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:
Business Opportunities: Providing platforms for local entrepreneurs to thrive.
Wellness Initiatives: Promoting physical and mental health for all community members.
Arts & Culture: Celebrating Jacksonville’s creativity and diversity through dynamic programming.
Business Incubation: Supporting startups and fostering innovation.
Sustainable Food Solutions: Building infrastructure for resilient, local food systems.
How You Can Help
We invite you to become a changemaker by making a tax-deductible donation. Your support contributes directly to:
Expanding wellness programs that enhance quality of life.
Building sustainable food systems that nourish the community.
Growing arts and culture initiatives that inspire connection and creativity.
Establishing a thriving community hub for innovation and resilience.
“QOZ 2.0 could rewrite the rules of engagement between capital and community—ushering in a new era of place-based investment grounded in accountability, transparency, and shared prosperity.”
“While the original intent of Opportunity Zones was to support both real estate development and the growth of operating businesses, the current regulatory environment often makes it difficult for startups and existing businesses to thrive. QOZ 2.0 should simplify rules for business qualification to ensure that we are truly fostering local entrepreneurship and economic growth within these communities.” — Jim Lang, Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig, LLP
These two events brought together some of the top minds in Qualified Opportunity Zones & Funds — family offices, developers, policymakers and community advocates to discuss what’s working—and what’s needed—for Opportunity Zones to fulfill their promise.
The goal? To connect capital with projects that are not only profitable, but regenerative—projects that elevate communities, foster resilience, and deliver long-term social value.
Miami OZ Summit 2025
Hosted by the City of Miami’s Department of Economic Innovation & Development, the Miami OZ Summit 2025 opened with remarks from Mayor Francis X. Suarez and U.S. Secretary of Housing & Urban Development highlighting the importance of Public-Private Partnerships, setting the tone for a day centered around community-driven development & economic innovation.
On Public-Private Partnerships
“…local electives have the flexibility to understand and to make the decisions on how they want to build these neighborhoods.”
– US Secretary of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) – Scott Turner
At both events, a clear sense of alignment & agreement emerged among industry leaders, policymakers, and investors: the future of Opportunity Zones must prioritize:
a long term extension to existing OZ zones with adjustments to the timelines and terms of the program
innovations in bank incentives to provide more financing into OZs
simplification of rules & restrictions for greater accessibility and flexibility to operate businesses in OZs
Across panels and presentations, there was strong consensus that these proposed policy updates would create more long-term value and an inclusive framework for investment. By centering local voices and mission-aligned capital, these changes have the potential to transform Opportunity Zones from a financial incentive into a powerful tool for regenerative development, unlocking long-term value in historically underserved neighborhoods.
“In terms of the way we zone our city, we also rely heavily on the private sector. We invite the private sector to the table as visionaries. We set the parameters, we set the rules, the limits but within those rules & limits we think that they have the best capability of visioning neighborhoods, of visioning developments & its worked really well. You were able to see and get a sense of how the city is growing and see how eclectic the neighborhoods are… it’s led to 140% growth from 2015-2024.”
– Mayor of Miami Francis X Suarez
As legislation continues to evolve, so does the understanding of what Opportunity Zones can—and should—be. From climate-resilient infrastructure to culturally-rooted placemaking, this policy could expand far beyond the multifamily model that once defined it & these conversations are only the beginning.
At Future of Cities, with our continued commitment to SDG 11 Sustainable Cities & Communities, we remain committed to reimagining what opportunity truly looks like—on the ground, in policy, and in partnership with the communities we serve.
“We’ve been investing in Opportunity Zones since the very beginning—not just as developers, but as EcoSystems Thinkers. It’s not enough to build housing. We need to build ecosystems of innovation, equity, and healing.”
— Tony Cho, Founder & CEO, Future of Cities
Future of Cities’ flagship Opportunity Zone demonstration projects include:
Phoenix Art & Innovation District Strategic Location Map
The Phoenix Arts & Innovation District in Springfield, Jacksonville, which is activating local talent and culture to catalyze creative economies & small business incubation along with tackling access to affordable housing and healthy food in an urban food desert.
The Climate & Innovation HUB in Little Haiti, Miami, a regenerative placemaking campus designed to support circular economies, innovation, climate tech, and community collaboration.
“The magic of resilient & regenerative cities lies not just in buildings, but in the people who inhabit them. We have to move beyond transactional development to something transformational.”
— Tony Cho
Get Tony’s personal insights, policy breakdowns, and behind-the-scenes updates on regenerative living, purpose-driven leadership, and what it really takes to build the future of cities. Subscribe to the substack to receive upcoming insights & updates directly to your inbox.
