'Southside Quarter' breaks ground on Gate Parkway in Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — New renderings show residential, retail, office space, and walking trails are in store for 110 acres of land on Gate Parkway, south of the St. Johns Town Center.

The area, which will be named Southside Quarter, is being developed by real estate company Hines.

Hines’ managing director Lane Gardner said once the project is finished, people will be able to live, work, and play in the Southside Quarter.

GALLERY: 'Southside Quarter' breaks ground on Gate Parkway in Jacksonville

“The first phase of multifamily is around 300 units and we will also have some single family and we will also have a neighborhood retail component as well,” said Gardner

Hines also developed Palencia in St. Augustine and has been in the Jacksonville market for years.

The property is an area considered by many as the heart of Jacksonville with a thriving entertainment district.

“It's a great central location within Jacksonville. We think it's the best site in the market,” said Gardner

The Hines project is only one of many to come.

Councilman Danny Becton said his district is buzzing with new development. Rezoning is being discussed for the area of Deerwood Parkway and Gate to bring in another mixed-used development similar to Southside Quarter.

“Not too long ago, it was all woods and timberlands and certainly when you get to start from scratch, and certainly within the last 10-20 years, things have a shine to them,” said Becton.

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But with increased growth, some locals worry about more traffic congestion.

“Help is on the way. We have some transportation solutions where JTB and I-95, that interchange is going to help. I-295 east, the express lane project is well underway,” said Becton.

As far as the Hines project, you can soon expect to see brand new buildings as you drive by that may usher in new opportunities.

Gardner said they’re looking for office tenants and retailers for the new project. Hines won’t develop all the buildings on the site, but will self-develop the multi-family units.

According to Gardner, the multi-family portion of the project is expected to be done by the end of the year.

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