The deliveries for Christmas in Jacksonville are not over yet.
In the new year, downtown Jacksonville is slated to deliver on multiple construction projects, both private and public. There is historical momentum in the city as Jacksonville prepares to finish many of its’ building projects for the community in 2025.
The Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) embraced “Downtown is under construction” as its mantra for 2024, and this momentum is set to carry into 2025. Significant groundbreakings are planned, but the real story lies in the completion of both public and private projects slated for the upcoming year.
As 2024 concludes, 2025 is shaping up to deliver new spaces to live, work, and play, continued development, and a focus on energizing the urban core. With a steadier market and increased downtown activity, the pipeline for future projects may grow even further.
The Road Ahead for Downtown
DIA CEO Lori Boyer is optimistic: “I see downtown momentum picking up again. While there’s been steady progress, I anticipate a significant rise in new projects being financed and breaking ground.”
In recent years, rising interest rates and construction costs discouraged developers from moving forward with plans, including two city-owned parcels that stalled earlier in 2024. Now, with construction costs stabilizing and interest rates becoming the norm, the outlook is more favorable. A series of residential and retail openings in 2025 are expected to spark additional development.
Residential growth will play a crucial role. Boyer highlights the addition of 1,000 new housing units across areas like the Southbank, Cathedral District, and Sports and Entertainment district, which could bring over 1,500 new residents downtown. “This density will significantly boost the downtown population,” Boyer said, noting its impact on restaurants and retail, which are already planning openings to meet the increased demand.
Key Projects Expected in 2025
- Developer: TriBridge Residential (271 units, restaurant); Fuqua Development (retail center with Whole Foods)
- Timeline: Residential in spring 2025, retail in September 2025
- Developer: Columbia Ventures (adaptive reuse of a 108-year-old warehouse)
- Details: 228 residential units with ground-floor retail; leasing underway
- Developer: Corner Lot Development Group
- Details: 340-unit luxury apartment complex
- Timeline: Late spring 2025
- Developer: Toll Brothers
- Details: Mixed-use project with 950 residential units, hotel rooms, office space, retail, marina, and public parks
- Timeline: Boardwalk complete; Riverwalk enhancements expected Q1 2025
New Dining and Entertainment Highlights
- Pizza Dynamo & Pour Taproom: Ground-floor establishments in the VyStar Forsyth Parking Garage
- Dorothy’s Downtown: Southern Creole and upscale cocktail bar replacing Burrito Gallery on E. Adams St.
- Flamingo Coffee: Opening in the Hanania Building
- Players Grille: New location in Brooklyn’s Home2 Suites by Hilton
- Prudential Club: Upscale tapas and cocktail lounge with a garden patio on Southbank
Parks and Public Spaces
- Riverfront Plaza: Phase one completion by late 2025
- St. Johns River Park: Playground and garden opening in 2025
- Musical Heritage Garden: Delivering in 2025
Streetscape Enhancements
- Forsyth and Adams Streets: Traffic pattern changes and landscaping updates in phase two, beginning in 2025
Downtown’s transformation is set to accelerate in 2025, bringing new energy and opportunities to the urban core.
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