A new mixed-use waterfront destination could be coming to Jacksonville’s Southbank, where local real estate company Ashco Centers has unveiled plans for The Seaport at St. Johns.
The proposed development would occupy 4.87 acres at 1701 Prudential Drive, bringing residential, hospitality, retail and dining uses to a stretch of downtown Jacksonville overlooking the St. Johns River.
Plans call for two towers containing high-end residences and a luxury hotel, alongside 110,000 square feet of boutique retail space, a grocery store and waterfront restaurants. The project would also feature a marina with direct river access, a public promenade and a plaza designed to connect with the Southbank Riverwalk.
For Ashco Centers, the riverfront setting is central to the vision for the project.
“This project puts Jacksonville’s greatest natural asset, the St. Johns River, at the heart of downtown life,” said Edward Ashurian, founder of Ashco Centers. “We envision a community gathering place on the St. Johns River where everyone can dine at the water’s edge, stroll the riverfront, and explore new amenities.”
The development would add to the Southbank’s mix of residential and commercial properties while creating more opportunities for people to spend time along the water. The planned promenade and public plaza are intended to make the riverfront accessible to visitors and residents, with walking connections to the existing Riverwalk.
Tiffany Ashurian, vice president of leasing and acquisitions at Ashco Centers, said the company is beginning to seek businesses and operators interested in becoming part of the project.
“The best developments don’t just fill space, they define a city,” she said. “The Seaport at St. Johns is our bold vision for the future of the Southbank, and we’re inviting the right operators to the table now.”
Ashco Centers is inviting inquiries from prospective retail, restaurant, hotel and residential partners as it develops the proposal. The company has not announced an opening timeline.
Alan Ashurian, vice president of construction and finance, said the project builds on the company’s experience in commercial real estate across Northeast Florida. “For more than 50 years, Ashco Centers has built and operated Class ‘A’ shopping centers across Northeast Florida,” he said. “Now we’re bringing that same discipline and stewardship to the Southbank.”
Based in Jacksonville, Ashco Centers is a family-owned commercial real estate company focused on retail development, leasing and placemaking. Further details about the proposed development, including its construction schedule and next steps, have not yet been announced.
