The Phoenix Arts & Innovation District, a Future of Cities regenerative placemaking development, has proudly unveiled its latest milestone: Emerald Station. This adaptive reuse project breathes new life into a 100-year-old warehouse, transforming 17,000 square feet of space into a hub for community revitalization and sustainable growth in Jacksonville’s North Springfield neighborhood.
A Model Public-Private Partnership
Emerald Station exemplifies the power of public-private partnerships, with a nearly $38 million investment led by Future of Cities (FoC) and supported by the City of Jacksonville. This collaboration signals a transformative opportunity for Jacksonville’s urban core, driving economic development while fostering arts and culture.
“The Phoenix Arts & Innovation District is an important development to the revitalization of Jacksonville’s urban core, complementing work within the historic Springfield and Eastside neighborhoods. As the new home to the offices of the Jacksonville Small and Emerging Business incubator, the Emerald Station will serve as a center of sustainable economic growth in this area by providing opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive.”
Mayor Donna Deegan | Jacksonville, Florida
PHX JAX: A Vision for Equity and Creativity
Spanning 10 properties over 8.3 acres, the Phoenix Arts & Innovation District is a visionary project rooted in the principles of equity, arts, and culture. Through its nonprofit arm, Friends of Phoenix, the district actively promotes community engagement and educational opportunities across four key pillars:
- Arts and Culture: Celebrating creativity and diversity.
- Sustainability: Pioneering green initiatives for long-term resilience.
- Technology: Advancing innovation and connectivity.
- Financial Stability: Empowering economic opportunities for local residents.
A Collaborative Effort
Emerald Station would not have been possible without the collective efforts of our partners and local talent. We extend our gratitude to:
- JAA Architecture
- Hota Design
- Prosser Inc.
- Springfield Preservation and Revitalization (SPAR)
- Avant Construction
Special thanks also go to muralists Ansley Randall and Barbara Hionides, as well as artists Jarrett Walker, Tatiana Kitchen, Elena Ohlander, Chris Clark, and Mike Mcintire, whose works bring vibrant energy to the district.
Building a Brighter Future Together
The unveiling of Emerald Station is more than a milestone—it’s a testament to what’s possible when communities, governments, and private entities come together with a shared vision. This adaptive reuse project represents the heartbeat of regenerative placemaking: preserving history, fostering innovation, and promoting inclusivity.
Join us in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for Jacksonville. Visit the Phoenix Arts & Innovation District to experience the transformation firsthand and see how regenerative placemaking is redefining what’s possible in our urban spaces.
With a population of just 10 million, Portugal is making waves across Europe. This vibrant nation is a compelling mix of rich history, culture, and traditions infused with a bold, innovative spirit. As one of the most progressive and forward-thinking countries in the European Union, Portugal is shaping the future—and you can be a part of it.
Future of Cities: Expanding Horizons in Portugal
Future of Cities (FoC) is thrilled to announce our expansion to Portugal and Europe, marking a new chapter in our mission to drive regenerative placemaking on a global scale. Under the leadership of our visionary founder, Tony Cho, and in collaboration with Portuguese changemakers Duarte Melo Ribeiro and Maria Melo, we are embarking on transformative projects that prioritize sustainability, community well-being, and environmental stewardship.
This partnership reflects Portugal’s unique blend of tradition and modernity, making it the perfect setting to prototype innovative approaches to placemaking and resilience. Together, we are building a brighter, more sustainable future.
A Milestone: Beta Future of Cities Venture Capital Fund
The first project in our European journey is the launch of the Beta Future of Cities Venture Capital Fund, a groundbreaking initiative in partnership with Beta Capital. Guided by FoC’s Regenerative Placemaking principles, this fund invests in sustainable hospitality and community-driven revitalization projects that foster environmental renewal and vibrant, inclusive spaces.
The fund is also eligible for the Portugal Golden Visa, offering participants a pathway to EU citizenship without the need to relocate. This initiative not only drives social and environmental impact but also opens new opportunities for investors to join Portugal’s remarkable growth story.
