A New Dawn for Downtown Jacksonville

Gateway Jax is a significant mixed-use development project underway in Downtown Jacksonville. The groundbreaking occurred today, with many local officials and developers in attendance. This ambitious undertaking aims to revitalize the city's core, repurposing First Baptist parking garages and adjacent properties and introducing a vibrant mix of residential, commercial, and retail spaces. The project is poised to reshape the urban landscape and catalyze economic growth.

Project Overview

• Location: Downtown Jacksonville, Florida

• Developer: Gateway Jax, led by experienced developer Bryan Moll

• Investment: Approximately $2 billion

• Scope: 22 acres of development, encompassing residential units, retail space, public spaces, and office buildings.

Bryan Moll, the CEO of Gateway Jax, is a seasoned developer with a track record of successful projects in Tampa and Washington, D.C. He is driven by a vision to revitalize Downtown Jacksonville, leveraging the city's growth potential and quality of life.

Key Components

• Pearl Square: The project's initial phase, Pearl Square, is currently under construction. This phase will include:

  • Block N11: The first component of Pearl Square is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion in mid-2026. This seven-story building will house 205 residential units and 24,086 square feet of retail, commercial, and storage space.

  • Public Spaces: New parks and a festival street.

  • Retail: A full-service grocery store and a high-end fitness club.

• Future Phases: Subsequent phases will introduce additional residential, commercial, and retail components, creating a thriving, walkable neighborhood.

Economic Impact

The Gateway Jax project is poised to have a significant economic impact on Downtown Jacksonville. It is estimated to:

• Create thousands of jobs

• Generate millions of dollars in tax revenue

• Stimulate further investment and development in the surrounding area

Groundbreaking Ceremony

The groundbreaking ceremony for the project took place on October 29, 2024, with notable attendees including:

• Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan

• U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean

• City Council President Randy White

• Council members Jimmy Peluso, Ron Salem, Nick Howland, Chris Miller, Reggie Gaffney Jr., and Ken Amaro

• Downtown Investment Authority CEO Lori Boyer

• Gateway Jax lead developer Bryan Moll

• Project partner Alex Sifakis of JWB Real Estate Capital

• Tony Cho, founder of Future of Cities, PHX-JAX Arts & Innovation District.

Gateway Jax represents a significant investment in Downtown Jacksonville's future. Creating a vibrant, mixed-use district aims to revitalize the city's core and position it as a premier destination for residents, businesses, and visitors.