October 23, 2025 | Ennis Davis, AICP
The adaptive reuse of 927 West Forsyth Street in LaVilla into a Japanese-style entertainment concept is now underway. Here's a sneak peak look inside.
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October 14, 2025 | Editorial by Jerry Urso
Before Rosa Parks and Montgomery, a pastor on Ashley Street sat down on a Jacksonville streetcar, refused bail, and forced the courts to blink. His name was Andrew Patterson, and...
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October 9, 2025 | Ennis Davis, AICP
A brief history and look at the legacy of the Historic Eastside’s Boylan-Haven School.
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October 2, 2025 | Ennis Davis, AICP
It’s been said that a city’s history is written on its tombstones, and nowhere is this truer than at Memorial Cemetery, one of Jacksonville’s largest historic African American cemeteries. Join...
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September 24, 2025 | Bill Delaney
The latest book by local author and regular Jaxson contributor Andrew R. Nicholas highlights Jacksonville's long love of beer. Pick up your copy of Brewing in Jacksonville on October 14,...
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September 24, 2025 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP
For more than 50 years, Volusia Mall has been a retail centerpiece in Daytona Beach, surviving the shifting tides of American shopping habits while other malls across the country have...
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September 10, 2025 | Ennis Davis
Unlike many of Jacksonville’s early 20th-century communities, North Shore was not developed as a streetcar suburb. Instead, it grew with its own unique character, defined by scenic waterfront parks, tree-lined...
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September 4, 2025 | Article by The Jaxson
Goodbye Homerdome, hello Pub Subs: Gateway Jax has announced that Publix is coming to the burgeoning Pearl Square district in the Downtown Northbank. It's the latest addition to Gateway Jax's...
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August 20, 2025 | Editorial by The Jaxson
Done right, moving the Duval County Public Schools headquarters off the Southbank waterfront could be a boon for both the district and Jacksonville taxpayers. However, the School Board may abandon...
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August 18, 2025 | Editorial by Ennis Davis, AICP
Located about 25 miles northeast of Jacksonville, Fernandina Beach is a historic city of 13,000 residents that spans the northern half of Amelia Island. Here are five fascinating facts about...
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August 12, 2025 | Ennis Davis, AICP
McCoys Creek is a tributary of the St. Johns River, flowing eastward from the Murray Hill neighborhood before emptying into the river near downtown Jacksonville. Over the years, the creek...
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August 7, 2025 | Mike Field
Gateway Jacksonville continues to move forward on plans for the development of the Pearl Square District. On Thursday, August 14, the development group will seek Downtown Development Review Board Conceptual...
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July 25, 2025 | Ennis Davis, AICP
Evans Rendezvous, a prominent oceanfront venue on the Chitlin' Circuit, operated from 1948 to 1980. Last week, during the annual Preservation on Main Street conference in Fernandina Beach, we had...
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July 10, 2025 | Ennis Davis, AICP
A 1939 map prepared by the Research Division of the Federal Housing Administration colored coded by average monthly rental rates for each city block. Did you know that Downtown's highest...
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July 8, 2025 | Editorial by Jalicia Lewis
Founded by Florida state representative Angie Nixon, Cafe Resistance on Soutel Drive is a bookstore, coffee shop and community hub that highlights African American authors and banned books. Here’s the...
Read moreJune 23, 2025 | Ennis Davis, AICP
The rich aroma of roasting coffee has long been woven into the fabric of Jacksonville’s identity. While many associate that familiar scent with Maxwell House, it was neither the first...
June 9, 2025 | Editorial by Kelsi Hasden
The major deal to bring a University of Florida graduate campus to Downtown Jacksonville hinges on the City acquiring LaVilla’s Interline building so classes can begin in August. City Council...
June 4, 2025 | Ennis Davis, AICP
For over a century, West Adams Street was a vital artery in the heart of downtown Jacksonville’s LaVilla neighborhood. Though much of it was lost to urban renewal, the street...
May 27, 2025 | Ennis Davis, AICP
Sights and scenes from the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp's Honey Dripper Weekend.
May 19, 2025 | Editorial by Kelsi Hasden
Mayor Deegan has nominated esteemed educator and community leader Elizabeth Andersen for a volunteer position on the Jacksonville Public Library Board of Trustees. She's exactly the kind of leader the...
May 12, 2025 | Ennis Davis, AICP
Once vital arteries of Jacksonville’s growth and cultural identity, here are four historic commercial corridors that have been forgotten and lost to time.
May 5, 2025 | Ennis Davis, AICP
For nearly a century, Duval Laundry stood not just as a place of work, but as a pillar of community life and progress in Jacksonville. Now poised for new and...
April 24, 2025 | Ennis Davis, AICP
The recently completed Union Terminal Warehouse project stands as a compelling example of industrial adaptive reuse—a growing trend in urban revitalization. Industrial adaptive reuse involves repurposing old industrial buildings such...
April 23, 2025 | Bill Delaney
Join The Jaxson's Bill Delaney for a showing of the classic Florida flick Creature From the Black Lagoon at Dart Bar & Games and Keg & Coin at 7 pm...
April 22, 2025 | Ennis Davis, AICP
The Great Southern Box Company Food Hall & Bar officially opened its doors on May 24, 2024, marking the culmination of five years of meticulous planning and development. This dynamic...
April 14, 2025 | Ennis Davis, AICP
S-Line Urban Greenway opened in 2008 as Jacksonville's first dedicated urban multiuse trail. Here is a before and after look at the S-Line corridor 17 years following its completion.
March 12, 2025 | Ennis Davis, AICP
Located in southwest St. Johns County, Downtown Hastings is experiencing a rapid economic rebirth. Here is a brief before and after look at the transformation of this new Florida Main...
March 3, 2025 | Mike Field
In a dimly-lit room above Riverside’s Cool Moose Café, an innocuous meeting was taking place on an otherwise mundane Tuesday evening in September of 2013. Those driving down Park Street...
January 14, 2025 | Ennis Davis, AICP
This will be an exciting year for Jacksonville's urban core. While much local focus has been centered on Downtown revitalization, the urban core as a whole is on the rise....
December 29, 2024 | Mike Field
Start 2025 with all things Jacksonville, and catch us at any of the following events in January.
December 26, 2024 | Editorial by Ennis Davis, AICP
A rebirth of Jacksonville’s LaVilla neighborhood continues. In addition to a new graduate campus proposed by the University of Florida, here are six major projects already under construction in the...
December 20, 2024 | Ennis Davis, AICP
A rare 1936 photograph of the bolita 'big house' on LaVilla's West Ashley Street.
December 13, 2024 | Article by Ennis Davis
The University of Florida's proposed Jacksonville campus is targeting the City of Jacksonville's preferred location around the Prime F. Osborn Convention Center in LaVilla. Here's a look at what it...
