85% of independent restaurants at risk

August 7, 2020 | Ennis Davis

news

85% Of Independent Restaurants At Risk; Jax Owners Urge Support Of RESTAURANTS Act

Gentrification vs. Withintrification in Jacksonville

August 4, 2020 | Ennis Davis and Bill Delaney

news

Many cities are looking for solutions to the issues caused by gentrification – the influx of new money into neighborhoods that often causes displacement of older residents. One emerging strategy...

Sights & Scenes: The Tampa Riverwalk

July 24, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

news

Completed in 2016, the Tampa Riverwalk is a two-mile pedestrian and bike path along the Hillsborough River and Garrison Channel. Popular since day one, it is the tie that connects...

Will parking derail Post Modern Brewing?

July 22, 2020 | Bill Delaney

news

Jacksonville's planning department is recommending the city deny plans to restore Riverside's old Purple Petunia building as Post Modern Brewing. It's an example of outdated suburban rules potentially derailing an...

Savannah's Wards

July 6, 2020 | Scott Gann

news

Scott Gann of the Bold Cities Project shares the historical story behind the development of Savannah's Wards.

Ten Soul Food Restaurants in Jacksonville

June 19, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

news

In honor of Juneteenth, here are ten black owned authentic and locally operated soul food restaurants in Jacksonville. If you see a soul food establishment you'd recommend that is not...

Post Modern Brewing coming to Riverside

June 18, 2020 | Bill Delaney

news

Jacksonville's next craft brewery is planned for a historic former gas station on the border of Riverside and Murray Hill.

Folio 2.0: John Phillips reboots Jax's alt weekly

June 15, 2020 | Bill Delaney

news

A month after Folio Weekly shut down, local attorney John Phillips is bringing back Jacksonville's alternative weekly paper as Folio 2.0.

Video: Jacksonville welcomes the RNC

June 12, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

news

'It's official! Jacksonville will host the Republican National Convention this August. Mayor Lenny Curry believes the city does things big, bold and will be ready depsite the expedited event planning...

Jacksonville’s Civil War Memorials

June 9, 2020 | Bill Delaney

news

Although few in number compared to many other Southern cities, a variety of monuments and memorials commemorating the Civil War exist in Jacksonville. These include graves, historic sites associated with...

2020 Ranking of U.S Cities by ParkScore Released

May 29, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

news

The Trust for Public Land has released its annual ParkScore list for the country's 100 largest cities. The ParkScore criteria includes the percentage of residents who live within a 10-minute...

An American Boomtown: Austin

May 22, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

news

The vibrancy of cities comes in all shapes and sizes. Many believe that what works in internationally known cosmopolitan settings may not be applicable for cities in America that have...

Hidden Jacksonville: Marco Lake

May 20, 2020 | Bill Delaney

news

Converted from a brickyard claypit into a manmade lake during the construction of Jacksonville’s popular San Marco neighborhood in the 1920s, Marco Lake is one of the city’s most picturesque...

#KeepJaxLive: The story of Jack Rabbits and JaxLive

May 6, 2020 | Bill Delaney

news

For over 20 years, Anne Wind has been hosting live music at Jack Rabbits while her husband Tim Hall books shows across the First Coast through JaxLive. In the age...

How ELM is managing the COVID environment

April 24, 2020 | Guest editorial by Steve Lovett

news

A guest editorial highlighting how a Jacksonville planning, architecture, and landscape architecture firm is managing change due to COVID-19 pandemic.

St. Augustine's Lincolnville Historic District

April 8, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Originally called Africa or Little Africa, Lincolnville was settled by recently freed enslaved in the marshes of Maria Sanchez Creek just west of St. Augustine in 1866. Largely developed between...

Eight of Florida's first African-American millionaires

April 3, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

A brief story of eight African Americans who became millionaires in Florida before desegregation.

