Development Updates

Duval County Courthouse Lawn Art

Current Status: Approved
“These Truths, Voice of Jacksonville”, designed by sculptor Cliff Garten, will feature two flowing ribbons of stainless steel to frame the entrance to our Courthouse. Those ribbons will also have writings from the foundational texts of our democracy and five local poets and authors engraved on its surface. These words will be illuminated at night, telling our story as a community, and our continued push toward justice and equality. Through the addition of this monumental public art installation, the three-acre lawn of the Courthouse will be transformed into an active urban park reflective of the values of our community.

Emerald Trail

Current Status: Approved
In Spring 2019, Jacksonville City Council approved Groundwork Jacksonville’s Emerald Trail Master Plan to create a 30-mile network of bicycle and pedestrian trails that will connect Downtown to 14 historic neighborhoods, 18 schools, two colleges and nearly 30 parks. Phase one is a 1.3-mile “Model Project” to connect the existing S-Line Rail Trail in Springfield to the McCoys Creek Greenway and Park Street. The Emerald Trail network is estimated to cost $31 million, plus land acquisition, and take 10 years to complete. Groundwork is engaging neighborhood stakeholders, business leaders, funders and the City to plan and build the Emerald Trail by 2030. When complete this signature outdoor destination will encompass more than 30 miles of trails, greenways and parks that encircle the urban core and link at least 14 historic neighborhoods to downtown, Hogans Creek, McCoys Creek and the St. Johns River. The trail links to 16 schools, two colleges, three hospitals, 21 parks and the Regional Transportation Center, among other destinations like restaurants, retail and businesses, with 13 additional schools and 17 parks located within three blocks. The Emerald Trail has the potential to be a catalyst for social and economic development in Jacksonville, from encouraging healthy lifestyles and promoting public safety, to spurring economic growth and neighborhood revitalization. Groundwork Jacksonville is connecting expertise, resources and passion to bring this potential to life.

Emerald Trail LaVilla Link

Current Status: Recently Completed
The first phase of the Emerald Trail is the 1.3-mile LaVilla Link which officially opened on May 6, 2024. Construction of the project, connecting Brooklyn to LaVilla and the S-Line Rail Link—began in September 2021. The estimated project cost is $8.9 million. Baptist Health is the lead investor in the LaVilla Link. A 14-foot-wide concrete pedestrian/bicycle trail is designed for both active and passive recreation with abundant shade trees and native plantings. It features several signature points of interest where users can pause and reflect. In addition, the Trail honors the LaVilla neighborhood through wayfinding, storyboards and public art installations while connecting to the historic landmarks, Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park and Florida C. Dwight Memorial Playground (Park). Beginning the journey at Stonewall Street in Brooklyn, the LaVilla Link crosses over the Park Street bridge. The two northbound lanes were repurposed for the Emerald Trail to allow for active recreation and plantings, including a bioswale to filter stormwater runoff. The Emerald Trail also took over the existing elevated walkway to create a pedestrian path separated from runners and cyclists. Along the Park Street bridge an 1,100 foot-long mural celebrates the history of the LaVilla and Brooklyn neighborhoods. Created by Overstreet Ducasse, the mural was underwritten by Rushton and Charles Callaghan. Atop the span, glass panels and an elevated concrete seating structure offer a unique view of McCoys Creek and the railroad tracks. A shade structure is planned for later this year. The Park Street Overlook is supported by a gift from the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. A road diet along Lee Street from Water to Houston Street slows traffic and creates a tree-lined canopy along the Emerald Trail. Planted beds along the trail provide separation from vehicle traffic and will create shade as the trees mature. Continuing north on Lee Street, the trail connects to the new Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park, expected to open in late June. The Park will honor two of Jacksonville’s most famous residents, James Weldon Johnson and John Rosamond Johnson. The Johnson brothers wrote “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” often called the Black National Anthem, at their home in the LaVilla neighborhood in the early 1900s. Just beyond the park, between Monroe and Duval streets, is the LaVilla Pond. This was an existing retention pond that has been reimagined with a boardwalk made from recycled materials, and a seating platform with swings. A variety of aquatic/wetland plants and grasses were planted along the bank to create a living shoreline that will help to improve water quality, reduce erosion, and provide habitat for birds, fish and pollinators. The LaVilla Pond overlook is supported by a gift from David and Monique Miller. As the trail heads west along Church Street a butterfly garden sponsored by the Late Bloomers Garden Club adds beauty and food for pollinators. There is also a StoryWalk® where steps and story time come together. The rotating installation features a series of 20 mounted displays depicting sequential pages from a children’s picture book. The project is made possible by Baptist Health and is supported by the Library Foundation of Jacksonville and Groundwork Jacksonville. At Eaverson Street, the trail connects to the Florida C. Dwight Memorial Playground which was upgraded by the City Parks Department in preparation for the trail, and includes new playground equipment, a basketball court and a skateboard ramp. The site also features a rain garden, with water-loving native plants that will capture, clean and absorb stormwater runoff and filter pollutants. The environmental feature is supported by a gift from the Pajcic family. At its northern end, the LaVilla Link connects to the existing S-line Rail Trail at State Street. This area has great potential for future activation. The property owner has exciting plans for the large warehouses, one dating back to the late 1800s. His vision for the 500,000 square foot property includes creating a center for commercial, performing and visual arts with retail shops, dining and an outdoor event space, similar to King Plow Arts Center in Atlanta.