Portugal’s Commitment to Sustainability
Portugal’s dedication to achieving SDG Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities positions it as a leader in areas like circular economy, marine conservation, and water management. With over 300 days of sunshine annually, it’s no wonder the country is a top destination for visitors and expats alike.
This innovative spirit, combined with a robust ecosystem of changemakers, makes Portugal the ideal stage for expanding our regenerative vision.
Meet Our Partner: Duarte Melo Ribeiro
At the heart of this regenerative renaissance is our partner, Duarte Melo Ribeiro. Duarte brings a wealth of expertise in investment management and a passion for regenerative thinking, while Maria’s pioneering work in sustainability exemplifies the transformative leadership driving Portugal’s evolution. Together, they are shaping our shared mission to create thriving communities and promote holistic well-being.
Join Us in Shaping the Future
This venture represents more than an expansion; it’s a testament to the growing recognition of financial instruments as catalysts for positive change. By aligning investment opportunities with sustainability and social progress, we can collectively build a brighter, more equitable future.
As Portugal continues to innovate and inspire, Future of Cities is honored to contribute to its sustainability story. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, artist, or visionary, this is your chance to join a movement that’s reshaping the world.
Ready to be part of the future? Visit the link in the comments or send us a direct message to learn more about how you can get involved.
Together, let’s transform cities—and the planet—for generations to come.
Miami-based Developer Future of Cities Receives Unanimous Approval of $5.5 Million Incentive Package and Multifamily Rezoning from Jacksonville City Council for Phoenix Arts & Innovation District
Completion grant will support adaptive re-purposing of warehouses and greenspace while the rezoning will allow for 830 multifamily units to be built over the span of 8.3 owned acres.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — June 27, 2024 — Miami-based real estate developer Future of Cities (FoC) announced today it received approval of an incentive package totaling $5.5 million from the City of Jacksonville’s Office of Economic Development, as well as the approval of rezoning of its planned unit development (PUD) to permit commercial and multifamily residential uses for the Phoenix Arts & Innovation District (PHXJAX). The package and rezoning, outlined in Ordinances 2024-0418 and 2024-0348, were approved by the Jacksonville City Council on June 25, 2024.
“Today is a pivotal milestone for Phoenix Arts & Innovation District and the city of Jacksonville. This incentive package is a testament to the collaborative outcomes possible through genuine public-private partnerships. This is a major win for all of Jacksonville including the local artists, small businesses, greater Downtown residents and overall community to demonstrate to the world that creativity and capital investments work best when they work together.”
Tony Cho | CEO and Founder of Future of Cities and Founding Managing Partner of PHXJAX
PHXJAX is a regenerative placemaking demonstration project comprising 10 separate properties across 8.3 acres located in a federally designated Opportunity Zone in the North Springfield neighborhood of Jacksonville, Florida. The funds outlined in the Economic Development Agreement between Future of Cities and the City of Jacksonville will be provided in two phases as a Completion Grant in the amount of $2 million for each phase to support the
adaptive rehabilitation of four warehouses and green space, transforming it into event and gathering spaces, creative office space, artist studios, galleries, retail and restaurants. In addition, the City of Jacksonville has authorized a 50% 15-year recaptured enhanced value (REV) grant not to exceed $1.5 million. In the Emerald Station’s creative offices property located at 2320 N. Liberty Street, PHXJAX is also providing dedicated office space to the Jacksonville Small and Emerging Business (JSEB) organization, which is a small business incubator run by the City of Jacksonville. These grants, coupled with Future of Cities’ investment of nearly $38 million into the project, demonstrate the strength of a public/private partnership approach when developing a community-focused project.
“People always ask us, ‘Why Jacksonville?’ And we ask, ‘Why not Jacksonville?’ Jacksonville has all the fundamentals to compete with other major Florida metros and it has been a true pleasure to work in Jacksonville with the support of the Mayor’s Office, City Council and the City’s exceptional, dynamic and diverse communities.”
Michael Weil | Chief Operating Officer of FoC and PHXJAX.
