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Potential development for old Jacksonville city hall annex property

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Soon developers will make their pitch for the next big draw to Downtown Jacksonville. They are competing for the old Jacksonville city annex property along East Bay Street.

It is currently used as an open space for visitors. Action News Jax saw neighbors and kids enjoy outdoor games on the grass Saturday morning. This riverfront real estate has the potential to bring in revenue and tourist attraction to Downtown Jacksonville.

“Bars, maybe live music, something like that,” Neighbor Christ Polke said. “It’ll be a major explosion for the city, is what I think.”

In January, we watched the implosion of the old city hall annex building. It came two months after the start of the takedown of the old court house.

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In about a month, the city will start accepting proposals for this property along East Bay Street. The Downtown Investment Authority has a meeting scheduled for September 18. According to the agenda, it includes the “approval of old courthouse/city hall timeline, marketing materials, RFP scope and scoring criteria.”

The DIA has a list of requires for all proposals.  It should seek to provide opportunities with retail, cafes, marinas, parks and walkways for residents and visitors.

“Some kind of central park here,” Neighbor Chance Blockton said. “Where everybody can get together and it’s a nice environment for dogs, people can come out there and just have a good time.”

The city will make its selection in February 2020.

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