The Phoenix Arts and Innovation District: A Visionary Project by Tony Cho

The Phoenix Arts and Innovation District, a groundbreaking development led by visionary entrepreneur Tony Cho, aims to revitalize Jacksonville's North Springfield neighborhood into a vibrant hub of creativity, innovation, and community. Cho's journey from a communal upbringing to a leading figure in urban development is integral to the district's success.

Raised in the spiritual community of his grandmother's Kashi Ashram in Sebastian, Florida, Cho developed a profound sense of community and shared purpose that would shape his life's work. Cho's path to real estate was unconventional. After studying political science and international relations at Northwestern University, Cho found himself drawn to the vibrant energy of Miami. After a stint at MTV ignited his entrepreneurial spirit he became a popular club and nightlife promoter in both Latin America and South Beach. However, his decision to pursue a real estate license would ultimately define his career. 

Cho's commercial brokerage firm, Metro 1, became a platform for his innovative approach to development. By revitalizing old buildings and creating spaces for the creative community and affordable housing, he transformed neighborhoods like Wynwood, the Design District, and Little Haiti's Magic City Innovation District. His commitment to environmental stewardship and community is also reflected in his development of ChoZen, an 18-acre eco-retreat adjacent to his grandmother's Ashram.

“It goes beyond sustainability,” Cho is quoted as saying by Florida Trend. “Sustainability just sustains the status quo. Regenerative placemaking doesn’t exclude or kick out people or displace people. It’s a framework we’re developing based on my 20-plus years of experience in underserved communities — what went right but mostly what went wrong.” Asked what the toolkit would look like, Cho cites land trusts, green space, public-private partnerships, walkability and championing ideas such as the “15-minute city” in which most of what people do and need is within a quick walk or bike ride of their homes.” This vision along the Emerald Trail is a good fit with the current downtown Jacksonville development boom including the Gateway Jax  Pearl Street District and Vestcor projects. ​​

Future of Cities and the Phoenix Arts and Innovation District

In 2021, Cho founded Future of Cities, a pioneering development firm dedicated to a holistic place-based approach to regenerative development. The Phoenix Arts and Innovation District is the flagship project of this ambitious venture.

Located in Jacksonville's North Springfield neighborhood, the district is undergoing a dramatic transformation. By repurposing 120,000 square feet of warehouse space and investing $7 million from Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Future of Cities is creating a thriving hub of creativity and economic opportunity. The first phase, encompassing the Emerald Station and Liberty Building, will deliver 36,000 square feet of creative workspace, community gathering spaces, and retail options. The Liberty Building alone will house 17,407 square feet of affordable artist studios, galleries, and restaurants, providing a much-needed platform for local talent and entrepreneurship. 

A Timeline of Transformation:

• 2016: Christy Frazier, a Jacksonville artist and entrepreneur, founded the original "Phoenix Arts District" with a vision to convert warehouses into artist studios and a school for artists.

• 2020: Future of Cities acquires 10 properties in the North Springfield neighborhood to initiate the Phoenix Arts and Innovation District project.

• January 2024: Construction begins on the first phase of the project, including the Emerald Station and the Liberty Building, with Avant Construction leading the building process.

• Late 2024-Early 2024: Completion of the Emerald Station and Liberty Building, marking a significant milestone in the district's development.

• 2025-2026: Renovation of additional buildings within the district commences, expanding the creative workspace and retail offerings.

• 2026-2030: Continued development of the district, including the potential addition of multifamily housing and public amenities.

• Beyond 2030: The Phoenix Arts and Innovation District matures into a thriving community hub, serving as a model for urban revitalization.

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A Catalyst for Community Revitalization

The Phoenix Arts and Innovation District is more than a real estate development; it's a catalyst for community transformation. Cho's emphasis on community engagement is integral to the project's success. By creating a space where artists, entrepreneurs, and residents can thrive together, the district aims to increase property values, reduce crime rates, and improve overall quality of life.

The project is expected to generate hundreds of jobs and millions in economic impact, further positioning Jacksonville as a city that values arts, culture, and innovation. The district's potential to become a beloved community gathering place and a model for urban renewal holds great promise.

A Legacy of Impact

With the Phoenix Arts and Innovation District as a flagship project, Cho seeks support from the community, developers, and investors to transform underutilized urban spaces into thriving centers of creativity, innovation, and economic opportunity. In so doing his work is inspiring a new generation of leaders to prioritize community well-being and environmental sustainability in their development endeavors. The Phoenix Arts and Innovation District stands as a testament to Tony Cho's commitment to creating thriving communities by prioritizing people, planet, profit, and purpose and redefining the role of development in urban revitalization. The Phoenix Arts and Innovation District is poised to become a beacon for cities seeking to build a brighter future.