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Analysis and original reporting from the team behind The Jaxson, which is dedicated to urbanism and culture on the First Coast. The Jaxson explores the big issues facing Jacksonville in the modern era of urban growth, with a look at today's development in the context of yesterday's history. The Jaxson is a partnership of Modern Cities and WJCT Public Media.
Featured image for “THE JAXSON | 5 historical facts about Murray Hill ”
April 18, 2023

THE JAXSON | 5 historical facts about Murray Hill 

Do you know these 5 facts about Murray Hill, one of urban Jacksonville’s emerging historic neighborhoods?…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | 5 more shared-use paths coming to town”
April 11, 2023

THE JAXSON | 5 more shared-use paths coming to town

Besides the Fuller Warren Bridge’s new shared-use path, here are 5 more major shared-use paths under construction in the Jacksonville…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | The 10-year saga of the Fuller Warren pedestrian path”
April 4, 2023

THE JAXSON | The 10-year saga of the Fuller Warren pedestrian path

A decade ago, concerned residents demanded a better transportation solution. As a result, the Fuller Warren Bridge shared-use path opens…

Featured image for “OPINION | The YIMBY case for historic preservation”
March 28, 2023

OPINION | The YIMBY case for historic preservation

In much writing about urban development, the pro-density Yes In My Backyard movement and historic preservation are often presented as…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | 5 women’s history sites and stories in Jacksonville”
March 21, 2023

THE JAXSON | 5 women’s history sites and stories in Jacksonville

In honor of Women’s History Month, here are a few sites and stories associated with women who transformed our community…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | Lenny’s Lawn: A 4-year retrospective”
March 14, 2023

THE JAXSON | Lenny’s Lawn: A 4-year retrospective

Here’s a look back at the decisions that led to “Lenny’s Lawn” and what the future may hold for the…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | 15 major apartment projects underway in or near Downtown”
March 7, 2023

THE JAXSON | 15 major apartment projects underway in or near Downtown

Here are 15 significant apartment or townhouse projects currently under construction in or near Downtown Jacksonville.…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | Jacksonville’s signature foods”
February 28, 2023

THE JAXSON | Jacksonville’s signature foods

Jax food: The comprehensive list of Jacksonville’s signature dishes.…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | 6 facts about LaVilla you should know”
February 21, 2023

THE JAXSON | 6 facts about LaVilla you should know

In honor of Black History Month, here’s a look at six stories from LaVilla’s past that deserve to be better…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | The architectural works of John Anderson Lankford”
February 14, 2023

THE JAXSON | The architectural works of John Anderson Lankford

Regarded as the “dean of Black architecture,” John Anderson Lankford was a nationally known early 20th century architect with significant…

Featured image for “OPINION | 5 ways to improve I-95 construction plans in Jacksonville’s urban core”
February 7, 2023

OPINION | 5 ways to improve I-95 construction plans in Jacksonville’s urban core

Proposed improvements to I-95 would hurt Downtown Jax. Here’s how to fix that.…

Featured image for “OPINION | Jax’s Godzilla strategy of urban development”
January 31, 2023

OPINION | Jax’s Godzilla strategy of urban development

Demolishing existing buildings in hopes that flashy new ones will replace them doesn’t work. It’s time to change gears.…

Featured image for “OPINION | Changing the urban landscape in 2023”
January 24, 2023

OPINION | Changing the urban landscape in 2023

2023 could be a year of big change for Jacksonville’s urban core. Here’s a look at five trends to watch…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | The railroads of Jacksonville”
January 17, 2023

THE JAXSON | The railroads of Jacksonville

Today, Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia continue to be served by several railroads.…

Featured image for “OPINION | How to fit a gas station into LaVilla”
January 10, 2023

OPINION | How to fit a gas station into LaVilla

These examples of urban gas stations show that a Daily’s station being proposed for LaVilla can be improved dramatically with…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | Florida’s disappearing citrus processing industry”
January 3, 2023

THE JAXSON | Florida’s disappearing citrus processing industry

The orange tree has been a major part of Florida’s identity for centuries. From Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | Waterfront parks: 5 models for Jacksonville”
December 20, 2022

THE JAXSON | Waterfront parks: 5 models for Jacksonville

Downtown Jacksonville boasts one of the most beautiful waterfronts in the country, but historically, our public space along it hasn’t…

Featured image for “OPINION | 4 myths about Jacksonville’s city government”
December 13, 2022

OPINION | 4 myths about Jacksonville’s city government

Jacksonville City Hall provides no shortage of things to criticize, but there are some common complaints that don’t stand up…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | List: The urban core’s largest historic public parks”
December 6, 2022

THE JAXSON | List: The urban core’s largest historic public parks

Jacksonville is one of largest cities by area in the contiguous U.S., covering 747 square miles of land area. It…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | Your tabletop Christmas Village is illegal under modern zoning laws”
November 29, 2022

THE JAXSON | Your tabletop Christmas Village is illegal under modern zoning laws

You may think your miniature Christmas Village is a quaint tribute to the building traditions of yesteryear. However, its walkable,…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | The first Thanksgivings on the First Coast”
November 22, 2022

THE JAXSON | The first Thanksgivings on the First Coast

Five decades before the Pilgrims celebrated their feast at Plymouth, Massachusetts, French and Spanish colonists held feasts of celebration on…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | LaVilla’s Railroad Row in color”
November 15, 2022

THE JAXSON | LaVilla’s Railroad Row in color

Between 1890 and 1920, more than 20 million immigrants arrived in the United States. Many found Jacksonville’s LaVilla neighborhood as…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | The last days of Adventure Landing”
November 8, 2022

THE JAXSON | The last days of Adventure Landing

For 27 years, Jacksonville Beach’s Adventure Landing has been one of the most popular attractions for kids and their families…

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | 5 mid-century modern neighborhoods in Jax”
November 1, 2022

THE JAXSON | 5 mid-century modern neighborhoods in Jax

Covering nearly 875 square miles, Jacksonville is a diverse community with a wide collection of neighborhoods appealing to different lifestyles.…