JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Nearly seven years after the former Duval County Courthouse was demolished, Jacksonville officials say they are moving closer to activating the long-vacant riverfront property at 330 E. Bay St., a site many leaders see as a key to revitalizing downtown.
During a meeting of the Jacksonville City Council’s Special Committee on the Future of Downtown on Tuesday, Downtown Investment Authority CEO Colin Tarbert presented updated concepts and a proposed phased development strategy for the property known as “Ford on Bay,” which sits along the St. Johns River near sports and entertainment venues.
The courthouse was demolished in 2019 after work began in late 2018, but the land has remained largely empty since then. Tarbert told council members the authority is now focused on finding a developer to activate the western portion of the site with restaurants, nightlife and public-facing uses tied to the riverwalk…