Jaguars & Populous Unveil Vision for Mixed-Use Redevelopment of Historic Shipyards District in Jacksonville

Shad Khan, owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Populous Principal Ben Stindt unveiled the vision for a mixed-use redevelopment of the historic Shipyards district in Jacksonville during the annual State of the Franchise Address February 17^th.

The team envisions “a vibrant public space that links the sports complex to Jacksonville’s downtown.” As the Florida Union-Times outlined “There were shops and restaurants anchored by a palatial riverfront walk, complete with plans for a pedestrian bridge and Jaguars’ indoor practice facility, all designed by Kansas City-based architectural firm, Populous.”

Alan Verlander, executive director of the Jacksonville Sports Council noted “It’d be a destination point for people that live here. It’s that missing ingredient of what we need to connect downtown… it’s a plan that could change the course of the history of Jacksonville in a huge way.” The district is seen as a monumental opportunity to connect the city’s anchor buildings and create a compelling framework for mixed-use development that will unite, engage and activate the city. Complete with space to live, work, stay and play, the Jaguars envision a destination that Shad Khan noted in his address could become as iconic of a development for Jacksonville as the Opera House is for Sydney.

Populous assisted with conceptual designs for the development. The firm has played a role in designing and planning some of the most iconic international destinations, events and districts – including the North Shore development in Pittsburgh; the new Sydney International Convention Centre and Darling Harbour Live in Sydney; and Olympic Parks in cities like London and Sochi – all of which have become powerful illustrations of the impact anchor buildings have on future development. To read more from the Jaguars, visit http://www.jaguars.com or click here to view the full announcement and address.