A Look at Jacksonville’s Arab American Community

April 2, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

In honor of Arab American Heritage Month, the Jaxson's Bill Delaney highlights the history and impact of Jacksonville’s Syrian and Arab community. The River City boasts the country’s fifth-largest Syrian...

U.S. metropolitan area 2019 population estimates

April 2, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

A look at where the country's largest metropolitan statistical areas rank in population, according to the United States Census Bureau's recently released 2019 population estimates.

The uncovering of Sand Hills Cemetery

March 27, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Underneath a forgotten Northside shopping mall lies the remains of a 19th century cemetery associated with the yellow fever epidemic of 1888.

Quint Studer: Leading in Uncertain Times

March 20, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

To say we’re all facing some challenges right now is an understatement. As I write these words, the World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Travel has been restricted....

Rapidly gentrifying: Charleston's Westside

March 11, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

A visual tour of a rapidly gentrifying African-American neighborhood in Charleston: Westside

Erased: Jacksonville’s Mount Herman Cemetery

February 19, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Converted into a community center, parking lot and park, Jacksonville's Mount Herman Cemetery may be one of the oldest and largest African-American cemeteries erased from existence.

Mapping Jax calls for saving the Sunday school building

February 18, 2020 | Bill Delaney

Steve Williams, founder of the Jacksonville group MappingJax, released a video arguing for the community to come out against demolishing First Baptist Church's former Sunday school building.

Vibrant urban waterfronts: Paris

February 13, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP

The Jaxson Magazine takes a visual walk through one of the world's most vibrant urban waterfronts: The Seine in Paris

Will 10K residents really revitalize Downtown Jax?

January 23, 2020 | Bill Delaney

Advocates have long used a population of 10,000 as the benchmark Downtown Jacksonville must reach to achieve vibrancy. However, this figure leaves out the importance of population density - Downtown...

10 stories that shaped Jax in the 2010s

December 20, 2019 | Bill Delaney

A look back at some of Jacksonville’s biggest stories of the decade.

The Jaxson's top 30 articles of 2019

December 19, 2019 | Bill Delaney

The Jaxson covered a lot of ground in 2019. Take a look at our top 30 stories by number of views.

The Best Books About Jacksonville

December 13, 2019 | Bill Delaney

The Jaxson's list of 36 of the best nonfiction books ever written about Jacksonville and the people who made it what it is today.

Five Ways to Access and Support Local Food

December 10, 2019 | Mike Field

If you wanted to eat only locally-produced food for a month, could you? In most towns, the answer is probably 'no.' Below are five ways to shift the dial in...

APA FL's People's Choice Winner: Downtown Winter Haven

December 9, 2019 | Ennis Davis, AICP

One element that all downtowns have in common is that their character will change over the course of time. Downtown Winter Haven, APA Florida's 2019 Great Places in Florida People's...

Charlotte's Optimist Hall: The South's latest food hall

November 27, 2019 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Charlotte isn't a city known as being a stalwart of historic preservation and adaptive reuse. However, Optimist Hall, the latest major adaptive reuse project along the city’s light rail line,...

Southern Rock Pilgrimage: The Allman Brothers Big House

November 26, 2019 | Bill Delaney

Shortly after they established Southern rock in Jacksonville in 1969, the Allman Brothers Band relocated to Macon, Georgia to record at Capricorn Records. From 1970 to 1973, band members and...

Last chance to see: the Landing is quietly coming down

November 21, 2019 | J.D. McGregor

Unlike previous downtown demolitions that were accompanied by media blitzes and celebratory fanfare, the city is proceeding quietly with its controversial plan to raze the Jacksonville Landing.

RedCoach Offers Free Tickets For Jaxson Readers

November 6, 2019 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Orlando-based RedCoach offers free tickets for Jaxson and Modern Cities readers willing to travel prior to November 21, 2019.

7 Haunted Places In Jacksonville

October 31, 2019 | Ennis Davis, AICP

If you're the type of person who believes in ghost, ghouls, and goblins, here are few sites in town you might want to avoid this Halloween courtesy of Modern Cities....

