Jacksonville, December 23, 2025
Jacksonville has finalized a $6.52 million land exchange with Gateway Jax, facilitating the development of the University of Florida’s graduate campus in LaVilla. The city will acquire the former Interline Brands building while Gateway Jax plans a mixed-use tower at Riverfront Plaza. This strategic partnership is set to revitalize downtown Jacksonville, enhancing the local economy and educational landscape, with classes scheduled to commence in fall 2026.
Jacksonville Finalizes $6.52 Million Land Exchange for UF LaVilla Campus
New graduate campus paves way for downtown revitalization
Jacksonville, Florida – The city of Jacksonville has completed a $6.52 million land exchange with Gateway Jax, paving the way for the development of the University of Florida’s (UF) graduate campus in the LaVilla neighborhood. This agreement facilitates the city acquiring the former Interline Brands Inc. building at 801 W. Bay St., designed to serve as the campus’s instructional facility. In return, Gateway Jax will develop a site at Riverfront Plaza, the former Jacksonville Landing, into a 17-story mixed-use tower that will include a hotel, condominiums, and retail spaces. This strategic exchange aims to revitalize downtown Jacksonville and bolster the establishment of UF’s graduate campus.
With entrepreneurship and growth at the forefront, this agreement highlights the positive potential of local initiatives. The collaboration between Jacksonville and Gateway Jax reflects a commitment to drive economic development through innovative partnerships. The entrepreneurial spirit of the local community promises to enhance the educational landscape while attracting new businesses and residents to the area.
Details of the Land Exchange
The land exchange stipulates that Gateway Jax will transfer ownership of the Interline Brands building and its adjacent parking lot to the city. This property will be utilized by UF as the initial instructional facility, with classes scheduled to start in the fall of 2026. In exchange, the city has provided Gateway Jax with a prime development site at Riverfront Plaza. The planned mixed-use tower will contribute significantly to the ongoing revitalization of downtown Jacksonville, creating new opportunities for businesses and residents alike.
Background and Significance
The establishment of UF’s graduate campus is a crucial step in enhancing Jacksonville’s educational and economic landscape. The city has committed to donating approximately 25 acres of real property in the LaVilla area to UF, which will further strengthen the region’s reputation as a center for higher education. This initiative, accompanied by the land exchange with Gateway Jax, emphasizes the city’s intent to attract educational institutions that foster innovation and economic growth, ultimately benefiting the greater Jacksonville community.
Future Developments
With the land exchange concluded, both UF and Gateway Jax are now set to advance their respective projects. UF plans to retrofit the Interline Brands building for its graduate programs, with classes expected to begin in just a few short years. Simultaneously, Gateway Jax is preparing to turn the Riverfront Plaza site into a vibrant mixed-use tower that will include new retail, residential, and hospitality components. This development is poised to catalyze further revitalization in downtown Jacksonville, making it an increasingly attractive destination for new businesses and residents.
Conclusion
The successful completion of the $6.52 million land exchange signifies a pivotal moment for Jacksonville, supporting the launch of UF’s graduate campus and the revitalization of downtown. This cooperation embodies the city’s push for educational growth and economic development, setting the stage for a vibrant future in the local community. Residents and business leaders alike are encouraged to stay engaged with these developments as Jacksonville continues to embrace innovation and entrepreneurial opportunities.
FAQ
What is the value of the land exchange between Jacksonville and Gateway Jax?
The land exchange is valued at $6.52 million, with the city acquiring the former Interline Brands Inc. building at 801 W. Bay St. and providing Gateway Jax with a development site at Riverfront Plaza.
What are the plans for the Interline Brands building?
The Interline Brands building at 801 W. Bay St. will serve as the initial instructional facility for the University of Florida’s graduate campus, with classes scheduled to begin in the fall of 2026.
What is Gateway Jax planning to develop at Riverfront Plaza?
Gateway Jax plans to develop a 17-story mixed-use tower at Riverfront Plaza, featuring a hotel, condominiums, and retail spaces, contributing to the revitalization of downtown Jacksonville.
How does this land exchange benefit downtown Jacksonville?
The land exchange supports the development of UF’s graduate campus and promotes the revitalization of downtown Jacksonville through new mixed-use developments, enhancing the city’s educational and economic landscape.
When are classes expected to begin at UF’s graduate campus in LaVilla?
Classes at UF’s graduate campus in LaVilla are scheduled to begin in the fall of 2026.
Key Features of the Land Exchange
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Land Exchange Value | $6.52 million |
| City’s Acquisition | Former Interline Brands Inc. building at 801 W. Bay St. |
| Gateway Jax’s Acquisition | Development site at Riverfront Plaza |
| UF’s Initial Facility | Interline Brands building, serving as the initial instructional facility for UF’s graduate campus |
| Gateway Jax’s Development Plan | 17-story mixed-use tower at Riverfront Plaza, featuring a hotel, condominiums, and retail spaces |
| Classes Start Date | Fall of 2026 |
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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.
