Long-Awaited Southbank Riverfront Development Nears Groundbreaking

City leaders signal potential start of construction as early as next month for site of former River City Brewing

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:11pm

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A conceptual studio still life photograph featuring a collection of sleek, polished metal and glass objects arranged on a clean white background, symbolizing the various components of a mixed-use riverfront development project.Gleaming metal and glass elements hint at the promise of a transformative new riverfront development in Jacksonville.Today in Jacksonville

A long-planned development for the vacant former River City Brewing site along the Southbank riverfront in Jacksonville, Florida appears to be moving forward, with city leaders indicating a potential groundbreaking could happen as soon as next month.

Why it matters

The Southbank area has seen limited development in recent years, and this project represents a significant opportunity to transform an underutilized riverfront site into a new mixed-use destination. The development could spur additional investment and revitalization in the surrounding neighborhood.

The details

Details of the planned development have not been fully disclosed, but it is expected to include a mix of residential, retail, and commercial spaces that will activate the riverfront. The site has sat vacant for years following the closure of the River City Brewing restaurant in 2019.

  • City leaders have signaled a potential groundbreaking as soon as next month (May 2026).
  • The River City Brewing restaurant closed in 2019, leaving the site vacant.

The players

City of Jacksonville

The local government overseeing development plans and approvals for the Southbank riverfront site.

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What’s next

City officials are expected to provide more details on the development timeline and plans in the coming weeks as they work towards a potential groundbreaking.

The takeaway

The long-awaited redevelopment of this prime Southbank riverfront site represents a significant opportunity to breathe new life into an underutilized area of Jacksonville and catalyze further investment and growth in the surrounding neighborhood.