Ambassador Hotel Nears Final DDRB Approval

[thelakelander]

The next chapter of downtown's architectural history is beginning to take shape as plans advance for the transformation of the historic Ambassador Hotel. Gateway Jax acquired the property in March 2025 for $17 million and plans to redevelop it into a 105-key hotel featuring a high-end restaurant and bar, conference space, and additional amenities. The project is scheduled to seek final approval from the Downtown Development Review Board on April 9, 2026. Here's a closer look at the adaptive reuse plans for this landmark property. Let us know what you think!

Read More: https://www.thejaxsonmag.com/article/ambassador-hotel-nears-final-ddrb-approval/

[Ken_FSU]

Love it! One of my favorite buildings downtown. Big fan of the exterior space.

[jaxjags]

My biggest like is the change in the garage exterior to match the hotel. Looks like one of the nicest garages in DT if there can be such a thing.

[heights unknown]

Hmmm. Didn't know they changed the garage exterior to match the appearance of the Hotel. Anyone got any rendering pics? Wow. But awesome. Hard to believe when I was in my late 20's and into my 30's I frequented the Bar, quite often, in the Basement. It was one of my stomping grounds and watering hole back then (80's into the 90's). Happy the wrecking ball was kept at bay. Awesome memories of that hotel LOL.

[thelakelander]

The garage, which is also on the DDRB agenda next week for final approval:

[heights unknown]

The garage, which is also on the DDRB agenda next week for final approval:

Any street level retail/commerce for this garage? The renderings don't show or mention that probability. Oops.......last rendering does say, "knock out panels for future retail use." But that's all. So I would guess no retail until further notice or in the future (street retail).

[thelakelander]

No initial retail in this garage but they have thousands of retail and dining square footage in all their surrounding buildings. When the demand is there for this one, they have a ground floor corner that can become a future retail spot.

[Skybox111]

So when are they going to start construction on the 22 story tower nothing has been done for a couple months and same for related group. News lady looked at n8 site and said it would be having a yoga and a farmers market there did she get wrong or are they changing things.

https://youtube.com/shorts/vuntJ9LjkPk?si=_4-bY8qPlfx8tvwx

[tufsu1]

^ I have heard that Related Group site preparation is imminent.

[Skybox111]

Thats good