Conceptual Renderings: Pearl Square's Block N-7

[urban_]

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.

[heights unknown]

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.

[heights unknown]

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.

[acme54321]

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.

[Skybox111]

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.

[MakeDTjaxGre@tAgain]

Pardon my ignorance I thought the Ambassador Hotel started already. Hotel in Gateway Jax's Pearl Square or hotel at Riverfront Plaza?

[Tacachale]

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.

[acme54321]

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/

[Steve]

Very glad to see that this is finally confirmed!

[urban_]

Fantastic!!!! This is awesome and will be another step towards a great downtown!

[thelakelander]

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.

[Skybox111]

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.

[heights unknown]

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

[heights unknown]

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!

[thelakelander]

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.