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Conceptual exploration of the Phoenix Arts & Innovation District in Jacksonville, Florida by Future of Cities

The cities that will define the next century aren’t waiting to be built. They’re being reimagined right now — in underutilized corridors, in historic industrial bones, in the spaces between what a city was and what it could become. The Phoenix Arts & Innovation District is one of those places. And today, we’re announcing the partnership that moves it forward.

Future of Cities has partnered with Live Oak Contracting — a Jacksonville-based firm with a track record of delivering complex multifamily, mixed-use, and hospitality developments across the Southeast — to advance the next phase of PHXJAX. Live Oak Estates Group, their development arm, will work alongside the PHXJAX leadership team on planning and development strategy. Live Oak Contracting will provide pre-development and pre-construction services as the project builds toward execution.

A Catalytic Project for Jacksonville

PHXJAX sits on 8.5 acres in Jacksonville’s historic Springfield neighborhood — just north of Downtown, anchored along the 30-mile Emerald Trail, and positioned at the center of a corridor ready for transformation. The vision is ambitious by design: 120,000 square feet of repurposed historic industrial buildings activated as creative workspace and community gathering space, embedded within a broader mixed-use district with entitlements for up to 830 multifamily units — affordable, workforce, and market-rate housing woven together in a walkable, transit-oriented neighborhood.

This is not a conventional development. It’s a district built around the premise that creativity, culture, and community are not amenities — they are infrastructure.

“This partnership reflects the strength of Jacksonville’s growth trajectory and the confidence we have in the Phoenix Arts & Innovation District as a catalytic project for the city,” said Tony Cho, Founder and CEO of Future of Cities.

The Right Partner for What Comes Next

Turning a vision at this scale into a built reality requires more than capital and a concept. It requires partners who understand the complexity of urban development — the site conditions, the construction sequencing, the community relationships — and who share the conviction that cities can be built differently.

Live Oak brings all of that. As a Jacksonville-rooted firm, they bring proximity, credibility, and construction expertise that the next phase demands.

“PHXJAX represents an opportunity to create a new kind of district for Jacksonville — one centered around creativity, community, and forward-looking development,” said Michael Weil, Chief Operating Officer of Future of Cities. “Partnering with a Jacksonville-based team like Live Oak brings both development insight and construction leadership as we move the vision forward.”

Paul Bertozzi, CEO of Live Oak Contracting and Live Oak Estates Group, sees the same horizon: “Projects like this have the potential to create lasting impact for a city by blending housing, culture, and innovation into a vibrant urban environment.”

The District Is Taking Shape

Planning is active. Additional milestones, development timelines, and programming announcements will follow as work progresses. What’s being built at PHXJAX — a district that integrates arts, innovation, housing, and civic life into something genuinely new — is worth watching closely.

Follow the story as it unfolds.

Visit phxjax.com for the latest on the Phoenix Arts & Innovation District, and stay connected with Future of Cities at focities.com.

The next chapter of Jacksonville is being written. We’re building it.

Building the Next Era of Regenerative, Community-Led Urban Transformation

Cities don’t just shape skylines. They shape whether people feel connected, supported, and able to thrive together. Generation Regeneration: Co-Designing the Future of Cities Through Regenerative Placemaking by Future of Cities founder Tony Cho argues that the next era of city-making must start with a simple premise: community is not an “input” to development—it’s the outcome we design for.

The Loneliness Epidemic Is a Design Problem—and Real Estate Helped Create It

What we’re calling a “loneliness epidemic” is not merely cultural or personal—it’s structural. Decades of profit-driven, car-centric, single-use, isolating development have steadily weakened the social fabric. We are often physically closer, yet emotionally and civically disconnected: fewer “third places,” fewer casual interactions, less trust, and reduced neighborhood resilience.

This crisis isn’t accidental. It is the predictable result of systems optimized for throughput and return, not belonging and care. If the built environment can accelerate disconnection, it can also be co-designed to restore connection.

Regenerative Placemaking Is a Blueprint: Treat Cities Like Living Ecosystems

Future of Cities advances regenerative placemaking as the governing framework—moving beyond “sustainable” (doing less harm) to regenerative (actively healing). Regenerative placemaking is a systems approach that aligns three pillars as the core infrastructure of thriving places:

When these pillars work together, neighborhoods can produce what conventional development often cannot: trust, vitality, and environments that nourish both people and planet.

Regeneration Is Wellness

Wellness isn’t a feature you add after a project is delivered. It is the direct outcome of whether a place regenerates life—socially, ecologically, and culturally.

