DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. – A long-awaited vision for Jacksonville’s riverfront is finally taking shape, as Chase Properties prepares to turn the Duval County School Board’s former headquarters into a luxury, mixed-use destination.
On Tuesday night, the Duval County School Board approved a new $17.2 million offer from Chase Properties for its riverfront headquarters, following last month’s failed negotiations with Fleet Landing.
Michael Balanky, principal of Chase Properties, told News4JAx’s reporter Briana Brownlee and photojournalist Jesse Hanson the project will include “high luxury condominiums with some luxury apartments as well, as well as some hospitality and restaurants.”
RELATED | DCPS turned down a $20M retirement community deal. What did other bidders offer?
The company has been pursuing the site since 2006 and calls it an iconic piece of property for the city’s skyline.
“At one time or another, we have had multiple conversations with the superintendents and board members. It’s just an iconic piece of property,” Balanky said.
Balanky sent News4JAX some preliminary renderings of what they are thinking for the new look.
Residents have long hoped for restaurants and entertainment along the riverfront, and Balanky’s plan appears to align with that vision.
Barry Newman, a local resident, said Jacksonville could take inspiration from cities like St. Petersburg, where waterfronts have been transformed into bustling community spaces.
“You go to cities like St. Petersburg, and you see what they did with their riverfront, and ours is just… They should take the jail with them and probably the sheriff’s office, and move everything down to Southpoint and Baymeadows, so we can utilize our waterfront with museums and nightclubs,” Newman said.
The sale was approved in a narrow 4–3 vote by the Duval County School Board. At the same meeting, the board also voted 4–3 to purchase the Dream Finders building off Baymeadows for $13.65 million, including $650,000 for office furniture.
Balanky said the exact timeline for redevelopment is still uncertain, as the company must complete a 90-day inspection period and conduct additional surveys before construction begins.
Residents and city officials will be watching closely, hopeful that the project will finally bring a revitalized, vibrant riverfront to Jacksonville.