JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Change is coming to Jacksonville’s skyline, and Wednesday could be a pivotal next step in the decision-making.
The Downtown Investment Authority will meet Wednesday afternoon to consider a series of decisions that could reshape the city’s riverfront and Southbank, including steps toward adding a restaurant at Riverfront Plaza, clearing the former Museum of Science & History site, and advancing a proposed $110 million hotel tied to Baptist Health.
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The meeting could focus on both near-term activation of downtown spaces and long-term redevelopment plans.
Riverfront Plaza restaurant proposal
A key item on the agenda involves Riverfront Plaza, once known as the city’s social hub, “The Landing”.
DIA members are expected to approve a framework that would allow the city to seek a restaurant operator for a portion of the riverfront property.
The resolution would establish the terms and scoring criteria for proposals and authorize the issuance of a formal notice inviting interested operators to apply. If approved, the move would mark the first concrete step toward bringing a permanent dining option back to the riverfront since the Landing’s demolition.
The site is now controlled by Gateway Jax, which recently completed a land swap with the city. Under its redevelopment agreement, Gateway Jax has committed to building a 17-story mixed-use tower that would include a hotel, residential units, restaurant and retail space, and public riverfront areas. The tower project would require future approvals and incentives, but city leaders say the restaurant proposal could help activate the riverfront in the meantime.
MOSH demolition permit under review
The DIA will also review progress related to the former Museum of Science & History building on the Southbank, where the city is considering a permit that would allow the structure to be demolished.
RELATED | City reviewing permit to demolish closed Southbank MOSH
MOSH closed its Southbank location last fall as it prepares for a major expansion and relocation to the Northbank. The new museum is expected to open in 2028.
The existing four-story building, which spans more than 83,000 square feet, has been part of Jacksonville’s cultural landscape for decades.
Baptist Health hotel proposal
Another major topic is a proposed 15-story hotel on the Baptist Health campus on the Downtown Southbank.
The DIA is expected to consider on Wednesday a nearly $21 million incentive package that would help fund the hotel.
Baptist Health plans to build a 226-room hotel at Palm Avenue and Gary Street, currently a surface parking lot. The nearly $110 million project would be owned by Baptist Health and operated by a national hospitality company. Plans include a rooftop restaurant and terrace open to the public.
RELATED | Baptist Health planning nearly $110M hotel on Jacksonville’s Southbank
According to the project leaders, Baptist Health would own the hotel; however, another company would be operating the day-to-day operations.
Project leaders added that they don’t want this to be mistaken as a hospital hotel, but instead something for everyone to enjoy.
Developers have requested city incentives tied to the project, which supporters say would help serve hospital patients and families while also adding more activity and lodging options Downtown.
These projects will go before the DIA at 2 p.m. on Wednesday. News4JAX will be attending the meeting and will provide updates. For the link to the virtual meeting, click here.