New development proposal could transform Jacksonville beyond recognition

A major redevelopment project could dramatically change Jacksonville’s downtown waterfront, bringing two 20-story towers, luxury residences, a hotel, restaurants, shopping areas and a marina to the banks of the St. Johns River.

The proposed development, known as The Seaport at St. Johns, would replace the current Duval County Public Schools headquarters at 1701 Prudential Drive on Jacksonville’s Southbank.

Jacksonville-based developer Ashco Centers has unveiled plans to transform the approximately 4.87-acre waterfront property into a mixed-use destination for residents, tourists and businesses.

According to the developer’s proposal, the project would feature two 20-story towers overlooking the river, approximately 150 luxury condominium residences and a luxury hotel. The development would also include around 110,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and grocery space, along with a waterfront marina, public plazas, pedestrian walkways and a promenade connecting to the Southbank Riverwalk.

The goal is to create a destination where people can live, shop, dine and enjoy Jacksonville’s waterfront, combining residential living with hospitality, entertainment and public spaces.

The Duval County School Board recently approved an approximately $15.1 million agreement to sell its longtime headquarters property to Ashco Centers. However, the transaction has not yet been finalized. The school district must arrange its relocation, and the closing process could take several years.

The property has attracted interest from developers in recent years, but previous redevelopment agreements failed to move forward.

Jacksonville has been pursuing major investments to revitalize its downtown and make better use of its waterfront. If completed, The Seaport at St. Johns could bring additional housing, hotel accommodations, restaurants and shopping opportunities to the Southbank while improving public access to the St. Johns River.

The project could also create construction jobs and generate longer-term economic opportunities for local businesses. New residential and commercial spaces could attract additional investment and increase activity along the waterfront.

Despite the ambitious proposal, no official construction start date or completion timeline has been announced. The developer is still working through preliminary planning and investment arrangements, and additional approvals and financing may be required before construction can begin.

For now, The Seaport at St. Johns remains a proposed development rather than a project under construction.

If the plans move forward, the development could significantly reshape Jacksonville’s Southbank skyline and establish a new destination along one of the city’s most recognizable waterfront locations.