As cities around the world reckon with climate challenges, biodiversity loss, and the social fragmentation caused by unchecked development, a new model for living is emerging—one that turns to nature not only for inspiration but for co-creation. Enter the “Bioregional Hub:” a place-based, integrated system of living that harmonizes human settlements with natural ecosystems. These hubs aren’t utopian dreams—they’re real-world prototypes reshaping how we live, build, govern, and grow. And they are poised to become the most vital infrastructure of our time.
What is a Bioregional hub?
Bioregional hubs are more than just eco-communities—they are living laboratories for regeneration, rooted in the ecological, cultural, and economic realities of their specific landscapes. Informed by regenerative design and Indigenous land stewardship, these hubs serve as blueprints for how humanity can thrive within the limits of nature—rather than in spite of them.
At their core, Bioregional Hubs integrate:
Sustainable Land Stewardship: Using regenerative agriculture, permaculture, and rewilding to restore ecosystems
Circular Economies: Fostering local production, closed-loop systems, and regenerative finance
Resilient Infrastructure: Building with renewable energy, water conservation, and nature-based design
Cultural Regeneration: Celebrating Indigenous wisdom, community resilience, and intergenerational knowledge
Wellness and Education: Cultivating immersive spaces for ecological literacy and holistic well-being
These principles serve as the scaffolding for a new era of climate-adaptive, community-centered development.
From Movement to Model: The Origins of Bioregionalism
Bioregionalism emerged in the 1970s in response to the alienation of people from their environments. It asked a simple but revolutionary question: What if we lived in a way that truly honored the land we’re on?
The answers became more sophisticated over time. Today’s bioregional hubs are a synthesis of decades of environmental wisdom, design thinking, and community practice. They are shaped by movements like permaculture, Indigenous sovereignty, and regenerative urbanism.
And now, they’re shaping the future of cities.
“I believe the future of regenerative living lies in bioregional hubs—where communities are rooted in local ecology, regenerative principles drive economies, and collaboration sparks innovation. Bioregional hubs reconnect communities with their local environments, offering place-based solutions to our most pressing global challenges.” – Tony Cho, Founder & CEO, Future of Cities
Why Bioregional Hubs Matter Now
As the climate crisis escalates and social trust erodes, we need solutions that are:
Localized: Tailored to the unique climate, culture, and challenges of a place
Resilient: Able to withstand ecological shocks and economic disruption
Inclusive: Designed by and for communities, not imposed on them
Scalable: Capable of being adapted across urban, peri-urban, and rural settings
This is not just environmentalism—it’s regenerative placemaking. It’s where real estate, resilience, and reverence for nature converge.
ChoZen: A Living Example in Florida
This vision comes alive at ChoZen Eco-Retreat, co-founded by Tony and Ximena Cho along Florida’s San Sebastian River. Situated within a richly biodiverse watershed and in collaboration with organizations like Wildpath, Path of the Panther, and the Florida Wildlife Corridor, ChoZen operates as a bioregional hub in action.
At ChoZen, every decision—from water management to community programming—is rooted in local ecology. The land is not a backdrop, but a collaborator. With offerings like eco-tours, wellness immersions, and regenerative development workshops, ChoZen is catalyzing a cultural shift—one that moves us from extraction to co-creation.
The heartbeat of this hub is the ChoZen Center for Regenerative Living (CCRL)—a nonprofit dedicated to conservation demonstration and community empowerment. CCRL connects changemakers, land stewards, artists, and youth in active regeneration, from habitat restoration to circular economic pilots.
It’s not about building back better. It’s about building forward—in harmony with nature, not in opposition to it.
Bioregional hubs like ChoZen are not outliers—they are prototypes for the next generation of human settlements. As cities continue to grow, we must ask ourselves: How do we grow with integrity, with care, and with creativity?
“The future of cities will be shaped by those who remember how to live in deep relationship with place.” – Tony Cho
It’s time to shift from monocultures to biodiverse neighborhoods. From concrete jungles to living ecologies. From top-down design to grassroots co-creation.
“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:
Reconsider where we build and with what materials—informed by nature.
Reflect on who we build with—rooted in community.
Redefine how we create value—guided by culture.
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.
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:
Adopt a holistic mindset: See the interconnection between the natural, human, and built environments. Shift from linear systems to circular ones that replenish.
Center collaboration: Build bridges across communities, sectors, and disciplines. Shared solutions amplify collective impact.
Integrate culture with economy: Let storytelling, shared values, and cultural wisdom shape sustainable markets and regenerative growth.
“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.
As our cities and towns expand to accommodate growing populations, the balance between urban development and ecological preservation becomes increasingly fragile. One critical strategy to address this challenge is the creation and maintenance of green corridors. These continuous stretches of vegetation, connecting parks, forests, wetlands, and other natural habitats, are essential for promoting biodiversity, improving quality of life, and enhancing climate resilience.
What Are Green Corridors?
