DIA votes to approve $114 million in incentives for Shipyards project
The Downtown Investment Authority on Wednesday voted unanimously to approve $114 million in incentives to help bring Jacksonville Jaguars Shad Khanโs vision of a Four Seasons and other amenities along the St. Johns River to life.
Jaguars president addresses Four Seasons hotel, land swap near Metro Park
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ On Tuesday, Jacksonville residents learned more about possible developments at the shipyard site, a new Four Seasons hotel near Metro Park and what is going to take the place of the Jacksonville Landing and other downtown projects along the St. Johns River. The Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) heard from many of the key players during a meeting, including the Jacksonville Jaguars, about the future of the riverfront projects. AdThe Jaguars plan is to use a portion of Metro Park where Kids Kampus used to be located. But that is creating somewhat of a rift because some are saying no part of Metro Park should be used for private development. AdโThe real question here is can moving it be better for the public?โ said DIA CEO Lori Boyer.
Plan to develop Jacksonville Shipyards clears DIA hurdle
An artist's rendering of what the Four Seasons hotel could look like in Jacksonville. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ A plan by Jaguars owner Shad Khan to develop the Jacksonville Shipyards is one step closer to materializing, but still far from reality. The original plan to build the hotel on the park site was turned down by the National Park Service in 2020. It has control over a portion of the original park site. The DIA plans to hold a workshop next Tuesday, where it will look over plans to address riverfront development in Downtown Jacksonville.
Business owner skeptical of Shad Khanโs proposed developments
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ A day after Jaguars President Mark Lamping pitched city officials on team owner Shad Khanโs plan to build a Four Seasons hotel along Jacksonvilleโs riverfront, public reaction began to pour in. RELATED: City officials learn cost-benefit details of Lot J developmentโJacksonville moves best when it moves together,โ Carlucci said. This despite an auditor saying the city stood to make 44 cents for every dollar invested in the Lot J development. RELATED: City would make 44 cents for every $1 spent on Lot J developmentJackson took issue with the mayorโs statement. As for Lot J, the Council is planning to hold a special meeting on that topic on Thursday at 5 p.m.
Khan envisions Four Seasons for Jacksonvilleโs Metro Park site
Khan, who bought the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto in 2016, wants to build the hotel where Metropolitan Park sits along the Northbank. During Thursdayโs DIA meeting, Lamping said the Lot J development would be a catalyst for additional efforts to revitalize the area. RELATED: Curry & Khan unveil plans for Lot J developmentOriginally, Khan mentioned moving the cityโs convention center to the Shipyards site. Meanwhile, the City Council is still debating the merits of the cityโs involvement in the Lot J project. The DIA board is set to discuss incentives for Lot J next week.
Luxury hotel group enters private jet wars
Four Seasons announced its Private Jet experience in 2015. It appears the sky and the sea are no longer the limit for wealthy travelers for whom, to quote Jessie J, it's not about the money money money. The luxury portfolio with 34 resorts, hotels and private residences just announced its new Aman Private Jet. Unlike the Four Seasons jet (and a new custom Airbus A321neo launches in 2021), which has set itineraries and room for 40 plus guests, the Aman Private Jet is more akin to a charter, with a 12-person maximum. A Private Jet Concierge will handle every detail of the journey, be it a family escape or a corporate retreat.