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Construction Permits Approved for Four Seasons Hotel in Jacksonville

Rendering of Four Seasons Hotel and Residences in Jacksonville

News Summary

Jacksonville has approved construction permits for the new Four Seasons Hotel and Residences on the Northbank of the St. Johns River. This development, managed by Shad Khan, is set to feature 170 hotel rooms, 26 residential units, and various luxury amenities aimed at elevating the city’s hospitality scene before its anticipated opening in 2026. The first phase includes the installation of a family pool, with more permits for additional pools and facilities in progress. This project represents a significant investment to enhance Jacksonville’s appeal as a travel destination.

Jacksonville has taken a significant step towards enhancing its hospitality landscape with the issuance of construction permits for the highly anticipated for Four Seasons Hotel and Residences. Located on the Northbank of the St. Johns River at 1406 E. Bay St., this development is projected to open in 2026, significantly adding to the city’s luxury hotel offerings.

The city approved a permit on May 2 for Southern Aquatics Inc. to begin the installation of an in-ground family pool, a project estimated to cost $100,000. This marks the initial phase of the project, with additional permits for an adult pool, a family spa, and two water features currently under review, which have a combined projected cost of $340,000.

The development is led by Shad Khan, owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, through his company, Shipyards Hotel Jacksonville LLC. PCL Construction LLC of Orlando has been contracted as the general contractor for the overall project.

The Four Seasons Hotel and Residences is set to occupy a 5.1-acre site and will consist of 170 hotel guestrooms and 26 residential units. The total enclosed space of the development will span 542,700 square feet, alongside an additional 123,953 square feet of unenclosed space. Planned amenities include a spa, multiple restaurants, ballrooms, bars, several pools, and other facilities aimed at catering to both leisure and business travelers.

The hotel is part of a wider push by the city to enhance its attractiveness as a travel destination. With the introduction of the Four Seasons, Jacksonville aims to appeal to corporate incentive travel and to attract pharmaceutical training opportunities due to its high-end amenities. Currently, there are 172 hotels in Duval County, mostly categorized as select service and limited service; the Four Seasons will represent a new luxury segment.

As of April 30, the total cost for site improvements for both the Four Seasons and the adjacent One Shipyards Place office building is approximately $363.37 million. In addition to this, Jacksonville is evaluating a permit for a $20 million project to demolish and reconstruct a new marina near the Four Seasons development, which will support the local economy and further tourism appeal.

Hal Jones Contractor has been appointed to manage the marina construction, which is designed by Moffatt & Nicol of Tampa. This marina project will include maintenance dredging and the installation of both fixed and floating concrete docks equipped with utilities, featuring 78 slips capable of accommodating vessels measuring between 30 and 55 feet, along with two water taxi slips.

In conjunction with the marina facilities, a support building will also be constructed, which has received permits for its development. This building will include restrooms, storage, retail space, and a restaurant with outdoor dining options, with costs projected to reach $4.2 million.

Moreover, the Jacksonville City Council has approved a substantial incentive deal totaling $129.75 million with Iguana Investments Florida to support the development of the Four Seasons Hotel and the surrounding facilities, indicating strong governmental backing and expectation for the project’s success.

As the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences development progresses, it is anticipated to make a notable contribution to Jacksonville’s tourism sector, helping to reshape its reputation as a competitive destination for both business and leisure travelers in the region.