopefully not too blurry or doesn't takes away from the win, but pictured below was grabbed from IG. Seems we have a glimpse of what else is to come for Gateway Jax. It starts with N4-N11. Interested to see what N1-N3 looks like as well. But what is planned so far is a true walkable neighborhood, including the TOD at Rosa Parks station. Much needed!
Moll was on an interview yesterday and mentioned more than 20 restaurants are planned. That's epic!
(https://i.postimg.cc/B6tSh59t/IMG-0131.jpg)
Fuzzy (or blurry) navel?
In curious if they are going to do something to try to calm traffic on State and Union as development activity pushes northeast. Those roads are racetracks as they sit. My opinion, which would be really unpopular is that the city needs to look at ways to slow traffic through there and force some of the volume around downtown on the MLK expressway.
COJ would need to take a back seat to FDOT for State/Union/Beaver and MLK. Definitely worth exploring some coordination about pedestrian safety through that stretch. There are things in FDOT's design manual that could possibly be done over time.
Quote from: Jagsdrew on August 08, 2025, 10:51:29 AM
I may be looking at the conceptual in too much detail but anyone notice on slide 3.5 the building behind the rendering? Could that be their next reveal soon? The tree is blocking a little bit but you can see a sliver of maybe a 5-6 story building.
Looks like a rendering of a residential development next to Rosa Parks station across from the Publix has been included in their overall vision on their page: https://www.pearlsquare.com/
I think any reconsideration of the roles of State/Union vs MLK to connect I-95 and East Jax and the Mathews and Hart Bridges will have to wait until mid-2027 when the current reconstruction of the I-95/MLK Interchange is completed.
https://nflroads.com/ProjectDetails.aspx?p=5405
Then, there will be a viable alternative to State/Union for these east-west trips. FDOT has a long-term plan to widen I-95 between Beaver Street and MLK (2041-2050 in the LRTP). Reducing the traffic entering/leaving I-95 at State/Union has the potential to reduce project costs in this area. However, the conceptual plans I've seen include making the connection to Beaver Street from northbound I-95 more direct. With the City and Pearl Square 'pedestrianizing' Beaver, this is something else FDOT must revisit.
Freeway Park in Seattle on a much much much much smaller scale to connect north of State to south of Union. This is a complete pie in the sky wish.
Quote from: thelakelander on September 05, 2025, 09:04:38 AM
COJ would need to take a back seat to FDOT for State/Union/Beaver and MLK. Definitely worth exploring some coordination about pedestrian safety through that stretch. There are things in FDOT's design manual that could possibly be done over time.
As long as it doesn't involve rainbow colors...
I wonder if brick and landscaped streets also are not deemed "traffic safe"?
Oh no! No bricks in this state! Especially them colorful artsy kind!
I think this is the wrong thread, but construction fencing has gone up around the N-5 Lighthouse garage. This is the western garage that Gateway is planning on activating the ground floor of.
I don't think the two buildings under construction have garages, so it seems like this would have to be finished before they go online.
Quote from: jcjohnpaint on October 27, 2025, 08:09:13 AM
I don't think the two buildings under construction have garages, so it seems like this would have to be finished before they go online.
Block N4 will have a 2 story garage, N11 doesn't have one at all
Quote from: sean27 on October 27, 2025, 11:35:59 AM
Quote from: jcjohnpaint on October 27, 2025, 08:09:13 AM
I don't think the two buildings under construction have garages, so it seems like this would have to be finished before they go online.
Block N4 will have a 2 story garage, N11 doesn't have one at all
I'm assuming the garage behind the ambassador is going to partially serve N11
Was not expecting a nearly $30 million cash completion grant to be attached to this project. That is a big chunk of change from a cash-strapped general fund. Certainly way more justifiable than the $40 million cash grant committed to Related, but we've got a lot of completion grants and infrastructure projects coming due here in the next few years. You've gotta do it, but I worry it's not going to leave much room for projects like a Sports & Entertainment District and a potential restoration of the Trio.
https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2025/11/24/gateway-jax-to-seek-at-least-43m-in-incentives-for-publix-anchored-project-at-old-site-of-first-baptist-downtown/
Personally, I would rather see the incentives go to the north core if that what is what we want to grow and become active. Also, Gateway is delivering.
