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Jacksonville invites public to learn about Shipyards West Park Project at November 6 open house

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  Published in House and Home on Thursday, October 30th 2025 at 22:32 GMT

Jacksonville Invites Public to Learn About Shipyards West Park Project at November 6 Open House

Jacksonville, FL – The City of Jacksonville has announced a public open house on Wednesday, November 6, to introduce residents to the Shipyards West Park Project, a major waterfront development that promises to transform the historic shipyard district into a vibrant mixed‑use community. The event, hosted by the Jacksonville Planning Department in partnership with the Shipyards West Park Development Authority, will take place at the City’s Waterfront Recreation Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature guided tours, presentations from project leaders, and a Q&A session.

A Vision for the Shipyards

The Shipyards West Park Project is an ambitious plan to revitalize Jacksonville’s former shipbuilding complex along the St. Johns River. Once the site of the U.S. Navy’s Atlantic Fleet repair and overhaul facilities, the area has been largely vacant since the Navy closed the yard in 1995. The new project envisions a mixed‑use community that blends residential units, retail and office space, public parks, and cultural attractions, all designed around a centerpiece “West Park” that offers green space and waterfront access.

According to the project’s official website, the development will include:

• Over 500,000 square feet of residential space with a mix of affordable and market‑rate units.
• Commercial and office space for businesses that can benefit from proximity to the river and downtown.
• A cultural hub featuring a maritime museum, an art gallery, and performance venues that celebrate Jacksonville’s naval heritage.
• A 30‑acre park—West Park—providing open lawns, walking trails, playgrounds, and a boardwalk that connects to the St. Johns River Trail.
• Enhanced public infrastructure, including upgraded roads, pedestrian bridges, and bike lanes to improve connectivity with the rest of the city.

The project is slated to be a catalyst for economic development, creating jobs in construction, hospitality, retail, and cultural sectors. It is also positioned to attract tourists and new residents who value waterfront living and historic preservation.

Open House Details

The open house on November 6 will give the public a chance to explore the project’s master plan, review design concepts, and voice their thoughts directly to city planners and developers. The event will include the following key components:

• 10:00 a.m. – Welcome and Opening Remarks
  City officials, including Mayor Lindsey Graham and Planning Director David McCaffrey, will outline the project’s objectives and discuss the community’s role in shaping the final design.

• 10:30 a.m. – Guided Tour of the Site
  Attendees will be escorted around the current shipyard facilities, which will be partially repurposed as event spaces. The tour will highlight key landmarks such as the original shipbuilding cranes, the historical pier, and the proposed West Park area.

• 11:00 a.m. – Design Presentation
  The Shipyards West Park Development Authority will showcase preliminary architectural renderings, environmental studies, and public art plans. This presentation will emphasize how the design preserves the site’s maritime heritage while introducing modern amenities.

• 11:30 a.m. – Public Q&A Session
  Residents will have the opportunity to ask questions about zoning, parking, public access, and the timeline for construction. City planners will provide answers and gather feedback to refine the project.

• 12:30 p.m. – Lunch and Networking
  A complimentary lunch featuring local cuisine will be provided by the City’s community partners, offering a chance for informal discussions among residents, developers, and city officials.

• 1:30 p.m. – Closing Remarks
  The event will conclude with a summary of the community’s input and a roadmap for the next steps in the planning and permitting process.

Community Engagement and Feedback

The City of Jacksonville emphasizes that community input is essential to the success of the Shipyards West Park Project. The open house is the first of several outreach events planned to ensure that the development reflects the needs and aspirations of local residents. In addition to the public meeting, the City will be conducting online surveys, hosting town hall forums, and distributing informational brochures to all residents of the surrounding neighborhoods.

The project’s developers are committed to preserving the site’s historical character. They have pledged to incorporate maritime-themed artwork throughout the development, maintain the original shipbuilding cranes as focal points, and provide public access to the river via a dedicated promenade.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

The City’s economic analysis estimates that the Shipyards West Park Project will generate approximately 1,200 construction jobs during the build‑out phase and sustain around 3,500 permanent jobs in the long term. The project is expected to attract an estimated $400 million in private investment, boosting the local economy and enhancing Jacksonville’s reputation as a destination for waterfront living and cultural tourism.

How to Attend and Get Involved

The City has made registration for the open house available online through the Jacksonville Planning Department’s website. Residents can RSVP by visiting the event page at [ Jacksonville Open House – Shipyards West Park Project ]. The page includes a PDF agenda, directions to the venue, and contact information for event organizers.

For those who are unable to attend in person, a live stream of the key sessions will be broadcast on the City’s official YouTube channel and on the Jacksonville News Network’s website. A summary of the event will also be posted on the City’s social media pages and in the next issue of the “Jacksonville Neighborhood Journal.”

Looking Ahead

The Shipyards West Park Project represents a pivotal moment for Jacksonville’s waterfront redevelopment. By transforming a former military-industrial site into a thriving community hub, the City aims to honor its maritime heritage while embracing future growth. The November 6 open house marks the beginning of an inclusive planning process that will shape the next chapter of the city’s evolution along the St. Johns River.

Residents interested in learning more about the project can visit the official Shipyards West Park website at [ www.shipyardswestpark.com ] for detailed design plans, environmental assessments, and funding updates. Additional information on zoning, permits, and public consultation schedules can be found on the Jacksonville Planning Department’s website under the “Development Projects” section.

By engaging with community members, preserving historic elements, and delivering modern amenities, the Shipyards West Park Project seeks to become a model for waterfront revitalization that balances economic vitality with cultural preservation. The City looks forward to hearing the voices of its residents and welcoming them to the open house on November 6 to help bring this vision to life.