The first phase of the PHXJAX development began in December 2023 with the commencement of construction of The Emerald Station, featuring creative offices, community gathering spaces and a warehouse event facility. Construction has also begun on the Liberty Building, which will house 17,850 square feet of office, studios, galleries, small-format retail and restaurants. Complementing these buildings is a property located at 2335 Market Street that will be an outdoor market space serving as a greenspace for community activity. The district also includes a hub of the Emerald Trail, a planned network of 30+ miles of trails, greenways and parks connecting the urban core neighborhoods of Jacksonville. The Emerald Station is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2024 while the Liberty Building is scheduled to be completed in
the second quarter of 2025.
“This support from the City of Jacksonville is essential to the PHXJAX vision to co-create with the community a space for catalyzing art, culture and innovation to serve the greater good. As a third generation Jacksonvillian, I am so excited to help bring this project to life for Jacksonville as the first demonstration project of Future of Cities.”
Emily Moody, Vice President and Chief Experience Officer of PHXJAX
Tony Cho’s previous projects include the Wynwood Arts District and the Magic City Innovation District Little Haiti, both located in Miami, Florida. Emily Pierce and Hayden Phillips from Rogers Towers led the rezoning efforts on behalf of
PHXJAX. The Emerald Station pre-leasing opportunities are available now. For more information, visit phxjax.com/emeraldstation.
About PHX JAX | The Phoenix Arts & Innovation District in Jacksonville, FL, is a regenerative placemaking project dedicated to building equity through community, arts, and culture, aiming to provide a global platform for artists and business incubation in Jacksonville’s North Springfield neighborhood. Collaborating with artists, residents, cultural instigators, and change makers in
Jacksonville, the initiative by the Future of Cities team focuses on creating a vibrant, diverse neighborhood. To learn more about upcoming events and opportunities to get involved, visit phxjax.com.
About Friends of Phoenix | The non-profit arm of the PHXJAX project, Friends of Phoenix, is committed to fostering community engagement, enhancing educational opportunities and cultural experiences, by driving innovation. Aligning with the broader mission of the Phoenix Arts & Innovation District, Friends of Phoenix operates through four pillars: Arts and Culture, Sustainability, Technology, and Financial Stability.
About Future of Cities | Future of Cities was created to reimagine how we live, work, play and learn as a mission-driven platform invested in transforming the built environment. We take a holistic place-based approach to regenerative development to adopt environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies that improve the quality of urban living across the globe.
Co-Working. Podcast Studio. Events
The Climate & Innovation HUB Miami is designed to cultivate a symbiosis between our local & global ecosystem of innovators, change makers & tastemakers to lead the next generation of Regenerative Placemakers.
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CO-WORKING | THE REEFLINE
We are extremely excited to introduce the newest addition to our ecosystem of innovators working on changing the future at the Climate & Innovation HUB – Miami as they prepare to deploy their underwater sculpture installations in Miami Beach this Fall!
Art as a Tool For Change | The Reefline is a 7 mile underwater public sculpture park, snorkel trail and purpose-built reef +600ft off of Miami Beach ~ launching Fall 2024
Want to book co-working day pass at the Climate & Innovation HUB? Email info@focities.com
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PODCAST STUDIO HIGHLIGHTS | Path of the Panther x Wildpath
The Path of the Panther team used our podcast studio at the Climate & Innovation HUB co-working space to record an educational podcast designed to foster human and natural systems learning in children. Through captivating place-based storytelling, interviews with ecologists, ranchers and tribal leaders, and immersive landscapes, young listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the role of the Florida panther as a cultural and ecological keystone species, an organism that helps define an entire ecosystem. Stay tuned for more coming Fall 2024 …
Want to book the podcast studio at the Climate & Innovation HUB? Email info@focities.com
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SPRING EVENTS
TASTEMAKERS – Lengua Food Marketing Conference
The only place where food industry professionals, chefs, and executives come together to learn about food marketing, financing, and innovation.
MUSIC – UNSiN Music Conference & Festival
A space carefully designed for creatives, artists, executives and entrepreneurs to know each other, connect, appreciate and grow as a community
Watch the Full event recap HERE
WELLNESS – Mindvalley Health & Body Summit (Virtual)
A 3-Day Deep Dive With the World’s Best Health, Wellness & Longevity Experts
Looking to book an event at our Regenerative Event Space at the HUB? Email events@thehubmia.com
Demonstrating the value of art and innovation for neighborhood revitalization in the heart of Jacksonville, FL
Phoenix Arts & Innovation District is a pioneering organization dedicated to the practices of creative placemaking, regenerative development, and adaptive reuse of commercial real estate. We are passionate about transforming spaces into vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive environments that foster community and creativity.
