Downtown Jacksonville

A $24.67 million taxpayer incentives package for SouthEast Development Group LLC’s plans to renovate the historic Laura Street Trio in Downtown Jacksonville is headed to City Council. 

The Downtown Investment Authority has voted 8-0 to approve terms for a $114 million incentive agreement with Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan for his plan to build a Four Seasons hotel and office building at the former Kids Kampus along the Downtown riverfront. 

Jacksonville-based Sweet Pete’s says on its website that the “sweet dining experience” called “Fizzies & Fare” will open soon at the 400 N. Hogan St. building in Downtown Jacksonville where its candy shop is based.

The city is reviewing a permit application for VyStar Credit Union to build a proposed parking garage at 28 W. Forsyth St. Downtown at a cost of $21 million.

An unidentified financial technology company proposes to expand into Jacksonville and create 673 full-time jobs by year-end 2024 at an average wage of $97,000.

An outdoor ice skating rink might be coming to Downtown Jacksonville’s riverfront this holiday season, if a Downtown nonprofit can make it work.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have announced new development plans for Downtown Jacksonville and the Shipyards that include a Four Seasons Hotel and Residences, an office building, a sports medicine complex and improvements to the city-owned marina and public spaces and officials say environmental considerations will be a “real priority” for the project.

Can you picture this? You and a friend are deciding where to meet for lunch near Downtown Jacksonville, and she says, “Hmm, how about somewhere in SoBa?”

SoBa, as in the Southbank. It’s one of the rebranding options on the table as the public Jacksonville Downtown Investment Authority works with a consultant “to attract more residents and visitors to live, work and play in these areas.” A survey about the new branding is part of an update to the DIA’s Business Investment and Development Plan.

Downtown’s Wells Fargo Center is preparing for a $12.5 million lobby, cafe and common area renovation along with elevator upgrades that have begun in the 37-story tower.

Jacksonville-based TIAA Bank will be letting 90 workers go this summer.

Editor's Note: An updated story that includes Mayor Lenny Curry's comments is available here.

Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry announced Tuesday morning that crews are now on site to start the process of demolishing the unfinished residential tower known as the Berkman II on Downtown's Northbank.

Three out-of-state companies submitted bids as part of the city’s order to demolish the unfinished Berkman Plaza II while a potential developer says his group will buy the site within days.

Downtown investors Jim and Ellen Wiss, through AWP331 LLC, bought more Downtown property from First Baptist Church of Jacksonville.

WJCT News partner the Jacksonville Daily Record reports the Wisses paid $292,500 on March 8 for the parking lot of the warehouse purchased the same day by JWB Real Estate Capital at 331 W. Ashley St.

JWB and the Wisses are allowing the building and parking lot to be used temporarily for homeless services.

The Independent Drive ramp to the southbound Main Street Bridge will close permanently April 15 as crews prepare to demolish it, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.

Olio owner Greg DeSanto is contemplating several options for the future of his Downtown restaurant, including a possible sale.

JEA employees will return to the utility’s administrative offices in July as the COVID-19 pandemic eases, but will have opportunities to work remotely, CEO Jay Stowe said.

City procurement officials selected three national firms March 18 to compete for the contract to design a public riverfront park at the former Jacksonville Landing site.

The Downtown Investment Authority board voted  9-0 March 17 to approve a $24.67 million taxpayer-backed incentive package to partially finance SouthEast Development Group LLC’s planned historic Laura Street Trio renovation.

A new SoCal-style Mexican rooftop restaurant and bar will be opening in the spring atop the VyStar building at 100 W. Bay Street in Downtown Jacksonville.

SouthEast Development Group LLC’s plans to renovate the historic Laura Street Trio Downtown could receive $24.67 million in city-backed incentives under a proposed deal with the Downtown Investment Authority.

A group focused on revitalizing Jacksonville’s urban core is addressing development, transportation, and, most recently, homelessness.

The Boss of Sauce BBQ Festival has announced its World Championship qualifying barbecue competition is coming to Downtown Jacksonville. 

Park Beeler, the co-managing member of developer Jacksonville Riverfront Revitalization, told a City Council and Downtown Investment Authority joint workshop Feb. 23 that his company intends to buy the unfinished Berkman Plaza II within two weeks and start demolition at the end of March.

Downtown’s First Baptist Church of Jacksonville will give the Lindsay Memorial Auditorium an exterior face-lift as part of a $1.78 million renovation.

The Downtown Development Review Board will consider conceptual approval Feb. 11 for Project 323, a proposed concert venue and rooftop bar at 323 E. Bay St.

Laura Street Trio developer SouthEast Development Group LLC has released its latest designs for a two-phase redevelopment of the Downtown property.