An illustration shows the Publix planned at 119 W. Beaver St., part of a new building that will include a 15-story residential tower and 400 parking spaces. | Gateway/Pearl Square
Published on September 3, 2025 at 11:49 am
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Publix is coming to Downtown Jacksonville.
The grocer has signed on for the Pearl Square neighborhood that Gateway Jax is building in the north core.
Publix’s arrival will fill a gap in full-service grocery access for Downtown residents and marks the first new grocery store built in the area in more than a decade.
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The announcement comes just over a month after the Harveys closed at 777 N. Market St., leaving Downtown with no supermarkets for now. The city is reviewing a permit application to turn part of the Harveys into an Aldi market.
The new Publix Super Market will join a planned development that includes hundreds of residential units on top of thousands of square feet of new retail along blocks of walkable, tree-shaded streets.
The 31,000-square-foot Publix will be at 119 W. Beaver St., occupying a mixed-use building that will also include a 15-story residential tower with 250 apartments and 400 parking spaces. The project, developed in partnership with Corner Lot, could begin construction in summer 2026, Gateway Jax says.
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“A grocery store is the heartbeat of any neighborhood,” Gateway Jax CEO Bryan Moll said in a news release. “The addition of Publix, already well known and loved, is a game-changer for Downtown and an incredible step forward for Pearl Square. It brings everyday convenience and reinforces our commitment to building a complete, connected community that reflects the energy of Jacksonville.”
Publix spokesperson Hannah Herring said: “For 95 years, Publix has provided premier service and quality products in a welcoming store environment. We are excited to continue that legacy as part of the Pearl Square neighborhood.”
The eight-block Downtown redevelopment project will include an estimated $2 billion in investment by JWB Real Estate Capital and DLP Capital. Ultimately, Gateway Jax will span 28 city blocks, with more than 1,250 new residential units and 200,000 square feet of retail space, plus public parks.
The company broke ground just under a year ago on the first phase of the development: Pearl Square at 515 Pearl St.
On May 29, Gateway Jax broke ground on the second building in the development at 425 W. Beaver St., with 286 multifamily units, on-site parking and nearly 20,000 square feet of retail space. It should be done by 2027.
Earlier this year, the developers announced preliminary plans to restore the vacant Ambassador Hotel, a 101-year-old building at 420 N. Julia St., through a partnership with The Indigo Road Hospitality Group.
The new Publix, parking garage and residential tower at 119 W. Beaver St. will be built on land now occupied by one of the former First Baptist Church of Jacksonville buildings, which was converted into the NoCo Center and hosted shows like Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience.
