Riverfront Plaza (Jacksonville)
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| Riverfront Plaza | |
|---|---|
 Riverfront Plaza pre-construction | |
  | |
| Location | 2 West Independent Drive, Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 30°19′30″N 81°39′35″W / 30.3250°N 81.6598°W |
| Area | 9 acres (0.036 km2) |
| Established | 2025 |
| Designer | Perkins & Will |
| Operated by | Jacksonville Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services |
| Open | Year round |
| Public transit access | Jacksonville water taxi |
| Website | Riverfront Plaza |
Riverfront Plaza is a public area and green space under construction on the St. Johns River in Downtown Jacksonville, Florida. It is the midpoint of the 2-mile Northbank Riverwalk, just west of the Main Street Bridge. The property was the site of the Jacksonville Landing from 1987 to 2019.[1]
Design competition
Following demolition of the complex in July, 2019 there were numerous ideas regarding redevelopment and extended discussions.[1]
The project from Perkins & Will was identified as the winning plan in late July 2021.[2] Agreement was finally reached on a plan and construction began in July 2023 nearly four years after the Landing property was cleared.[3]
Construction
Phase 1A
The first job began in July, 2023 and involved removing part of Independent Drive and rerouting traffic to Hogan Street. It was completed in late 2023.[3]
Phase 1B
The second job of phase 1 began in January 2024 and required replacing the bulkhead on the St. Johns River and the Riverwalk itself, then constructing the pavilion building with a playground for children on top. The last part of phase 1 is the event lawn, a large grass area for concerts & festivals. The plaza also connects to the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. Projected completion was third or fourth quarter of 2025.[3][4]
Phase 2
The last phase is expected to begin in early 2026 and be finished in 2027. Plans include a bike/pedestrian connection from the Main Street Bridge to the Riverfront Plaza, a rain garden and a beer garden.[5][6]
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Opening
The "soft" opening of the $38 million phase I was held November 29, 2025 as part of the first Holiday River Fest. A ceremony to light the city's Christmas tree and the annual St. Johns River Light Boat Parade was also observed by thousands of attendees. A fireworks display followed the parade.[7][8]
The playground is scheduled to open on December 5. The cafe space is substantially complete but has not accepted bids from competing restaurants. It should open in early 2026.[7]