Khan reveals Jaguars State of the Franchise, plans for Shipyards

DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. — Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan on Tuesday revealed his plan to revitalize downtown.

Khan, along with Jaguars President Mark Lamping, presented the State of the Franchise at EverBank Field.

During the presentation, Khan announced his plan to revitalize downtown Jacksonville, which includes major changes to the Shipyards.

The Shipyards have not been used for more than 20 years and now serve as a parking lot for the Jaguars games.

"We have been very clear that a stronger Jacksonville, and particularly a stronger downtown Jacksonville, will equate to a more stable and successful Jaguars franchise," Lamping said. "The improvements to EverBank Field last year speak to ensuring that downtown Jacksonville continues to be home to the NFL and the Jaguars, and to current and future major sporting and entertainment events."

The Shipyards is central to Khan's long-stated vision to bring new life and positive economic impact to Jacksonville's urban core, Jaguars officials said.

"It is important for the design and feel of EverBank Field and the Shipyards to work in unison, which made Populous the perfect partner to provide the initial design concepts for the Shipyards," Khan said. "Populous has been very helpful in assisting us in molding the many concepts and ideas that have surfaced over the past year. We are grateful for their expertise."

Action News found that Shipyards architect Ben Stindt is a senior designer at Populous and has a lot of experience with NFL stadiums.

He's worked on Heinz Field, as well as the North Shore redevelopment plan in Pittsburgh and the new Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

Shipyards development guided by the riverfront's natural properties
According to the Iguana Investments vision, the goal of the Shipyards development is to create a modern, urban, walkable destination that connects the Sports Complex and downtown Jacksonville. It would also activate Bay Street, engage with the Hogan's Creek Greenway and host activities throughout the year.

Jaguars officials said the vision is guided by the principles of embracing the St. Johns River and the riverfront, showcasing Jacksonville’s unique character and listening to the market as to what types of development will flourish at the Shipyards.

The site would include residential, office and retail space, restaurants, a hotel, a football-themed public space and a marina.

The team will be footing the bill for the project, with the city responsible for cleaning up the area, which could take a couple of years.

Department of Environmental Protection officials said the Shipyards are a designated Brownfield site.

Since the land is a Brownfield designation, the DEP will serve has a regulatory agency during development.  The DEP will work with the city and with developers to ensure the land is safe.

“We are ready to move forward immediately on this project that is critical to the future of Jacksonville and the Jaguars,” Khan said.  “It is our hope that the DIA shares our sense of urgency and resolve. The opportunity to change Jacksonville is here.”

Landing developer: Shipyards development will strengthen The Landing
Toney Sleiman, owner of Sleiman Enterprises, which owns the Jacksonville Landing, was supportive of Khan's Shipyards plans.

"Whatever I can do to help, I'll help," Sleiman said. "I think it's great. I love it."

Sleiman is working to revamp The Landing as well, and is currently working with the Downtown Investment Authority and has a request for proposal for architects to draw up new design plans, but there is no timeline yet. Sleiman said developing the Shipyards can strengthen the Landing as well.

"We are the center of downtown. Any new development won't hurt it, it will help it," Sleiman said.

USS Adams included in Shipyards development plans
Included in Khan's vision for the new Shipyards is a retired naval ship museum.

The Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association has been trying to find a spot for the USS Adams for years.

In the renderings released by Khan on Tuesday, that ship is prominently on the waterfront, something Joe Snowberger with the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association is excited to see.

"Any time Shad Khan and Mark Lamping step up to a podium and say this is our plan, anybody who doubts them is a fool. Our perspective is to make sure that the USS Adams Museum is as fine as an establishment to match or stay par with the pace those guys set," Snowberger said.

The Jacksonville City Council has already signed off on the USS Adams coming to Jacksonville. The group said the USS Adams could be in downtown by June.

Next steps for the Shipyards project
Lamping will present the full plan to the Downtown Investment Authority on Monday. He told Action News he hopes that gives them enough time to consider the plan and vote during its board meeting Tuesday.

Lamping said if all goes well, he hopes groundbreaking on the project will take place in a year.