JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Work is underway to transform a neglected part of Downtown Jacksonville.
City leaders broke ground on Pearl Square, a plan for new housing and shopping.
Mayor Donna Deegan hopes it'll be a step changing the perception of Jacksonville from a city of planning, to a city of doing.
“Can we officially put an end to the city of renderings comments," Deegan said during the groundbreaking ceremony. "Can we do that? Yeah, let’s do that.”
Deegan believes turning dirt at the intersection of Pearl Street and Julia Street will finally lead to some vertical movement on Pearl Square.
Gateway Jax’s $750 million plan promises to bring shops, salons, restaurants and apartments to nine blocks in the middle of downtown between city hall and the Duval County courthouse.
Developer Brian Moll says it will include 1200 residential units and a lifestyle hotel.
“We actually pushed our buildings back from the property lines to give extra public space to people," said Moll. "That leads to better shaded experiences and lots of outdoor dining.”
Moll says the project will include two parks with room for farmers markets and art walks.
“When we play host to future games and events at the new stadium, we’ll also hopefully have things over here to help celebrate those events," said Moll.
Considering the goal is for construction to wrap up by late 2027, early 2028, the mayor will be watching the progress throughout her time in office.
“I love that I can basically step out the back door of city hall, walk over here and watch it happen," Deegan said. "I just can’t wait.”
The first building is under construction now at the intersection of Pearl Street and Church Street.
The building, along with the Porterhouse Garden with a fountain, are scheduled to be done first in mid-2026.