PROJECT UPDATES
Last week our Director of Community Engagement, Emily Moody and our Land Use attorney from Rogers Towers, Emily Pierce, successfully went in front of the City Planning Commission for unanimous approval of our PUD (Planned Unit Development) for the rezoning of our full 8.3 acre district. The final City Council vote will happen on June 18th. We have been diligently meeting with each and every council member on this and have been receiving positive feedback and support.
EMERALD STATION
It’s almost time to start hard hat tours for the Emerald Station! The 100 year old Emerald Station building houses a mix of 25 creative office spaces, a community gathering space and a 500 person event venue. Our team is on track to open in early Fall 2024 and is pre-booking both the offices and event venue now. This will become the creative and innovative HUB of the district with The Emerald Trail passing directly behind, offering convenient and accessible public transportation to and from the Arts & Innovation District including a small business incubator & accelerator program powered by Future of Cities | PHXJAX.
EMERALD TRAIL | “MILESTONE MOMENTS”
“The City of Jacksonville, Groundwork Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) are celebrating a ‘major victory’ in their commitment to delivering the Emerald Trail to the Jacksonville community.”
PHXJAX in the Press | Upcoming Events | Internship Opportunities
Interested in building with us? Email info@phxjax.com for more info.
James Brutus | Website | Instagram
”Delivrance” ~ Indoor mural for the Climate & Innovation HUB powered by Future of Cities in Ti Ayiti | Little Haiti. Latex Paints on Walls | 20ft by 20ft (Stairway)
“In Haitian society, where formal job opportunities are scarce, women take on the role of primary caregivers and often rely on informal trade as their main source of employment. Referred to as the ‘Poto-mitan’ or ‘backbone’ of their communities, Haitian women bear the weight of family responsibilities, from nurturing children to providing economic support. Many, particularly those without access to education, turn to informal commerce, selling agricultural produce and other essentials. This mural pays tribute to the resilience and strength of Haitian women, depicting a central figure gracefully balancing a basket of fruits on her head, a skill that speaks volumes about her balance and expertise. Set against the backdrop of urban/rural Haiti, the artwork captures the vibrant tapestry of everyday life, steeped in a rich cultural heritage. Women are depicted navigating rugged landscapes with remarkable ease, embodying a spirit of determination as they fulfill their duties. The mural serves as a poignant reminder of an era when manual labor was indispensable for survival, showcasing the tenacity of Haitian women and their families as they traverse tropical terrain, hills and valleys. It stands as a testament to their invaluable contribution to society and their unwavering ability to surmount obstacles with grace and resilience. The title ‘Delivrance’ is in loving memory of my mother, Delivrance Brutus.”
JAMES BRUTUS
Shot by VACO Studio
James Brutus is a Haitian-American artist hailing from the vibrant city of Miami, Florida whose artistic journey has been a lifelong adventure that began during the earliest days of wielding crayons. Learn more about James’ work, mission and inspirations HERE.
Participatory Co-Design & Proactive Balance for Regenerative Futures
“Oceans should be viewed as bodies of water that connect people, cultures, and nations, not separate them.”
Professor Ramsay Taum, Blue Continent
Oceans Month is almost over but the life beneath the surface continues to thrive. Our oceans are our greatest teachers of collaboration. This month we’ve been in awe of our underwater friends and their ability to move together & protect each other.
At Future of Cities headquarters we’ve been focusing our attention on Ecological Balance, our giving and receiving, ebbing and flowing, slowing down to listen to the wisdom that lies at the depths of the oceans, beneath our soils, in the rays of the sun & through the powers of the wind.
Preserving our planet’s ecosystems involves deep listening, participatory co-design, co-creation, collaboration and the implementation of varied practices and technologies for maintaining an active balance within the built environment. There is no one size fits all solution and cohabitating requires cooperation.