Seven Historic Food Halls Headed to Florida's Cities

October 17, 2019 | Ennis Davis, AICP

The food hall craze continues to take the south by storm. Here is a brief look at the latest food hall projects in Florida, involving the adaptive reuse of historic...

Setting the Table for Urban Revitalization

October 1, 2019 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Join The Jaxson, WJCT and APA Florida's First Coast Section on the evening of October 2nd for Setting the Table for Urban Revitalization, a free discussion exploring how authentic, local...

Eight Defunct Grocery Chains You Remember

September 20, 2019 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Before chains like Walmart, Publix, and Winn-Dixie dominated the grocery business, these names once anchored shopping centers and street corners throughout our cities.

Lenny's Lawn: The Grass Field Replacing the Landing

August 12, 2019 | J.D. McGregor

Mayor Curry has revealed his plans for replacing the Jacksonville Landing after its demolition, and as Urban Core advocates have feared for months, it's mostly an empty field. Get ready...

Bringing Retail Back Downtown: Detroit

August 5, 2019 | Ennis Davis, AICP

15 years after the opening of Campus Martius Park, the results of clustering complementing development within a compact setting are beginning to pay dividends. Now home to more than 6,500...

AEW Is Making Jacksonville A Wrestling Hotspot

August 1, 2019 | Bill Delaney

Jacksonville-based All Elite Wrestling is disrupting the pro wrestling world - and boosting the River City's profile as an entertainment destination.

12 Free Things To Do In Jacksonville

July 19, 2019 | Ennis Davis, AICP

If you live in Jacksonville, then you already know: there's always something to do here. But going out with friends or planning a day with the family doesn’t have to...

7 Arguments For The Landing As Historic Architecture

July 15, 2019 | J.D. McGregor

Buildings that are 50 years or older are landmarked as historically significant according to a set of seven criteria. The Jacksonville Landing already passes all seven, meaning that in 18...

The Hidden Tunnels Of Union Terminal

June 10, 2019 | Ennis Davis, AICP

During its heyday, the Jacksonville Terminal was the largest passenger railroad station in the South and served as an official gateway to worldwide travelers entering downtown, handling as many as...

DCPS Seeks Public Input On School Changes, Closures

April 1, 2019 | Bill Delaney

Through Thursday, April 4, Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) is seeking public input on a proposed $1.95 billion facilities master plan that calls for building new schools and closing -...

So, Jax May Be The Only City To Demolish Its Landing

March 20, 2019 | The Jaxson

Most festival marketplaces built in the 1970s and 1980s have struggled, but the Jacksonville Landing may be the first to be outright demolished and not replaced. While other cities have...

Boom times in Downtown Orlando

March 15, 2019 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Many cities have struggled with the revitalization of their urban cores. Orlando isn't one of them. A sleepy central business district twenty years ago continues its radical transformation into an...

Adaptive Reuse: Norfolk's Waterside District

February 25, 2019 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Some look at the Jacksonville Landing as a failure that's past its prime and believe that taxpayers should pay to demolish the complex, evicting several businesses from the downtown core...

Five Well-known African-Americans Who Spent Time In Jax

February 14, 2019 | Ennis Davis, AICP

In honor of Black History Month, here's five internationally known African-American individuals who spent some time in Jacksonville.

Medical Marijuana Dispensary Coming To Five Points

February 10, 2019 | Ennis Davis

1968: East Bay Street of Yesteryear

February 8, 2019 | Ennis Davis, AICP

This may be an area you don't recognize today. The maritime industrial district in this article grew up around two railroad lines into downtown Jacksonville that no longer exist.

The Jaxson Presents Getting There In Jacksonville

January 24, 2019 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Join The Jaxson tonight for a free discussion focusing on the impact of Jacksonville's changing demographics on current and future transportation initiatives.

A Better Downtown For Lakeland?

