JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – When you look up and down the St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville, you’ll notice cranes lining the riverfront.
One of the biggest changes happening downtown is right across from EverBank stadium. The Four Seasons Hotel is now going vertical. There are several cranes at the location and lots of construction work under way. It is expected to be completed sometime in 2026.
Jake Gordon who is the CEO of Downtown Vision says this is major for Jacksonville.
“The idea of the Jaguars and NFL franchise, creating an entertainment district around their stadium -- I mean, that is going to be an amenity for everyone in our city, in the whole region. So it’s not just about the price tag. It’s about the intangible aspects. I mean, so many cities would want an NFL franchise, and we actually have one.” Gordan said.
Next to the site at Metropolitan Park, the city is looking for more ideas on what can be done to redevelop it. Right now, they’re building a new marine fire station.
Moving west along the St. Johns River is what is now known as the Museum District. The future home of the museum of Science and History (MOSH). Fundraising continues but it is moving at a fast pace.
In the same location is the USS Orleck and the fire museum. The city has just finished improvements in the area that now allow for paved parking and sewer and electrical.
Closer to downtown is the old courthouse and city hall sites. While one project has pulled out, the city is looking for other development options for that site.
Nearby is the old Jacksonville Landing site, now called Riverfront Plaza. There has been a lot of work in the past few months. The roadway in front of the greenspace on Independent Drive is now open again. Construction continues on the bulkhead and sewer lines.
The first phase will involve a playground in the area and that could open by the fall of next year.