Local

Downtown Dream: New proposal requirements for old courthouse, city hall annex properties

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Downtown Investment Authority will soon start accepting proposals to redevelop the old courthouse and city hall annex properties.

On the agenda for Wednesday’s DIA meeting, it listed the approval of the old courthouse and city hall timeline, marketing materials the scope of the request for proposals and RFP scoring criteria.

The board signed off on a list of requirements each proposal must meet in its application.

TRENDING: 

It must include multifamily units and retails options, along with interaction with the St. Johns River.

Each proposal could also offer space for offices, hospitality, and a marina.

In the past, Jacksonville residents have expressed interest in more entertainment, restaurant and nightlife options.

“I would like to see more entertainment,” resident Kandace Carson said. “This is a very beautiful and scenic area. Just the nightlife for younger people.”

The council member for District 7, Reggie Gaffney, told Action News Jax he originally envisioned a convention center on this property.

He said his constituents expressed interest in an aquarium.

“Often, the vision is to put more mixed-use town houses upstairs and perhaps very small, independent stores to the bottom, more shopping, those kinds of amenities, eateries,” Gaffney said.

STAY UPDATED: Download the Action News Jax app for live updates on this breaking story

Download WJAX Apps

Gaffney said he meets with the DIA to discuss what options will help grow downtown Jacksonville.

He said they are searching for the right “niche” that will bring people downtown.

“It’s not always somebody who incentive of more money, bringing more money to the table,” Gaffney said. “But it’s somebody who’s got a vision to be able to grow downtown and at the same time, bring a destination down here, whatever that may be.”

Action News Jax reached out to the DIA to learn more on their requirements and have not heard back.

All bids will be due in January. The DIA will select a proposal in February.