News Summary
The Downtown Development Review Board has approved the Block N7 project, set to transform the Pearl Square area in Jacksonville into a thriving mixed-use development. This ambitious plan aims to include a 15-story apartment tower, a grocery store, and additional retail spaces, significantly enhancing the urban landscape and accessibility in downtown Jacksonville.
Jacksonville – The Downtown Development Review Board unanimously approved the conceptual design for the Block N7 project on August 14, setting the stage for a significant mixed-use development in the Pearl Square area. The project is spearheaded by the Gateway Jax development partnership and aims to include apartments, a full-service grocery store with a pharmacy, and a parking garage.
The Block N7 project will take the place of the former First Baptist Church auditorium located at 119 W. Beaver St. and is a vital part of the larger Pearl Square development initiative, which is approximately valued at $750 million. Block N7 itself will feature a 15-story apartment tower housing around 250 residential units. It is designed to align with the evolving urban landscape of downtown Jacksonville.
In addition to the residential component, the project plans to incorporate six parking levels, with two dedicated to the grocery store. The grocery store is proposed to encompass 32,000 square feet of space, alongside an additional 7,000 square feet allocated for retail purposes. The new retail space is planned along the important streets of Union, Beaver, and Laura, which is expected to increase foot traffic and accessibility to services in the area.
The Board Chair Linzee Ott abstained from voting on the project plans due to her role as CEO of Build Up Downtown, an organization that has received contributions from Gateway Jax. However, the rest of the board unanimously echoed enthusiasm for the transformative potential of the Block N7 project. Board member Joanna Berling highlighted the architectural beauty of the design.
The architectural strategy for Block N7 follows successful past redevelopments, notably Water Street in Tampa, signifying the depth of experience that the Gateway team brings to this initiative. An improved streetscape is part of the plan, featuring wider sidewalks and new landscaping with trees along Laura, Beaver, and Hogan streets which will enhance the pedestrian experience in the growing urban environment.
The Pearl Square development initiative represents a sizable increase from the original plans. Initially designed to cover five properties with a budget of $419 million, the project has expanded to include nine properties and an overall budget of $750 million. This ambitious plan incorporates over 1,250 new residential units, about 200,000 square feet of retail space, a boutique hotel, and public parks, aiming to revitalize the area and draw more residents to downtown Jacksonville.
Supporting the grocery store’s establishment within Block N7, the Dawn Investment Authority has endorsed an incentive package worth $2.1 million. This financial backing underscores the importance of accessibility to essential services in an area described by many as poised for rapid development. The partnership of Corner Lot and JWB Real Estate Capital had previously acquired the former auditorium and associated parking garage for $8.39 million in 2022, paving the way for this significant redevelopment effort.
The anticipated redevelopment is projected to continue through to 2026, with the full completion of the Block N7 project and the other associated developments by 2027. The Gateway Jax development pipeline currently includes plans for over 5,000 new residential units in downtown Jacksonville along with about 500,000 square feet of retail space, reflecting a strategic focus on urban residential growth.
The greater Jacksonville area is witnessing continued growth, with an increasing resident population, which bodes well for the success of projects like Block N7 and the overarching Pearl Square development. As these development plans come to fruition, they are expected to foster a thriving urban community, attracting new residents and businesses alike.
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Additional Resources
- Jax Daily Record: Pearl Square Evolves
- Wikipedia: Jacksonville, Florida
- News4Jax: Gateway Jax Breaks Ground
- Google Search: Pearl Square Jacksonville
- Action News Jax: Gateway Jax Development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Development
- Multifamily Dive: Gateway Jax Project
- Google Scholar: Jacksonville Urban Development
- Jacksonville.com: Pearl Square Takes Shape
- Google News: Jacksonville Real Estate Development
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
