Jacksonville Initiates $34 Million Northbank Marina Project

Jacksonville Plans $34 Million Downtown Northbank Marina in Three Phases

The city of Jacksonville is set to develop a new marina named Hans Tanzler Marina, which is estimated to cost approximately $34 million. This ambitious project is planned to unfold in three distinct phases, with city officials recently presenting the first phase’s design and funding plans to the Downtown Development Review Board (DDRB) on May 8.

The initial phase will require $12 million in funding, which has been incorporated into the city’s Capital Improvement Plan. Project organizers anticipate completing the permitting and design work for this phase within the current year, with primary construction projected to wrap up in 2027.

Phase One Details

Located in the 200 block of East Bay Street, the first phase will feature two sets of floating docks and a harbormaster house. This site lies strategically between the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront and The Plaza Condominiums. The harbormaster house is designed to be a single-story, 2,000-square-foot structure created by the Jacksonville-based firm, Pond & Co.

The building will be notable for its use of metallic screens, which can be illuminated in a variety of colors, giving it a dynamic visual presence. The architect involved has emphasized the significance of the harbormaster house, describing it as “a jewel within the city.”

Future Plans for the Marina

The subsequent phases of the Hans Tanzler Marina will introduce additional slips along the marina’s northern and eastern sides. Furthermore, a floating dock on the southern side will serve the dual purpose of a boating area and a breakwater. The marina is intended to accommodate both transient boats and commercial vessels, including tour boats and rental services.

Context and Background

This marina project has been framed as a tribute to the environmental efforts of former Jacksonville Mayor Hans Tanzler, who served from 1967 to 1978. Notably, Tanzler is recognized for his substantial contributions to the environmental cleanup of the St. Johns River. His son, Hans Tanzler III, has underscored the importance of this marina in honoring his father’s legacy.

Historically, the site of the proposed marina was a parking lot for the now-demolished Duval County Courthouse, which has remained vacant since 2018. Bill Delaney, a representative for Mayor Donna Deegan, has commented on the necessity of designing the marina in a way that supports future development opportunities around the area.

The DDRB meeting discussions surrounding the marina did not result in any concrete actions being taken. A previous proposal for mixed-use development known as The Hardwick at Ford on Bay, introduced by developer Carter, was also abandoned. Guy Parola from the Downtown Investment Authority noted that the designs for the harbormaster house and any future projects would not require architectural uniformity given the existing height restrictions in the vicinity.

Visuals of the proposed marina, prepared by HDR Engineering and Pond & Co., depict various docking areas, the harbormaster house, and a designated water taxi landing. Essential facilities within the harbormaster house will include restrooms, laundry services, and seating areas intended for use by vendors.