More than three years after crews removed the final pieces of The Jacksonville Landing, work is expected to begin Monday on the new Riverfront Plaza.
Our news partner WJCT reports the project’s first phase will begin along Independent Drive and the western half of the site.
“I’m very excited about making sure that we have the ability to develop that Riverfront Park area, I think it’s only about 30% funded right now and we’ve got to take care of that,” Mayor-elect Donna Deegan said. “That emerald trail just is going to be an incredible asset.”
The Emerald Trail mentioned by the mayor-elect is a project that will eventually cover 30 miles of trails, greenways and parks throughout the city.
The Riverfront Plaza phase starting Monday does not involve the park’s 151-foot-tall “JAX” sculpture — perhaps the most talked-about part of the project.
City officials say the artist and several experts are refining the design and will present something more affordable.
Crews will start to build walkways, gardens, and a cafe with a playground.
Perkins & Will is the architectural company that designed the project, which should take about a year to complete.
The city plans to pay for part of the project with funds from the city’s Capital Improvement Plan.