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Downtown Development
Redoubling Downtown Jacksonville's Revitalization
 Proposed Riverwalk improvements |
The renaissance of downtown Jacksonville has stalled as the economic downturn delays plans for shimmering high-rises along the St. Johns River. The Shipyards condo tower is on hold because of market conditions. Developer Cameron Kuhn’s projects face foreclosure. Some local funding for downtown services and capital improvements has dried up.
Still, Jacksonville economic developers say this is just the time to redouble downtown revitalization efforts. The Jacksonville Economic Development Commission has come out with a 19-point Downtown Action Plan with specific steps toward making downtown clean and safe; beautifying streetscapes; converting one-way streets to two-way; improving transit to downtown; targeting retail; and redeveloping neighborhoods.
“Redeveloping an urban area is a marathon, not a sprint,” says Robert M. Rhodes, a Foley & Lardner land-use lawyer who serves as chairman of the JEDC. “The present economy presents financial challenges, but a number of the action steps do not require large sums.” In addition, several city agencies with reliable funding will be engaged in the effort, along with the private sector.
The city council adopted a Downtown Master Plan in 2000 but it lacked specifics. The Downtown Action Plan, says Rhodes, “provides the guiding playbook.” Changes would include a more-welcoming entrance to the Metropolitan Park/Kids Kampus along the river and redevelopment of the area around the Friendship Fountain, Museum of Science and History and River City Brewing Co.
The idea is to keep downtown redevelopment moving forward so that Jacksonville remains attractive for developers when the economy rebounds. “Speaking as an optimistic Floridian about the present financial situation,” Rhodes says, “This too shall pass.”
