An “iconic” hotel, multifamily housing, community fields and a public park.
Those are just some of the ideas Shad Khan unveiled today for the Downtown Shipyards property.
After years of speculation and anticipated unveilings, the Jacksonville Jaguars owner publicly announced his plans Tuesday at the team’s “State of the Franchise” presentation.
The annual event serves as an update to the team’s revenue and progress compared to other NFL teams and markets.
The team is in the bottom half of the NFL when it comes to such metrics, but the Shipyards plan is designed to improve those fortunes and keep the team sustainable — a goal that team officials have talked about for some time.
The mixed-use site’s plans on the Northbank riverfront would be activated year-round and would have housing, offices and retail stores, but essentially be broken into zones.
The western portion of the West Bay Street project would be considered “live,” featuring residential, some recreation and a possible marina.
Moving east, next would be a “work” zone with offices and commercial space, and further east a “stay” zone with a hotel, meeting rooms and office rentals.
Last, on the easternmost portion, is a “play” zone with an amphitheater, public park and the community fields.
Throughout most of the zones will be restaurants and other small commercial space.
Other ideas pitched for the 48-acre site include a marina, an amphitheater, a boardwalk and a permanent home for the USS Adams.
Khan said after the presentation that any deal would be a public-private partnership with the city. He did not provide details about potential costs or the number of residential units that might be included.
The former Shipyards site has environmental concerns that are being looked at by consultant hired by the city. A $750,000 contract was approved for site assessment and the first work order for soil and groundwater assessment will be issued this week for about $550,000, according to the city.
That money will come from a more than $13 million settlement the city received after the site’s former developer went bankrupt.
Khan’s proposal will be delivered to the Downtown Investment Authority on Monday.
@writerchapman
(904) 356-2466