Agreed. I mean personally I think we end up figuring it out and I think everyone knows this is a critical piece of the redevelopment. But I do agree that the amount of completion grants is starting to add up.
It's probably time to start looking at the incentives for the rest of Pearl Square as a whole (maybe after this one).
Quote from: Ken_FSU on November 24, 2025, 08:31:35 PM
Was not expecting a nearly $30 million cash completion grant to be attached to this project. That is a big chunk of change from a cash-strapped general fund. Certainly way more justifiable than the $40 million cash grant committed to Related, but we've got a lot of completion grants and infrastructure projects coming due here in the next few years. You've gotta do it, but I worry it's not going to leave much room for projects like a Sports & Entertainment District and a potential restoration of the Trio.
https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2025/11/24/gateway-jax-to-seek-at-least-43m-in-incentives-for-publix-anchored-project-at-old-site-of-first-baptist-downtown/
Sports and Entertainment District is not even at the renderings stage again and the Trio, lol? I get what you are saying but this is one of the few major developments in Downtown Jax I've seen capable of delivering results. Quite happy for the kitchen sink to be thrown at them.
Quote from: landfall on November 25, 2025, 05:01:19 PM
Quote from: Ken_FSU on November 24, 2025, 08:31:35 PM
Was not expecting a nearly $30 million cash completion grant to be attached to this project. That is a big chunk of change from a cash-strapped general fund. Certainly way more justifiable than the $40 million cash grant committed to Related, but we've got a lot of completion grants and infrastructure projects coming due here in the next few years. You've gotta do it, but I worry it's not going to leave much room for projects like a Sports & Entertainment District and a potential restoration of the Trio.
https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2025/11/24/gateway-jax-to-seek-at-least-43m-in-incentives-for-publix-anchored-project-at-old-site-of-first-baptist-downtown/
Sports and Entertainment District is not even at the renderings stage again and the Trio, lol? I get what you are saying but this is one of the few major developments in Downtown Jax I've seen capable of delivering results. Quite happy for the kitchen sink to be thrown at them.
I don't disagree at all that Gateway Jax is the best thing going right now in Downtown Jacksonville, or that a Publix and a pharmacy in the North Core are highest and best uses of finite public subsidies, but I also think the cash price tag (a $30 million completion grant) is going to come as a surprise to a City Council already burdened with other promised completion grants and capital projects over the coming three years, in a city that refuses to ever raise taxes. I say surprised, and someone correct me if I'm wrong, because I don't believe N7 is part of the Pearl Square incentive package previously negotiated with the DIA.
Taking Gateway out of the equation and just looking at the big picture, it still doesn't feel like we have a concrete master plan to prioritize spend against. Without it, we toss $40 million in cash at island projects like Related's Tower and risk having little left for catalytic projects like this.
I mention a Sports and Entertainment district specifically because we're investing well over a billion dollars of public money into a new stadium, a Four Seasons Hotel, Metropolitan Park, Shipyards West, and MOSH in that area. It's a quality of life investment, but it's also predicated on the idea that improving our facilities will lure larger and more frequent events to Jacksonville to help recoup that investment. That entire area makes no sense and will fail to attract events and revenue without a Cordish-like 365-day-a-year district that actually gives people something to do and a reason to stay in the area. I can only speak to what I hear, but it sounds like plans may end up way scaled back for the most important part of making the whole thing work. To me, it's something that should be fast-tracked to open alongside all of the other noted development in the area. Where is a business traveler staying at the Four Seasons walking to at night? Where are visitors to Met Park, MOSH, and Shipyards West getting lunch with their families after their visit? Where are marina visitors going once they dock on non-game days? Where are event attendees hanging out after it's over? In the same way that robovans won't create TOD, we also can't expect transient food trucks to prop up a $2 billion stretch of riverfront.
I mention the Trio because we're investing $90 million into revitalizing Riverfront Plaza, and another $20 million+ into the private development by Gateway, and there's no universe where the Trio should stay in its current blighted condition for another five years if we expect these other investments down Laura Street to pay off.
The cash is finite, and you can rest assured that the JEA Tower residential conversion, the Chase Southbank project, RiversEdge Private Development, fixing the JTA's mess with the completion of the Emerald Trail, Jones Bros, Independent Life, Hard Rock/Ford on Bay, and countless others will come with their hands out.
Gotta prioritize.