December 9, 2024 | Ennis Davis, AICP
Here’s a photographic journey showing JAXPORT's facilities over the past 108 years.
October 29, 2024 | Mike Field
Join The Jaxson on Saturday, November 9th for a walking tour exploring the past, present and future of one of Jacksonville's most popular historic neighborhoods: San Marco
October 27, 2024 | Article by Bill Delaney
Jaxlore is a column by Bill Delaney on the folklore, urban legends and local traditions of Jacksonville and the First Coast. Today's edition looks at the former Annie Lytle Elementary...
October 1, 2024 | Editorial by Bill Hoff
Since 2019, the Great Cities Symposium has brought remarkable civic and business leaders to Jacksonville from peer cities to share their experience and expertise leading improvements in their respective cities....
August 14, 2024 | 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...
August 12, 2024 | Ennis Davis, AICP
Located in West Palm Beach, the ongoing revitalization of the historic Northwest Neighborhood should serve as an example of what could happen in Jacksonville’s Historic Eastside as a result of...
August 6, 2024 | Ennis Davis, AICP
The Historic Hampton House Museum of Culture & Art is a good example of what can be done with Jacksonville's four remaining Green Book sites.
August 1, 2024 | Article by Bill Delaney
Jacksonville’s unique history has given the city a richly varied – if often slept-on – food scene. From Gullah Geechee specialties like garlic crabs to a homegrown style of barbecue...
July 23, 2024 | Article by Bill Delaney
Ostrich carts, Ax Handle Saturday, 'that' Consolidation moment, and many more: photography has captured some of the best and worst scenes in Jacksonville history. Today, the Jaxson takes a look...
June 28, 2024 | Ennis Davis, AICP
Sights and scenes from the grand opening of LaVilla's Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing Park.
June 19, 2024 | Ennis Davis, AICP
Dating back to 1925, the Oneida Bungalow Court is the largest single-site collection of historic residential units from West Lewisville's (North Riverside's) early days. Now a small local developer intends...
June 18, 2024 | Bill Delaney
James Weldon Johnson (1871 – 1938) is, without exaggeration, the single most accomplished person ever to come from Jacksonville or Florida. Among other things, the LaVilla native was Florida’s first...
May 29, 2024 | Ennis Davis, AICP
The Census Bureau recently released their 2023 estimates for the country's largest cities. Did you know that the Port St. Lucie could soon pass St. Petersburg to become Florida's fourth...
May 27, 2024 | Ennis Davis, AICP
May is recognized as Jewish American Heritage Month. Jacksonville has a long Jewish history, with a Jewish community dating as far back as the mid-19th century. Paying tribute to the...
May 24, 2024 | Ennis Davis, AICP
The Census Bureau recently released their 2023 estimates for the country's largest cities. Here is a look to where Jacksonville's growth fits in within the list.
May 19, 2024 | Ennis Davis, AICP
A visual trip back in time through Downtown Jacksonville's Main Street in 1952.
May 13, 2024 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP
At long last, several high profile park projects across Downtown Jacksonville have opened this year, with more following in the coming months. With Friendship Fountain reopened in February, the Emerald...
April 8, 2024 | Editorial by Ennis Davis, AICP
Ever wonder what a historic neighborhood commercial district in Jacksonville can resemble after revitalization in the form of “withintrification” takes place? Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard in New Orleans is a...
March 26, 2024 | Ennis Davis, AICP
A virtual tour of a neighborhood originally intended to house World War I naval shipyard workers: Fletcher Park
March 20, 2024 | Ennis Davis, AICP
Born Araminta Ross and known as “the Moses of her people,” Harriet Tubman escaped enslavement and rescued hundreds through a network of safe houses and antislavery activists known as the...
March 3, 2024 | Editorial by Ennis Davis, AICP
A national heritage area established by the U.S. Congress in 2006, the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor is the only heritage area in the country that’s both a group of...
February 29, 2024 | Editorial by Mike Field
After repeated attempts against significant community opposition to develop self-storage units on a prime corner in Downtown’s Southbank neighborhood, Atlanta-based developer The Simpson Organization is back with a new proposal...
January 22, 2024 | Editorial by Ennis Davis, AICP, Bill Delaney and Mike Field
This will be an exciting year for Jacksonville's urban core. While much local focus has been centered on Downtown revitalization, the real estate market continues to heat up in adjacent...
January 16, 2024 | Editorial by Ennis Davis, AICP
Located five miles northwest of downtown, the neighborhood of Lake Forest has a history and built environment largely shaped by significant housing booms, bubbles and busts of early 20th century...
December 28, 2023 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP
2023 had no shortage of news and great stories. Here's a look back at The Jaxson's 10 most popular articles of the year.
December 22, 2023 | Ennis Davis, AICP
A virtual visit and walk through the downtown streets of Montana's fourth largest city.
November 22, 2023 | Ennis Davis, AICP
What does urban renewal look like? What did LaVilla, Jacksonville's oldest suburb, dating back to 1866 look like? Ask no more. We recently received access to pre-demolition photographs of properties...
November 15, 2023 | Ennis Davis, AICP
A 'regional brewery' can be described as one that distributes to particular regions on a smaller basis than the nationwide breweries many of us are familiar with today. According to...
November 8, 2023 | Ennis Davis, AICP
A virtual ride through the downtown streets of North Carolina's second-most populous city: Raleigh
October 30, 2023 | Bill Delaney
Unseen and unknown by most in the region, from 1930 to 1965 Orange Park was home to one of the largest chimpanzee research operations in the world, the Yerkes Laboratories...
October 4, 2023 | Editorial by Ennis Davis, AICP
Located two miles northwest of Downtown, Edward Waters University is Jacksonville's oldest institution of higher learning. The oldest portion of the urban university campus was added to the National Register...
October 3, 2023 | Guest editorial by Bill Hoff
Scenic Jacksonville welcomes AG Lafley as guest speaker at the annual Great Cities Symposium on October 4th, 2023 at the Garden Club of Jacksonville.
September 27, 2023 | Ennis Davis, AICP
The capital of Alabama, Montgomery is home to a downtown district that has been revitalized around its Civil Rights history.
September 5, 2023 | Ennis Davis, AICP
This week, Downtown Jacksonville will host 1,000 planners will be in Downtown Jacksonville for the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association's annual statewide planning conference. Here is a free...
August 11, 2023 | Ennis Davis, AICP
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...
August 7, 2023 | Article by Bill Delaney
Now considered part of Downtown Jacksonville, the waterfront district between the St. Johns River and I-95 has a deceptively long history of its own. From a ferry landing to shipyards...
July 31, 2023 | Article by Bill Delaney
Join The Jaxson on Thursday, August 3, for an evening walking tour of the past, present and future of the Downtown Southbank.
