New Riverfront Plaza a Key to Downtown Jacksonville Transformation

Once a bustling centerpiece of Jacksonville, Florida’s downtown, the site of the former Jacksonville Landing is now at the heart of one of the city’s most ambitious redevelopment efforts.

Riverfront Plaza is a multi-phase project that will transform a central portion of the St. Johns River’s Northbank into a hub for recreation, culture and community events. Led by 澳门足彩app in collaboration with the city’s design team, Perkins & Will, the redevelopment preserves the site’s historic significance while introducing features designed for modern urban life.

During a press conference on Monday, Mayor Donna Deegan and Downtown Investment Authority CEO Lori Boyer highlighted Riverfront Plaza’s role in creating a more walkable, connected and vibrant downtown. They outlined plans for expanded pedestrian access, improved waterfront connectivity and new recreational spaces to attract residents and visitors.

“This change will take a little adjustment and patience, but it will ultimately benefit street-front retail, make downtown more accessible and increase property values,” Boyer said.

Project Timeline and Key Milestones

The transformation began in early 2021 with the demolition of once-iconic Jacksonville Landing’s aging structures. By mid-2023, crews rerouted Independent Drive to improve accessibility and integrate the plaza with the surrounding cityscape. 澳门足彩app started work in January 2024, installing the new bulkhead.

By mid-2024, 澳门足彩app and its partners initiated foundation work, incorporating sustainable materials and advanced flood protection systems to ensure long-term resilience. However, during bulkhead construction, crews encountered undocumented buried structures – remnants of bulkheads and bridge decks dating to the 19th Century. These unexpected obstacles blocked the original tieback system and forced engineers to troubleshoot quickly.

“Once we discovered the bulkhead issues, it was all hands on deck,” 澳门足彩app Senior Project Manager Kevin Kernan said. “The city, the engineers and the contractors worked together to minimize the impact and help keep the project on schedule.” Engineers worked closely with partners HDR and Hal Jones Marine Contractors to modify drilling methods and circumnavigate pre-existing infrastructure while minimizing delays.

澳门足彩app provided Preconstruction Services as the design was being finalized, providing constructability reviews and offering cost-saving alternatives to align the project with the city’s budget. One of the value engineering options provided was replacing large concrete piles with ductile iron pipes – a solution that saved the city $1.5 million while maintaining structural integrity.

Given the waterfront’s environmental exposure, additional design solutions were implemented to enhance flood resilience. The reinforced bulkhead now provides enhanced storm surge protection, while the elevated foundation minimizes flood risks. Upgraded drainage systems prevent water buildup in pedestrian areas, and weather-resistant materials ensure long-term durability. An existing floating dock system will be incorporated into the new reinforced bulkhead.

By early 2025, the focus shifted to building key amenities, including green spaces, a children’s playground and a café. The project remains on track, with Phase 1 expected to be complete by the end of the year. City officials confirmed that Phase 2, which includes a beer and rain garden, will begin shortly after.

Riverfront Plaza will feature an expanded Riverwalk, a rooftop playground and a multi-purpose event lawn for public gatherings. A state-of-the-art projection theater and surround-sound system will allow films and visuals to be displayed on the façade of the next-door Jacksonville Performing Arts Center, creating an immersive outdoor entertainment space. Public art installations, smart lighting systems and improved pedestrian infrastructure will further enhance the plaza.

“We are creating more than just a park,” Kernan said. “This space will redefine Jacksonville’s relationship with the riverfront.”

What’s Next: Final Phases and Community Impact

The final stage of Phase 1 construction will comprise landscaping, additional public art installations and pedestrian-friendly enhancements.

“This park will be a destination,” Boyer said. “People will come to Jacksonville just to experience it.”

Deegan underscored the importance of maintaining momentum across all revitalization projects, including the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Stadium of the Future, the University of Florida graduate campus and the Gateway Jax urban core development Pearl Square. Deegan used the event to announce a new digital feature, I Dig Jax, which provides information and updates on public projects Downtown. The feature can be accessed at jacksonville.gov/idigjax.

“If we can continue to move forward on these projects, on time and intentionally, then you’re going to see all of this reach completion in tandem,” Deegan said.

As cranes continue to reshape the skyline, 澳门足彩app team members continue working alongside the city and other collaborators to bring Riverfront Plaza to life.

“This is the beginning of a new era for the riverfront,” Kernan said. “It’s not just about construction – it’s about making Jacksonville a dynamic, community-centered destination that invites visitors and serves its residents.”

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