Green corridors are linear green spaces that link larger natural areas, enabling wildlife to move freely and safely across fragmented landscapes. They can take many forms: riverbanks, urban greenways, tree-lined streets, or even vegetated rooftops that connect natural habitats within cities. By integrating nature into urban and suburban environments, green corridors create pathways for ecological connectivity.
One example of green infrastructure supporting wildlife is the green bridge in Nettersheim, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, which allows animals to safely cross the Autobahn A1, reducing road fatalities and maintaining genetic flow between populations.
A green bridge allows animals to cross the Autobahn A1 safely – Eifel region, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
Ecological Benefits
One of the primary functions of green corridors is to support biodiversity. Habitat fragmentation—caused by roads, buildings, and other infrastructure—is a leading cause of species decline. Green corridors mitigate this by providing:
Safe Passage: Animals can migrate, forage, and breed without the threats posed by traffic or human interference.
Gene Flow: Corridors facilitate genetic exchange between wildlife populations, which is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Pollinator Support: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators thrive in these connected green spaces, ensuring the health of both natural and agricultural systems.
Organizations like Wildpath, The Nature Conservancy, and Wildlife Corridors Australia are actively working to establish and protect green corridors that sustain biodiversity and ensure safe wildlife movement.
Climate Resilience
In the face of climate change, green corridors are vital for creating resilient communities. They contribute by:
Reducing Urban Heat: Vegetation in green corridors lowers surface and air temperatures, combating the urban heat island effect.
Carbon Sequestration: Trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide, helping to offset emissions.
Flood Mitigation: Green corridors often include permeable surfaces and water features that absorb excess rainwater, reducing the risk of urban flooding.
An example of this is the Recreio Green Corridor Project in Brazil, launched in 2012 by the Municipal Secretariat for the Environment. This project aims to protect and enhance the biodiversity of the region while helping the west side of the city adapt to coastal flooding and erosion.
Nonprofits such as Rainforest Trust and Green Corridors (South Africa) are also focusing on reforestation and ecosystem restoration to enhance climate resilience worldwide.
Social and Economic Benefits
Beyond ecological advantages, green corridors offer significant social and economic benefits:
Improved Health: Access to green spaces encourages physical activity, reduces stress, and improves mental well-being.
Enhanced Aesthetics: Tree-lined streets and landscaped pathways increase property values and attract tourism.
Community Connectivity: Green corridors double as pedestrian and cycling routes, fostering active transportation and community interaction.
Mexico City showcases both older and newer green corridor infrastructure, with shaded walking and cycling routes in the Roma and Condesa districts, and the innovative Ecoductor – Walking River, integrating walking into green and blue corridors while connecting with the city-wide cycle hire scheme.
Organizations like Urban Green Spaces (UK) and Green Infrastructure Partnership advocate for green corridors as tools for enhancing urban livability and well-being.
Challenges and Solutions
The implementation of green corridors often faces challenges such as land acquisition, funding, and competing urban priorities. However, these hurdles can be addressed with innovative approaches:
Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between governments, developers, and non-profits can pool resources for green corridor projects.
Integrated Planning: Including green corridors in urban master plans ensures they are prioritized alongside infrastructure development.
Community Involvement: Engaging local communities in the planning and maintenance of green corridors fosters stewardship and ensures the spaces meet public needs.
Inspiring Examples
Globally, there are inspiring examples of green corridors transforming urban areas:
Piggyback Yard Feasibility Study, Los Angeles: This project examines converting a 125-acre rail yard into a new terrain supporting riparian habitat and providing public access while maintaining hydraulic performance during peak flows within the central corridor of Los Angeles. Outlining the development and hydrological programs that will transform Piggyback Yard from a concrete industrial landscape to a “River Destination,” this ambitious vision serves as a catalyst for urban regeneration along the LA River corridor. Despite these ambitious plans, the primary obstacle remains Union Pacific’s steadfast position on retaining the property for its rail operations. This stance has made it challenging to advance redevelopment proposals. While the Los Angeles River Master Plan, released in 2022, outlines a comprehensive framework for revitalizing the river and its adjacent areas, significant progress on the Piggyback Yard transformation has been limited due to the property’s continued use as a rail yard.
Wildpath & The Florida Wildlife Corridor: Wildpath has played a pivotal role in the conservation of millions of acres within The Florida Wildlife Corridor. Their work in raising awareness and advocating for land protection has led to significant legislative action, ensuring the long-term preservation of critical habitats. Their Emmy-winning documentary, Path of the Panther, has brought national attention to the urgent need for conservation efforts.
Bogotá, Colombia: Eastern Hills Ecological and Recreational Corridor: This ambitious project, led by environmental planner Diana Wiesner, integrates natural ecosystems with recreational spaces to promote sustainability and urban resilience.