And, again, to be clear, Gateway Jax is 1A on that tiered list.
^ The City has finite resources. I suggest that it should focus on one specific area with incentives, the Northcore. If that thrives, all else around it will take a life of its own. No way the City should also incentivize the Southbank, Brooklyn, Springfield, the Stadium, etc. What has all that development done for the Northcore? Not much. But, the reverse, the Northcore, as the center of the City, its true heart, the source of its identity and character, would benefit all the surrounding areas. If the Northcore took off, incentives should no longer be necessary for the spillover areas around it, especially on the riverfront. Priorities need to be set and stuck to. This remains the consequence of no real planning or visioning... just ping ponging along.
Still missing... a mass transit connection between the Northcore and surrounding urban areas that could feed its growth.
The City needs focus... its all over the place, spreading itself too thin, and not optimizing results anywhere as a result.
Quote from: Ken_FSU on November 25, 2025, 07:04:22 PM
Quote from: landfall on November 25, 2025, 05:01:19 PM
Quote from: Ken_FSU on November 24, 2025, 08:31:35 PM
Was not expecting a nearly $30 million cash completion grant to be attached to this project. That is a big chunk of change from a cash-strapped general fund. Certainly way more justifiable than the $40 million cash grant committed to Related, but we've got a lot of completion grants and infrastructure projects coming due here in the next few years. You've gotta do it, but I worry it's not going to leave much room for projects like a Sports & Entertainment District and a potential restoration of the Trio.
https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2025/11/24/gateway-jax-to-seek-at-least-43m-in-incentives-for-publix-anchored-project-at-old-site-of-first-baptist-downtown/
Sports and Entertainment District is not even at the renderings stage again and the Trio, lol? I get what you are saying but this is one of the few major developments in Downtown Jax I've seen capable of delivering results. Quite happy for the kitchen sink to be thrown at them.
I don't disagree at all that Gateway Jax is the best thing going right now in Downtown Jacksonville, or that a Publix and a pharmacy in the North Core are highest and best uses of finite public subsidies, but I also think the cash price tag (a $30 million completion grant) is going to come as a surprise to a City Council already burdened with other promised completion grants and capital projects over the coming three years, in a city that refuses to ever raise taxes. I say surprised, and someone correct me if I'm wrong, because I don't believe N7 is part of the Pearl Square incentive package previously negotiated with the DIA.
Taking Gateway out of the equation and just looking at the big picture, it still doesn't feel like we have a concrete master plan to prioritize spend against. Without it, we toss $40 million in cash at island projects like Related's Tower and risk having little left for catalytic projects like this.
I mention a Sports and Entertainment district specifically because we're investing well over a billion dollars of public money into a new stadium, a Four Seasons Hotel, Metropolitan Park, Shipyards West, and MOSH in that area. It's a quality of life investment, but it's also predicated on the idea that improving our facilities will lure larger and more frequent events to Jacksonville to help recoup that investment. That entire area makes no sense and will fail to attract events and revenue without a Cordish-like 365-day-a-year district that actually gives people something to do and a reason to stay in the area. I can only speak to what I hear, but it sounds like plans may end up way scaled back for the most important part of making the whole thing work. To me, it's something that should be fast-tracked to open alongside all of the other noted development in the area. Where is a business traveler staying at the Four Seasons walking to at night? Where are visitors to Met Park, MOSH, and Shipyards West getting lunch with their families after their visit? Where are marina visitors going once they dock on non-game days? Where are event attendees hanging out after it's over? In the same way that robovans won't create TOD, we also can't expect transient food trucks to prop up a $2 billion stretch of riverfront.
I mention the Trio because we're investing $90 million into revitalizing Riverfront Plaza, and another $20 million+ into the private development by Gateway, and there's no universe where the Trio should stay in its current blighted condition for another five years if we expect these other investments down Laura Street to pay off.
The cash is finite, and you can rest assured that the JEA Tower residential conversion, the Chase Southbank project, RiversEdge Private Development, fixing the JTA's mess with the completion of the Emerald Trail, Jones Bros, Independent Life, Hard Rock/Ford on Bay, and countless others will come with their hands out.
Gotta prioritize.
And, again, to be clear, Gateway Jax is 1A on that tiered list.