When cities are designed for extraction and isolation, wellness declines, regardless of amenities. When cities are designed to restore ecosystems and strengthen belonging, wellness becomes the default.

A Book About Co-Designing What Comes Next

At the center of Generation Regeneration is co-design: engaging residents early, treating participation as real decision-making, and building with the cultural anchors—artists, educators, local institutions—who hold neighborhood continuity.

This is the shift Future of Cities is making visible: from development as transaction to placemaking as stewardship—guided by Community + Nature + Culture as the true wellness infrastructure of the future city.

A Youth Arts, Agriculture & Entrepreneurship Program in Jacksonville’s Phoenix Arts & Innovation District

JACKSONVILLE, FL — August 13, 2025

Friends of PHXJAX, the nonprofit arm of the Phoenix Arts & Innovation District, announced today the launch of Bloom Lab, a free after-school program for 6th–12th graders in Jacksonville’s North Springfield neighborhood. Thanks to $350,000 in funding from Governor Ron DeSantis, Senator Tracie Davis, Representative Wyman Duggan and the State of Florida, Bloom Lab will provide students with immersive educational experiences in arts, agriculture, and entrepreneurship, while creating pathways for personal growth, community engagement, and economic opportunity.

Bloom Lab will operate in 8-week learning cohorts where students rotate through hands-on workshops in gardening, creative arts, and business development. After completing their cohort, youth will collaborate to run a monthly, youth-led community market—selling produce they’ve grown, art they’ve created, and products they’ve designed. This market will serve as both a public event and a training ground for real-world business skills.

“North Florida After School Agriculture and Arts Programs is important to providing our youth with educational and creative opportunities that connect them with their community and environment,” said Senator Tracie Davis, who sponsored the funding bill.

“This area deserves investment that honors its history while providing pathways for growth. It was essential for the state to contribute to ensure this project’s success and sustainability. PHX JAX is a perfect example of how thoughtful investment can uplift a neighborhood and build a stronger future for all constituents.”

Emily Moody, Chief Experience Officer for the Phoenix Arts & Innovation District, said:

“Bloom Lab will give young people the chance to explore their creativity, gain practical skills, and see how they can make a difference in their community. We deeply appreciate Governor DeSantis, Senator Davis, and Representative Duggan for believing in this vision.”

Tony Cho, CEO of the Phoenix Arts & Innovation District, added:

“This investment allows us to cultivate the next generation of leaders right here in North Springfield. By combining arts, agriculture, and entrepreneurship, Bloom Lab is a perfect example of our regenerative placemaking approach, which give students the tools to thrive while contributing to the cultural and economic vitality of our city.”

Bloom Lab is scheduled to launch in late 2025 and run through June 2026. All programming will be hosted at the Phoenix Arts & Innovation District in North Springfield, leveraging its community gardens, art studios, and flexible event spaces.

About Friends of PHXJAX
Friends of PHXJAX is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the regenerative development of the Phoenix Arts & Innovation District in Jacksonville’s North Springfield neighborhood. Through arts, culture, agriculture, and small business support, Friends of PHXJAX fosters community engagement, economic opportunity, and neighborhood revitalization.

Learn more about Friends of PHXJAX

Press Conference Details:
Date:
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM ET
Location: Emerald Station, Phoenix Arts & Innovation District, 2320 N Liberty Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206
Speakers (in order of appearance): Emily Moody, Tony Cho, Senator Tracie Davis, Mayor Donna Deegan
Photo Opportunity: Large check presentation following remarks

Media Contact:
Emily Moody
emoody@phxjax.org
(904) 945.8686
www.phxjax.org

In the heart of Jacksonville, Florida’s North Springfield neighborhood, the Phoenix Art & Innovation District (PHXJAX) is emerging as a transformative hub.

Friends of Phoenix, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was established to champion regenerative development to co-create a brighter future for Jacksonville while unlocking the full potential of the Phoenix Art & Innovation District .

A Vision for Community Transformation

The Phoenix Art & Innovation District exemplifies the potential of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to transform neighborhoods. Friends of Phoenix is dedicated to advancing:

How You Can Help

We invite you to become a changemaker by making a tax-deductible donation. Your support contributes directly to:

Become a Changemaker

“Imagine a future where every development project replenishes the soil, purifies the water, cleans the air and revitalizes the community.”

Tony Cho, Founder of Future of Cities

What if our cities could heal the earth instead of harm it? What if the neighborhoods we build not only supported economic growth, but also nurtured culture, restored ecosystems, and strengthened human connection? This is the transformative nature of EcoSystems Thinking—a regenerative mindset that places nature, community, and culture at the heart of how we design and develop places.

