Phoenix Arts & Innovation District Unveils Emerald Station in Jacksonville, Florida

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.