Downtown Jacksonville, Florida, serves as the city’s historic core and central business district, situated along the St. Johns River [4]. It is a vibrant area encompassing eight distinct districts, each with its own unique character and history [2].
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Downtown Jacksonville is comprised of eight districts: Brooklyn, LaVilla, City Center, NorthCore, Cathedral Hill, Sports & Entertainment, Working Waterfront, and Southbank [2]. These districts flank the St. Johns River, with some on the Northbank and others on the Southbank [2].
The Brooklyn district is modern and colorful, connecting LaVilla and City Center to the Riverside neighborhood. It hosts major corporate headquarters like Haskell, Black Knight Financial, and FIS, offering a mix of riverfront offices, multi-family housing, condominiums, restaurants, retail, and light industrial spaces [2]. Brooklyn also provides plentiful river access and is experiencing significant growth [2].
LaVilla, located east of City Center, is rich in cultural heritage. Historically known as the “Harlem of the South,” it was a hub for Black culture, commerce, and Jacksonville’s railroad industry. The Ritz Theatre, opened in 1929, was a key performance venue. After a period of decline, revitalization efforts in the 1990s and more recent projects have focused on workforce housing, transportation, and the development of a LaVilla Heritage Trail [2].
The City Center, also known as the Central Core, is the most concentrated area for economic development on the Northbank. It features numerous office towers, government services, non-profits, and cultural centers such as the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Florida Theatre. The City of Jacksonville was founded on the riverbank of this district, which is characterized by walkable blocks, historic architecture, and public art [2].
NorthCore, formerly the Church Overlay District, is situated along the northern boundary of Downtown between City Center and the Springfield neighborhood. It is undergoing a major transition with adaptive reuse projects aimed at preserving historic buildings and introducing residential, retail, and hotel developments [2].
Cathedral Hill is anchored by five historic churches and connects City Center to the Sports & Entertainment District. It is home to Billy Goat Hill, the highest point in Downtown Jacksonville. Since 2016, a non-profit, Cathedral District Jax-Inc. (CD-J), has championed its growth and revitalization, including supporting affordable housing for senior residents [2].
The Sports & Entertainment district boasts the largest concentration of entertainment venues, including five sports teams, major concerts, and the annual Jacksonville Fair. This area, once a maritime industrial hub, is now planned for mixed-use developments to attract residents, employees, and visitors. Portions of this district, along with Cathedral Hill, were designated as “Opportunity Zones” in 2017 to encourage economic development through tax breaks [2]. This district is home to TIAA Bank Field (home of the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars), the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville (home of the minor league baseball team, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp), and the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena [1] [4] [6].
The Working Waterfront is on the eastern edge of Downtown, beyond the Sports & Entertainment District. It primarily supports industrial waterfront uses, including the North Florida Shipyards, and accommodates businesses involved in shipping, lumber, concrete, and oil [2].
Finally, the Southbank features tall riverfront office and residential towers, hotels, and premier medical campuses like Baptist Medical Center and Wolfson Children’s Hospital. It offers extensive riverfront access via the Southbank Riverwalk, a boat ramp, kayak launch, and River Taxi stops [2]. The Museum of Science and History (MOSH) is also located on the Southbank [4] [7].
Downtown Jacksonville offers a wide array of activities and attractions. Visitors can enjoy dining at establishments like Bellwether, Indochine, Cowford Chophouse, or grab a drink at The Volstead [1]. Cultural attractions include the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville (MOCA), the Ritz Theatre & Museum, and the Jacksonville Public Library [1] [7]. The area is also known for its public art, with self-guided tours available for both art and historic architecture [1]. Transportation options include driving, public transportation, the Skyway, and the St. Johns River Taxi & Tours [1] [4]. The Skyway, a zero-fare automated people mover, connects various points across Downtown, including the Northbank and Southbank [4] [7].
The area hosts numerous events throughout the year, such as the Jacksonville Art Walk, Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Florida vs. Georgia Football Game, Veterans Day Parade, and the Gate River Run [6]. For those interested in sports, Downtown is home to the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, minor league baseball’s Jumbo Shrimp, minor league hockey’s Icemen, and arena football’s Sharks [1] [6].