At Future of Cities, this is more than a vision—it’s the lens through which we view our projects and helps to guide every decision we make.


A Living Framework: What Is EcoSystems Thinking?

At its core, EcoSystems Thinking is a recognition that we are not separate from nature, but deeply embedded within it. It invites us to see cities not just as collections of buildings and infrastructure, but as dynamic ecosystems—where the health of one part directly affects the whole.

As Future of Cities founder, Tony Cho explains:

“EcoSystems Thinking allows for the most efficient and well-informed decision-making capacity based on both highly evolved natural systems as well as human systems. If we can optimize for both, then we can achieve great things together.”

This mindset urges us to:

It’s a radical departure from extractive, linear models toward circular, reciprocal practices that regenerate life.


Nature as Teacher: The Blue + Greenprints

EcoSystems Thinking begins by honoring the intelligence of the natural world. In nature, there is no waste. Every organism, every cycle, every system plays a role in nourishing the whole. Through biomimicry, permaculture, indigenous knowledge, and regenerative design, we can begin to reimagine how urban development supports—not suppresses—these patterns.

“In natural ecosystems, nothing is wasted; every element serves a purpose, supporting the health and resilience of the whole.”

Tony Cho

Our Blue + Greenprints draw from this wisdom, aligning development with natural systems to create clean, safe, and resilient places where people and the planet thrive together.


Regenerative Placemaking: Nature. Community. Culture.

EcoSystems Thinking comes to life through our Regenerative Placemaking framework—three interconnected pillars that ensure lasting impact.

1. Nature: Responsible Land & Ocean Stewardship

To design with nature is to respect the ecology of place. At Future of Cities, we partner with visionaries like Regenesis Institute, PlacemakingX, and The ReefLine to promote place-based solutions grounded in resilience, conservation, and restoration.

From integrating green infrastructure to sourcing sustainable materials, we prioritize the long-term vitality of the land and water.

2. Community: The People

Communities are ecosystems too. They flourish when relationships are nurtured and resources are shared. At the Phoenix Arts & Innovation District (PHXJAX), we’re cultivating a creative economy where artists, technologists, and residents collaborate to solve real challenges—like food access, affordable housing, and social justice—while celebrating the local heritage.

“By nurturing relationships through collaboration, resource-sharing, and care for nature, we create resilience and mutual benefit.”
– Tony Cho

3. Culture: Currency & Circular Economies

Culture is more than art—it’s a regenerative force. When economic models reflect cultural values like stewardship, equity, and collaboration, prosperity becomes circular and inclusive.

At the Climate & Innovation HUB in Miami, we’re embedding circular business models into the DNA of entrepreneurship. Through zero-waste events, regenerative workshops, and a thriving network of innovators, the HUB embodies how culture and commerce can evolve together.


The Power of Cross-Pollination

To regenerate entire cities, we must think like ecosystems: diverse, interconnected, and mutually supportive. That’s why Future of Cities embraces Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and Collective Impact Models to bring together government, industry, artists, activists, investors, and community members.

“No single entity or individual can achieve this alone… Collaboration across sectors, disciplines, and geographies is key.”
– Tony Cho

Cross-pollination accelerates innovation, drives systems change, and ensures our solutions are inclusive and scalable.


Becoming an EcoSystems Thinker

EcoSystems Thinking isn’t just a framework—it’s a movement. It’s a call to rethink our place in the world, and to design in harmony with it.

Here’s how you can begin:

“It’s my belief that by co-creating a world where urban and natural systems thrive in harmony, we can leave a legacy.”
– Tony Cho


The Future Is Regenerative

The future isn’t something we wait for—it’s something we build. As cities continue to grow and adapt, the question is not if we should change how we develop, but how quickly we can shift toward regeneration.

EcoSystems Thinking offers the tools. We must provide the will.

Let’s regenerate the world, together.

“The warehouse is my canvas—a space to reimagine, regenerate, and breathe new life into…” – Tony Cho

As cities evolve and the demand for sustainable development grows, adaptive reuse has emerged as a crucial strategy in architecture and urban planning. Warehouses, with their expansive footprints, high ceilings, and industrial charm, offer an ideal canvas for creative transformation. Rather than demolishing these structures, repurposing them into vibrant commercial, residential, and cultural spaces presents a more environmentally and economically viable solution.

