JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2014 A stretch of Flagler Avenue on Jacksonville\u2019s Southbank could soon be transformed into a pedestrian-friendly \u201cfestival street\u201d under a proposed $2.5 million project backed by the Downtown Investment Authority.<\/p>\n
The project would redevelop about 800 feet of Flagler Avenue between Prudential Drive and Riverplace Boulevard, creating a space designed to host farmers\u2019 markets, festivals, food trucks and other community events.<\/p>\n
Designers with GAI Consultants presented the plans to a city review board last week.<\/p>\n
The proposed redesign includes removing a turn lane, narrowing the street, widening sidewalks, and adding more parallel parking. Plans also call for string lights and new landscaping to create a more event-friendly atmosphere.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt would add a lot more festivity and a little bit more of a cultural vibe, especially with the festival lights and the vendors and things like that. It will bring a community to downtown in such a beautiful neighborhood,\u201d Rosalia said.<\/p>\n
The street would remain open to traffic most of the time. Bollards would be installed at either end of the corridor and could be raised or lowered during special events.<\/p>\n
The idea has been in the works for several years. A Downtown Investment Authority resolution shows the board approved $500,000 to design the project in 2023. At the time, project documents estimated a completion date of Sept. 30 of this year.<\/p>\n
Designers now expect to complete the plans in January. The project could go out for construction bids as soon as April, with construction potentially beginning next summer.<\/p>\n
One business expected to feel the effects of the project is Southern Grill, which has operated on Flagler Avenue for 28 years. Owner Joey Farah said he supports the vision for the area but has concerns about construction impacts.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think changing things is good, you know, bring more action. I am worried about construction, how people are going to get to me during the construction, but they said it\u2019s only a 10-month period, so I think I can make it through that,\u201d Farah said.<\/p>\n
Southern Grill is the only business directly impacted by the planned construction, according to the proposal.<\/p>\n
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