Riverfront Plaza design competition: Perkins & Will, One Park Jax

Three design firms presented their plans June 24 for the Riverfront Plaza space where the Jacksonville Landing previously stood.

Perkins & Will, based in Chicago, completed other projects such as Emancipation Park in Houston and Waterfront Botanical Gardens in Louisville, Kentucky.  

Its proposal comprises a central lawn, park pavilion, grass amphitheater, play space, living shoreline, a sculpture designed by artist Jefrë, beer garden, outdoor dining and floating docks.

The firm said in the June 24 presentation its budget for the project is $24,967,893. 

The city Professional Services Evaluation Committee voted 3-0 March 18 to select the companies that each will be paid $125,000 to complete 50% of the design work for a minimum 4.5-acre park for the site at 2 Independent Drive W.

Plans submitted to the city must include a riverview corridor from Laura Street and public art pieces must be an integral part of the design, according to the RFP qualifications. 

The teams are required to have a landscape architect, an urban designer and/or architect and an artist.

DIA officials want the firm selected to have its design complete by Oct. 1, then the city will bid construction and break ground on the park in early 2022.

See the other two firms' plans for Riverfront Plaza here and here.