{"id":390832,"date":"2025-11-19T22:08:17","date_gmt":"2025-11-19T22:08:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/390832\/"},"modified":"2025-11-19T22:08:17","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T22:08:17","slug":"downtown-is-changing-heres-a-look-at-its-growth-in-the-past-year-and-where-its-headed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/390832\/","title":{"rendered":"Downtown is changing. Here\u2019s a look at its growth in the past year and where it\u2019s headed"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 bYFsJw cuqaEv article-text\"><strong>JACKSONVILLE, Fla.<br \/>\n<\/strong> \u2013 Within the past year, downtown Jacksonville has undergone massive improvements and growth.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 bYFsJw cuqaEv article-text\">The Downtown Vision, Inc. tracks that progress and released its 2025 State of Downtown comprehensive report recapping the area\u2019s development from Jan. 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 bYFsJw cuqaEv article-text\">\u201cThe data in this year\u2019s State of Downtown Report highlights steady growth across nearly every metric we track \u2013 proof that Downtown Jacksonville\u2019s future has never looked brighter,&#8221; Downtown Vision CEO Jake Gordon said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 bYFsJw cuqaEv article-text\"><b>MORE | <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.news4jax.com\/news\/local\/2025\/09\/14\/historic-jea-headquarters-in-downtown-jacksonville-to-become-vibrant-mixed-use-hub-under-new-plans\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.news4jax.com\/news\/local\/2025\/09\/14\/historic-jea-headquarters-in-downtown-jacksonville-to-become-vibrant-mixed-use-hub-under-new-plans\/\"><b>Historic JEA headquarters in downtown Jacksonville to become vibrant mixed-use hub under new plans<\/b><\/a><b> | <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.news4jax.com\/sports\/2024\/05\/14\/city-jaguars-unveil-14-billion-cost-for-stadium-of-the-future-invest-more-in-downtown-jacksonville\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.news4jax.com\/sports\/2024\/05\/14\/city-jaguars-unveil-14-billion-cost-for-stadium-of-the-future-invest-more-in-downtown-jacksonville\/\"><b>City, Jaguars unveil $1.4 billion cost for \u2018Stadium of the Future,\u2019 invest more in downtown Jacksonville<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 bYFsJw cuqaEv article-text\">The report assesses downtown Jacksonville across development and investment, residential demand, the office market and employment, transportation and infrastructure, and tourism health to benchmark trends and guide investment decisions.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 bYFsJw cuqaEv article-text\">According to the report, nearly $3 billion ($2.84 billion) in projects have been either completed or are under construction throughout downtown\u2019s eight neighborhoods: Brooklyn, LaVilla, City Center, Northcore, Cathedral Hill, Sports and Entertainment, Working Waterfront, and Southbank.<\/p>\n<p>Downtown&#8217;s eight neighborhoods, per the DVI (Downtown Vision, Inc.&#8217;s 2024-2025 State of Downtown Report)<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 bYFsJw cuqaEv article-text\">That list of projects that will transform downtown\u2019s landscape includes major additions such as<\/p>\n<ul class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 kDvXdO font_openSans articleList\">\n<li class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__StackBase-sc-1fnzlkn-7 ecGWWE iQviKm\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.news4jax.com\/news\/local\/2025\/05\/29\/gateway-jax-breaking-ground-on-second-building-of-pearl-square-downtown\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.news4jax.com\/news\/local\/2025\/05\/29\/gateway-jax-breaking-ground-on-second-building-of-pearl-square-downtown\/\">Pearl Square<\/a> &#8211; includes housing, lodging, restaurants and retail across nine blocks<\/li>\n<li class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__StackBase-sc-1fnzlkn-7 ecGWWE iQviKm\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.news4jax.com\/news\/local\/2023\/11\/08\/new-690m-southbank-development-hopes-to-bring-housing-to-void-along-st-johns-river-after-years-of-promises\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.news4jax.com\/news\/local\/2023\/11\/08\/new-690m-southbank-development-hopes-to-bring-housing-to-void-along-st-johns-river-after-years-of-promises\/\">RiversEdge<\/a> &#8211; includes riverfront housing and parks <\/li>\n<li class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__StackBase-sc-1fnzlkn-7 ecGWWE iQviKm\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.news4jax.com\/news\/local\/2025\/10\/22\/a-fresh-clean-start-250m-one-riverside-project-among-developments-starting-to-flourish-in-jacksonville\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.news4jax.com\/news\/local\/2025\/10\/22\/a-fresh-clean-start-250m-one-riverside-project-among-developments-starting-to-flourish-in-jacksonville\/\">One Riverside<\/a> &#8211; includes riverfront residential units, dining, and retail<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 bYFsJw cuqaEv article-text\">\u201cOver the past year, Downtown has continued its evolution into a vibrant center of culture, innovation, education, and opportunity,\u201d Mayor Donna Deegna said in a letter about the report. \u201cThese investments are creating a Downtown that reflects the best of who we are: forward-looking, resilient, and full of energy. All of this progress builds toward one clear outcome: a Downtown that is connected, accessible, and alive.