Jacksonville, January 4, 2026
Jacksonville is poised for major changes by 2026, focusing on revitalizing its beaches and downtown areas through significant projects. Initiatives like Riverfront Plaza, RiversEdge Park, and the Four Seasons Hotel are designed to enhance the city’s attractiveness, promote economic growth, and improve the quality of life for residents. Additionally, a new soccer team and a graduate campus are set to enrich the community, reflecting the city’s commitment to development and modernization.
Jacksonville’s 2026 Developments: Transforming Beaches and Downtown
Jacksonville is set to undergo significant transformations by 2026, with major projects aimed at revitalizing its beaches and downtown areas. These initiatives promise to enhance the city’s appeal, attract new residents, and boost economic growth.
Major Projects in Jacksonville’s Beaches and Downtown Areas
Riverfront Plaza
Located on the former site of The Landing, Riverfront Plaza is a $38 million project that began its first phase in late 2025. This phase includes:
- A playground atop a pavilion building
- An event lawn
- Improved Riverwalk connections to the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts
The second phase, expected to commence by the end of 2025, will feature a beer garden, rain garden, and enhanced bicycle and pedestrian access to the Main Street Bridge. The entire project is slated for completion by early 2026.
RiversEdge Park
On the Southbank, the RiversEdge development introduces a 4-acre park featuring:
- A playground
- Interactive play equipment
- Cooling water misters
- An outdoor gym
- A yoga lawn
- A marsh boardwalk
This park is part of a larger mixed-use neighborhood aimed at enhancing health, connection, and quality of life. The development also includes plans for homes, shops, restaurants, offices, and a marina.
Four Seasons Hotel & Residences
A 10-story luxury hotel is under construction on the Northbank of the St. Johns River, south of EverBank Stadium. The project includes:
- A rebuilt marina with 78 slips for vessels ranging from 30 to 400 feet in length
The marina is funded by the city and built by Four Seasons developer Iguana Investments. The hotel and marina are targeted for completion in 2026.
Stadium of the Future
The Jacksonville Jaguars have initiated plans to renovate EverBank Stadium, aiming for completion by the 2028 NFL season. The $1.4 billion project includes:
- A partial roof cover
- Expanded and elevated concourses
- A park-like entrance
- Corner openings to improve airflow
- A reflective outer coating designed to reduce interior heat
The renovation is expected to begin in February 2025, with the team playing at a reduced seating capacity in 2025 and 2026, and moving to another venue in 2027.
University of Florida Graduate Campus
The City of Jacksonville has allocated 23 acres to the University of Florida for a new graduate campus in downtown Jacksonville. The first degree program is expected to begin in August 2025, with the main campus launch in 2026.
Sporting Club Jacksonville
The city is also set to welcome a new professional women’s soccer team, Sporting Club Jacksonville, which will play its inaugural season in 2025. The team plans to construct a new soccer-specific stadium in Jacksonville, with a target opening date in 2026 or 2027. The facility is expected to accommodate approximately 15,000 spectators and serve as the long-term home for both the men’s and women’s teams.
Conclusion
These developments reflect Jacksonville’s commitment to revitalizing its beaches and downtown areas, aiming to create vibrant spaces that attract residents, visitors, and businesses alike. With completion expected by 2026, these projects are poised to significantly enhance the city’s landscape and economy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Riverfront Plaza?
Riverfront Plaza is a $38 million project located on the former site of The Landing. The first phase includes a playground atop a pavilion building, an event lawn, and improved Riverwalk connections to the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. The second phase, expected to commence by the end of 2025, will feature a beer garden, rain garden, and enhanced bicycle and pedestrian access to the Main Street Bridge. The entire project is slated for completion by early 2026.
What is RiversEdge Park?
RiversEdge Park is a 4-acre development on the Southbank featuring a playground, interactive play equipment, cooling water misters, an outdoor gym, a yoga lawn, and a marsh boardwalk. This park is part of a larger mixed-use neighborhood aimed at enhancing health, connection, and quality of life. The development also includes plans for homes, shops, restaurants, offices, and a marina.
What is the Four Seasons Hotel & Residences project?
The Four Seasons Hotel & Residences is a 10-story luxury hotel under construction on the Northbank of the St. Johns River, south of EverBank Stadium. The project includes a rebuilt marina with 78 slips for vessels ranging from 30 to 400 feet in length. The marina is funded by the city and built by Four Seasons developer Iguana Investments. The hotel and marina are targeted for completion in 2026.
What is the Stadium of the Future project?
The Stadium of the Future is a $1.4 billion renovation of EverBank Stadium, aiming for completion by the 2028 NFL season. The project includes a partial roof cover, expanded and elevated concourses, a park-like entrance, corner openings to improve airflow, and a reflective outer coating designed to reduce interior heat. Renovation is expected to begin in February 2025, with the team playing at a reduced seating capacity in 2025 and 2026, and moving to another venue in 2027.
What is the University of Florida Graduate Campus project?
The City of Jacksonville has allocated 23 acres to the University of Florida for a new graduate campus in downtown Jacksonville. The first degree program is expected to begin in August 2025, with the main campus launch in 2026.
What is Sporting Club Jacksonville?
Sporting Club Jacksonville is a new professional women’s soccer team set to play its inaugural season in 2025. The team plans to construct a new soccer-specific stadium in Jacksonville, with a target opening date in 2026 or 2027. The facility is expected to accommodate approximately 15,000 spectators and serve as the long-term home for both the men’s and women’s teams.
Key Features of Jacksonville’s 2026 Developments
| Project | Description | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|
| Riverfront Plaza | $38 million project on the former site of The Landing, featuring a playground, event lawn, and improved Riverwalk connections. Second phase includes a beer garden and enhanced access to the Main Street Bridge. | Early 2026 |
| RiversEdge Park | 4-acre park on the Southbank with playground, interactive play equipment, and outdoor gym. Part of a larger mixed-use neighborhood development. | 2026 |
| Four Seasons Hotel & Residences | 10-story luxury hotel with a rebuilt marina featuring 78 slips for vessels ranging from 30 to 400 feet in length. | 2026 |
| Stadium of the Future | $1.4 billion renovation of EverBank Stadium, aiming for completion by the 2028 NFL season, with various amenities to enhance the fan experience. | 2028 |
| University of Florida Graduate Campus | New graduate campus in downtown Jacksonville, expecting to launch first degree program in August 2025 and main campus in 2026. | 2026 |
| Sporting Club Jacksonville | New professional women’s soccer team with construction of a soccer-specific stadium, expected to host both men’s and women’s teams. | 2026 or 2027 |
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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.