July 25, 2023 | Ennis Davis, AICP
A virtual visit through the downtown streets of Ohio's fifth-largest city: Akron
July 24, 2023 | Editorial by Ennis Davis and Mike Field
It’s often claimed that moving Jacksonville’s waterfront jail and police station is key to revitalizing Downtown. But is it true? A survey of cities with livelier downtowns than Jacksonville’s shows...
July 17, 2023 | Editorial by Bill Delaney
The City of Jacksonville owns hundreds of underused parcels across Downtown. While this has been an obstacle to revitalization, it's also an opportunity: by selling off some properties and developing...
July 13, 2023 | Bill Delaney
Jaxlore is a column by Bill Delaney on the folklore, urban legends and local traditions of Jacksonville and the First Coast. In honor of spooky season, today's column brings together...
July 3, 2023 | Editorial by Bill Delaney, Ennis Davis and Mike Field
Jacksonville's LGBTQ history has always been rich and colorful, if often overlooked. Here's a tour of five sites across the Urban Core with ties to the city's LGBTQ story.
June 29, 2023 | Article by Bill Delaney
WJCT Public Media has announced that radio host, storyteller and general Renaissance man Al Letson will take over the station's popular call-in show First Coast Connect on an interim basis....
June 22, 2023 | Bill Delaney
In honor of Pride Month, join The Jaxson's Mike Field and the St. Johns Riverkeeper's Steph Morse on Saturday, June 24 for a guided bike tour of sites and stories...
June 15, 2023 | Article by Bill Delaney
In honor of Pride Month, join The Jaxson's Mike Field and the St. Johns Riverkeeper's Steph Morse on Saturday, June 24 for a guided bike tour of sites and stories...
June 12, 2023 | Editorial by Bill Delaney and Ennis Davis
With a new mayor and city council members taking office in July, revitalizing Downtown Jacksonville will continue to be a top priority for the city government. Here are four proven,...
June 7, 2023 | Ennis Davis, AICP
A look at recently released plans for the stadium of the future for the Jacksonville Jaguars by 1st Downtown Jacksonville.
June 6, 2023 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP and Bill Delaney
May was National Hamburger Month, and Memorial Day weekend kicked off the summer cookout season. From the first ever Burger King to long-gone local chains, here's a look at five...
May 31, 2023 | Guest editorial by Charles Garrison
Charles Garrison, the Democratic candidate for City Council At-Large Group 5 in the recent local elections, ran on a platform of #BuildingForward. Though he didn't win his race, he offers...
May 30, 2023 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP
In honor of National Historic Preservation Month, here's a brief list of overlooked buildings, structures and landmarks in Downtown Jacksonville that could end up becoming the next in the city's...
May 23, 2023 | Bill Delaney
In honor of Pride Month, join The Jaxson's Mike Field and the St. Johns Riverkeeper's Steph Morse on Saturday, June 17 for a guided bike tour of sites and stories...
May 22, 2023 | Article by Bill Delaney
Jaxlore is a column by Bill Delaney on the folklore, urban legends and local traditions of Jacksonville and the First Coast. Today's column dives into the legendary Timucua town of...
May 18, 2023 | Article by Bill Delaney
This Sunday, May 21, The Jaxson team will host an all-Jacksonville trivia night for the Dart Bar's grand opening weekend. Come on out and test your Duval knowledge!
May 9, 2023 | Editorial by Bill Delaney
In the debate over the fate of the old Ford Motor Co. Assembly Plant in Talleyrand, east of Downtown Jacksonville’s city leaders missed a huge opportunity: partial preservation of the...
May 1, 2023 | Bill Delaney and Ennis Davis, AICP
Some of the neighborhoods that now make up intrinsic parts of Jacksonville were once incorporated towns in their own right. Here are the stories of six lost towns within the...
April 25, 2023 | Ennis Davis, AICP
Join the American Planning Association (APA) Florida First Coast Section on Wednesday, April 26, for a free panel session focusing on housing issues facing the Northeast Florida region and an...
April 24, 2023 | Editorial by Ennis Davis, AICP
Located five miles southwest of Downtown Jacksonville, the neighborhood of Murray Hill has a long and colorful history. It is the birthplace of Lynyrd Skynyrd founding member Gary Rossington, the...
April 21, 2023 | Ennis Davis, AICP
Join The Jaxson on Saturday, April 22, for a walking tour of the historic Murray Hill neighborhood.
April 12, 2023 | The Jaxson
On Saturday, April 15, Jaxson cofounder Bill Delaney will host the next monthly walking tour of spots featured in his book Secret Jacksonville: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and...
April 10, 2023 | Article by Bill Delaney and Ennis Davis, AICP
In 2013, members of the Jaxson team were among the first to raise questions about a proposal to widen the Fuller Warren Bridge without including a bike and pedestrian crossing....
April 3, 2023 | Bill Delaney
In much writing about urban development, the pro-density Yes In My Backyard movement and historic preservation are often presented as opposing philosophies. In Jacksonville's case, however, YIMBYs and preservationists are...
March 22, 2023 | Ennis Davis, AICP
In honor of Women's History Month, join The Jaxson on Saturday, March 25, for a walking tour of historic Springfield.
March 20, 2023 | Editorial by Bill Delaney and Ennis Davis
In February 2019, the City of Jacksonville announced its controversial plan to buy and raze the old Jacksonville Landing. While many hoped an iconic new space would soon replace the...
March 14, 2023 | Ennis Davis, AICP
In honor of Women's History Month, join The Jaxson on Saturday, March 25, for a walking tour of historic Springfield.
March 7, 2023 | The Jaxson
On Saturday, March 11, Jaxson cofounder Bill Delaney will host the next monthly walking tour of spots featured in his book Secret Jacksonville: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and...
March 6, 2023 | Article by Bill Delaney
Jacksonville’s unique history has given the city a richly varied – if often slept-on – food scene. From Gullah Geechee specialties like garlic crabs to a homegrown style of barbecue...
March 2, 2023 | Article by Sarah Virginia Dumitrascu
In honor of Women’s History Month, The Jaxson is recalling the great life of Eartha M.M. White, a prolific philanthropist and humanitarian in Jacksonville during the 20th century who made...
February 28, 2023 | Article by Ennis Davis and Bill Delaney
Located just west of the Downtown Core, LaVilla is one of Jacksonville's oldest historically African-American neighborhoods. The parking craters and empty lots of today belie a rich and vibrant history....
February 24, 2023 | Bill Delaney
WJCT Public Media has partnered with Florida State College at Jacksonville for a new podcast exploring Jax's hidden history and forgotten stories. The first episodes of Bygone Jax: Our Unsung...
