While the land was assembled quietly, the 20-plus blocks and 22 acres owned by Gateway Jax partners and developers in Downtown’s NorthCore is in city review for approvals and permitting for a $500 million first phase.
Gateway expects to develop at least 1,000 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom market-rate apartments and 99,000 square feet of retail space, including at least one grocery store, in the first phase that begins development in mid-2024.
That phase, the Pearl Street District, is designed to comprise one 22-story and two seven-floor residential buildings along with walkable retail and green space.
The initial phase of Blocks N-4, N-5, N-8, N-9 and N-11 are bordered by Union, Julia, Church and Clay streets and bisected by Pearl, Beaver and Ashley streets.
Gateway Jax CEO Bryan Moll, DLP Capital CEO and founder Don Wenner and JWB Real Estate Capital President Alex Sifakis presented the project at a news conference Sept. 20.
JWB initially acquired the majority of the properties that are now in the Gateway Jax portfolio, such as Block N-5, the First Baptist “lighthouse garage” that JWB bought in December 2021.
Developers estimate a $2 billion build-out over a decade, and are looking at more property to add to the deal.
Here is a look at some of the biggest deals and people who made headlines in 2023.
Top Deals:
Cosentino Group plans $270 million first phase of manufacturing plant. Story here
Phoenix Arts & Innovation District launches in New Springfield. Story here
Blackwater Development says it has Regency Square Mall deal. Story here
Ponte Vedra Inn & Club wins approval to start expansion, renovations. Story here
ICE finalizes its $11.9 billion acquisition of Black Knight Inc. Story here
‘Stadium of the Future’ plans are unveiled by the Jaguars. Story here
Aldi buying Winn-Dixie, Harveys parent Southeastern Grocers. Story here
Regency Centers buys Urstadt Biddle in $1.4 billion deal. Story here
Top Newsmakers:
Donna Deegan makes history as Jacksonville’s first female mayor. Story here
Bryan Moll poised to help revitalize Downtown with Gateway Jax. Story here
Nick Allard guides JU College of Law toward new Downtown campus. Story here
Aundra Wallace an assured but low-key leader in region’s growth. Story here
Suzanne Pickett: Advocate for city’s Historic Eastside. Story here
Obituaries of 2023:
Activist and community advocate Ben Frazier. Story here
Beaver Street Fisheries Chairman Hans ‘Harry’ Frisch. Story here
Civic leader and insurance executive Marvin Cecil 'Ceree' Harden III. Story here