The Warehouse as a Blank Canvas

Adaptive reuse is the practice of repurposing existing buildings for new functions while maintaining their structural integrity. This approach preserves architectural history while aligning with sustainability goals by reducing construction waste, minimizing resource consumption, and lowering the carbon footprint of new developments. Warehouses, originally designed for storage and logistics, possess unique qualities that make them highly adaptable for new uses. Their vast open layouts, industrial aesthetics, and structural resilience offer endless possibilities for innovative transformations.

Creative Reuse Examples

Welcome to Jacksonville… 

80 years ago, the Springfield Warehouse District, just north of Downtown Jacksonville, was a bustling center of industry. Today, it is a prime location for future renovation and revitalization, exemplifying the power of adaptive reuse in fostering creative and sustainable urban redevelopment. Throughout the early and mid-20th Century, the neighborhood was an epicenter for industrial development with production and distribution facilities for the Studebaker, Chevrolet, and Coca-Cola corporations, among others. 

As industrial requirement trends dramatically changed towards the dawn of the 21st Century, the neighborhood was left largely vacant, but what remained were impressive warehouse structures that were adopted as studio and gallery spaces by pioneering artists. Modern  day  Springfield  is  now one  of  the  most  attractive  neighborhoods  in Jacksonville, due to its: beautiful architecture, gridded streets, walkability, bikeability, variety of parks, eclectic nightlife, unique restaurants, proximity to Downtown, abundant social events, and friendly neighbors (just to name a few). 

Meet the PHXJAX Art & Innovation District by Future of Cities 

The district’s new name, the Phoenix Arts & Innovation District (PHXJAX), is inspired by Jacksonville rising from the ashes after the catastrophic Great Fire of 1901. PHXJAX is a visionary adaptive reuse project transforming historic warehouses into a dynamic hub for creativity, sustainability, and community-driven innovation. Our plan focuses on repurposing four warehouses, strategically selecting structures based on cost-effectiveness, highest and best use, quality, safety, and uniqueness.

By preserving statement architectural elements and upcycling materials from necessary demolitions—such as reclaimed wood, aged bricks, and other historic materials—we aim to honor the site’s industrial heritage while integrating sustainable design practices. This approach not only reduces waste but also enhances the character and authenticity of the district, creating an inspiring environment for artists, entrepreneurs, and innovators to thrive.

Emerald Station: From Industrial Landmark to Creative Hub

Originally built in 1930 for the Cleveland-based Sherwin-Williams Company, 2320 North Liberty Street served as a vital part of Jacksonville’s industrial landscape. As a Fortune 500 company specializing in paints, coatings, and related products, Sherwin-Williams contributed to the city’s commercial growth for decades.

Now reimagined as Emerald Station, this historic building has been transformed into a dynamic hub for co-working, events, and artist studios. Blending its industrial past with modern creativity, Emerald Station offers flexible workspaces, vibrant event venues, and inspiring studios and creative office spaces for artists and entrepreneurs. By preserving key architectural elements and infusing new life into the space, it stands as a testament to adaptive reuse and community-driven innovation.

THE  EMERALD  STATION is now  the  epicenter of activity at PHX-JAX situated along the Emerald Trail. It is split into the North Half, which  is  partitioned  into  a  hub  for  small-format creative  office  and  community  gathering  spaces, and  the  South  Half,  which  is  a  signature open warehouse as an event space.

Next Stop, The Liberty Building…

Originally completed in 1926 for the Southern Hardware & Bicycle Company, 2336 North Liberty Street is now entering a new chapter. Known as “The Liberty Building,” this 18,000-square-foot historic structure is the next warehouse being reimagined by Future of Cities into a vibrant space for innovation, collaboration, and community engagement.

Honoring its architectural heritage while embracing modern adaptive reuse, The Liberty Building within the PHXJAX Arts District will continues it’s creative legacy as the prime street-facing space with an industrial roll-up door  and has  been  marked  for  a  community-centered cafe, while the majority of the 17,850 SF floor plan has been allocated for affordable artist studios, art galleries, small-format retail for homegrown businesses and restaurants.

The Case for Adaptive Reuse

Adaptive reuse isn’t just a design choice; it’s a commitment to sustainability, preserving history while creating a more resilient future.” ~ Tony Cho

Environmental Benefits

Economic & Community Advantages

The Future of Adaptive Reuse

As cities continue to grow and prioritize sustainability, adaptive reuse will play an increasingly critical role in urban development. Warehouses, in particular, present a wealth of opportunities for innovative repurposing, fostering economic, environmental, and cultural benefits.

By viewing warehouses as blank canvases, developers, architects, and urban planners can unlock new possibilities for vibrant, community-centric spaces. Whether through cultural revitalization, creative workspace development, or sustainable design, adaptive reuse ensures that the past informs the future in meaningful and impactful ways.