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 bYFsJw cuqaEv article-text\">Downtown has 70 acres of parks undergoing major renovations to provide recreational activities, ecological diversity and spaces for community gatherings.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 bYFsJw cuqaEv article-text\">Downtown is home to nearly 9,000 (8,941) residents. The report said the housing market has expanded significantly over the years, with a total of 5,665 housing units.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 bYFsJw cuqaEv article-text\"><b>MORE ON DOWNTOWN\u2019S DEVELOPMENT<\/b> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.news4jax.com\/news\/local\/2025\/02\/10\/riverfront-plaza-first-part-of-jacksonvilles-downtown-transformation-to-open-by-end-of-this-year-city-says\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.news4jax.com\/news\/local\/2025\/02\/10\/riverfront-plaza-first-part-of-jacksonvilles-downtown-transformation-to-open-by-end-of-this-year-city-says\/\"><b>There are 10 major downtown projects in the works. Here\u2019s when they are expected to be completed<\/b><\/a><b> | <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.news4jax.com\/news\/local\/2025\/11\/05\/proposed-legislation-to-expand-sidewalk-dining-in-downtown-jacksonville-moves-forward\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.news4jax.com\/news\/local\/2025\/11\/05\/proposed-legislation-to-expand-sidewalk-dining-in-downtown-jacksonville-moves-forward\/\"><b>Proposed legislation to expand sidewalk dining in downtown Jacksonville moves forward<\/b><\/a><b> | <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.news4jax.com\/news\/local\/2025\/09\/12\/city-finalizing-design-for-metropolitan-park-revitalization-project\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.news4jax.com\/news\/local\/2025\/09\/12\/city-finalizing-design-for-metropolitan-park-revitalization-project\/\"><b>New renderings unveiled for Metropolitan Park redevelopment in downtown Jacksonville<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 bYFsJw cuqaEv article-text\">Almost 47,000 employees work in downtown. The office landscape offers nearly 8 million square feet of commercial space for businesses.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 bYFsJw cuqaEv article-text\">Though vacancy rates have increased after the pandemic, the report said, the office market has gained momentum and become adaptable to the shift to remote and hybrid schedules.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 bYFsJw cuqaEv article-text\">The report also highlighted efforts to enhance transportation and infrastructure with the Jacksonville Transportation Authority\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.news4jax.com\/news\/local\/2025\/06\/29\/jacksonvilles-first-driverless-public-transportation-service-begins-monday\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.news4jax.com\/news\/local\/2025\/06\/29\/jacksonvilles-first-driverless-public-transportation-service-begins-monday\/\">Neighborhood Autonomous Vehicle Innovation program<\/a> and the conversion of Adams and Forsyth streets from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.news4jax.com\/traffic\/2025\/07\/02\/portions-of-forsyth-adams-streets-return-to-2-way-travel-in-downtown-jacksonville\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.news4jax.com\/traffic\/2025\/07\/02\/portions-of-forsyth-adams-streets-return-to-2-way-travel-in-downtown-jacksonville\/\">one-way to two-way streets<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 bYFsJw cuqaEv article-text\">Take a look at the entire annual report below:<\/p>\n<p>Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX &#8211; All rights reserved.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 Within the past year, downtown Jacksonville has undergone massive improvements and growth. The Downtown Vision,&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":11723,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5136],"tags":[5229,18362,3188,723,7310,67,586,132,5230,68,2969],"class_list":{"0":"post-390832","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-jacksonville","8":"tag-america","9":"tag-downtown-development","10":"tag-fl","11":"tag-florida","12":"tag-jacksonville","13":"tag-united-states","14":"tag-united-states-of-america","15":"tag-unitedstates","16":"tag-unitedstatesofamerica","17":"tag-us","18":"tag-usa"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/115578647544347588","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/390832","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=390832"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/390832\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11723"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=390832"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=390832"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=390832"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}