News Summary
Gateway Jax is seeking approval from the Downtown Development Review Board for the Block N7 project at 119 W. Beaver St. The development involves a 15-story apartment tower with around 250 units and a 32,000-square-foot grocery store. Enhancements to the pedestrian experience are included, and the project is part of a broader $750 million Pearl Square District initiative. Upcoming review meeting on August 14, 2025, will discuss the project’s impact and benefits.
Jacksonville Sees New Development Proposal for Block N7 Project
Jacksonville, FL – Gateway Jax is seeking conceptual approval from the Downtown Development Review Board for a major new project at 119 W. Beaver St., aimed at transforming the former First Baptist Church auditorium site. The review board meeting to evaluate the project designs is set for August 14, 2025.
The proposed Block N7 initiative includes a 15-story apartment tower featuring approximately 250 residential units, as well as six levels of parking. A key component of the project is an envisioned 32,000-square-foot grocery store, which will occupy part of a total of 39,000 square feet earmarked for retail space.
Renderings for the site illustrate a vibrant commercial area with retail spaces positioned along Union, Beaver, and Laura Streets, with the entire block bordered by these thoroughfares including Hogan Street. Notably, two parking levels are designated above the grocery store for exclusive use by the store, while the remaining parking spaces will serve the residential units.
Enhancing the Urban Landscape
The design of Block N7 also seeks to enhance the pedestrian experience with an expanded sidewalk on Laura Street and green landscaping featured along Laura, Beaver, and Hogan Streets. This alignment aims to foster a lively community atmosphere within the Pearl Square District.
Background of the Development
The Block N7 project is part of the larger Pearl Square District initiative, which had an initial estimated cost of $500 million. The development is spearheaded by a partnership that includes principal Bryan Moll, JWB Real Estate Capital, and DLP Capital. Under this partnership, plans have escalated from an original vision of five properties that required a $419 million investment to now encompassing nine properties with expected costs exceeding $750 million.
In recent years, JWB Real Estate Capital and Corner Lot have invested significant resources into this area. In 2022, they spent nearly $750,000 to prepare the former auditorium for the “Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience” and the “Beyond King Tut” exhibit. The auditorium, constructed in 1995, was acquired in 2022 for $2.3 million, with an adjoining parking garage purchased for $6.09 million.
Support from Local Authorities
The Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) board has expressed its support for the inclusion of the grocery store in the Block N7 project, endorsing a $2.1 million incentive package. This package consists of a $1.36 million Retail Enhancement Program grant, along with a $741,000 Recapture Enhanced Value Grant. It is noteworthy that the DIA’s endorsement was final and did not require approval from the Jacksonville City Council.
Future Prospects
The collaboration involving Gateway Jax has led to ownership of more than 20 properties in the downtown area, with an anticipated total investment rising to over $2 billion upon full development of their plans. As Jacksonville continues to evolve as a hub for urban living and retail, the Block N7 Project stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to redevelopment and modernization.
The Downtown Development Review Board meeting is scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. at the Jacksonville Public Library, located at 303 N. Laura St. All interested parties are encouraged to attend the meeting to learn more about the potential impacts and benefits of this significant development.
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Additional Resources
- Jax Daily Record: Gateway Jax Submits Designs
- Google Search: Jacksonville Block N7
- Action News Jax: Gateway Jax Breaks Ground
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Development
- Multifamily Dive: Gateway Jax Starts Second Apartment Project
- Google News: Jacksonville Urban Development
- Jacksonville.com: Gateway Jax Project Pearl Square
- Google Scholar: Jacksonville Grocery Store Development
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
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