In early 2019, the City of Jacksonville made the pivotal decision to demolish the once-iconic Jacksonville Landing festival marketplace, a seven-acre stretch of prime downtown waterfront property owned by the city. This marked the beginning of an ambitious vision to reimagine the riverfront as a vibrant, accessible public space for the community.

By 2020, the Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) launched a design competition for the landmark site, ultimately awarding the design to Perkins & Will in mid-2021. As the Riverfront Plaza design neared 90% completion in mid-2023, the city issued an RFQ for CMAR services. Haskell was awarded the project in September 2023, with construction commencing in early 2024. Throughout execution, Haskell consistently exceeded expectations—successfully navigating a complex environment that included major public events, adjacent construction activity, accelerated timelines and strict budget constraints. Despite these challenges, Phase 1 of Riverfront Plaza was delivered on time and within budget in late 2025.

With Phase 1 complete, Riverfront Plaza has advanced to Phase 2 under Haskell’s continued leadership, with completion anticipated in late 2027. The finished park will feature expansive green space, a beer garden, play structures and a café—enhancing Jacksonville’s urban core and waterfront experience.

In 2022, Haskell began pursuing two additional transformative downtown waterfront projects: Metropolitan Park and Shipyards West Park. The CMAR RFQ was released in Fall 2025, and Haskell submitted its response in December 2025. After being shortlisted in February 2026, Haskell was officially awarded both projects on March 26, 2026.

Metropolitan Park will be revitalized into a modernized version of its current form, enhanced with new landscape and hardscape elements. Shipyards West Park, spanning more than nine acres, will feature open green space, playgrounds, sports courts, an exhibition hall, waterfront piers and a beach. Construction on both parks is expected to begin in mid-2027, with completion targeted for late 2028.

“Haskell is proud to continue serving the City of Jacksonville as their trusted construction partner on these important projects, said JP Saenz, President of Haskell. “These beautiful parks will be special community spaces that we can all enjoy for many generations to come.”

Haskell’s role as a trusted advisor and partner to the City of Jacksonville has become a model for effective local engagement and innovative project delivery. This work represents more than successful projects—it reflects a lasting impact on the communities Haskell serves. Years from now, Haskell will look back with pride, knowing its team helped create transformative, award-winning waterfront spaces that will be enjoyed for generations.