JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – With its cool building art and businesses nearby, on the surface, the city’s Rail Yard District gives off a hip, urban vibe.
It’s a four and half mile area located just west downtown, just off I-95 and I-10. Of its more than 100 businesses, the Jacksonville Farmers Market on West Beaver Street is likely the most recognizable. Greg Tison has been with the Farmers Market for 15 years and has observed changes in the neighborhood over the years.
“I think we’re kind of the best-kept secret in Jacksonville,” Tison said. “Even when it comes to the Farmers Market, I was talking to a lady a couple of days ago, who said, ‘I went out there for the first time, I didn’t know you were here’!”
Despite its interesting history with the city and location encompassing multiple neighborhoods, some say it’s been ignored for too long. Jeff Edwards, who co-founded the Rail Yard District Business Council, knows firsthand.
“The Rail Yard District has traditionally or historically or overlooked by all aspects of the city,” Edwards said. “It’s an economically depressed area. Historically, it’s been underinvested in.”
On Wednesday, hundreds of people packed the Glass Factory on Myrtle Avenue North for a special fundraiser aimed to make positive changes to the district. This included neighbors, city leaders, and business owners. The hope is to improve the district’s infrastructure, address the branding, attract more economic development, and improve the quality of life.
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan said efforts like this mean good things for the city as a whole.
“Try to move the agenda forward, and it is important,” Deegan said. “This district is also connected to the Emerald Trail, it’s connected to downtown. It’s very important and we have a lot of businesses here.”
Marked by its signature green hue, the Emerald Trail connects multiple neighborhoods, schools, parks, and businesses.
With the trail’s connection to the Rail Yard District, one goal is to get more people passing through to stop and see what the district has to offer.
In early May, the LaVilla link of the Emerald Trail opened to the public connecting Brooklyn to LaVilla and the S-Rail Link. It also stretches out to Myrtle Avenue. Strides like the LaVilla link can offer a glimpse into the Rail Yard District’s potential. Greg Tison looks forward to the future.
“I’d like to see, personally, I’d like to see people walking up and down the sidewalks,” Tison said. “I’d like to see that even downtown. Hopefully through the innovations and excitement being generated that‘ll see more pedestrian traffic, foot traffic, bicycle traffic.”
Revitalizing the city of Jacksonville, one district at a time.
