Construction is beginning in the Phoenix Arts & Innovation District, a development of artist studios, gathering spaces, retail and restaurants in North Springfield.

The development, known as PHX JAX, will comprise 10 properties across 8.3 acres, including repurposed warehouse spaces in a designated opportunity zone.

The first pharse will begin with Emerald Station, featuring creative offices, community gathering spaces and an event facility, according to the developer, Future of Cities, based in Miami.

A second building, the Liberty Building, will begin in the first quarter of 2024. Both buildings are scheduled to be turned over the tenants in the third quarter next year, Future of Cities said in a news release.

The properties are at 2320 N. Liberty St. and 2336 N. Liberty St.

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“The Phoenix Arts & Innovation District is an opportunity to co-create in partnership with the neighborhood of North Springfield a new vision for its future,” said Tony Cho, CEO and founder of Future of Cities and founding managing partner of PHX JAX. “We’ve learned through experience on other projects in Miami that the input of artists, residents and the city at large is essential to success. We are excited to see how this dynamic regenerative placemaking development will serve as a destination designed to ignite creativity and community.”

Future of Cities said the work is funded through a $7 million loan from Local Initiatives Support Corp. that closed last week.

Complementing the first two buildings is a property at 2335 Market St. that will be an outdoor market space serving as a hub of community activity. The project’s goal is to get this outdoor space open by spring 2024. Naked Kitchen is the first food and beverage concept to enter an agreement for the space.

Future of Cities says its goal is to “reimagine how we live, work, play and learn. … We take a holistic place-based approach to regenerative development to adopt environmental, social and governance strategies that improve the quality of urban living across the globe.”

PHX JAX plans to host community events during the redevelopment. The events will give people an opporunity to learn about plans for the site and to contribute ideas, the company said. Two events are planned this week:

• Holiday food disbution, 3 p.m. Wednesday. PHX JAX will sponsor a food distribution through Feeding Northeast Florida. Food-insecure households are invited to come pick up groceries at 2402 Market St.

• Holiday creative mixer: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday. Creatives and artists are invited to a holiday mixer for friendship and festivities. Bring a piece of your art for a white elephant art exchange game.

For more information about coworking, artist studios or events, email info@phxjax.com or go to PHXJAX.com.

Lead image: The Phoenix Arts & Innovation District comprises 10 properties across 8.3 acres in the North Springfield neighborhood. It will begin with two properties at 2320 and 2336 N. Liberty St. | Jacksonville Daily Record