Jacksonville, Florida, January 22, 2026
Gateway Jax is initiating the transformation of the ‘lighthouse’ garage in Jacksonville, Florida, into a mixed-use development aimed at revitalizing the Pearl Square neighborhood. The project will add around 16,000 square feet of retail space while maintaining 693 parking spots. Streetscape improvements, including bike lanes and upgraded landscaping, are also planned, with completion expected by early 2027. This redevelopment is part of a larger $2 billion project aiming to bring over 1,250 residential units and significant retail space to the area.
Jacksonville, Florida: Gateway Jax Initiates ‘Lighthouse’ Garage Modernization
Jacksonville, Florida – Gateway Jax has commenced the transformation of the “lighthouse” parking garage at 721 North Pearl Street into a vibrant mixed-use development. The project aims to revitalize the Pearl Square neighborhood by adding approximately 16,000 square feet of ground-floor retail and restaurant spaces, while preserving 693 parking spots on the upper levels. Completion is anticipated in early 2027.
Project Details
The redevelopment focuses on modernizing the existing five-story structure, bordered by Union, Julia, Beaver, and Pearl streets. The upper floors will retain 693 parking spaces, receiving contemporary upgrades such as new lighting and an exterior elevator. The ground floor will feature retail and restaurant spaces designed to activate the area and enhance the downtown shopping experience. Streetscape improvements along Beaver Street, including bike lanes, new sidewalks, enhanced paving materials, and upgraded landscaping, are also planned to create a direct link between the project and neighboring developments.
Community Impact
Gateway Jax is collaborating with the city of Jacksonville and the Florida Department of Transportation on the streetscape upgrades. These enhancements aim to connect the project with approximately 20,000 square feet of retail space under construction at 425 Beaver Street to the west and a future Publix to the east. The redevelopment is part of the broader Pearl Square initiative, a mixed-use development spanning nine city blocks in downtown Jacksonville, which is expected to deliver over 1,250 residential units, about 200,000 square feet of retail space, a 100-room boutique hotel, and public parks.
Background
The “lighthouse” garage, formerly owned by First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, has been a notable structure in the area. The redevelopment is part of Gateway Jax’s broader $2 billion mixed-use development encompassing 20 blocks in the NorthCore Downtown area. The project is expected to include 1,160 apartments, office space, 120,000 square feet of grocery-anchored retail space, and parking over the next decade. The city has approved $98.58 million in incentives for the project.
Key Features of the Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | 721 North Pearl Street, Jacksonville, Florida |
| Ground-Floor Space | Approximately 16,000 square feet of retail and restaurant spaces |
| Parking Spaces | 693 parking spots on upper levels |
| Completion Date | Early 2027 |
| Streetscape Improvements | Bike lanes, new sidewalks, enhanced paving materials, upgraded landscaping along Beaver Street |
| Broader Development | Part of a $2 billion mixed-use development encompassing 20 blocks in the NorthCore Downtown area |
| City Incentives | $98.58 million approved for the project |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the ‘lighthouse’ garage modernization project?
The ‘lighthouse’ garage modernization project involves transforming the existing parking garage at 721 North Pearl Street into a mixed-use development with ground-floor retail and restaurant spaces, while preserving 693 parking spots on the upper levels. Completion is anticipated in early 2027.
How will the project impact the Pearl Square neighborhood?
The project aims to revitalize the Pearl Square neighborhood by adding approximately 16,000 square feet of ground-floor retail and restaurant spaces, enhancing the downtown shopping experience, and improving streetscapes with bike lanes, new sidewalks, and upgraded landscaping.
What is the broader Pearl Square initiative?
The Pearl Square initiative is a mixed-use development spanning nine city blocks in downtown Jacksonville, expected to deliver over 1,250 residential units, about 200,000 square feet of retail space, a 100-room boutique hotel, and public parks.
What is the significance of the ‘lighthouse’ garage?
The ‘lighthouse’ garage, formerly owned by First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, is a notable structure in the area. Its redevelopment is part of Gateway Jax’s broader $2 billion mixed-use development encompassing 20 blocks in the NorthCore Downtown area.
What incentives has the city approved for the project?
The city has approved $98.58 million in incentives for the project, which is expected to include 1,160 apartments, office space, 120,000 square feet of grocery-anchored retail space, and parking over the next decade.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Gateway Jax Transforms Downtown Jacksonville’s Retail Landscape
Pompano Beach’s Shift from Retail to Industrial Growth
Palm Coast Couple Faces Charges for Child and Elderly Neglect
St. Augustine Man Arrested for Alleged Sexual Assault of Minor
Jacksonville DIA to Vote on Southbank MOSH Demolition and Hotel Funding
New $202.75 Million Residential Tower Approved for Jacksonville
Retail Sales Surge in November, Showcasing Holiday Resilience
Jacksonville Considers Demolition Permit for Closed MOSH
Jacksonville City Council Approves $30 Million for Bay Street Redevelopment
Jacksonville Beach Improves Pedestrian Safety with New Crosswalks
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.