Be Part of the Transformation

Keep an eye on the phoenix rising at phxjax.com. Now leasing creative office and event spaces in Jacksonville, FL—where visionaries and changemakers come to thrive.

In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to live, work, and invest across borders has never been more valuable. Global mobility is not just about the freedom to travel—it’s about expanding horizons, unlocking new economic opportunities, and securing a resilient future for families and businesses alike. One of the most compelling pathways to global mobility today is through our Future of Cities Portugal+ Golden Visa Fund, a vehicle that offers investors a strategic gateway to European residency while prioritizing sustainable development & becoming a part of a curated network of like-minded individuals dedicated to positive impact.

Why Global Mobility Matters

We are inevitably shaped by our living environments. Where we work, play, create, and connect influences not just our day-to-day lives but our long-term personal & professional growth and resilience. As the world faces evolving economic, environmental, and geopolitical shifts, the ability to move fluidly across jurisdictions is an asset that provides security, flexibility, and financial leverage.

The concept of home is transforming—rather than being tied to a single location, individuals and families are crafting lifestyles that integrate multiple cultures, business hubs, and investment landscapes.

Global mobility empowers you to:

The Portugal+ Golden Visa Fund: A Wise Gateway into Europe

The Portugal Golden Visa program has long been recognized as one of the most attractive residency-by-investment programs globally. One of the most notable aspects of this Golden Visa program is that it does not require its investors to relocate to become a European Union resident.

For investors looking for a seamless route to European residency, the Portugal Golden Visa Fund offers a streamlined, capital-efficient, and sustainable investment approach. 

Key Benefits of the Future of Cities Portugal+ Golden Visa Fund:

Residency & EU Access: Gain residency in Portugal with visa-free travel across the Schengen Area.
Attractive Investment Structure: Instead of purchasing real estate, investors can allocate funds into regulated investment vehicles, supporting sustainable development, technology, and infrastructure projects.
Pathway to Citizenship: After five years, investors can apply for Portuguese citizenship without requiring permanent residence in Portugal.
Sustainable & Future-Focused: As one of the few funds that prioritizes ESG-driven projects, we align with the values of regenerative development and long-term impact.
Tax Advantages: Enjoy potential tax efficiencies, depending on individual circumstances and residency status.

Regenerative Placemaking through Global Mobility

At Future of Cities, we recognize that the future of urban living transcends borders. The intersection of global investment, regenerative development, and community-building is at the heart of our mission. Through strategic partnerships and forward-thinking initiatives, applying our regenerative placemaking framework, we help individuals and businesses navigate the complexities of global mobility while centering positive environmental and social impact.

The Future of Cities Portugal+ Golden Visa Fund is more than a financial instrument—it’s a bridge to a future where mobility is a tool for empowerment, innovation, and resilience. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to expand your reach, a family seeking a secure future, or an investor committed to shaping better cities, global mobility is your gateway to limitless possibilities.

Interested in learning more about how the Portugal Golden Visa Fund can help you unlock global opportunities?

Future of Cities’ expansion to Portugal explores what’s to come for our regenerative placemaking project that is reimagining the workplace in Porto.

Designed at the intersection of sustainability, technology, and human-centric design, this initiative aims to create a regenerative, community-driven workspace. As the landscape of work continues to evolve, professionals are prioritizing balance, flexibility, and values-aligned environments. In response, office spaces must transform into hubs of well-being, innovation, and collaboration.

Where Innovation Meets Community


Located in the vibrant Senhora da Hora district of Matosinhos, Porto, our upcoming project offers seamless accessibility. With a subway station just steps away, proximity to renowned institutions like Porto Business School and Universidade Europeia do Porto, and a major retail and dining hub at Norte Shopping, the development integrates work and life with ease.

The Future of Work, Today


With hybrid work becoming the norm, this workspace is designed to be adaptive—offering personalized experiences, intuitive services, and premium amenities. More than just an office, it’s a forward-thinking campus for the modern workforce.

Designed with Purpose, Built for People & Place

Beyond Work: Elevating Tenant Experience


This development isn’t just about providing office space—it’s about creating a workplace that enhances corporate culture, strengthens employer brands, and supports:

With monthly art exhibitions, community events, and environmental education initiatives, this project offers an engaging and evolving office experience.

Join the Movement


Discover how you can be part of this transformational development and explore opportunities within Portugal’s Golden Visa program. The future of work is here—designed with purpose, built for people, and driven by innovation.