JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Downtown Jacksonville continues strong growth as 2025 ends, says Jake Gordon, CEO of Downtown Vision, Inc., who has been leading the organization for nearly 11 years and joined the next episode of “This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition.”
“It’s wonderful. My kids have grown up here. The Jaguars are having an amazing year. Finally. And it’s gorgeous out, so what more could you ask?” Gordon said.
Downtown Vision releases an annual State of Downtown Report measuring progress. Gordon says most metrics are up, showing continued momentum, but also highlighting how much more growth is possible.
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“We have about 9,000 residents downtown, up from 8,000 a year ago,” he said. “The goal is 20,000 residents or about 5% of the city’s population living downtown. Retail follows rooftops, so more residents bring more amenities.”
Jacksonville’s downtown spans about three square miles with distinct districts like Brooklyn, LaVilla and North Bank Court. Gordon noted the importance of walkability and transit options like JTA’s Navi autonomous vehicles to connect these areas.
The downtown development pipeline totals $6.5 billion, with $2.5 billion currently under construction. Major projects include Gateway Jacksonville’s $2 billion Pearl Square, new residential buildings, retail, hotels, and grocery stores like Whole Foods and an approved Publix.
“When I arrived 10 years ago, there were no cranes in the sky. Now there is significant investment and construction happening,” Gordon said.
Leadership commitment has been key to this progress. Mayors and city council members recognize downtown as an economic driver. Downtown’s taxable value is five to six times higher than suburban areas, helping fund city services.
Public spaces have also improved, creating life beyond the 9-to-5 office environment. Downtown now has three signature playgrounds and world-class parks like Riverfront Plaza and Friendship Fountain.
“Mayor Deegan said we want a front lawn for our city. Downtown should be that place on the river,” Gordon said.
The Emerald Trail, a connector for downtown neighborhoods, is part of the future vision alongside transit improvements. New supermarkets like Publix will enhance walkability and livability.
Brooklyn’s transformation with Whole Foods and new residential and retail options exemplifies the mixed-use growth happening across downtown.
The University of Florida’s graduate campus and the Florida Semiconductor Institute are major educational anchors coming to downtown, aligning with Jacksonville’s “eds and meds” strategy.
“This will be life-altering investment. Kids born tomorrow could attend graduate school downtown,” Gordon said.
The stadium of the future anchors an entertainment district with Jaguars headquarters, luxury hotels, and public spaces. Flexible transit systems like the Navi will accommodate diverse users and evolving needs.
“Downtown used to be inflexible. The new downtown will be hospitable and adaptable,” Gordon said.
As 2026 approaches, Downtown Vision and city leaders remain focused on building a vibrant, connected, and economically strong downtown Jacksonville.