Vandeveer Set to Open in October

The Pearl Square development worth two billion dollars in Jacksonville is now inching toward its first large-scale residential launch, with plans for the 205-unit Vandeveer building to launch in October 2026. The development of Pearl Square is being done by Gateway Jax as part of the larger endeavor to revamp a whole swath of downtown Jacksonville into a mixed-use community.

Vandeveer will add about 22,000 square feet of food and beverage venues in the district. The idea is to create some venues for the locals and tourists to enjoy their meals and spend time inside the development while other construction is going on outside.

Retail and Restaurant Lineup Takes Shape

Gateway Jax is endeavoring to put together a mix of retail and food establishments that may be able to generate activity around the newly constructed residential building. Gateway Jax is currently engaged in negotiations with various restaurants and businesses as they get Vandeveer ready for occupancy.

There is a practical problem involved in this plan since Pearl Square is a construction zone at present. Gateway Jax CEO Bryan Moll has explained the challenges of trying to activate businesses in an environment where there are several parts of the community that are yet to be completed.

It is therefore necessary to create enough activity around the completed structures before the rest of Pearl Square is completed.

A Larger Downtown Transformation

Pearl Square constitutes some of the major projects that are being undertaken in Jacksonville in terms of private development. The neighborhood is supposed to be a huge mixed-use development with residential, retail, offices and hotel elements.

The project involves more than 1,250 residential units of apartments located in four residential structures. There is also retail, parking and other amenities involved in the construction, together with the rehabilitation of the Ambassador Hotel and Publix supermarket.

Vandeveer was formerly known as Block N11. Its construction started in October 2024. This is a seven-story structure designed to have 205 apartment units as well as more than 24,000 square feet of retail, commercial and storage space.

More Residential and Retail Space Ahead

Gateway Jax has been carrying out construction work in other parts of Pearl Square. Construction of Block N4 on 425 Beaver Street commenced in May 2025. This block will have 286 apartments and 19,858 square feet of retail spaces.

Thus, construction in the Pearl Square development is not limited to just one residential building. As more blocks are completed, Gateway Jax hopes that the area will become more active, with residents, businesses and visitors making use of the area during the day.

Building Momentum in Downtown Jacksonville

The opening of Vandeveer marks a significant achievement in Pearl Square since this will ensure that both residents and businesses can operate within the district even as construction goes on.

The presence of food and beverage providers will definitely assist in giving the area a unique identity. Pearl Square, with more residential, retail, hospitality services and many others coming in future, has turned out to be one of the key players in the redevelopment of downtown Jacksonville. With the opening of Vandeveer in October, the vision of Gateway Jax for the district will be tested.