![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Vandeveer-Retail-3.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nGateway Jax has announced nearly 10,000 square feet of new retail leases at Pearl Square, the developer\u2019s $1 billion mixed-use development spanning nine city blocks in Downtown Jacksonville\u2019s Urban Core. The announcement marks the first wave of ground-floor tenants for Vandeveer, the district\u2019s inaugural residential building, as the first phase of the master-planned development approaches completion.<\/p>\n
Designed by Morris Adjmi Architects, SK+I Architecture, Elkus Manfredi Architects, and Cecconi Simone, Pearl Square is planned to encompass approximately 2 million square feet of mixed-use space. Upon full buildout, the district will include more than 1,250 residential units across four buildings, 100,000 square feet of Class A office space, the boutique Hotel Merrydelle, and more than 200,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, including over 20 shops and 15 dining concepts. Vandeveer, the first residential building, will deliver 205 apartments and is expected to welcome residents in late summer 2026.<\/p>\n
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Credit: Pearl Square<\/p>\n
The newly announced retail leases total nearly 10,000 square feet and are intended to activate the ground floor of Vandeveer along a network of pedestrian-oriented streets and public open spaces surrounding the historic Thomas V. Porter Mansion.<\/p>\n
The announced tenants include Bar Citra, occupying approximately 2,000 square feet. The St. Augustine-based restaurant, recognized with a Bib Gourmand distinction in the 2026 Florida Michelin Guide, will expand outside its home market for the first time, bringing its coffee program, pastries, seasonal menu, and natural wine selection to Downtown Jacksonville.<\/p>\n
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Credit: Bar Citra<\/p>\n
Buchner\u2019s Biergarten will establish an outdoor beer garden on Porter House Lawn, serving German beers from a vintage-inspired Citro\u00ebn truck alongside sausages, sandwiches, cheese, charcuterie, and small plates. The concept is scheduled to open in October 2026.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/JGFP6951-scaled.jpeg\")
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Credit: Buchner\u2019s Biergarten<\/p>\n
PopUp Bagels will occupy 1,443 square feet. Founded in Westport, Connecticut, the bagel concept is known for serving hot bagels intended to be torn apart and paired with schmear rather than sliced or toasted. The Pearl Square location will become the brand\u2019s second Jacksonville outpost.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Bagels10_PhotoCredit_Jen-Goldberg-scaled.jpeg\")
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Credit: Jen Goldberg<\/p>\n
Go Greek Yogurt has leased 1,141 square feet for its first Northeast Florida location. The Mediterranean-inspired concept serves Greek yogurt, bowls, and other menu offerings and currently operates more than 25 locations across the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Studio-City1-scaled.jpeg\")
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Credit: Go Greek Yogurt<\/p>\n
JETSET Pilates will occupy 2,495 square feet. The boutique fitness franchise offers reformer-based Pilates classes and will establish its third Northeast Florida studio at Pearl Square.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/NZ80372-scaled.jpeg\")
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Credit: JETSET Pilates<\/p>\n
Pearl Street Nails has leased 2,032 square feet for a full-service nail salon offering manicures, pedicures, nail enhancements, waxing, and organic treatment options. The concept is operated by a regional company with more than 135 salons throughout the Southeast.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_1745-1.jpeg\")
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Credit: Pearl Street Nails<\/p>\n
The newly announced businesses will join a previously announced Publix grocery store, the first newly constructed supermarket in Downtown Jacksonville in more than a decade, as well as Colletta, a from-scratch Italian restaurant planned within the restored Hotel Merrydelle.<\/p>\n
\u201cDowntown Jacksonville is emerging as one of the Southeast\u2019s most closely watched urban markets,\u201d said Bryan Moll, CEO of Gateway Jax.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s our vision that this growing ecosystem of retail, hospitality, new offices, residences, and public green space will drive new life into Downtown Jacksonville, giving people new reasons to live, visit, and do business downtown where the neighborhood itself is the amenity. Vandeveer\u2019s retail mix has been intentionally designed to bring daily life to the Urban Core, encourage all-day activation, and support the kind of walkable, connected environment essential to the city\u2019s continued evolution.\u201d<\/p>\n
Moll added that Gateway Jax drew from its experience with projects including Water Street Tampa and National Landing in Arlington, Virginia, while working with The Urban Division at Colliers and Of Place to curate Pearl Square\u2019s retail program.<\/p>\n
\u201cJacksonville\u2019s retail landscape is evolving at an incredible pace. The curated mix at Vandeveer is a testament to the growing national appeal of the city\u2019s urban core,\u201d said Kelly Pulignano, Senior Vice President of The Shopping Center Group, who represented PopUp Bagels in its lease negotiations.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis transformational project introduces a new standard for urban living and shopping in Jacksonville. Gateway Jax\u2019s vision for Pearl Square is coming to life as a unique, premier destination that will help define the city\u2019s future.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buchner\u2019s Biergarten and JETSET Pilates are expected to open in fall 2026, while additional retail tenants are anticipated to begin opening through early 2027. Development of the remaining residential, office, hospitality, and retail phases of Pearl Square is ongoing.<\/p>\n
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