Ecological balance…
A foundational principle of our Regenerative Placemaking framework is “ecological balance.” Ecological balance is fundamental to mitigating biodiversity loss and securing a more sustainable future for the next seven generations. Within ecological balance we honor our past to teach us how to harmoniously adapt & coexist with the various climate changes at hand in the present. The intricacies of ecosystems is a complex web of interconnectedness which requires active participation and continuous balancing for lasting change.
This month, as we immerse ourselves in the oceans of change, we’ve been wondering, with all that the ocean selflessly provides for us, in what ways can we continue to innovate and give back to our oceans?
As conscientious stewards of digital technology & ecological policymaking, we have a shared responsibility to deploy efforts and resources to preserve indigenous cultures while simultaneously recognizing, honoring and amplifying the immense contributions that indigenous leaders and communities are continuing to make towards modern technological advancements.
At the end of May we gathered for a historic geopolitical event with some of our close partners and global leaders at the ChoZen eco-retreat for a roundtable on regenerative technologies and cultural identity. Our Future of Cities team joined in a land blessing, with prayers led by Hawaiian indigenous leader and professor Ramsay Taum.
During their time at ChoZen, Blue Continent Institute generously shared with us their visions and goals on cultural respect and identity, passing on perspectives of island states and their depth of understanding for the importance of ecological balance beginning with the ocean.
The wisdom that the ocean carries gifts us many insights, beyond water as natural wonders or utility for human transactions, and instead takes us on a much deeper journey to look within ourselves for the inner knowing that we are made of the ocean and are not separate from it.
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Future of Cities and Cho Ventures invest in OpenSeed to Bring Tech-Enabled Meditation Pods to Millions
An engaged, healthy, and mindful workforce can truly achieve anything. But now imagine you are a company committed to creating mental wellbeing for your employees, but do not have the room or resources to build or transform a space that will help them achieve this goal in your workplace. That is where OpenSeed solves this problem.
Future of Cities in partnership with Cho Ventures, LP (Tony Cho’s family office) is excited to announce our investment in OpenSeed. Backed by personal transformation visionary Deepak Chopra and world-renowned designer Yves Behar, OpenSeed has developed tech-enabled, prefabricated meditation pods for the workplace (and other public environments) that integrate sound, music, lighting, and aromatherapy to quickly induce calm and facilitate higher states of awareness.
The investment in OpenSeed adds another impact-focused start-up to our roster which champions and catalyzes conscious companies, founders, and allies in the climate, mobility, mindfulness, prop, smart city, and Web3 tech ecosystem focused on ESG outcomes shaping more equitable and resilient cities.
“Supporting OpenSeed to bring meditation to millions of people in busy environments that normally foster frenetic energy and a constant state of stress aligns with our mission to improve living and working in the urban built environment,” said Tony Cho, Future of Cities founder. “The pod blends function and form flawlessly. I believe in the vision of OpenSeed founder Jonathan Marcoschamer and the chance to join this company on their journey is an exciting opportunity.”
In addition, OpenSeed will be joining Future of Cities at our new co-working space and innovation complex in Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood, which is scheduled to open later this year.
“We are honored to have Future of Cities and Cho Ventures on board our mission to bring meditation pods to millions of people in the workplace and other environments. Although meditation is a powerful tool for alleviating stress and elevating mental health, many companies are lagging behind in creating the proper spaces for it in the workplace. In fact, only 17% of the workplace employees have access to relaxation rooms, including spaces conducive to meditation,” said Jonathan Marcoschamer, CEO & Founder, OpenSeed.
Marcoschamer added, “Tony Cho and his team are the type of value-added investors whom we continue to seek in order to build a strong foundation for our company. Together with strategic investors and well-known partners like Deepak Chopra, we have launched an equity crowdfunding campaign on WeFunder to provide anyone with the opportunity to invest, join us on this journey, and benefit from the upside.”
The OpenSeed investment follows our backing of Dance, a premium e-bike service that aims to make cities more sustainable, active, and connected. Future of Cities is committed to incubating and accelerating founders, companies and technologies that are can rapidly innovate the built environment.