With construction crews actively working on several projects, from Pearl Square to the Stadium of the Future to more riverfront parks, Downtown Jacksonville is abuzz with activity and change as new developments continue to take shape.
That momentum doesn’t look likely to slow, with several more projects coming down the pipe bearing the Downtown Development Review Board’s stamp of approval. The DDRB considered several projects at its Sept. 10 board meeting and granted conceptual and final approvals.
“It’s really probably the most fun part of this job, being on this board, is getting to see the big picture of how much is happening in our downtown,” said DDRB Chair Linzee Ott. “Jacksonville is in such a unique position. We have four, arguably five catalytic projects happening in downtown Jacksonville – that’s unheard of for cities.”
Building Curiosity on the Northbank
With the former Southbank building of Jacksonville’s Museum of Science and History (MOSH) now completely cleared away, all eyes turn to the Northbank and the new and improved museum coming to the city. MOSH Board Chair Jill Davis and members of the MOSH Genesis development team gave DDRB an informational presentation at the Sept. 10 meeting, showcasing the updated renderings and designs for MOSH 2.0, which will include a river-facing café opening onto an outdoor picnic lawn and a child play space featuring a multi-story climbing structure to serve as the “outward beacon” for the museum, according to Chris Wood, vice president, cultural studio leader for SmithGroup and principal on this project…