JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A developer unveiled plans Thursday for a 30-story Hard Rock Hotel on Jacksonville’s riverfront, offering a first look at what could replace the long-vacant lot at 500 East Bay St.
The proposal was presented during a workshop before the city’s Downtown Development Review Board and the Downtown Investment Authority. The meeting drew a nearly full house and generally positive feedback from board members and residents.
“It is exciting to bring Hard Rock, a global brand, to Jacksonville,” said Michael Munz, CEO and founder of Florida Innovation Capital.
The proposed mixed-use tower would include 350 hotel rooms, 152 branded residences, restaurants, cafes, retail space, live entertainment venues, event and meeting space, wellness amenities and activities for children.
Take a look at the renderings below.
Developers said the project would draw inspiration from Jacksonville’s musical roots and identity.
“It is so synonymous with music all over the world, and to have that brand want to be part of Jacksonville,” Munz said.
The development team said the project would not include a casino.
Rick Todd, who lives at the nearby Berkman Plaza, said he supports downtown development but is concerned about the building’s height and how it could affect residents’ views of the river and the east.
“I’m a little concerned by the height of the building and the commentary from the design team that it won’t block the view of the existing plaza,” Todd said. “But it looks big enough, and I’m familiar with the lot that it’s going on, so I’m concerned that it might block our view of the river and to the east.”
Munz said the development team considered the concerns of nearby residents.
“We took that into consideration so that we are being very cognizant of our neighbors at the Berkman,” he said.
Munz said developers envision the hotel as an amenity for the nearby park and the broader downtown area.
“We see this building being an amenity for the park,” he said. “So if you’re at the park and you want to come grab lunch, grab a cup of coffee, you know, come back and forth, we see this being an amenity for Jacksonville.”
The concept is not yet approved. Developers said they will revise the plans based on Thursday’s feedback before seeking additional approvals from the Downtown Investment Authority, city administration and Jacksonville City Council.
The project’s cost and financing plan have not been finalized. Those details are expected to be presented to city officials as the proposal moves forward.
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