News Summary
Jacksonville is set to welcome a new Publix grocery store within the Pearl Square development. This 31,000 square foot store will occupy the ground floor of Block N7 on W. Beaver St. The project is part of a larger $750 million mixed-use plan, featuring residential units, retail space, and improved urban amenities. Construction is anticipated to start in the summer of 2026, marking a significant step in the revitalization of downtown Jacksonville.
Jacksonville is set to welcome a new Publix grocery store, which will be part of the expansive Pearl Square mixed-use development. The full-service store, which will span 31,000 square feet, will be located on the ground floor of Block N7 at 119 W. Beaver St. Previously, the site was occupied by the main auditorium of the First Baptist Church.
As a prominent feature of Gateway Jax’s $750 million development in the NorthCore area of Downtown Jacksonville, the Block N7 project plans to include a 15-story residential tower featuring approximately 250 apartments and integrated parking for 400 vehicles. The Downtown Investment Authority board endorsed a $2.1 million incentive package in December 2024 to facilitate the addition of a grocery store as a part of the development.
Construction on the Publix grocery store is expected to commence in the summer of 2026, contributing to the ongoing revitalization of the area. This project aligns with efforts to enhance urban living in downtown Jacksonville by providing new amenities and residential options for the community.
Gateway Jax has already initiated work on two other buildings within the Pearl Square development. The building located at 425 Beaver St. is set to feature 286 multifamily units, nearly 20,000 square feet of retail space, and on-site parking, while the project at 515 Pearl St. embodies similar multifaceted designs.
Financial support from the City Council has been substantial, including approved grants for the developments at 425 Beaver St., which received a $14.1 million Recapture Enhanced Value Grant and a $6.84 million completion grant. Additional grants, including a $9.06 million REV grant and a $4.63 million completion grant, were allocated for the building at 515 Pearl St.
Future Mixed-Use Developments
In a related move, on September 12, JEA selected Live Oak Contracting LLC’s $1 million bid to purchase the former JEA headquarters building for its redevelopment into a mixed-use facility, pending final approval. Live Oak’s ambitious plans include creating 180 residential units complemented by rooftop amenities, office spaces, and ground-floor commercial uses.
This wave of development follows JEA’s relocation to its new headquarters at 225 N. Pearl St., which it now leases. Additionally, enhancements to the area’s traffic flow were marked by the completion of the conversion of Forsyth and Adams streets to two-way traffic, a project that cost $4.6 million and was completed in July 2024.
Pearl Square Development Scope
The Pearl Square project is poised to offer significant growth to the downtown Jacksonville area, aiming to total 1,250 residential units and approximately 200,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space. The renovations of the 100-room Ambassador Hotel are further anticipated to enhance the attractiveness of the community.
Gateway Jax’s vision for Pearl Square focuses on creating a walkable urban neighborhood. The plan includes new public spaces, parks, widened sidewalks, and outdoor dining options, ultimately fostering a vibrant community environment that appeals to both residents and visitors alike.
The first phase of the Riverfront Plaza park is expected to debut in early 2026, featuring a range of amenities including a playground, event lawn, and improved Riverwalk pathways, all aimed at enhancing the recreational landscape of downtown Jacksonville.
As these developments unfold, Jacksonville is on track to transform its downtown into a thriving hub of activity and community engagement.
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Additional Resources
- Jacksonville Daily Record: Downtown Development Update
- Wikipedia: Pearl Square
- Shopping Center Business: Gateway Jax Signs Lease with Publix
- Google Search: Jacksonville development news
- First Coast News: Publix Downtown Jacksonville Store Opening
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Grocery Store
- Jacksonville Daily Record: Publix Confirmed for Downtown Jacksonville
- Google News: Publix Jacksonville
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.
