You build it. They come. Then what?
As Downtown Jacksonville progresses toward adding Riverfront Plaza, a new-look James Weldon Johnson Park and the Hogan Street Emerald Trail link in coming years, the Downtown Investment Authority launched a new initiative to ensure that people who check out the new public facilities have places to dine, drink and shop in the historic central business district.
On Oct. 16, the DIA board unanimously approved a resolution adopting the Hogan-Laura Corridor Activation Program, in which the DIA staff will put a special focus on spurring redevelopment in a 12-block area running along Laura and Hogan streets between Independent Drive and Church Street.
As described in Resolution 2024-10-04, the program’s activating legislation, the initiative will involve DIA staff reaching out to property owners in the targeted area to discuss possible projects with a goal of “high impact, near-term implementation” of new developments in the next three years.
The authority plans to explain to property owners how various DIA incentive programs could help fund retail establishments, facade improvements, historic preservation work and more.
“What I would like to see is that when the park spaces and Emerald Trail open, you have a critical mass of other spaces that are also open,” DIA CEO Lori Boyer told the DIA Strategic Implementation Committee on Oct. 15.
“I think you’ll get a lot more bang for your buck if you can get more of those open now.”
She said the DIA also would be looking to fund public enhancements in the targeted area, such as streetscape improvements, lighting and landscaping.
In response to a question from board member James Citrano Jr., Boyer said the DIA wasn’t planning to adopt any new incentive programs related to the program.
The impetus for the program wasn’t only to prime the Downtown core for the new and improved parks and trail link.
The resolution notes that members of the City Council Special Committee on the Future of Downtown called for a heightened focus on the urban core, which the DIA has branded as City Center.
Also, the resolution notes that “a major corporation” chose not to renew its lease in its City Center building for reasons that included a lack of dining options and street-level activation.
That corporation is Citizens Property Insurance Corp., which since 2015 has operated at EverBank Center at 301 W. Bay St. It is seeking new space in South Jacksonville.
Documents attached to the agenda inventory 19 buildings with such notes as “Ground floor 2nd generation restaurant/bar space ready for tenant other than deferred maintenance” and “Opportunity to create approximately 415 SF (square feet) vibrant sidewalk food and bev. space.”
“I think it’s great that we’ll be, in effect, knocking on doors,” DIA board Chair Patrick Krechowski said. “This is a long time coming.”
A staff report says 50-plus residential units also could be developed in the area.
Boyer said other developable spaces lay underground, alongside a tunnel that connects several buildings at Forsyth and Hogan streets.
The tunnel connected three bank buildings to allow money to be moved securely.
“I think there are some really unique things that would generate public interest,” she said.
In the Oct. 16 meeting, board members also approved a resolution authorizing the issuance of a request for proposal to hire an executive search firm to assist in hiring Boyer’s successor.
Boyer, who has led the DIA since 2019, received a one-year contract extension in May 2024 with an option for another year. She committed to serving until July 2025, including working for several months to onboard her replacement.
Boyer’s annual salary is $221,550.
As required by the board, the search firm will perform a market study to determine the appropriate compensation for the position and will help write a job description.
According to a fact sheet provided by the DIA, the organization is looking for “a firm with a proven track record of recruiting executives with experience in the fields of Downtown and Community Redevelopment, Finance, Real Estate Development, Economic Development and other similar professional fields.”