January 22, 2019 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Inspired by Greenville, South Carolina and envisioning a better downtown, Lakeland, Florida's city leaders view existing surface parking as fertile ground for office, retail and additional multi-family housing. With this...

The Heart of Georgia: Macon

January 16, 2019 | Ennis Davis, AICP

The Sun Belt has seen substantial population growth since the 1960s from an influx of people seeking a warm and sunny climate, a surge in retiring baby boomers, and growing...

Christmas in Detroit: A Downtown Being Reborn

January 7, 2019 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Sights and scenes from around Downtown Detroit during the holiday season.

Brightline has a new name, mentions Jacksonville in IPO

January 3, 2019 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Brightline (now Virgin Trains USA), the first new major private passenger intercity rail system in the United States in over a century has a new name and growth plans that...

Top 20 Articles of 2018

December 31, 2018 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Modern Cities and the Jaxson covered a lot of ground in 2018. Today, we take a look at the 20 most popular articles of the year, ranked by number of...

15 Things You Didn't Know About Polk County

December 4, 2018 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Modern Cities takes a trip to the Polk Historical Museum to identify 15 things about a major Central Florida county that you didn't already know.

KPF Residential Tower Breaks Ground in Tampa

November 15, 2018 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Strategic Property Partners, LLC Has Broken Ground on First Residential Building in Water Street Tampa Neighborhood. 815 Water Street, designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, offers the first chance to...

Table for 400: Miami's Latest Experiment

November 12, 2018 | Melissa Hege, AICP

It's not every day that you can enjoy an intimate meal with 400 of your closest friends, but community dinners are a thing. And Miami isn't going to be left...

'Forgotten Spaces, Places Reimagined' Panel Video

October 29, 2018 | Bill Delaney

On October 23, The Jaxson hosted our first ever live event, 'Forgotten Spaces: Places Reimagined.' Scroll down for the full video.

The Jaxson Presents Forgotten Spaces: Places Reimagined

October 19, 2018 | Ennis Davis

Join The Jaxson on the evening of October 23 for Forgotten Spaces, a free discussion about how the history and importance of a space becomes forgotten over time and how...

Opportunity Zones: Help for Poor or Tax Cut for Rich?

October 18, 2018 | Ennis Davis, AICP

Could an influx of private sector investment fuel long needed economic growth into our most distressed neighborhoods? Or will a new community development program designed to drive private investment to...

Time-Lapse: Construction of NYC's Waterline Square

October 1, 2018 | Ennis Davis, AICP

A cool time-lapse video of Manhattan's Waterline Square, a luxury residential development designed by Rafael Viñoly Architects, Richard Meier & Partners Architects, and Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF).

Modern Cities partners with WJCT to launch The Jaxson

July 9, 2018 | Ennis Davis

The creators of Modern Cities, in association with WJCT Public Broadcasting, are launching The Jaxson, a new website dedicated to urbanism and culture on Florida’s First Coast.

Top 100 US Cities Ranked By 2017 Population

May 25, 2018 | Ennis Davis

The Census Bureau recently released their 2017 estimates for the country's largest cities. Here's a look at the latest numbers for the country's largest 100 cities. Find out where your...

103 floors above the Second City: Chicago

May 17, 2018 | Ennis Davis

A look at Chicago, home of the world's first skyscraper, from the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower).

Liberty Public Market: From Navy Mess Hall to Food Hall

April 22, 2018 | Ennis Davis

From downtown urban areas to suburban shopping malls and strip centers, food halls are continuing to thrive within the communities they serve. Here's a look at the transformation of a...

A view from above: St. Patrick's Day in Chicago

March 18, 2018 | Ennis Davis

In Chicago for an Alfred Benesch & Company (Benesch) Emerging Leaders Leadership Development Program, Modern Cities' Ennis Davis takes a look at one of the country's most famous St. Patrick's...

Starbucks Targeting Stores In Minority Neighborhoods

March 18, 2018 | Mike Field

Starbucks is launching a long-term effort to create local jobs, provide training opportunities for youth and invest in local minority-owned businesses.