February 23, 2023 | Editorial by Kady Yellow
The Jaxson shares an editorial of a placemaking project in Jacksonville's Eastside community that was recently organized by local placemaker Kady Yellow and the newly formed Eastside Legacy Business Council....
February 21, 2023 | Bill Delaney
In honor of Black History Month, join The Jaxson on Saturday, February 25 for a walking tour of Jacksonville's oldest historically Black neighborhood: LaVilla.
February 15, 2023 | The Jaxson
On Saturday, February 18, Jaxson cofounder Bill Delaney will host the next monthly walking tour of spots featured in his book Secret Jacksonville: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and...
February 14, 2023 | Article by WJCT News
Fort Mose Historic State Park has taken what it considers a major step toward realizing the dream of reconstructing the 1738 Fort Mose on park property in St. Augustine.
February 9, 2023 | Bill Delaney
In honor of Black History Month, join The Jaxson on Saturday, February 25 for a walking tour of Jacksonville's oldest historically Black neighborhood: LaVilla.
February 8, 2023 | Ennis Davis, AICP
Water Street Tampa is a $3 billion mixed-use development underway near Tampa's Channel District. Here is a look at phase one of the Water Street Master Plan.
February 6, 2023 | Editorial by Bill Delaney
Downtown Jacksonville has long embraced what can best be described as the Godzilla strategy of urban development: demolishing existing buildings in hopes that flashy new ones will replace them. There's...
February 1, 2023 | Ennis Davis, AICP
First published in 1936, the 'Negro Motorist Green Book' was a compilation of restaurants, over-night accommodations, gas stations and other public services for people of color traversing a “White-only” landscape...
January 31, 2023 | The Jaxson
On Saturday, February 18, Jaxson cofounder Bill Delaney will host the next monthly walking tour of spots featured in his book Secret Jacksonville: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and...
January 30, 2023 | Editorial by Ennis Davis and Bill Delaney
Between redevelopment projects' moving forward, gentrification's gaining attention and a federal judge's tossing gerrymandered City Council maps, 2023 could be a year of big change for Jacksonville's Urban Core. Here's...
January 17, 2023 | Guest editorial by Chris Hand
In this guest editorial, Jacksonville attorney and author Chris Hand looks toward the 2023 local elections with a list of incisive questions for the candidates running.
January 11, 2023 | Bill Delaney
The Jaxson's 2023 walking tours and events are on the books. Join us each month for guided tours of LaVilla, Downtown, historic Springfield, and for the first time, Murray Hill....
January 10, 2023 | Editorial by Bill Delaney, Ennis Davis and Mike Field
Set amid a sea of suburban-style surface parking and featuring enough car entrances to endanger pedestrians on four different streets, the new Daily's gas station proposed for LaVilla couldn't be...
January 3, 2023 | Bill Delaney
On Saturday, January 14, Jaxson cofounder Bill Delaney will host the next monthly walking tour of spots featured in his book Secret Jacksonville: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and...
December 26, 2022 | Ennis Davis, Bill Delaney and Daniel Herbin
As Jacksonville continues working toward iconic park space on our Downtown riverfront, here's a look at five excellent examples from across the country that can serve as inspiration.
December 16, 2022 | The Jaxson
Looking for the perfect gift for the Duval lovers in your life this holiday season? Stuff your stockings with signed copies of Bill Delaney's book Secret Jacksonville and tickets for...
December 14, 2022 | Ennis Davis, AICP
A look at the core of a coastal Florida community known as the Sailfish Capital of the World: Downtown Stuart
December 13, 2022 | The Jaxson
On Saturday, December 17, Jaxson cofounder Bill Delaney will host the next monthly walking tour of spots featured in his book Secret Jacksonville: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and...
November 30, 2022 | Bill Delaney
On Saturday, December 17, Jaxson cofounder Bill Delaney will host the next monthly walking tour of spots featured in his book Secret Jacksonville: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and...
November 17, 2022 | The Jaxson
On Saturday, November 19, Jaxson cofounder Bill Delaney will host the next monthly walking tour of spots featured in his book Secret Jacksonville: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and...
October 25, 2022 | The Jaxson
Starting Sunday, October 30, Secret Jacksonville walking tours are back. Jaxson cofounder Bill Delaney will host monthly tours of some of the unusual and underknown Downtown spots featured in his...
October 18, 2022 | Ennis Davis, AICP
Charles Marohn, founder of Strong Towns, will be giving a 'Confessions of a Recovering Engineer' presentation and LaVilla walking tour on Wednesday, October 19, 2022. Sponsored by the First Coast...
October 17, 2022 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP
How well do you know Downtown Jacksonville? Here's a list of the 10 largest non-residential buildings in downtown by gross area. Some may surprise you.
October 14, 2022 | Bill Delaney
Shad Khan's Iguana Investments has announced its intent to purchase the Seahorse Oceanfront Inn and the Lemon Bar in Neptune Beach. Here's what the future could hold for this landmark...
October 11, 2022 | The Jaxson
Starting Sunday, October 30, Secret Jacksonville walking tours are back. Jaxson cofounder Bill Delaney will host monthly tours of some of the unusual and underknown Downtown spots featured in his...
October 10, 2022 | Article by Bill Delaney and Ennis Davis
Oysters have been a staple of First Coast diets for thousands of years, though local oyster harvesting ceased in 1994 due to pollution. The rise of new oyster houses in...
September 28, 2022 | Article by Bill Delaney
On September 11, 2017, Hurricane Irma devastated Jacksonville, causing more damage than any other storm before or since. Local photographer Mark Krancer braved the flooding and wreckage to record the...
September 26, 2022 | Article by Bill Delaney
Though it hasn’t always been accessible or maintained, Exchange Club Island is an official city park and one of Jacksonville’s most unique urban spaces. Here’s a dive into the colorful...
September 22, 2022 | Ennis Davis, AICP
On September 22, 2022, the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, Ennis Davis of The Jaxson and the First Coast Section of the American Planning Association present Two Centuries of Jacksonville: Impacts...
September 5, 2022 | Article by Bill Delaney
Jacksonville and the First Coast are home to some of the best, most accessible beaches in a state known for them – and we’ve still got weeks to enjoy them....
August 22, 2022 | Editorial by Bill Delaney
Jacksonville City Council is currently debating the Keep Our Families Together Act, which would allow accessory dwelling units – garage apartments, detached suites, etc. – to be built in more...
August 15, 2022 | Article by Ennis Davis and Bill Delaney
There’s a lot to do in the Jacksonville area, and even more within a short drive. With summer winding down, here’s a look at six places with authentic charm that...
August 3, 2022 | The Jaxson
On Sunday, August 7, Art Bikes Jax and author Bill Delaney are hosting an electric bike tour featuring stops from Bill's book Secret Jacksonville: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful...
