The City of Jacksonville uses thoughtful design to activate the Downtown Core.

At the heart of a high-traffic district in Jacksonville, the City’s existing Riverwalk became a safety concern for the general public. Although originally constructed with great enthusiasm in 1985, the City of Jacksonville knew the walk needed to be redeveloped. Through design partnerships with CH2M Hill and FLAGG Design Studio, Haskell provided the city with the experience and expertise necessary to deliver the new Southbank Riverwalk. (Chris Flagg subsequently joined Haskell and now is Vice President and Architecture and Engineering Operating Principal.)

The utmost importance is given to public safety and innovative design.

The demolition and reconstruction of the nearly 30-year-old 4,000-foot boardwalk structure include steel guardrails to reinforce public safety, energy-efficient LED lighting to promote pedestrian safety and shade structures to relieve the public from the Florida sun. The design of the walk creates a nautical encounter, projecting energy and vitality in its patterns and colors with attentive consideration to the pedestrian user.

The Southbank Riverwalk becomes a premier destination.

The new Southbank Riverwalk draws citizens and visitors to enjoy the spectacular views of the Jacksonville skyline during holiday gatherings, sporting events, firework shows and other special activities. Public art locations, outdoor festivities, water taxi stops and public docking piers enhance its function and provide a direct connection between pedestrians and boating visitors.