Gateway Jax Celebrates Construction Start of Pearl Square Parking Garage, Advancing Downtown Jacksonville’s Transformation
Jacksonville, Fla. –– November 6, 2025 — Gateway Jax, a Jacksonville-based commercial real estate development firm, has broken ground on the first parking structure within Pearl Square, marking another major milestone to transform Downtown Jacksonville’s North Core into a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood. The new garage, located adjacent to the historic Ambassador Hotel, will provide convenient access not only for hotel guests, but also for visitors, residents and businesses throughout the district, including Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD).
Construction for the Ambassador Hotel’s restoration is slated to begin in early 2026. In the meantime, work continues across Pearl Square, following this summer’s announcement of Publix as the neighborhood’s full-service grocery anchor and the groundbreaking of 425 Beaver Street (formerly N4).
“The local enthusiasm for Pearl Square is mirrored in the conversations we’re having with prospective partners and tenants across the country,” said Bryan Moll, CEO of Gateway Jax. “Together with our design and construction teams, we are eager to continue the progress across the project’s active construction sites. We look forward to keeping the Northeast Florida community informed as we bring the first parcels to life in the coming year.”
Recent project milestones have included:
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Groundbreaking of the Ambassador Hotel garage.
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The topping out of 515 Pearl Street (formerly known as N11), marking the completion of the building’s highest point. All windows and roofing are now installed, making the building weather tight. The project is on schedule for completion in the third quarter of 2026.
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Completion of foundation work at 425 Beaver Street (formerly N4), with concrete work now progressing above-grade.
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Site clearing, demolition, utility, and grading work has commenced at 440 Beaver Street (formerly known as N8), with foundation work expected to begin in early 2026.
Additional project updates will be shared in the weeks to come.
Upon completion, Pearl Square will encompass more than 1,250 new residential units; approximately 200,000 square feet of retail tenants including restaurants, fitness and other daily amenities; the revitalization of the historic Ambassador Hotel, a 100+ key boutique hotel; vibrant new public spaces; lush public parks; and a signature curbless festival street with abundant outdoor dining possibilities. The long-term plan represents more than $2 billion in investment over the next decade, reimagining Downtown Jacksonville as a place to live, work, shop and explore.
For more information on Gateway Jax and the Pearl Square project, including leasing opportunities, visit pearlsquare.com.
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About Gateway Jax
Gateway Jax is a Jacksonville-based investment and development firm, created and sponsored by JWB Real Estate Capital and DLP Capital. Founded in 2022, its leadership brings decades of experience in urban real estate development across North America, focusing on developing dynamic, interconnected, and vibrant projects in walkable, mixed-use environments.
Gateway Jax is committed to working in collaboration with residents and communities to build future-forward ways of working, living and playing. Learn more at gatewayjax.com.