August 1, 2022 | Editorial by Bill Delaney
New residential projects in established neighborhoods often draw pushback. This is especially the case when the developments are seen as too expensive, too large or otherwise undesirable. But with Jacksonville...
July 29, 2022 | Ennis Davis, AICP
On Wednesday, July 27th, the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation announced the 2022 Florida’s 11 to Save, a list of the most threatened historic places in the state, at the...
July 26, 2022 | The Jaxson
On Sunday, August 7, Art Bikes Jax and author Bill Delaney are hosting an electric bike tour featuring stops from Bill's book Secret Jacksonville: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful...
July 25, 2022 | Editorial by Bill Delaney
With the creation of the Sadowski trust fund to support affordable housing in 1992, Florida led the way in ensuring that low-income residents had a place to live. Failure to...
June 27, 2022 | Editorial by Bill Delaney, Ennis Davis and Mike Field.
Developers want to lift a ban on self-storage facilities in Downtown Jacksonville, but building such facilities haphazardly across the city center could stifle key streets and create more dead space...
June 20, 2022 | Editorial by Ennis Davis, AICP
A building possibly directly linked to the Great Fire of 1901 in LaVilla could be demolished soon. Here are a few reasons why Jacksonville should not rush to approve a...
June 15, 2022 | Ennis Davis, AICP
On June 17, 2022, the Jessie Ball duPont Fund and Ennis Davis of The Jaxson present Two Centuries of Jacksonville: Placemaking & Placekeeping.
June 13, 2022 | Article by Bill Delaney and Ennis Davis
As Jacksonville celebrates its 200th birthday, The Jaxson looks back at five moments in time that have shaped the city's history, from the Civil War through Consolidation.
June 7, 2022 | Article by Marisella Veiga
A product of Florida's centuries-old Cuban community, the Cuban sandwich is one of the Sunshine State's most iconic foods. St. Augustine writer Marisella Veiga explores some of the eateries offering...
June 6, 2022 | Bill Delaney
The Jaxson team is often accused of being cheerleaders for Jacksonville who don't do enough to acknowledge our city's problems. Conversely, we're also frequently accused of being cynics who don't...
May 25, 2022 | The Jaxson
On Saturday, May 28, Jaxson cofounder Bill Delaney will host this month's walking tour of Downtown spots featured in his book Secret Jacksonville. It's the last Secret Jacksonville walking tour...
May 23, 2022 | Editorial by Bill Delaney
With a shortage of available homes and prices spiking up dramatically, Jacksonville is the midst of a full-blown housing crisis. Fortunately, there's much the city government can do to help...
May 12, 2022 | Bill Delaney
On Saturday, May 28, Jaxson cofounder Bill Delaney will host the next walking tour of Downtown spots featured in his new book Secret Jacksonville. It's just some of the events...
May 11, 2022 | The Jaxson
Jaxson cofounder Bill Delaney will interview author, environmental journalist and proud Floridian Craig Pittman as part of the Jacksonville Public Library's Lit Chat series. Join them at 1 p.m. Saturday,...
May 2, 2022 | Article by Bill Delaney
From neighborhood joints to gourmet cuisine to home-cooked specialties, Jacksonville has no shortage of great food. Here's a look at six of the most distinctive foods to come out of...
April 28, 2022 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP
Arab Americans have played a major part in Jacksonville history and culture since the 1890s. In honor of National Arab American Heritage Month, here are ten local Arab American businesses...
April 20, 2022 | Ennis Davis, AICP
On April 21, 2022, the Jessie Ball duPont Fund and Ennis Davis of The Jaxson present Two Centuries of Jacksonville: The Benefits of Blue Zones.
April 19, 2022 | Bill Delaney
On Saturday, April 23 and Saturday, May 28, Jaxson cofounder Bill Delaney will host the next walking tours of Downtown spots featured in his new book Secret Jacksonville. They're just...
April 18, 2022 | Editorial by Bill Delaney and Ennis Davis
Missing middle housing represents many types of residences ranging in scale between single-family homes and massive apartment buildings. From shotgun homes to duplexes to bungalow courts, missing middle housing was...
March 29, 2022 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP
Sights and scenes from The Jaxson's recent walking tour of Jacksonville's Sports & Entertainment District and Historic Eastside. Photographs courtesy of The Jaxson's Ennis Davis, AICP and @caroneats Caron Streibich....
March 28, 2022 | Ennis Davis, AICP
Those hoping to revitalize Jacksonville's historic Black neighborhoods should take a look at Chicago's Bronzeville. Located in the South Side, Bronzeville rose to prominence as a national hub for blues...
March 25, 2022 | Bill Delaney
On Saturday, March 26 join The Jaxson for a guided walking tour exploring the past, present and future of two neighborhoods full of history and life: the Stadium District and...
March 14, 2022 | Editorial by Bill Delaney
Despite a common perception that parking is difficult in the city center, Downtown Jacksonville has more surface parking lots, garages and empty land – in other words, 'parking craters' –...
March 11, 2022 | Ennis Davis, AICP
The JEA's new headquarters building in Downtown Jacksonville is nearing completion. Here is a before and after comparison of conceptual renderings verses what has been built.
March 8, 2022 | Ennis Davis, AICP
On March 10, 2022, the Jessie Ball duPont Fund and Ennis Davis of The Jaxson present Two Centuries of Jacksonville: Abandoned African American Cemeteries.
February 16, 2022 | Article by Andrew R. Nicholas
Local writer Andrew Nicholas shares a look at pictures taken of St. Augustine by Union photographer Samuel Abbot Cooley during the Civil War.
February 8, 2022 | Ennis Davis, AICP
Water Street Tampa is a $3 billion mixed-use development underway near Tampa's Channel District. Here is a look at phase one of the Water Street Master Plan.
February 7, 2022 | Editorial by Ennis Davis and Bill Delaney
In honor of the beginning of Black History Month, here’s a review of sites in the quickly changing neighborhood of Brooklyn with ties to Jacksonville’s Black heritage.
February 4, 2022 | Bill Delaney
Five Points and Brooklyn are two Urban Core neighborhoods full of culture, history and life. On Saturday, Feb. 5, join The Jaxson for a guided walking tour exploring the past,...
February 1, 2022 | The Jaxson
On Saturday, March 19 and Saturday, April 23, Jaxson cofounder Bill Delaney will host the next walking tours of Downtown spots featured in his new book Secret Jacksonville. They're just...
January 24, 2022 | Editorial by Bill Delaney and Ennis Davis
A new convention center has been in Jacksonville's long term plans for decades, but the Downtown Investment Authority now says it could be another 10 years before the city is...
January 21, 2022 | Article by Bill Delaney
Under the radar, big things are happening in the Downtown Northbank that could change Jacksonville's city center forever. On Saturday, January 22, join The Jaxson for a guided walking tour...