London Green Spaces: The Map of London Green Spaces, produced by Greenspace Information for Greater London (GiGL), highlights the city’s extensive green infrastructure, demonstrating a successful model for urban green corridor integration.
Policy & Place
Aligning policy with green corridors for placemaking requires a multi-layered approach that integrates land-use planning, environmental protection, community engagement, and sustainable development. Here’s how policymakers can support green corridor initiatives:
1. Incorporate Green Corridors into Urban and Regional Plans
Mandate the inclusion of green infrastructure in zoning laws and urban development plans.
Require ecological impact assessments for new developments to protect and integrate existing corridors.
Promote mixed-use developments that incorporate green spaces and connectivity.
2. Strengthen Environmental Protections
Establish protected status for green corridors through conservation easements or municipal land designations.
Enforce buffer zones around critical habitats to prevent encroachment from urban expansion.
Implement wildlife-friendly infrastructure regulations, such as green bridges and underpasses.
Offer tax credits or development incentives for projects that enhance green corridors.
Create green bonds or funding mechanisms to support conservation and restoration efforts.
Encourage real estate developers to integrate nature-based solutions in exchange for zoning benefits.
4. Enhance Mobility & Accessibility
Align transportation policies with pedestrian and cycling networks to reduce car dependency.
Invest in multi-modal transit systems that complement green corridors (e.g., The Underline in Miami).
Implement greenway standards in infrastructure projects to ensure public access and safety.
5. Foster Community Stewardship & Engagement
Support community-led conservation initiatives through grants and participatory planning.
Create educational programs to increase awareness of green corridor benefits.
Encourage local businesses to sponsor green corridor maintenance and public programming.
6. Integrate Climate Resilience Policies
Align green corridors with stormwater management and flood mitigation strategies.
Use native plant policies to support biodiversity and reduce maintenance costs.
Implement carbon sequestration goals through afforestation and rewilding projects.
Go Green
Green corridors are not just environmental features; they are lifelines for ecosystems and urban communities alike. By investing in these natural pathways and supporting organizations dedicated to their preservation, we can create cities that are not only sustainable but also more livable and connected. As we envision the future of urban and regional planning, green corridors should be at the heart of our efforts to harmonize development with nature.
“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
Loft-Style Residences: Converting warehouses into high-ceilinged, open-concept apartments with exposed beams and brickwork preserves industrial charm while offering modern amenities.
Co-Working & Innovation Spaces: The flexibility of warehouses makes them ideal for shared work environments, incubators, and creative offices.
Cultural & Event Venues: Many warehouses have been repurposed into galleries, performance spaces, and music venues, fostering arts and entertainment within urban centers.
Retail & Dining Hubs: Adaptive reuse has turned former industrial sites into thriving markets, breweries, and boutique shopping destinations
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.
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
Reduced Waste: Demolition generates significant construction debris, much of which ends up in landfills. Adaptive reuse minimizes waste by repurposing existing materials.
Lower Carbon Footprint: Retrofitting existing structures consumes fewer resources than new builds, reducing energy-intensive processes like concrete production.
Energy Efficiency: Many warehouses have durable construction that can be enhanced with modern energy-efficient upgrades, such as improved insulation, green roofs, and solar panels.
Economic & Community Advantages
Cost-Effective Development: Retrofitting an existing structure often costs less than new construction, offering financial incentives for developers.
Cultural Preservation: Adaptive reuse projects maintain the historical and architectural integrity of neighborhoods, fostering a sense of place and identity.
Revitalization of Urban Areas: Transforming vacant warehouses into mixed-use spaces, creative hubs, or boutique hospitality venues stimulates local economies and attracts investment.
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:
Diversify Economic Opportunities: Engage in thriving markets, benefit from tax efficiencies, and access new career landscapes.
Enhance Quality of Life: Enjoy world-class healthcare, education, and social systems.
Build a Resilient Future: Mitigate risks through alternative residency or citizenship options.
Expand Business & Investment Networks: Connect with international talent, entrepreneurs, and markets.
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
Modular Workspaces – Flexible, hybrid-ready layouts that evolve with your needs.
Community & Collaboration – A campus-inspired setting that fosters networking and idea exchange.
Well-Being First – On-site gym, wellness programs, mental health support, and farm-to-table dining.
Regenerative by Design – Green roofs, pocket forests, and renewable energy solutions to ensure sustainability.
LEED-Certified – High-performance green building standards for a resilient future.
Smart & Sustainable – IoT-enabled spaces for real-time connectivity, efficiency, and environmental tracking.
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:
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – Embedding sustainability and ethics into daily operations.
Talent Retention & Attraction – Workspaces aligned with employee well-being and values.
Growth & Innovation – A culture of continuous learning, networking, and collaboration.
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.
