The city of Jacksonville and the University of Florida (UF) are forging ahead with their partnership to develop a new graduate campus in downtown Jacksonville. As reported by News4JAX, the city is offering 23 buildable acres to UF, aiming to inject new life into the LaVilla neighborhood. Classes are expected to begin this fall at a currently available building on 801 W. Bay Street. Mayor Donna Deegan commented on the plans, stating, "We are excited to be another step closer to a thriving downtown where our citizens can learn, live, work, and play."
Further details from First Coast News include plans for specific sites, such as Site A, which will house a minimum 60,000-square-foot building with a significant $80 million capital investment. Efforts to immediately start design are set to begin later this year. Site B is planned to feature a 20,000-square-foot building with a publicly accessible ground floor retail space facing the Emerald Trail.
In a series of property swaps, the Prime Osborn Convention Center and the historic train station will be part of the broader redevelopment vision. According to Jacksonville.com, UF will redevelop the train station to include a restaurant, bar, and retail spaces, while the convention center will remain under city operation for at least five more years.
A critical component of the land swaps involves Gateway Jax, as it agreed to surrender the 801 W. Bay Street building to the city, which will then transfer it to UF for its new campus. In exchange, Gateway Jax is set to receive a slice of land in Riverfront Plaza for the potential construction of a 17-story tower. "As a result of the land swap, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to transform the Jacksonville waterfront with a new luxury hotel and residential project at Riverfront Plaza," Bryan Moll, CEO of Gateway Jax, told News4JAX.
The proposal still needs to receive the green light from the Downtown Investment Authority and subsequently from the city council. A board vote is scheduled for February 19, and if passed, it could mark a significant milestone for downtown Jacksonville's revitalization efforts.
