Gleaming with such features as a mirrored facade, a see-through shading membrane, a wraparound concourse and lookout decks that offer views of the Downtown Jacksonville skyline and St. Johns River, conceptual plans for the Jacksonville Jaguars’ “Stadium of the Future” made a public debut June 7.
With a rough estimate of up to $1.4 billion in construction costs, the stadium project would transform EverBank Stadium into a cooler place – literally, as in 10 to 15 degrees below the outside temperature. A surrounding dining and entertainment district would add up to $668 million to the cost, for a total up to $2.068 billion.
Initial plans called for a capacity of 62,000 with expansion capability up to 71,500 for college football games and concerts. Other features include 220 new restaurants and food stands, a subtropical park at the entrance and new lighting and digital technology.
But will the stadium ever go from dazzling renderings to steel in the ground? That’s an unknown heading into 2024, as the Jaguars are seeking public funding to cover 50% of the costs.
Should the city and the Jaguars reach an agreement that involves public funding, the stadium would be the most expensive public project in Jacksonville history, at more than five times the cost of the $350 million Duval County Courthouse.
Here is a look at some of the biggest deals and people who made headlines in 2023.
Top Deals:
Cosentino Group plans $270 million first phase of manufacturing plant. Story here
Phoenix Arts & Innovation District launches in New Springfield. Story here
Blackwater Development says it has Regency Square Mall deal. Story here
Ponte Vedra Inn & Club wins approval to start expansion, renovations. Story here
ICE finalizes its $11.9 billion acquisition of Black Knight Inc. Story here
Gateway Jax plans $500 million Downtown project in NorthCore. Story here
Aldi buying Winn-Dixie, Harveys parent Southeastern Grocers. Story here
Regency Centers buys Urstadt Biddle in $1.4 billion deal. Story here
Top Newsmakers:
Donna Deegan makes history as Jacksonville’s first female mayor. Story here
Bryan Moll poised to help revitalize Downtown with Gateway Jax. Story here
Nick Allard guides JU College of Law toward new Downtown campus. Story here
Aundra Wallace an assured but low-key leader in region’s growth. Story here
Suzanne Pickett: Advocate for city’s Historic Eastside. Story here
Obituaries of 2023:
Activist and community advocate Ben Frazier. Story here
Beaver Street Fisheries Chairman Hans ‘Harry’ Frisch. Story here
Civic leader and insurance executive Marvin Cecil 'Ceree' Harden III. Story here