13. Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. Headquarters
Construction continues on a $145 million world headquarters office tower for Jacksonville-based Fortune 500 company Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. Anticipated to be completed by June 2022, the 12-story, 300,000 square foot tower will overlook the St. Johns River with structured parking along Riverside Avenue. The project is expected to create 500 additional jobs.
For more information: Brooklyn’s proposed FIS World Headquarters
14. Times Union Bulkhead Replacement Project
Riverwalk bulkhead replacement work and installation of new floating docks continue along the Northbank and Southbank Riverwalks. The reconstruction of the docks destroyed by Hurricane Irma and Matthew several years ago is being funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for $3.895 million. The City of Jacksonville anticipates completion by late 2021.
For more information, call 630-CITY (2489) or visit COJ.net
15. Wolfson Children’s Critical Care Tower
Construction continues on a seven-story tower that will serve as the new “front door” for Baptist Health’s Southbank medical campus. Wolfson Children’s Critical Care Tower is anticipated to be completed in 2021.
For more information: Baptist Health Plans Massive Downtown Expansion
16. Ambassador Hotel
The Ambassador Hotel originally opened in 1924 as 310 West Church Street Apartments, the first upscale apartments in downtown Jacksonville. Rebranded the Ambassador Hotel in 1955, the business survived until 1998 when the entire building was condemned and closed. Vacant for 24 years, the six story brick and limestone Georgian Revival style building is poised to be completely renovated by December 2022. Axis Hotels, LLC is now in the process of a $17.6 million restoration of the Ambassador into a 100-room TRYP by Wyndham hotel, restaurant, lounge, meeting room and fitness center.
For more information: Ambassador Hotel redevelopment plans
17. Independent Life
The adaptive reuse of the Independent Life Building at 233 West Duval Street is now underway. Proposed by Augustine Development Group, the 165,000 square foot office tower will be converted into a $30 million mixed-use project that will include 135 market rate apartments, a 21,000 square foot grocery store/food hall and 10,000 square foot rooftop lounge and restaurant. A 2022 completion date is anticipated.
For more information: Independent Life project up for final DDRB approval
18. Friendship Fountain Renovation
A $6 million project to overhaul Friendship Fountain continues. Expected to be completed by early 2022, the project will convert the fountain and surrounding park into a state-of-the-art space for water and sound shows.
For more information: One Year Late, Renovation To Begin On Southbank’s Friendship Fountain
19. Wells Fargo Center
Renovations of the lobby level in the Wells Fargo Center tower continues. When completed by the end of 2022, the $12.5 million project include a renovated Atrium Cafe & Grill restaurant, open seating, terrazzo floors and a coffee and wine bar.
For more information: Renovations to start at Wells Fargo Center
20. Berkman Plaza II Demolition
Efforts to demolish the long abandoned and unfinished 18-story Berkman Plaza 2 tower are now delayed. An original demolition approach was to level it floor by floor ended after crews deemed the process to be unsafe due to corrosion at the top of the building. An implosion is now planned for November 14, 2021. When the demolition is complete, new property owner Jacksonville Riverfront Revitalization plans to construct a 300-unit residential high-rise with retail and public park space at the site.
For more information: Berkman Plaza II demolition deadline is now Sunday, November 14, Jacksonville leaders say
21. The Sweet Spot and Urban Lounge
The Sweet Spot and Urban Lounge plans to open a new location at 345 East Bay Street. Currently located in Springfield, the Sweet Spot and Urban Lounge combines the love of baked goods, desserts, music and community.
For more information: Sweet Spot Urban Lounge
22. Main Street Bridge Ramp Removal
The Florida Department of Transportation has completed the process of removing the Independent Drive ramp leading to the southbound lane of the Main Street Bridge permanently. The $584,000 demolition project is expected to be completed by the end of summer. The 1.67 acres of land created from the demolition will now remain idle until a plan for the former Jacksonville Landing site is created, funded and constructed.
23. Florida Baptist Convention Building
The adaptive reuse of the long abandoned First Baptist Convention Building continues. Completed in 1924, the First Baptist Convention Building is notable for being the last office building in Downtown Jacksonville designed by Henry John Klutho. JWB Real Estate Capital plans to convert the building into a mixed-use project that will include 24 apartments, two 2,000 square foot restaurants and 1,147 square feet of retail space. Combined, the Old Federal Reserve Bank and Florida Baptist Convention Buildings are estimated to cost $18.55 million to bring back to life.
For more information: 8 Major Urban Core Projects now underway
24. RD River City Brewery Apartments
Construction fencing has been installed at the site of the former River City Brewing Company. Miami-based developer The Related Group plans to raze the former restaurant building and construct an eight-story, 327-unit apartment building and free standing restaurant on the 3.34-acre site. The $99 million project is Related’s first in Jacksonville. An official groundbreaking is expected by the end of 2021.
For more information: River City Brewing Co.’s leasehold sells for $10 million
25. Indulgence Southern Bistro
A new restaurant called Indulgence Southern Bistro will be opening soon at 315 West Forsyth Street.
26. VyStar Credit Union Parking Garage
Site work is underway on the development of a $21 million parking garage for VyStar Credit Union. Located at West Forsyth and Laura Streets, the seven-level, 807-space structure will include 13,169 square feet of ground floor retail space along Laura and Main Streets.