January 18, 2022 | Editorial by Bill Delaney and Ennis Davis, AICP
Driven by adaptive reuse and historic incentives, Jacksonville's Downtown Northbank is experiencing a veritable renaissance of new developments. Here's a look at four new projects that have sprung up in...
January 11, 2022 | The Jaxson
On Saturday, February 12 and Saturday, March 12, Jaxson cofounder Bill Delaney will host the next walking tours of Downtown spots featured in his new book Secret Jacksonville. They're just...
January 10, 2022 | Editorial by Ennis Davis and Bill Delaney
Jacksonville's Urban Core is growing again after decades of decline, the Emerald Trail has broken ground, and the Downtown Northbank is seeing a veritable renaissance of adaptive reuse developments. Looking...
January 1, 2022 | The Jaxson
On Saturday, January 15, and Saturday, February 12, Jaxson cofounder Bill Delaney will host the next walking tours of Downtown spots featured in his new book Secret Jacksonville. They're just...
December 20, 2021 | Editorial by Ennis Davis, AICP and Bill Delaney
Duval County Public Schools' announcement that it plans to sell its Southbank headquarters and relocate is welcome news for those who want a more active use on this waterfront parcel....
December 14, 2021 | Editorial by Ennis Davis, AICP and Bill Delaney
Analyses of Downtown Jacksonville's continued struggles typically focus on factors within Downtown's boundaries. Though generally overlooked, one external factor may play the biggest role: the Urban Core neighborhoods that historically...
December 6, 2021 | Editorial by Bill Delaney
Does demolishing old buildings prime the pump for flashy new ones? Is 10,000 residents the magic number necessary to enliven Downtown Jacksonville? Is downtown development really as complicated as we...
November 30, 2021 | The Jaxson
This Saturday, Dec. 4, Jaxson cofounder Bill Delaney will join the Jacksonville Public Library for a Lit Chat on his new book Secret Jacksonville: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful,...
November 29, 2021 | Editorial by Ennis Davis, Bill Delaney and Mike Field
A new Home2 Suites in Brooklyn is the latest hotel project moving forward in Downtown Jacksonville. With more hotels in various stages of planning, it's time for Jacksonville to embrace...
November 24, 2021 | Ennis Davis
Jacksonville writer Sarah Gojekian launches a new local business providing handmade cards, Onlycardever.
November 22, 2021 | Editorial by Ennis Davis, Bill Delaney and Mike Field
On November 15, President Joe Biden signed the massive bipartisan infrastructure bill into law. With $19 billion in investment coming to Florida, here's a look at five projects Jacksonville could...
November 3, 2021 | The Jaxson Magazine
Jacksonville Today is a part of WJCT Public Media's Local Journalism Initiative, aimed at strengthening local news reporting in Northeast Florida. To date, the initiative has received more than $1...
October 28, 2021 | Guest article by John "Jack" F. Gaillard
A guest article highlighting James Weldon Johnson's trip to Haiti in 1920.
October 25, 2021 | Editorial by The Jaxson Magazine
One Riverside Avenue, the development planned to replace the former Florida Times-Union headquarters, will likely be up for final site plan approval by the Downtown Development Review Board in November....
October 21, 2021 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP
On October 22, 2021, the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, the First Coast Section of the American Planning Association's Florida Chapter and Ennis Davis of The Jaxson present Jacksonville History &...
October 19, 2021 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP
In honor of National Community Planning Month, join The Jaxson on Saturday, October 23rd for a past, present and future tour of one of Jacksonville's most popular historic neighborhoods: San...
October 18, 2021 | Editorial by Bill Delaney and Ennis Davis
The simple principle of the 'Three C's' – the clustering of complementing uses in compact, walkable settings – has guided successful urban revivals in communities of all sizes across the...
October 12, 2021 | The Jaxson
Now in its eight year, the JaxbyJax Literary Arts Festival will showcase 'Jacksonville writers writing Jacksonville' on Friday, October 15 and Saturday, October 16.
October 8, 2021 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP
In honor of National Community Planning Month, join The Jaxson on Saturday, October 23rd for a past, present and future tour of one of Jacksonville's most popular historic neighborhoods: San...
October 4, 2021 | The Jaxson
On Saturday Oct. 9, Saturday, Nov. 6, and Saturday, Dec. 11, Jaxson cofounder Bill Delaney will host a walking tour of Downtown spots featured in his new book Secret Jacksonville....
September 24, 2021 | Bill Delaney
On Saturday Oct. 9 and Saturday, Nov. 6, Jaxson cofounder Bill Delaney will host a walking tour of Downtown spots featured in his new book Secret Jacksonville. They're just some...
September 23, 2021 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP
On September 24, 2021, the Jessie Ball duPont Fund and Ennis Davis of The Jaxson present Jacksonville History & Heritage Series: Jacksonville's Multicultural History and Our Changing Demographics
September 7, 2021 | The Jaxson
Join The Jaxson's Bill Delaney for the launch party for his new book, Secret Jacksonville: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure. The launch kicks off at 6 pm...
September 3, 2021 | Bill Delaney
This Saturday is 9/04, and local leaders invite everyone in the 904 area code to mark the occasion by celebrating small local businesses.
August 18, 2021 | Article by Bill Delaney and Ennis Davis
After six decades of continuous decline, Jacksonville's Urban Core is growing again. Here are five interesting Urban Core trends from Jacksonville's 2020 Census results.
August 16, 2021 | Bill Delaney
Secret Jacksonville, a new book by The Jaxson's Bill Delaney, uncovers the city's hidden histories and explores some of its most unique and unusual spots. Preorder your copy today.
August 16, 2021 | Article by The Jaxson
In his first book, Jaxson co-owner Bill Delaney explores some of Jacksonville's most unique and unusual spots. Preorder your copy of Secret Jacksonville: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and...
August 12, 2021 | Ennis Davis, AICP
The U.S. Census Bureau has released the 2020 census results. Here is a brief look at where Jacksonville ranks in comparison to other cities and metropolitan areas throughout the country...
July 22, 2021 | Ennis Davis, AICP
Virtually join speakers from local government, journalism, academia, nonprofits, and the National Park Service attending the Preservation on Main Street conference as they highlight efforts to increase diversity and inclusion...
July 1, 2021 | Tristan Wood
WJCT News reports that Florida's oldest historically Black institution of higher education will be renamed to reflect that it will now offer master's degrees.
June 29, 2021 | Ennis Davis, AICP
In honor of June being National Soul Food Month, here are eleven authentic and locally operated soul food restaurants in Jacksonville. If you see a soul food establishment you'd recommend...
June 24, 2021 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP
Join The Jaxson on Saturday, June 26 for a two hour bike tour of key pieces of Jacksonville's vibrant music history.
