Gateway Jax CEO Bryan Moll Aims to Revitalize Downtown Jacksonville!

Bryan Moll, the CEO of Gateway Jax, has set his sights on Jacksonville, Florida following his successful leadership of major redevelopment projects in Tampa and Washington, D.C. 

Moll sees Jacksonville as a prime location for his next transformative venture, citing the city's job growth, affordability, and quality of life as key factors in his decision. His goal is to revitalize as many as 20 blocks of Downtown Jacksonville by developing apartments, offices, retail space, and courtyards, thus creating a potential catalyst for the long-running effort to revitalize the area. Pearl Street District is the first $500 million phase of this overall development strategy. "Gateway Jax LLC is planning a multiphase, mixed-use development across 20 blocks in the NorthCore to include 1,160 apartments, office, 120,000 of grocery-anchored retail space, and parking," according to Downtown Vision.   

Moll, along with his investment partners, envisions Downtown Jacksonville as having the same transformative potential that he experienced in Tampa and D.C., and aims to become the linchpin in bringing about this positive change. On July 11, 2024 the Downtown Development Review Board unanimously approved the conceptual design of Pearl Street District Block N5 at 721 North Pearl St, the old First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Lighthouse garage.

​This first phase redevelopment opportunity is within the Downtown Zoning Overlay's Church District. The former First Baptist five-story parking garage and adjacent lighthouse will be repurposed to accommodate 10,000 square feet of commercial storefront space. This initial phase of the Pearl Street District's multi-phase development plan will target high-visibility corners at the intersections of Pearl, Julia, and Beaver Streets. Bold Line Design has been selected to architect the project. Investors should note the potential for high foot traffic and increased property values in this revitalized area. This was a crucial step in realizing Moll's vision for the future of Downtown Jacksonville.