JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 A developer unveiled plans Thursday for a 30-story Hard Rock Hotel on Jacksonville\u2019s riverfront, offering a first look at what could replace the long-vacant lot at 500 East Bay St.<\/p>\n
The proposal was presented during a workshop before the city\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is exciting to bring Hard Rock, a global brand, to Jacksonville,\u201d said Michael Munz, CEO and founder of Florida Innovation Capital.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Take a look at the renderings below.<\/p>\n
Developers said the project would draw inspiration from Jacksonville\u2019s musical roots and identity.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is so synonymous with music all over the world, and to have that brand want to be part of Jacksonville,\u201d Munz said.<\/p>\n
The development team said the project would not include a casino.<\/p>\n
Rick Todd, who lives at the nearby Berkman Plaza, said he supports downtown development but is concerned about the building\u2019s height and how it could affect residents\u2019 views of the river and the east.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m a little concerned by the height of the building and the commentary from the design team that it won\u2019t block the view of the existing plaza,\u201d Todd said. \u201cBut it looks big enough, and I\u2019m familiar with the lot that it\u2019s going on, so I\u2019m concerned that it might block our view of the river and to the east.\u201d<\/p>\n
Munz said the development team considered the concerns of nearby residents.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe took that into consideration so that we are being very cognizant of our neighbors at the Berkman,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Munz said developers envision the hotel as an amenity for the nearby park and the broader downtown area.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe see this building being an amenity for the park,\u201d he said. \u201cSo if you\u2019re 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
The concept is not yet approved. Developers said they will revise the plans based on Thursday\u2019s feedback before seeking additional approvals from the Downtown Investment Authority, city administration and Jacksonville City Council.<\/p>\n
The project\u2019s cost and financing plan have not been finalized. Those details are expected to be presented to city officials as the proposal moves forward.<\/p>\n
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