Jacksonville mayor wants Landing to turn into a park, calls its current condition 'shameful'

The city has released a new rendering that shows what the Jacksonville Landing would become if it takes control of the property.

A big park covers most of the space in the rendering it also has bike paths, fountains, and two buildings closer to the street with potential for economic development.

The rendering comes amid the ongoing battle between the city and the owners of the buildings Jacksonville Landing Investments which is part of Sleiman Enterprises.

Action News Jax reported about two weeks ago how the city sent a letter to JLI requesting its eviction.

It’s the first time in at least three years that the public has seen a rendering for the Landing.

Action News Jax showed the rendering to Linda Watkins who works downtown and frequents the Landing.

“Just a park? What about all the stores and the clubs and the fun spots? We need tourists, we need to be able to come downtown and have a good time,” said Watkins.

Mayor Lenny Curry called the Landing the city’s front lawn.

“It’s the front door, the opening to the central core of downtown Jacksonville,” said Curry.

Curry said the property has been neglected and ignored by JLI.

“It is shameful the condition that it is in right now,” said Curry.

Action News Jax reached out to Sleiman Enterprises for an on-camera interview but we were turned down.

Instead a spokesperson sent us this statement:

“Sleiman Enterprises has invested more than $1.5 million in The Jacksonville Landing’s redevelopment efforts with several first-class architect firms. The city of Jacksonville has also spent millions in resources on new plans and studies. In 2015, the city spent $100,000 on its own public design plans and we loved it. We wish they would pick one, so we can get to work. We've been ready to redevelop The Landing since the day we bought it in 2003.”

Curry said the rendering is an aspiration at this point, but he wants it to be the launching pad for real change to a decaying landmark.

“I want to demonstrate to people that there is an end game and the end game is a beautiful front door front lawn for downtown Jacksonville,” said Curry.

Curry said he’s open to “tweaks” and would like for this to be a community discussion.

Cox Media Group