June 24, 2021 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP
Join The Jaxson on Saturday, June 26 for a two hour bike tour of key pieces of Jacksonville's vibrant music history.
June 24, 2021 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP
On June 24, 2021, the Jessie Ball duPont Fund and Ennis Davis of The Jaxson present Jacksonville History & Heritage Series: Jacksonville's Musical History.
June 8, 2021 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP
Sights and scenes from a walk through Downtown Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park and Pemberton Place.
June 7, 2021 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP
Join The Jaxson on Saturday, June 26 for a two hour bike tour of key pieces of Jacksonville's vibrant music history.
June 3, 2021 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP
Renderings of proposed plans for a Four Seasons Hotel and Football Performance Center at Jacksonville's TIAA Bank Field.
May 26, 2021 | Editorial by Bill Delaney
The Downtown Investment Authority has released a survey floating a variety of rebranding options for Downtown neighborhoods. Included in the options are new names for the Northbank and Southbank that...
May 18, 2021 | Ennis Davis, AICP
In celebration of National Historic Preservation Month, the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation and the Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center will host a series of events to celebrate Lincolnville and...
April 13, 2021 | Ennis Davis, AICP
Join the The Jaxson's Ennis Davis and Katherine Derringer of JWB Real Estate Capital, for a tour of Downtown Jacksonville.
April 9, 2021 | Editorial by Bill Delaney
Jacksonville's Confederate school names are a relic of Jim Crow era school segregation – and it's high time to get rid of them.
February 17, 2021 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP
A virtual tour of a Mid-Westside neighborhood built for Jacksonville's segregation era Black middle class community: College Gardens
January 20, 2021 | Ennis Davis, AICP
Join The Jaxson on Saturday, January 23rd for a past, present and future tour of one of Jacksonville's most historic settings: the Downtown Jacksonville National Register Historic District
December 22, 2020 | Bill Delaney
Michael Ray FitzGerald's comprehensive new book gives Jacksonville its due as the epicenter of Southern rock. Join us for a look inside and an interview with the author.
December 16, 2020 | Bill Delaney
Not all Downtown streets are the same, and the Downtown Design Review Board's discussions of the proposed Home2 Suites project in Brooklyn show that Jacksonville needs to adjust its approach....
December 7, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP
Jacksonville's urban core is home to a number of historic walkable neighborhood commercial districts. Many are a direct result of the city's former electric streetcar network that operated between 1880...
December 3, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP
Join co-hosts the Jessie Ball duPont Fund and the Jaxson Magazine in celebrating the contributions of Jacksonville’s Jewish community and our connections to renowned businessman and national philanthropist Julius Rosenwald....
November 27, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP
In honor of National Native American Heritage Month, here are five facts related to Northeast Florida's Native American history.
November 25, 2020 | Bill Delaney
A pending realignment of minor league baseball has led to speculation that the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp could be promoted from class Double-A to Triple-A, the highest level in the minors....
November 12, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP
On November 12th, representatives from the Museum of Science & History (MOSH) presented to the City of Jacksonville Downtown Investment Authority’s Strategic Implementation Committee. The presentation included a rendering, for...
November 11, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP
In honor of all who serve and the sacrifices they give, here are a few historic photographs of Armistice Day parades in Downtown Jacksonville during the 1940s. Happy Veterans Day!...
November 2, 2020 | Article by Bill Delaney and Ennis Davis
Successful urban revitalization projects of all scopes and sizes rely on a simple three-pronged principle: the clustering of complementing uses within a compact setting. It's a tried and true formula...
October 20, 2020 | Bill Delaney
Join The Jaxson on Sunday, October 25 for a tour of one of Jacksonville's most historic spaces: Evergreen Cemetery.
October 19, 2020 | Bill Delaney
Developers listened to public feedback and added a new restaurant to the River City Brewing Company development. This move turned a loss into a net gain – but it wouldn't...
October 15, 2020 | Guest Editorial by Quint Studer
A guest article by Quint Studer, founder of Pensacola's Studer Community Insitute, highlighting the importance of how investing in the little things can lead to great revitalization impact.
September 30, 2020 | Bill Delaney
A recently released poll of Duval County voters reveals support for Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, and the proposed one cent sales tax increase supporting Duval...
September 24, 2020 | Guest editorial by Melissa Hege, AICP
South Florida-based city planner Melissa Hege takes a look at how cities have adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
September 22, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP
More than one-third of the shopping malls across the country could close within the next year. Many mall owners are now moving into a period of time where they'll be...
September 2, 2020 | Quint Studer
A guest article by Quint Studer, founder of Pensacola's Studer Community Insitute, highlighting the need for cities to push forward despite the COVID-19 pandemic
August 31, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP
Emerging as a popular architectural style after World War II, Brutalism is characterized by minimalist constructions that showcase the bare building materials and visible structural elements over decorative design. By...
August 19, 2020 | Bill Delaney
In his 20th book, author Tim Gilmore limns Jacksonville's darker history with eight stories of murder and mayhem from the 1890s to the 1980s. Get your copy on August 20,...
August 7, 2020 | Ennis Davis
85% Of Independent Restaurants At Risk; Jax Owners Urge Support Of RESTAURANTS Act
August 4, 2020 | Ennis Davis and Bill Delaney
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...
July 24, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP
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...
July 22, 2020 | Bill Delaney
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...
July 6, 2020 | Scott Gann
Scott Gann of the Bold Cities Project shares the historical story behind the development of Savannah's Wards.
June 19, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP
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...
June 18, 2020 | Bill Delaney
Jacksonville's next craft brewery is planned for a historic former gas station on the border of Riverside and Murray Hill.
June 15, 2020 | Bill Delaney
A month after Folio Weekly shut down, local attorney John Phillips is bringing back Jacksonville's alternative weekly paper as Folio 2.0.
June 12, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP
'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...
June 9, 2020 | Bill Delaney
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...
May 29, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP
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...
May 22, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP
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...
May 20, 2020 | Bill Delaney
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...
May 6, 2020 | Bill Delaney
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...
April 24, 2020 | Guest editorial by Steve Lovett
A guest editorial highlighting how a Jacksonville planning, architecture, and landscape architecture firm is managing change due to COVID-19 pandemic.
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...
April 3, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP
A brief story of eight African Americans who became millionaires in Florida before desegregation.
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...
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.
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....
March 11, 2020 | Ennis Davis, AICP
A visual tour of a rapidly gentrifying African-American neighborhood in Charleston: Westside
February 19, 2020 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP with research by Adrienne Burke, AICP, Esq.
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.
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.
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
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...
December 20, 2019 | Bill Delaney
A look back at some of Jacksonville’s biggest stories of the decade.
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.
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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.
November 5, 2019 | Ennis Davis, AICP
Orlando-based RedCoach offers free tickets for Jaxson and Modern Cities readers willing to travel prior to November 21, 2019.
