Published on January 8, 2025 at 12:40 pm
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This will be an exciting year for Jacksonville’s urban core. While much local focus has been centered on Downtown revitalization, the urban core as a whole is on the rise. In 2025, here are three predictions that could permanently change urban Jacksonville for the better.
Year of urban infrastructure
While the projects may not draw the same type of media coverage as a new NFL stadium or parks along the river, a strong and resilient infrastructure network is necessary to support the vision of a vibrant, pedestrian-oriented urban core. While it may take some time to see multiple new tower cranes rise in Downtown, hundreds of millions will continue to be invested in “complete streets” projects throughout the urban core.
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In Downtown, the long awaited plan to two-way Forsyth and Adams streets should pick up steam, and the Park Street road diet should be completed later this year. With its first segment, the LaVilla Link, completed in 2024, two additional segments of the Emerald Trail, the McCoys Creek Greenway and Hogan Street Cycle Track, will continue to progress this year.
The Florida Department of Transportation is also heavily investing in the urban core’s infrastructure network with the widening of Interstate 10 between Interstates 95 and I-295 on the Westside and I-95 in Englewood between Atlantic and University boulevards. FDOT will also complete roadway improvement projects at Hendricks Avenue and San Marco Boulevard in San Marco and Main Street in Springfield. The first of a series of pedestrian safety improvement projects planned for Kings Road between Edward Waters University and I-95 in Durkeeville will also begin.
Intended to facilitate freight movement at riverfront port facilities on the Eastside, construction will continue on a new railroad line in Longbranch that will include grade-separated crossings at Evergreen Avenue and Wigmore Street.
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Adaptive reuse will still drive Northbank growth
Adaptive reuse is defined as repurposing a building for a different use than its original intended purpose, essentially giving new life to old structures by renovating them to serve a new function while preserving their historical and architectural value, instead of demolishing them. It’s considered a sustainable design strategy that helps conserve resources and cultural heritage.
As Florida’s oldest large city, Jacksonville’s collection of historic buildings is one of the city’s most significant unique assets. In 2025, the adaptive reuse of existing structures and underutilized spaces will continue to drive growth and development in the Northbank. Major adaptive reuse projects that will either be under construction or completed Downtown include Decca Live, Jones Brothers Furniture Co., the Jacksonville History Center, LaVilla Place, 1037 Hendricks Ave., and The June. Major adaptive reuse projects just outside of Downtown’s limits include the Union Terminal Warehouse Co., Phoenix Arts & Innovation District and Made at the Armory.
Downtown becomes a restaurant magnet
For years, many Downtown revitalization advocates have dreamed of streets lined with restaurants and sidewalk cafés. In addition to the restaurants and bars already open Downtown, a host of new restaurants will either open or break ground in Jacksonville’s central business district in 2025. New food and beverage concepts on the Northbank include Baby Got Brunch, The Co-op Frosé & Eatery, The Oak Steakhouse, and Pour Taproom. Downtown concepts headed to Brooklyn and LaVilla include Alder & Oak, Blueberry Bakery, Bold City Brewery, Dorothy’s Downtown, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Players Grille Restaurant & Bar, and Southern Grounds & Co. Expect many more announcements throughout the year.
