JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville’s new Riverfront Plaza, replacing the historic Jacksonville Landing, will host its soft launch the Saturday after Thanksgiving, with a formal grand opening planned for early December.
Mayor Donna Deegan, during a recent tour of the facility, highlighted the plaza’s role in downtown revitalization. The development marked a significant transformation of the riverfront space previously home to the Jacksonville Landing, which closed in July 2019 after a 32-year run.
“People have been really wanting this for so long,” Deegan said. “I think this turned out to be a beautiful mix of green space along the river, a wonderful wide river walk and bulkhead where boaters and walkers and joggers and everybody can enjoy it.”
The completed first phase of the project features expanded public spaces and improved waterfront access. Phase Two of the development will introduce additional amenities, including a beer garden, rain garden, and a new bike and pedestrian connection to the Main Street Bridge.
Deegan emphasized the plaza’s versatility for community gatherings, noting that the upcoming holiday tree lighting ceremony will take place in the new space. “You need that mix and you need the spaces to eat and to recreate. So I think it’s a great mix,” she said.
The project represents a major milestone in downtown Jacksonville’s development, transforming the site where The Landing stood from 1987 until its demolition in fall 2019.
The plaza’s design incorporates multiple uses, balancing green spaces with entertainment venues. The development aims to serve various community needs, from casual recreation to organized events and concerts, creating a new focal point for downtown Jacksonville’s riverfront district.