Sights and Scenes: Pearl Square Construction

Construction sights and scenes from a recent April 2026 walk through downtown Jacksonville's rapidly rising Pearl Square District.

721 Space Parking Garage (N5)

Plans for the project at 721 N. Pearl Street will transform the former First Baptist Church lighthouse garage into a 693-space parking garage with ground-floor shops and restaurants facing West Beaver Street. Construction began in January 2026 on this project.

Hotel Merrydelle

In partnership with Gateway Jax, The Indigo Road Hospitality Group will restore the historic Ambassador Hotel into a 109 key boutique hotel featuring a signature restaurant, cocktail bar, event space, and modern amenities. Hotel Merrydelle, the first lifestyle hotel in downtown Jacksonville, is set to become a major destination offering a fresh and unique experience in the Marriott Tribute Portfolio.

A rendering of the Hotel Merrydelle.

A rendering of the Hotel Merrydelle as viewed from the Porter House Garden.

Ambassador Garage

Adjacent the the Hotel Merrydelle, construction is now well underway on the Ambassador Garage. When completed, it will add approximately 480 parking spaces to the development and include future space on the ground floor.

440 Beaver Street (N8)

Clearing permitting in April 2026, 440 Beaver Street is the latest project to get underway at Pearl Street. This $145 million, 22-story tower will include 526 multifamily units and 28,000 square feet of retail space.”

655 Pearl Street

Planned at the northeast corner of Pearl and Ashley Streets, 655 Pearl Street will be a 100,000-square foot boutique office building with street level retail and dining concepts. 655 Pearl Street will feature 21,000-square foot flexible, efficient floorplates

Click here for more information and the latest news with the Pearl Square project

Editorial by Ennis Davis, AICP. Contact Ennis at edavis@moderncities.com