Conversation: Jake Gordon
CEO of Downtown Vision, Inc.
Photo: Laird
How long have you lived in Jacksonville, and what brought you to the city?
I moved to Jacksonville in 2015. Before that I bounced around a little bit: Born in New Jersey, undergrad in San Diego, law school in Philly. My wife is from Gainesville, and she couldn’t wait to move back to Florida. When I was offered the opportunity to lead Downtown Vision, we accepted immediately. Duval is home for our family now, our kids have only really known Jacksonville. We love it here.
What is Downtown Vision’s primary focus and how does the organization contribute to the growth and vibrancy of downtown Jacksonville?
Downtown Vision, Inc. (DVI) is the business improvement district nonprofit for downtown Jacksonville. Our mission is simple: help make “DTJax” a more exciting place to live, work, visit, and invest. We contribute to the growth and vibrancy of downtown through many programs like our clean and safe ambassador program, monthly events like First Wednesday Art Walk and Third Thursday Sip & Stroll, as well as research, stakeholder support, placemaking, and other initiatives. If you haven’t been downtown in a while, you’re missing out!
In your view, why is development essential for the future of downtown Jacksonville and for downtowns, in general?
A strong downtown is the beating heart of any vibrant city. Beyond serving as a commercial hub and employment center, great downtowns also foster a sense of community and identity. Density, vitality, and activity are essential for downtowns to thrive, and that can’t be delivered solely by city government or even the general public—it must be the combination of those two and development by the private sector. Downtown Jacksonville is no different—it’s the heart of our region. The long-term health of our city is dictated by the vibrancy of our urban core, and success can only be achieved through development from both the private and public sector, including city parks, skyscrapers, and stadiums.
What key factors make downtown Jacksonville an attractive destination for developers, and how does it stand out from other cities?
Jacksonville is a city on the rise—statistics show it’s among the top American cities for relocation. With this influx of population, downtown investments are poised for a huge return and smart developers are recognizing that. Residents want a vibrant and active downtown, and our elected leaders are very supportive. With a pro-development focus, incentives for developers via the Downtown Investment Authority (DIA), waterfront development opportunities, and ongoing major infrastructure improvements in transportation, roadways, and public transit, DTJax is an attractive destination for investment. We stand out as an affordable southern city with an incredible quality of life that still has a lot of room to grow.
What project excites you the most, and which do you believe will have a great impact in shaping downtown Jacksonville’s future?
There are so many projects happening downtown, it’s hard to pick just one! World-class public space, mixed use developments, entertainment districts, university facilities—they are all opening in downtown Jacksonville right now.
The transformation of many of our waterfront public parks is maybe the most exciting, with Riverfront Plaza currently under construction as an incredible public space in the center of downtown. Right across the river, a destination playground will soon join Friendship Fountain as a gorgeous place to gather and see the skyline.
Places to live, work, and play are being built. Gateway Jax’s Pearl Street District is a massive mixed-use private development, a $2 billion investment spanning more than 20 blocks, with over 1,000 residential units, grocery-anchored retails, a lifestyle hotel, office spaces, and enhanced public amenities. It’s going to be an awesome new walkable neighborhood in downtown.
Our Jaguars are here to stay with the new $1.4 billion Stadium of the Future, integrated into a growing entertainment district, with new office buildings, a stunning Four Seasons hotel, park space, and a modern marina.
Jacksonville University opened its law school downtown, the first in our city, and the first new law school in Florida in two decades. And the University of Florida is building a graduate campus downtown in the historic LaVilla neighborhood—classes will begin this fall.
And here’s the crazy part: That’s just the beginning! Check out our State of Downtown Report at DTJax.com/reports for many more projects and details.
What do you love about Jacksonville?
The people. For the moment we arrived, our family has been welcomed with love and support from the community. I am proud to now call it home and represent Jax—especially DTJax—to the world. I’m consistently impressed by how people deeply care for our city—their passion and creativity always have me dreaming big about the future. Together, I have no doubt we will make this great city even better.
