JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — They are valuable pieces of property in downtown Jacksonville, but currently they're empty plots of land. Wednesday morning, the future of Jacksonville's skyline and riverfront development was the focus of a Downtown Investment Authority workshop.
The plots that are being considered for development are the eastern portion of Riverfront Plaza, the parking lot directly on the other side of the Main Street Bridge and the site of the former courthouse on Bay Street. Development on these highly visible pieces of land along the river could shape the image of Downtown Jacksonville for generations.
"It's very important for us to recognize the value of these, there's only a few parcels left," said DIA Board Chair Patrick Krechowski, who added that he wants to see major development come to downtown, especially along the St. Johns River.
"We want to see iconic structures that contribute to the overall feel of the riverwalk," said Krechowski.
Currently part of that Riverwalk passes by empty plots of land and a parking lot that is partially covered by a ramp coming off the Main Street Bridge, but that could change.
"That ramp has to come down," said Cross Regions COO Doug Smith. "It's already approved to come down, it was in JTA's budge at some point and it would have to come down for anything viable at that site."
Smith and Tom Ingram hope to develop the parking lot between the Hyatt and Main Street Bridge into the tallest building between Atlanta and Miami with 320 condos and 35,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space. They put conceptual plans in place more than a year ago.
"It's a great site," said Ingram, "once you look at the opportunities here, location, the views are spectacular, it's an iconic location in the heart of Jacksonville's core."
One major issue with this development lies beneath the ground. JEA has a 54-inch high flow sanitary sewer line that DIA was told would cost at least $10 million to relocate because of its proximity to the St. Johns River. Ingram still sees significant opportunity with the riverfront development, especially if that development includes their showcase high rise.
"There's been an unprecedented level of investment in the city's infrastructure in the downtown core," said Ingram, "people's eyes will be opened when they see how great downtown can be."
No development plans are set in stone at this time. In fact, it could be years before anything is formally approved and finalized, but plans are moving forward to change the way Downtown Jacksonville looks.