The Salvation Army Is Opening Affordable Grocery Stores

March 12, 2018 | Mike Field

Salvation Army grocery stores to open across the United States to provide lower income families with better access to healthy foods.

Florida Public Utilities moving to Wildlight

January 31, 2018 | Ennis Davis

Energy provider to relocate Florida headquarters to Nassau County community.

5 chains possibly headed for bankruptcy in 2018

January 7, 2018 | Ennis Davis

5 major chains likely to close stores or file for bankruptcy in 2018.

Top 25 Modern Cities Articles of 2017

December 29, 2017 | Ennis Davis

The top 25 most popular Modern Cities articles of 2017 by number of views.

Turning Parking Spaces Into Grocery Stores

December 20, 2017 | Mike Field

The Moby Mart is an autonomous, staffless, mobile store, turning every parking space in the world into a potential new 24-hour store.

Jacksonville's pitch for Amazon HQ2

December 15, 2017 | Ennis Davis

Like nearly every major metropolitan area in the country, Jacksonville is preparing to give up its goodies to land Amazon's coveted second headquarters. Here's a brief video highlighting the city's...

The interesting architectural works of Gene Leedy

November 29, 2017 | Ennis Davis

Sometimes called Sarasota Modern, the Sarasota School of Architecture is a modern style of architecture embracing Florida's climate that came to prominence following the end of World War II.

New Program Helping Minority Developers Rebuild Detroit

November 1, 2017 | Mike Field

Innovative, two-year pilot program provides critical capital and training for next generation of developers building communities of opportunity.

Which U.S. Cities Have Changed The Most This Decade?

October 23, 2017 | Mike Field

Analysis looks at a decade of data to determine which communities are undergoing dynamic transformations, and which are standing still.

America's 5 Biggest Casinos

September 23, 2017 | Ennis Davis

Guest post by Conall Bennett

Nordstrom Opening Stores With No Merchandise

September 14, 2017 | Mike Field

New concept from retailer Nordstrom features personal stylists, manicurists, a tailor, beer and wine - but no clothing, shoes or merchandise of any kind.

Amazon's Mobile Stores Rolling Out Nationwide

July 24, 2017 | Mike Field

Amazon's Treasure Trucks hawk everything from GoPros to poke bowls and Harry Potter books.

Walmart Testing Out Grocery Pickup Store Concept

June 16, 2017 | Mike Field

The nation's largest brick and mortar retailer gearing up to fight rival Amazon's grocery concept.

Top 100 US Cities Ranked By 2016 Population

June 8, 2017 | Ennis Davis

The Census Bureau recently released their 2016 estimates for the country's largest cities. Here's a look at the latest numbers for the country's largest 100 cities. Find out where your...

WJCT Business Brief: Reuse and Revitalization in Jax

May 31, 2017 | Ennis Davis

Each week, WJCT News Director Jessica Palombo talks with Modern Cities about the latest business trends affecting the First Coast. During this week's Monday morning business brief, Ennis Davis, AICP...

11 Great Free Museums in Florida

May 18, 2017 | Ennis Davis

In honor of National Museum Day, here's 11 free admission cultural destinations worth visiting in Florida.

DT Long Beach Project Gives a Glimpse into the Past

April 6, 2017 | Ennis Davis

Viewers installed throughout downtown Long Beach gives visitors a glimpse into the city's past.

Did Ikea Just Solve The Affordable Housing Crisis?

March 30, 2017 | Mike Field

Ikea’s solar-powered, flat pack home can be deployed in neighborhoods, disaster zones or deserts. Has the Swedish retailer made a major breakthrough in affordable housing?

What Will Trump's Budget Cut In Your City?

March 20, 2017 | Mike Field

A look at what the President's proposed budget will mean for cities, and reaction from city leaders.

Memphis Wants To Shrink

February 13, 2017 | Mike Field

After decades of sprawl, Memphis begins to reconsider its growth pattern and chart a new course towards fiscal sustainability.