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....
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...
September 30, 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...
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.
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...
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...
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.
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...
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...
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...
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 -...
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...
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...
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...
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.
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.
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.
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...
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...
January 7, 2019 | Ennis Davis, AICP
Sights and scenes from around Downtown Detroit during the holiday season.
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...
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...
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.
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...
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...
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.
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...
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...
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).
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.
May 24, 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...
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).
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...
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...
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.
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.
January 31, 2018 | Ennis Davis
Energy provider to relocate Florida headquarters to Nassau County community.
January 7, 2018 | Ennis Davis
5 major chains likely to close stores or file for bankruptcy in 2018.
December 29, 2017 | Ennis Davis
The top 25 most popular Modern Cities articles of 2017 by number of views.
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.
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...
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.
October 31, 2017 | Mike Field
Innovative, two-year pilot program provides critical capital and training for next generation of developers building communities of opportunity.
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.
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.
July 24, 2017 | Mike Field
Amazon's Treasure Trucks hawk everything from GoPros to poke bowls and Harry Potter books.
June 16, 2017 | Mike Field
The nation's largest brick and mortar retailer gearing up to fight rival Amazon's grocery concept.
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...
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...
May 18, 2017 | Ennis Davis
In honor of National Museum Day, here's 11 free admission cultural destinations worth visiting in Florida.
April 6, 2017 | Ennis Davis
Viewers installed throughout downtown Long Beach gives visitors a glimpse into the city's past.
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?
March 20, 2017 | Mike Field
A look at what the President's proposed budget will mean for cities, and reaction from city leaders.
February 13, 2017 | Mike Field
After decades of sprawl, Memphis begins to reconsider its growth pattern and chart a new course towards fiscal sustainability.
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...
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...
December 30, 2016 | Ennis Davis
The top 25 most popular Modern Cities articles of 2016 by number of views.
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...
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,...
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...
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...
November 2, 2016 | Ennis Davis
Amazon plans to build 2,000 drive through grocery stores across the country. Is America ready?
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...
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.
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.
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...
August 9, 2016 | Ennis Davis
Phase one construction of Miami Worldcenter, America’s second-largest luxury urban development, is now underway.
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...
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...
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...
October 23, 2025 | Ennis Davis, AICP
The adaptive reuse of 927 West Forsyth Street in LaVilla into a...
October 14, 2025 | Editorial by Jerry Urso
Before Rosa Parks and Montgomery, a pastor on Ashley Street sat down...
October 9, 2025 | Ennis Davis, AICP
A brief history and look at the legacy of the Historic Eastside’s...
October 2, 2025 | Ennis Davis, AICP
It’s been said that a city’s history is written on its tombstones,...
September 24, 2025 | Bill Delaney
The latest book by local author and regular Jaxson contributor Andrew R....
September 24, 2025 | Article by Ennis Davis, AICP
For more than 50 years, Volusia Mall has been a retail centerpiece...
June 12, 2025 | Bill Delaney
A walk inside the former Neff House on Fort George Island. Built...
June 3, 2025 | Ennis Davis, AICP
Here are five facts about Milldale: A long-forgotten industrial mill town born...
March 19, 2025 | Ennis Davis, AICP
Located one hour south of Jacksonville, Ravine Gardens State Park is built...
September 9, 2024 | Ennis Davis, AICP
A natural getaway within the city limits of Jacksonville, Cedar Point Preserve...
July 31, 2024 | Ennis Davis, AICP
Located 20 minutes north of Downtown Atlanta, the Galleria Specialty Mall is...
July 26, 2024 | Ennis Davis, AICP
Stranded in Minneapolis due to Delta's CrowdStrike outage struggles, The Jaxson took...
November 10, 2025 | Editorial by Ennis Davis, AICP
As JTA's Ultimate Urban Circulator faces growing scrutiny from the Duval DOGE...
August 4, 2025 | Editorial by Marcus Nelson
I decided it was important to see what all these years of...
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January 20, 2025 | Ennis Davis, AICP
Once the largest train station south of Washington, D.C., more than fifty...
September 19, 2024 | City of Jacksonville Press Release
The City of Jacksonville has been awarded a $1.25 million grant from...
July 30, 2024 | Editorial by Ennis Davis, AICP
Consuming nearly 800-square miles of land area, the City of Jacksonville contains...
July 12, 2024 | Ennis Davis, AICP
Jacksonville and much of Florida owes a lot of gratitude to this...
September 4, 2024 | Photographs by Caron Streibich @CaronEats
The long awaited official ribbon cutting and grand opening of the Historic...
June 17, 2024 | Ennis Davis, AICP
On Tuesday, June 11, Mayor Deegan filed formal legislation for the $1.4...
May 2, 2024 | Ennis Davis, AICP
The heyday of the enclosed shopping mall in Florida is long gone....
April 9, 2024 | Ennis Davis, AICP
Regional enclosed shopping centers across the country are in decline. Charleston's Citadel...
February 27, 2024 | Ennis Davis, AICP
Located in Brunswick, Georgia, Glynn Place Mall is the only enclosed regional...
January 30, 2024 | Ennis Davis, AICP
For decades, Bradenton's DeSoto Square Mall was one of the most popular...
September 29, 2025 | Ennis Davis, AICP
A brief history and look inside LaVilla's historic Maceo Elks Lodge #8....
September 22, 2025 | Article by Bill Delaney and Ennis Davis
Though less well known than those in South Florida or Tampa Bay,...
June 30, 2025 | Article by Sytonia Reid, Ennis Davis and Bill Delaney
June is Black Music Month, an annual national celebration of the ways...
June 29, 2025 | Ennis Davis, AICP
While Jacksonville has long been associated with the pungent odor of paper...
June 25, 2025 | Article by Bill Delaney
From Timucua two-spirits to bisexual blues musicians to the continued celebration of...
June 19, 2025 | Ennis Davis, AICP
While most states recognize Juneteenth as either a state holiday, ceremonial holiday,...
November 10, 2025 | Editorial by Ennis Davis, AICP
As JTA's Ultimate Urban Circulator faces growing scrutiny from the Duval DOGE...
October 29, 2025 | Editorial by Ennis Davis, AICP
Each year, the Getty Foundation and the African American Cultural Heritage Action...
October 23, 2025 | Ennis Davis, AICP
The adaptive reuse of 927 West Forsyth Street in LaVilla into a...
October 14, 2025 | Editorial by Jerry Urso
Before Rosa Parks and Montgomery, a pastor on Ashley Street sat down...
October 9, 2025 | Ennis Davis, AICP
A brief history and look at the legacy of the Historic Eastside’s...
October 2, 2025 | Ennis Davis, AICP
It’s been said that a city’s history is written on its tombstones,...