Blackwater Development announced Aug. 7 that it appointed Thomas Duke Architect as the principal architectural firm for its flagship initiative, the redevelopment of the 58-year-old Regency Square Mall as The Nexus at Regency.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Thomas Duke Architect, PA whose innovative design philosophy and profound knowledge of Northeast Florida’s architectural landscape make them the ideal partner for this ambitious endeavor,” said Blackwater Development owner Rurmell McGee in a news release.
“Their expertise will be essential in crafting a development that embodies our vision to help revitalize the Arlington area.”
Lake City-based Blackwater Development bought much of Regency Square Mall at 9501 Arlington Expressway with plans for what McGee called “a groundbreaking mixed-use development that aims to transform the Arlington area of Jacksonville.”
Thomas Duke Architect is based in Jacksonville.
“The Nexus at Regency offers a rare opportunity to create something truly iconic and enduring for Jacksonville,” Principal-in-Charge Thomas Duke said in the release.
“We are proud to lead the design of a project that aims to unite the community, promote economic development, and enhance the built environment of the Regency corridor.”
Blackwater Development LLC bought the bulk of the Arlington mall property April 9 for $19.1 million from New York-based limited liability companies associated with Mason Asset Management and Namdar Realty Group.
Impact Church, Dillard’s Clearance Center and the former Sears store at the mall property are separately owned and are were not involved in the sale. The church and Dillard’s continue to operate.
Regency Square Mall’s two remaining inside tenants closed May 31.
Blackwater Development bought 960,162 square feet of commercial space on almost 90 acres, deeds show.
Most of that space is expected to be demolished and the acreage redeveloped.
In April 2025, Blackwater paid $20,000 to the city to settle $1.922 million in code compliance fines that the seller piled up as the mall deteriorated with damaged ceilings, floors and other structures.
Blackwater has up to two years to comply with the settlement obligations or lose the money and face the resumption of fines.
One way to comply is demolition, which is what Blackwater intends to do.
Blackwater said upon the purchase that it will rename the property as The Nexus at Regency and redevelop it with multifamily residential communities, financial institutions and nationally recognized retail brands.