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Jacksonville’s Urban Core could see more development after city approves rezoning of vacant elementary school

City’s planning commission unanimously approved effort to rezone J. Allen Axson Elementary School for mixed-use development

According to News4JAX’s partners at Jacksonville Daily Record, the vacant J. Allen Axson Elementary School could become the home for multiple businesses, including a hotel, restaurant, bar, and self-storage units. (Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – More development could soon be coming to Jacksonville’s Urban Core.

According to News4JAX’s partners at Jacksonville Daily Record, the vacant J. Allen Axson Elementary School could become the home for multiple businesses, including a hotel, restaurant, bar, and self-storage units.

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The newspaper reports that the city’s planning commission voted 6-0 on the rezoning.

Some neighbors in the area, which is near the Phoenix Arts District, told News4JAX that the building has been vacant and run down for many years, and they would welcome the arrival of any business to help breathe life back into the neighborhood.

“I think that bringing some kind of commercial business to this area might be a good thing because it will bring more people to this area,” said a Jacksonville resident named Colin.

He added that while a hotel may not be the best thing for the area right now, it could be a “good fit” in a few years following more development.

The property is scheduled for another city council vote on Tuesday, Jan. 14.


About the Author
Khalil Maycock headshot

Khalil Maycock joined the News4JAX team in November 2022 after reporting in Des Moines, IA.

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