FRAMEWORK

Warehouses, originally designed for storage and logistics, possess unique qualities that make them highly adaptable for new uses. Their vast open layouts, industrial aesthetics, and structural resilience offer endless possibilities for innovative transformations. As cities evolve and the demand for sustainable development grows, adaptive reuse has emerged as a crucial strategy in architecture and urban planning.

The Phoenix Arts & Innovation District, a Future of Cities regenerative placemaking development, has proudly unveiled its latest milestone: Emerald Station. This adaptive reuse project breathes new life into a 100-year-old warehouse, transforming 17,000 square feet of space into a hub for community revitalization and sustainable growth in Jacksonville’s North Springfield neighborhood.

We received approval of an incentive package totaling $5.5 million from the City of Jacksonville’s Office of Economic Development, as well as the approval of rezoning of its planned unit development (PUD) to permit commercial and multifamily residential uses for the Phoenix Arts & Innovation District (PHXJAX). The package and rezoning, outlined in Ordinances 2024-0418 and 2024-0348, were approved by the Jacksonville City Council on June 25, 2024.

We at the Phoenix Arts and Innovation District (PHXJAX) had the honor of hosting a pivotal moment in Jacksonville’s future—the announcement of a transformative $147 million grant dedicated to accelerating the completion of the Emerald Trail. This unprecedented federal investment, the largest one-time grant the city has ever received, is a game-changer not only for connectivity but also for community revitalization, economic opportunity, and environmental sustainability.

The concept came about to partner with the 48 Hour Film Project but make it mural focused, as opposed to film — and use the same framework of an international film project as a model for visual artists. This recap outlines the first occurrence of this now annual collaboration.

development needs to be done for, with — and by — the communities that they intend to serve, or even just operate in. Regenerative placemaking is an innovative approach that takes into account policy interconnectedness, and focuses locally. Regenerative placemaking’s goal is to revitalize neighborhoods and natural ecosystems through active community engagement.

We are developing a unique Framework rooted in three pillars that catalyze the development process: to engage, empower and uplift the talent, knowledge, skills, design, ecology and activations within these pillars, to co-create solutions.

Regenerative Placemaking involves re-igniting our relationships with the natural environment, with our neighbors and communities, and cultural heritage. PHXJAX is a regenerative placemaking demonstration project of Future of Cities.