JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Our News4JAX viewers have told us over the years that they want to know what exactly is happening with downtown projects -- after countless renderings, a lot of setbacks and a lot of unfulfilled promises.
They might be able to get some of those answers Wednesday night at a public meeting at 5:30 p.m. at the Downtown Public Library. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Jacksonville city leaders are expected to give an update at the meeting on the many downtown projects currently underway and where they stand.
The public is encouraged to be there to ask questions and be part of the conversation.
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The city hasn’t been specific on exactly what we can expect to hear Wednesday night, but at future meetings, we’ll hear more about specific projects.
Arguably, the biggest project is the Jaguars’ “Stadium of the Future,” which would require a sizable investment directly from Jacksonville taxpayers. Negotiations are still underway, and as of now, no final decisions have been made.
Another big project is the Four Seasons Hotel, next to the Jaguars stadium in the city’s sports complex. Construction has started and should wrap up in 2026.
Other projects haven’t been as successful.
Last month, the Downtown Investment Authority said both the proposed American Lions Tower at the former Jacksonville Landing site and the Hardwick at Ford on Bay where the old Duval County courthouse used to be have been shelved because of rising construction costs and problems getting large-project financing
The sites might now be up for new development proposals.
Another major setback for the sports complex was the RISE Doro apartment fire, which destroyed all units just days before the first tenants were scheduled to move in. Crews have been demolishing the remains of the building for about a month.
The RISE corporation does plan to rebuild, but there’s no time frame on when that will start or how long it will take.