The City of Jacksonville’s Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) has released a request for proposal for the selection of qualified design firms and their consultants, who will then participate in a design competition for the development of a public space on the premier waterfront site in downtown Jacksonville now dubbed Riverfront Plaza.

The site was formerly called The Jacksonville Landing.

RFP information available here.

The competition will include presentations at a public workshop and will result in the selection of one team to complete the design. The DIA understands the magnitude and importance of this site and as such, the aesthetic, functional and programmatic design of the public space and the integration of public art to create a recognizable symbol of downtown Jacksonville are paramount, according to a statement by the city.

The RFP selection process consists of two parts. Part one includes submission of qualifications, which the city will evaluate, score and select three shortlisted design teams to participate in a design competition. This selection is scheduled to occur prior to the end of March 2021.

In the second half of the process, the three shortlisted design teams will receive a stipend to complete 50% designs where they will showcase their vision for the plaza, including how their design would interface with the future private development. The teams will present their 50% designs via public oral interviews in late June, allowing for public comment. The city will also solicit input from subject matter experts and downtown stakeholders, all of which will be shared with the evaluation committee.

The selected winner of the design competition for the best qualified design will be invited to negotiate a full professional services design contract with the city, bringing design of the public space to 100%.

The city hopes to begin construction on the new public space by January 2022.