JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Arlington Expressway, Downtown Jacksonville’s connection to East Arlington, has long been associated with blight due to old, abandoned office buildings.
However, recent redevelopment efforts are bringing new hope to the neighborhood, as investors work to transform these eyesores into something special.
MORE | Complete coverage of 4 Your Neighborhood: Arlington
City leaders estimate that over 50,000 people cross the Arlington Expressway daily. Unfortunately, many are greeted by vacant buildings, graffiti, and broken windows.
Jacksonville City Councilman Ken Amaro, who represents the Arlington community, said the eyesores send a bad message about the neighborhood.
“Those who are driving by, whether they live in Arlington or not, this is what they see,” Amaro said. “And it becomes the image of the entire community. It’s like, ‘Oh my God, why don’t they do something?’ And so that’s been the lingering question.”
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Amaro is optimistic about changes currently underway. He said investors have committed approximately $20 million to redevelop the site of the former FBI headquarters just off the expressway.
While the building has clearly been upgraded and looks brand new, Amaro explained the original building fell into disrepair after the bureau packed up and moved to Gate Parkway.
“They’re going to be apartments,” Amaro said. “They’re going to be affordable housing. Which means that the rents are probably going to be 80% AMI, average median income.”
Two additional buildings, once used as office space for offshore power systems, are also slated for redevelopment. Amaro remembers their history vividly.
“At one time, the city was toying with building floating nuclear power plants,” Amaro explained. “And that was their office building. That failed, and then they became just general office space.”
These buildings, which fell into disrepair after being sold, will be transformed into something new and exciting for the community.
Nestled between these redevelopment projects is the site of the former Jim’s Place, a nightclub staple in Arlington for decades. Jim’s Place closed its doors at the beginning of 2024 and has since been demolished. The original sign remains as a nod to the area’s history.
However, it’s unclear if it will remain as redevelopment on the site ramps up.
Amaro expressed confidence in the support from the city council for these redevelopment efforts. He hopes that the progress being made will inspire more steps in the right direction.
“My hope is that some of these businesses along this corridor, even though they’re not part of the CRA, the community redevelopment area, that there would be an encouragement for them to even put money into their businesses to enhance them,” Amaro said.
As redevelopment efforts continue, the Arlington Expressway is poised for a brighter future. By addressing its challenges and investing in its potential, the area is set to become a vibrant and thriving part of the community once again.