Hakimian Holdings has announced plans for a dynamic redevelopment at 245 Riverside Avenue in Downtown Jacksonville’s Brooklyn neighborhood. The proposed project includes a two-story retail and office addition as well as a one-story riverfront restaurant, aiming to enhance the site’s connection to the Northbank Riverwalk and contribute to a more pedestrian-friendly Riverside Avenue.
Originally completed in 2003, the existing building served as the corporate headquarters for The St. Joe Company, a major Florida-based land development firm. Founded by Ed Ball in 1936 as part of the Alfred I. du Pont Testamentary Trust, The St. Joe Company once operated a paper mill in Port St. Joe from 1938 to 1996 and became the second-largest private landholder in Florida. In 2010, the company relocated its headquarters to Watersound, Florida, reflecting its strategic shift toward real estate development.
Hakimian Holdings acquired the 245 Riverside Avenue property in 2022 for $25.15 million. If realized, the proposed expansion would mark a significant milestone in the ongoing revitalization of Jacksonville’s urban core, bringing new energy to both the riverfront and the surrounding Brooklyn district.
GENERAL INFORMATION
DDRB Application 2025-001 seeks Conceptual Review for two building additions to the building at 245 Riverside Avenue, originally constructed for and known as the “St. Joe” building. Constructed in 2003, the 135,000 square foot mid-rise building is located on a 3.4 acre parcel of land between Riverside Avenue and the St. Johns River. As illustrated by the below image, the office building is oriented to the St. Johns River, and, from Riverfront to Riverside Avenue, transitions from a parking garage to a lawn terracing downwards from its highest point level with the garage down to grade with River Side Avenue.
What is being proposed are two additions: two-story Riverside Avenue retail and office addition, and a single-story Riverfront restaurant addition.
The Riverfront addition is single-story, approximately 21’ in height and includes an activated rooftop. The existing office building is located landward of the St. Johns River approximately 134’ from the bulkhead; the proposed restaurant addition would be located approximately 70’ from its closest distance from the bulkhead, with the majority of its distance approximately 94’ landward of the bulkhead.
The Riverside Avenue addition is approximately 36’ in height, with retail bays at ground level and office above. The addition is approximately 70’ in depth, running parallel (length) along Riverside Avenue for approximately 173’.
Source: Downtown Development Review Board
Source: Downtown Development Review Board April 2025 meeting agenda packet.