The long-anticipated construction is finally scheduled to commence in February, as confirmed by Jacksonville City Council Member Joe Carlucci. For more than three years, the area, once bustling with life as the River City Brewing Company, has remained a vacant plot of land, waiting for a new chapter.

This dormant space, which has lingered as a blank slate, is now ready to be revitalized with a towering high-rise, complete with modern amenities and a vibrant marina. A new restaurant is also part of the plans, promising to inject fresh energy into the Southbank area.

“I can’t remember, it was so far back,” remarked local resident David Rios, reflecting on how long the site has remained inactive. The upcoming development marks a significant change, expected to reshape the community’s skyline and offer exciting new opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

However, that blank canvas could soon be filled with a massive high-rise building, marina and a new restaurant.

“I can’t remember, it was so far back,” said David Rios.

For one special occasion, David Rios made it out to River City Brewing Company. That was the only time he made it to the riverfront restaurant before its demolition in July 2022.

“I usually don’t come downtown much, but now that they’re trying to build it up, it’s bringing me back to want to show it off,” said Rios.

At the moment, there isn’t much for Rios to show off to family from out of town at the old River City Brewing site, but that won’t be the case for long.

“It’s a huge project,” said Council Member Carlucci. “It’s 395 units right on the river. There’s going to be a marina. There’s going to be a restaurant. They will have public parking they’re providing, too.”

The original plan for the property was scrapped in 2023, with the Downtown Investment Authority citing rising construction costs.

That plan was eventually replaced with a pitch for an even bigger building.

Carlucci says he recently met with the developers, who told him they should start getting permits before the end of the year before breaking ground in mid-February.

“By all means, we are eager to get it online, eager to get it over there,” said Carlucci. “It’s going to be part of the Southbank skyline.”

In the meantime, Carlucci says another restaurant space near Friendship Fountain just went out for bid and another project could join the fray soon.

“You’ve got the old MOSH site,” said Carlucci. “We’ve got to figure out what the best course of action is for that site, and then yeah, man, Southbank is coming along pretty good.”

Carlucci said construction isn’t slated to wrap up until December 2028.

However, Carlucci said they are going to build in phases, so some folks could move in before construction even wraps.