DVI reports on the State of Downtown

FOLIO May 12, 2015 Art News, Brooklyn, Business, Community, Downtown, Feature, Hemming Park, Jacksonville's Sports Complex, Lifestyle, Northbank, Southbank, Urban Planning

Each year, Downtown Vision, Inc. publishes its “State of Downtown” report. The publication analyzes the previous year’s trends and successes, providing a snapshot of Downtown Jacksonville’s health and progress.

Today, we are pleased to release the 2014 report, which covers information on:

investment + development
office + employment
residential
culture + entertainment
restaurants + retail
hotels + convention
clean + safe
getting around

The stars are aligning for Downtown. Investor interest in the riverfront; strengthened connectivity between Downtown and Riverside; and the re-imagination and launch of one-of-a-kind destinations make 2014 a year worth celebrating:

The City of Jacksonville and its authorities currently control more than 115 acres of publicly owned vacant land along our phenomenal Downtown riverfront. The DIA is expediting three catalyst sites: 1) finalizing the sale of the 28-acre former JEA site on the Southbank – with work to begin in late 2015; 2) bringing in an urban waterfront designer to work with The Jacksonville Landing to redesign its seven central acres; and 3) receiving proposals for the development of the 48-acre Shipyards site near the Sports Complex.

The Brooklyn of the South booms again. The growth of Downtown’s Brooklyn neighborhood is creating connectivity between Downtown its vibrant Riverside-Avondale neighbor, with more than 600 new residential units and 18,000 square feet of retail slated for completion by the end of 2015.

One-of-a-kind experiences make Downtown a sweet destination. Two privately managed commons, Hemming Park and Unity Plaza, will offer daily events and new festivals to triple the number of people coming Downtown. Locally owned businesses are bringing new flavor to Downtown, including the Willy Wonka-esque Sweet Pete’s and Candy Apple Café and Cocktails; Jacksonville favorite Peterbrooke Chocolatier; and the charming Urban Grind Coffee Co. Over the next year, the high-end steak restaurant Cowford Chophouse will breathe life into the long-vacant Bostwick Building; Intuition Ale Works will bring the highly popular craft beer scene into Downtown; and Superfood & Brew will turn a food truck favorite into a stationary success. Retailers are looking to Downtown because of its central and affordable location and the DIA’s $750,000 Retail Enhancement Grant Program.

Download the 2014 State of Downtown Report here, or scroll down to view it online. Also, you can stay up-to-date on all things Downtown daily at downtownjacksonville.org and DVI’s social media: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.