Construction on the new Riverfront Plaza in Jacksonville, Northbank, began on Monday, but plans for a 150-foot “Jax” sculpture are being revised. The initial renderings of the sculpture received mixed reviews, with some opponents stating that it appeared to read as “Lerp” or “Derp” instead of “Jax.” Responding to community feedback during a Jax RiverJams concert on April 20, artist Jefre is working to refine the design. While the sculpture is on hold, Jacksonville city crews are proceeding with the rest of the Riverfront Plaza development. The plaza will replace The Landing, which was demolished three years ago. City Councilman Joe Carlucci, who has fond memories of The Landing as a child, is enthusiastic about creating new memories with his own children at Riverfront Plaza. The park’s development will begin with Phase 1 featuring a café, a playground, and a splash pad. It will then progress to a large lawn space, civic steps, and a reflective pool. Phase 2 will include a beer garden and a path leading to the Main Street Bridge. Carlucci hopes that the plaza’s view coming into downtown will attract more people and stimulate surrounding businesses. Independent Drive in front of the plaza will be closed until Christmas, along with road closures at Hogan and Water streets until mid-December. Additionally, part of Bay Street between Liberty and A Philip Randolph will be closed until Wednesday for an unrelated sewer tie-in project.
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Reference: firstcoastnews.com