Emerald Trail Tier 1, Hogan Street Cycle Track

Current Status: Approved
The Hogan Street Cycle Track is an Emerald Trail segment that will provide a connection between the future Hogan Creek Greenway trail and the Northbank Riverwalk. Within Downtown, the Hogan Street segment will feature a cycle track along the west side of Hogan Street, adjacent to the pedestrian sidewalk. To accommodate this design, Hogan Street’s one-way roadway will be reconfigured, reducing it from two travel lanes to one. This transformation will extend from West State Street to Bay Street, creating a safe and inviting corridor dominated by pedestrian and bicycle activity. The final block, from Water Street to the Northbank Riverwalk, will transition into a shared-use side path, ensuring a seamless connection to the riverfront. Status: Design nearing completion Estimated Construction Commencement: Q1 2025

Emerald Trail, Hogans Creek Restoration

Current Status: Approved
This project will improve flooding and water quality, create habitat for fish and wildlife, increase resiliency, provide access and recreational amenities, and connect neighborhoods with the Hogan's Creek and Emerald Trail.

Emerald Trail, Hogans Creek to Riverwalk

Current Status: Approved
East of Main Street, this segment will extend the Hogans Creek Greenway along the creek corridor to the south of Duval Street where the segment will create a loop connection on the east side of downtown with the Northbank Riverwalk and the TIAA Bank Field, Veterans Memorial Arena, and Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville sports venues.

EverBank Stadium

Current Status: Under Construction
The Jaguars’ home stadium has undergone significant changes and upgrades in its 22-year history. But as many new buildings and designs have come on line around the NFL, Jacksonville is still able to boast one of the most fan-friendly and technologically-advanced stadiums in the league. The Cool Zone is a shaded outdoor space and puts your event in the middle of all the action! The Cool Zone lives just between the general bowl of EverBank Stadium and the new Daily's Place amphitheater. Newly renovated in 2017, this covered, outdoor area has built-in concessions and video technology. It set's up perfectly for a picnic, corporate gathering, family reunion and many other events. The stadium is planned to undergo wholesale renovations around 2025 and 2026. Booking Information: The team at Bold Events is your one-stop concierge service for planning your world-class event at EverBank Stadium. Whether you’re looking to plan a corporate event, social affair, trade show or community festival, our creative and knowledgeable staff are prepared to assist from start to finish. Let us help you take your idea from vision to reality, using one of a diverse selection of available event spaces. Booking Contact: events@jaguars.com

Extra Space Storage

Current Status: Recently Completed
Located near the intersection of S Myrtle Ave and Forest St, Extra Space Storage serves Jacksonville residents near Brooklyn, Five Points, Mixon Town, Riverside, Lavilla, Downtown Jacksonville, and more. Locals will recognize our facility near I-95. With a variety of storage units, exceptional security, and climate-controlled storage, Extra Space Storage on S Myrtle Ave is the storage solution you can rely on in Jacksonville near Brooklyn! Storage Units to Fit Your Needs Our S Myrtle Ave storage facility offers units ranging from 5x5 to 10x30 with indoor access, first-floor access, and elevator access. No matter what you plan to store, we have the perfect space for you! With advanced security measures like 24-hour video surveillance and electronic gate access, you can store your valuable items with confidence at our Jacksonville storage facility! Protect sensitive items from Florida's extreme heat and humidity year-round in a climate-controlled unit. With climate control, your storage unit is kept between 55 and 80 degrees at all times. -Extended access hours are standard with 24/7 access available - ask site manager for details -Sturdy moving carts for heavy, bulky items -Multiple entrance gates -Elevators for easy access to upper levels -Se Habla Espanol -Wide-drive aisles to accommodate large moving trucks -Gate access on Sundays

Federal Reserve Building Adaptive Reuse

Current Status: Under Construction
The Federal Reserve Building was constructed in 1923, and is a National Historic Landmark Building. JWB Real Estate Capital has restored the building’s historic facade and the interior to house 7,400 SF of ground level retail and 9,000 SF of high-end event space. Members-only social club The June will open in the Federal Reserve Building in Fall 2025. This historic redevelopment project is a recipient of the DIA's Downtown Preservation and Revitalization Program (DPRP). Learn more about the program here: http://dia.coj.net/DPRP. Investment: $9.6 million Status: Completed

Flamingo Wine and Coffee Bar

Current Status: Approved
Flamingo Wine and Coffee Bar is expanding to the Southbank of Downtown. Located in the newly renamed Hanania Building, this location will be open from 7am to 10pm during the week and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Much like the original in Murray Hill, this location will have a light food menu, full coffee bar, and offer beer and wine.