Ybor City Bans Truck Traffic, Eyes A Balanced Future

January 30, 2017 | Mike Field

As heavy truck traffic is removed from the streets of Ybor City, efforts to return the area to its place as one of West Florida's most vibrant urban neighborhoods receive...

Milwaukee Bucks Enter The Placemaking Business

January 29, 2017 | Mike Field

The Milwaukee Bucks advance plans to construct a community gathering space adjacent to the new Wisconsin Entertainment & Sports Center that will serve as a year-round hub for activity in...

Top 25 Modern Cities Articles of 2016

December 30, 2016 | Ennis Davis

The top 25 most popular Modern Cities articles of 2016 by number of views.

27 things about Mobile that you didn't know

December 28, 2016 | Ennis Davis

Did you know that Mobile, AL is home to the tallest building on the Gulf Coast between Houston and South Florida? If not, here's 27 other things you probably didn't...

Designing for Health with the WELL Building Standard

December 14, 2016 | Ennis Davis

Architects-In-Training Ledia Durmishaj and Samantha Wai provide a behind the scenes look into the design of Gresham, Smith & Partners (GS&P). Located on the top floor of One Enterprise Center,...

Mayor wants viaduct gone: 5 examples of razing freeways

December 1, 2016 | Ennis Davis

Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry recently announced his desire for state funding to begin removing the Hart Bridge Expressway ramps along the downtown riverfront as early as next year. For those...

Shocking Facts About The Millennial Generation

November 24, 2016 | Ennis Davis

Millennials. It’s a term we hear often, but what exactly does it mean? Well, for starters, it represents the largest generation currently on our planet, who just so happen to...

Amazon planning to open 2,000 drive thru grocery stores

November 2, 2016 | Ennis Davis

Amazon plans to build 2,000 drive through grocery stores across the country. Is America ready?

ULI recognizes real estate projects in North Florida

October 25, 2016 | Ennis Davis

ULI North Florida recently hosted the 5th Annual Awards for Excellence event in downtown Jacksonville to showcase projects throughout North Florida that represent the best practices in all aspects of...

Charleston's International African American Museum

October 6, 2016 | Ennis Davis

A look at plans to develop the International African American Museum on the very site where an estimated 100,000 enslaved West Africans entered the United States.

St. Petersburg: A mecca for walkable new construction?

September 13, 2016 | Ennis Davis

Once a major retirement destination known as 'God's Waiting Room' and stagnant growth, St. Petersburg is proving that new home construction doesn't always mean building farther out.

Outdoor Food Hall Opens in Miami

August 10, 2016 | Mike Field

While a 25,000 sq ft, multi-million dollar food hall recently opened after over a year in the making just blocks away, a similar concept had already activated a blighted lot...

Miami Worldcenter: 2nd largest US urban project begins

August 9, 2016 | Ennis Davis

Phase one construction of Miami Worldcenter, America’s second-largest luxury urban development, is now underway.

5 Popular Historic Wholesale Districts

June 28, 2016 | Ennis Davis

A wholesale district is an area where a compact cluster of intermediary entities that buy in bulk and sell to resellers rather than to consumers are located. Here's a quick...

Top 100 US Cities Ranked By 2015 Population

May 23, 2016 | Ennis Davis

The Census Bureau recently released their 2015 estimates for the country's largest cities. Here's a look at the latest numbers for the country's largest 100 cities. Find out where your...

10 Free Things to Do In Atlanta

March 10, 2016 | Ennis Davis

Article by Kristen Pickrell

Greenville's Amazing Transformation

March 9, 2016 | Ennis Davis

Article by Ennis Davis, AICP

Chelsey Goes to Seattle

March 9, 2015 | Ennis Davis

In preparation the 2016 American Planning Association (APA) National Planning Conference in Phoenix, AZ, we look back at a young planner's recollection of attending the conference for the first time...