News Summary
Jacksonville’s Gateway Jax is seeking approval for the $750 million Block N7 development project, which aims to transform the area with a 15-story apartment tower, retail space, and a grocery store. The Downtown Development Review Board is set to review designs at an upcoming meeting, showcasing efforts to revitalize downtown Jacksonville and enhance community offerings.
Jacksonville is on the verge of a significant transformation as Gateway Jax seeks conceptual approval for its ambitious $750 million Block N7 development project. This initiative aims to replace the former First Baptist Church main auditorium, located at 119 W. Beaver St., with a modern mixed-use structure that promises to revitalize the area.
The Downtown Development Review Board has scheduled a meeting for August 14, 2025, to review the project designs, which include plans for a stunning 15-story apartment tower comprising approximately 250 residential units. In addition to the housing component, the development will feature six levels of parking, two of which will be designated for grocery store use, with the remaining allocated for residents.
A highlight of the Block N7 project is a planned 32,000-square-foot grocery store that aims to serve the community’s needs. This will be part of a total of 39,000 square feet of retail space, strategically located along Union, Beaver, and Laura streets. Renderings of the project suggest that the retail space will create an engaging streetscape while contributing to the neighborhood’s overall vibrancy. The plan further enhances the area by including sidewalk expansions and additional landscaping along Laura, Beaver, and Hogan streets.
Block N7 is an integral part of the larger Pearl Square District, which itself is a $500 million mixed-use development within Jacksonville’s NorthCore area. The district represents a broader effort to enhance the downtown region and is expanding rapidly; since its initial unveiling in 2023, plans have grown from five properties with a projected investment of $419 million to a total of nine properties that now reflect an estimated cost of $750 million.
The development is spearheaded by the partnership of Gateway Jax, which consists of real estate professionals Bryan Moll, JWB Real Estate Capital, and DLP Capital. The team has already made substantial investments in the area. JWB and Corner Lot, for instance, invested nearly $750,000 in 2022 to renovate the auditorium space for the immersive experience “Beyond Van Gogh.” The auditorium, built in 1995, was previously acquired for $2.3 million, while the accompanying parking garage was purchased for $6.09 million.
In a significant move to encourage the grocery store’s establishment, the Downtown Investment Authority has approved a $2.1 million incentive package. This financial support includes a $1.36 million grant from the Retail Enhancement Program and a $741,000 Recapture Enhanced Value Grant, which aim to attract a premier grocery tenant. The incentives are conditioned on the selection of an experienced grocery store operator that can provide a comprehensive range of services commonly found in full-service grocery outlets.
The incentives were passed through a vote by the Downtown Investment Authority, constituting final action on the proposals without the need for Jacksonville City Council approval, simplifying the pathway for the project’s execution.
Following the developments of Block N7, Gateway Jax now claims ownership of over 20 properties in downtown Jacksonville, showcasing a potential investment trajectory exceeding $2 billion if all planned developments come to fruition. This ambitious vision signifies the commitment of local developers to rejuvenate Jacksonville’s urban core.
The Downtown Development Review Board meeting will take place at 10 a.m. at the main Jacksonville Public Library, located at 303 N. Laura St. The meeting is expected to draw significant interest as the city awaits further details on the transformative Block N7 project.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Jacksonville Sees New Development Proposal for Block N7 Project
Additional Resources
- The Jaxson Mag: Conceptual Renderings of Pearl Square’s Block N-7
- Wikipedia: Jacksonville
- Jax Daily Record: Gateway Jax Submits Designs
- Google Search: Jacksonville Development Projects
- Jax Daily Record: Jim and Ellen Wiss Sell Downtown Properties
- Google Scholar: Urban Development in Jacksonville
- Jax Daily Record: Gateway Jax’s Bryan Moll Announces Plans
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Benefits of Mixed-Use Development
- Jax Daily Record: Gateway Jax’s Proposal for Former Auditorium
- Google News: Jacksonville City Council
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.
