DIA Board unanimously supports negotiation for high rise development at Jacksonville Landing site

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — There’s one thing we can all agree on – Downtown Jacksonville has a lot of potential.

Something that has not been as easy to come to a consensus about, is what to put in those vacant spaces throughout the urban area.

Action News Jax Courtney Cole went to the Downtown Investment Authority Meeting this afternoon. During the meeting, the DIA Board voted, unanimously, to take the next step in developing the site many commonly know as The Jacksonville Landing.

The Downtown Investment Authority Board voted, unanimously, to begin the negotiation process with New York-based development company American Lions, LLC — for the next phase of what would be called The Jacksonville River View Plaza.

“As a taxpayer, it might be beneficial because it would make more traffic in the area, so it won’t be so isolated. I think that would be good,” Lynette Powell-Williams told Action News Jax.

Powell-Williams said she lived in Boston where development is plentiful, but she’s not quite sure what the problem is in Jacksonville.

“Activities that attract young people, a diverse population. I think that would help,” Powell-Williams suggested.

Today’s vote means the DIA has 105 days to agree on city-backed incentives that are reasonable for taxpayers — ultimately helping to bring this project to life.

The team proposes turning the grass into a $166 million destination for people to gather, meet and unwind. It will include, but won’t be limited to:

• A high-rise with 332 apartments, is set to soar 486 feet into the sky.
• A 1,500 -square -foot cafe
• A Sky garden terrace
• A 7,500-square-foot restaurant.
• An underground parking garage.

Part of their plan also includes leaving some of the current green space for a park.

“I think we definitely need development. It just has to be done in the right way,” Powell-Williams told Cole.

For more information on current and future projects, CLICK HERE for DIA meeting dates and times.

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