The Jacksonville Planning Commission gave final approval Tuesday to the civil and landscaping plans for Phase Two of Riverfront Plaza. The new designs, prepared by GAI Consultants and Perkins & Will, expand the riverfront destination with a mix of dining, recreation and connectivity features that aim to draw families and visitors to the downtown waterfront.
Key amenities slated for construction
Among the most visible additions is a restaurant with a rooftop walkway that will connect directly to a new pedestrian link leading to the Main Street Bridge. The walkway will give diners a panoramic view of the St. Johns River while providing a safe, traffic‑free route for pedestrians traveling between the plaza and the bridge.
Adjacent to the restaurant, a beer garden will open along the south edge of the park. The garden is designed to accommodate both casual drinkers and larger groups, offering a relaxed outdoor setting that complements the river’s scenery.
Perhaps the most family‑friendly feature is a swing set consisting of 14 bench‑type swings. The swings will line the southern perimeter of the plaza, giving children a place to play while parents watch the river from a secure, shaded area.
Additional public spaces
The plans also retain a central lawn that can host community events, concerts, and seasonal festivals. A stairway will lead from the lawn up to the proposed Gateway Jax development—a 20‑floor hotel and condominium tower slated for the northeast corner of the plaza. The tower is expected to bring additional hotel rooms and residential units to downtown Jacksonville, further boosting the city’s tourism and housing options.
City officials highlighted that the new pedestrian link to the Main Street Bridge will improve walkability between the riverfront and surrounding neighborhoods, encouraging more foot traffic for local businesses and supporting the city’s broader goal of creating a vibrant, walk‑able downtown core.
Community response and next steps
Local residents and business owners have expressed enthusiasm for the added amenities, noting that the swings and beer garden will provide new gathering spots for families and friends. The city plans to begin construction later this year, with an anticipated completion date in 2028, pending standard permitting and weather considerations.
Mayor Donna Deegan’s office praised the project as a “significant step toward making Jacksonville’s riverfront a premier destination for both residents and visitors.” The administration emphasized that the development aligns with the city’s strategic plan to enhance public spaces, support local commerce, and promote a higher quality of life for Jacksonville families.
All plans are now on public record, and the city will hold a public information session next month to answer questions from the community and provide updates on the construction timeline.
Original reporting: Jacksonville Today — read the source article.
