A dedicated seven-story parking garage will serve the future Ambassador Hotel and Pearl Square. Previously approved as part of a former development attempt, improvements to the garage’s design and functionality were an amendment to a design approved in 2021 for renovation of the hotel. The block is bordered by Duval, Julia, Church, and Pearl streets. Together, the parcels in the block encompass 1.48 acres.
The precast concrete garage will offer 480 spaces for use by the hotel, other Pearl Square properties, the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, and the public.
Renderings show the north and west sides of the garage clad with perforated metal and louvered panels that give them a checkered facade. The south wall will be painted with a yet-to-be-designed mural, as future development on the parcel immediately south of the wall is undetermined. The lot abutting the mural will be activated in a passive way in the meantime. The east wall, which abuts the hotel, is unadorned, and will serve as the back-of-house operations side for the hotel.
The garage received final amended approval from the Downtown Development Review Board in June 2025. The DDRB’s vote on the garage constituted final action. Among the board’s purposes, it serves as a version of the planning commission for Downtown on design.
The City of Jacksonville has negotiated to provide 23 buildable acres to the University of Florida for the new graduate campus in the LaVilla neighborhood of Downtown Jacksonville, pending an open and public disposition process.
This exciting project marks another leap forward in Jacksonville’s growth as an innovative technology hub and city with world-class education opportunities that equip its workforce with the skills needed to lead the future. Classes are expected to begin in the existing building at 801 W. Bay St. in 2025 with more added in 2026.
Additionally, the highly coveted Florida Semiconductor Institute will be located on the Jacksonville campus. It’s part of a national effort to improve research and development of semiconductor chips, the building blocks that power defense and aerospace technology, smartphones, computers, automobiles, and many other products that are necessary for daily life.
Learn more about the project, including plans for each site, here: https://www.jacksonville.gov/welcome/news/city-of-jacksonville-and-university-of-florida-tak
Situated in the heart of Downtown, the luxury hotel connects you with Jacksonville’s most popular cultural and business districts. Relax poolside with dramatic views of the river and skyline or at the J Bar and Juliette’s. With convenient access to EverBank Field, Times Union Center, VyStar Veteran’s Memorial Arena and other popular attractions, the Jacksonville River City Downtown Hotel puts you in the midst of the excitement of the River City.
Announced January 2025: Marriott Jacksonville Downtown received permitting approval for a $6 million facelift for guest rooms and corridors on floors four through 16. Plans show about 154,000 square feet of the 287,000-square-foot hotel will be renovated.
The Lofts at Southbank is a 10-story mixed-use building with ground floor retail, office, restaurant, or other commercial programming; personal property self-storage uses on floors three through six; and about 100 multi-family residential units on floors seven through 10. The $38.8 million project, led by Jacksonville-based Vestcor, is located at Prudential Drive and Hendricks Avenue at the site of a closed restaurant at 1004 Hendricks Ave.
Developer Jax-Lifestyle Hospitality LLC proposed 128 room hotel in the Brooklyn Neighborhood next to their existing Residence Inn. This proposal is for the new construction of a six story hotel with an associated two story parking structure. Investment $32 million.
Related Group is planning a new 25-story riverfront tower with no less than 390 luxury units, a minimum 4,000 SF restaurant space, and a 9-story parking garage. The development will also include a 1,000 SF Ship’s Store that will serve the future restored marina. The City will finance the restoration of a 29-slip marina and boat ramp at the site.
Investment: $202 million
Status: Approved by DIA Board, Incentives Package Approved by City Council
MOSH plans to construct a new 130,000 SF museum on the Shipyards property with offerings including a walk-through aquifer exhibit and a water quality bio-lab.
The project also includes associated parking and a private outdoor exhibit space. Additionally, a publicly accessible Riverwalk and public park space will be designed by the developer.
Investment: $100 million
Status: In review
The Hans Tanzler Marina, formerly known as the Liberty Street Marina, will be a significant addition to Downtown’s waterfront. Located at 330 E. Bay St., the public marina is designed to accomodate approximately 50 boats of varying sizes with designated water taxi landing, fuel dock, pump-out station, and marina office with restrooms/showers.
In 2023, the Jacksonville City Council officially named the marina in honor of Hans G. Tanzler, Jr., the City’s 39th Mayor.
Columbia Ventures is planning a five-story, 342 unit apartment building with 8,338 SF of restaurant and retail space, and 450 parking spaces on a vacant Brooklyn parcel.
Investment: $100 million
Status: In review
Jones on Hogan, located at 502 North Hogan in Downtown Jacksonville, will offer modern urban living while incorporating the historic seven-story Jones Brothers Furniture Co. building, constructed in 1929, as its development inspiration.
Corner Lot Development Group plans to redevelop the seven-story historic building to include 177 apartment units, 10,200 SF of retail and 25 internal parking spaces.
Investment: $40 million
Status: In review
