Gateway Jax Pearl Street District Gets Green Light

Downtown Jacksonville is poised for a dramatic transformation as the City Council has approved the first phase of the Gateway Jax redevelopment project. This ambitious undertaking, estimated to cost nearly $100 million, has been hailed by supporters as a potential game-changer for the urban core.

| The project secured $98.57 million in incentives, including $38.97 million in city funds and $59.6 million in property tax rebates. In return, the developer, Gateway Jax, will invest at least $373.7 million into the Pearl Street District, the initial phase of a larger $2 billion project.

The approved plan encompasses blocks N4, N5, N8, and N11, bringing over 1,000 residential units and thousands of square feet of retail space to an area currently dominated by parking lots. If fully realized, the development could rival projects in cities like Tampa, Miami, and Nashville, reshaping the downtown landscape.

Key components of the Pearl Street District include:

• Block N4: 281 residential units, 19,155 square feet of retail, including a restaurant with outdoor dining.

• Block N5: Renovation of the "Lighthouse Garage" into a mixed-use building with 15,000 square feet of retail, including a restaurant.

• Block N8: 535 residential units, 30,000 square feet of retail, including a restaurant, and Pearl Square for public events.

• Block N11: 205 residential units, 21,333 square feet of retail, including a restaurant, and Porter House Park. The Thomas V. Porter House is a historic Colonial Revival mansion built in 1902 by renowned architect Henry John Klutho. Featuring a grand two-story portico, it was originally a prominent downtown residence before being moved and repurposed. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Led by CEO Bryan Moll, Gateway Jax brings a proven track record of successful urban redevelopment to Jacksonville. Moll envisions a revitalized downtown with a mix of apartments, offices, retail, and green spaces. The Pearl Street District is the first step in a larger plan to transform 20 city blocks.

With the City Council's approval, the project can now move forward, with construction expected to begin in the coming months.