Big picture, this is why a true master plan would be helpful for Downtown. I was watching a presentation by Mitchell Silver recently, where he said Downtown's have two styles of development: deal making and master planned. Each has strengths, but deal-by-deal development without direction is unpredictable, and master planning isn't as flexible. He seemed to favor having a master plan, and I know The Jaxson has advocated for that as well. The DIA and COJ, to date, have preferred the deal-by-deal sequence of development, which is more difficult to plan ahead for.
Quote from: fsu813 on November 25, 2025, 11:11:15 PM
Quote from: Ken_FSU on November 25, 2025, 07:04:22 PM
Quote from: landfall on November 25, 2025, 05:01:19 PM
Quote from: Ken_FSU on November 24, 2025, 08:31:35 PM
Was not expecting a nearly $30 million cash completion grant to be attached to this project. That is a big chunk of change from a cash-strapped general fund. Certainly way more justifiable than the $40 million cash grant committed to Related, but we've got a lot of completion grants and infrastructure projects coming due here in the next few years. You've gotta do it, but I worry it's not going to leave much room for projects like a Sports & Entertainment District and a potential restoration of the Trio.
https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2025/11/24/gateway-jax-to-seek-at-least-43m-in-incentives-for-publix-anchored-project-at-old-site-of-first-baptist-downtown/
Sports and Entertainment District is not even at the renderings stage again and the Trio, lol? I get what you are saying but this is one of the few major developments in Downtown Jax I've seen capable of delivering results. Quite happy for the kitchen sink to be thrown at them.
I don't disagree at all that Gateway Jax is the best thing going right now in Downtown Jacksonville, or that a Publix and a pharmacy in the North Core are highest and best uses of finite public subsidies, but I also think the cash price tag (a $30 million completion grant) is going to come as a surprise to a City Council already burdened with other promised completion grants and capital projects over the coming three years, in a city that refuses to ever raise taxes. I say surprised, and someone correct me if I'm wrong, because I don't believe N7 is part of the Pearl Square incentive package previously negotiated with the DIA.
Taking Gateway out of the equation and just looking at the big picture, it still doesn't feel like we have a concrete master plan to prioritize spend against. Without it, we toss $40 million in cash at island projects like Related's Tower and risk having little left for catalytic projects like this.
I mention a Sports and Entertainment district specifically because we're investing well over a billion dollars of public money into a new stadium, a Four Seasons Hotel, Metropolitan Park, Shipyards West, and MOSH in that area. It's a quality of life investment, but it's also predicated on the idea that improving our facilities will lure larger and more frequent events to Jacksonville to help recoup that investment. That entire area makes no sense and will fail to attract events and revenue without a Cordish-like 365-day-a-year district that actually gives people something to do and a reason to stay in the area. I can only speak to what I hear, but it sounds like plans may end up way scaled back for the most important part of making the whole thing work. To me, it's something that should be fast-tracked to open alongside all of the other noted development in the area. Where is a business traveler staying at the Four Seasons walking to at night? Where are visitors to Met Park, MOSH, and Shipyards West getting lunch with their families after their visit? Where are marina visitors going once they dock on non-game days? Where are event attendees hanging out after it's over? In the same way that robovans won't create TOD, we also can't expect transient food trucks to prop up a $2 billion stretch of riverfront.
I mention the Trio because we're investing $90 million into revitalizing Riverfront Plaza, and another $20 million+ into the private development by Gateway, and there's no universe where the Trio should stay in its current blighted condition for another five years if we expect these other investments down Laura Street to pay off.
The cash is finite, and you can rest assured that the JEA Tower residential conversion, the Chase Southbank project, RiversEdge Private Development, fixing the JTA's mess with the completion of the Emerald Trail, Jones Bros, Independent Life, Hard Rock/Ford on Bay, and countless others will come with their hands out.
Gotta prioritize.
And, again, to be clear, Gateway Jax is 1A on that tiered list.
Big picture, this is why a true master plan would be helpful for Downtown. I was watching a presentation by Mitchell Silver recently, where he said Downtown's have two styles of development: deal making and master planned. Each has strengths, but deal-by-deal development without direction is unpredictable, and master planning isn't as flexible. He seemed to favor having a master plan, and I know The Jaxson has advocated for that as well. The DIA and COJ, to date, have preferred the deal-by-deal sequence of development, which is more difficult to plan ahead for.
Got a link to the presentation by any chance? Or was it in-person? Sounds interesting!