JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Downtown Jacksonville is at a crossroads, with historic buildings, corporate offices, and new dining spots all under discussion for potential redevelopment.
On Wednesday, the Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) is expected to explore the future of Snyder Memorial Church, EverBank’s downtown operations, and a proposed waterfront restaurant — all projects that could shape the city’s urban core for years to come.
Historic Snyder Memorial Church could find new life
Downtown Jacksonville may soon see a piece of its history restored and repurposed.
Snyder Memorial Church, a Gothic-style building constructed in 1902 after the Great Fire of 1901, has been mostly vacant for decades.
On Wednesday, the DIA is expected to review how the historic structure could be repurposed for modern use—such as offices, restaurants, or event space—while preserving its architectural character. No formal vote on selling or leasing the property is expected at this meeting. Instead, board members are exploring options and preparing for possible future actions.
“The Snyder Memorial Church is on the national register of historic places, and it’s a locally landmarked structure of Jacksonville,” said Dr. Alan Bliss, CEO of the Jacksonville History Center. “It fully deserves that recognition because it’s one of the first significant buildings that was built after the fire.”
The church sits on a prime corner near James Weldon Johnson Park and the Jacksonville Public Library. Its future could play a key role in downtown’s ongoing revitalization.
“We’re seeing a real significant capital investment by private capital and the adaptation of old buildings and structures in downtown Jacksonville,” Bliss said. “Redevelopment of the Snyder Memorial Church will help with reaccelerating the activation and animation of downtown’s urban core.”
The city has committed $4.5 million toward critical repairs, including the roof and foundation, making the building safe and attractive to developers. Possible uses include offices, restaurants, or event venues, aiming to blend Jacksonville’s historic character with 21st-century growth.
EverBank looks to stay downtown
In other discussions, the DIA is considering a $9.8 million conditional office retention grant to keep EverBank’s downtown operations.
The incentive would preserve more than 800 full-time jobs and ensure the company maintains a presence in the Northbank office corridor. EverBank has also pledged at least $35 per rentable square foot in tenant improvements, while the building owner plans to invest $10 million in upgrades over the next three years.
Exploring waterfront dining
Downtown developers are also exploring new dining options along the riverfront. A proposed restaurant could bring fresh culinary offerings to the area, complementing the growing number of venues, parks, and attractions emerging in Jacksonville’s urban core.
“One thing I have heard, they really want waterfront dining,” said Collin Tarbert, CEO of the Downtown Investment Authority. “Right now, I think it’s very limited.”
Balancing history and growth
Bliss emphasized that adapting the historic church will require significant investment but could yield major economic benefits.
“Being a historic church, it takes a significant amount of capital to adapt it and deploy some kind of use that will be sustainable,” Dr. Bliss said. “Rehabilitating this building, putting it back in service, will yield economic value and enhance property value for blocks around.”
City officials say the discussion marks an early step in the ongoing effort to bring new life to downtown, with any future decisions on redevelopment or approvals expected in the coming months.
Click here to watch the meeting at 1:30 pm.