Gateway Jax Announces Initial Retail Lineup for Pearl Square in Downtown Jacksonville

Gateway Jax has announced nearly 10,000 square feet of new retail leases at Pearl Square, the developer’s $1 billion mixed-use development spanning nine city blocks in Downtown Jacksonville’s Urban Core. The announcement marks the first wave of ground-floor tenants for Vandeveer, the district’s inaugural residential building, as the first phase of the master-planned development approaches completion.

Designed by Morris Adjmi Architects, SK+I Architecture, Elkus Manfredi Architects, and Cecconi Simone, Pearl Square is planned to encompass approximately 2 million square feet of mixed-use space. Upon full buildout, the district will include more than 1,250 residential units across four buildings, 100,000 square feet of Class A office space, the boutique Hotel Merrydelle, and more than 200,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, including over 20 shops and 15 dining concepts. Vandeveer, the first residential building, will deliver 205 apartments and is expected to welcome residents in late summer 2026.

Credit: Pearl Square

The newly announced retail leases total nearly 10,000 square feet and are intended to activate the ground floor of Vandeveer along a network of pedestrian-oriented streets and public open spaces surrounding the historic Thomas V. Porter Mansion.

The announced tenants include Bar Citra, occupying approximately 2,000 square feet. The St. Augustine-based restaurant, recognized with a Bib Gourmand distinction in the 2026 Florida Michelin Guide, will expand outside its home market for the first time, bringing its coffee program, pastries, seasonal menu, and natural wine selection to Downtown Jacksonville.

Credit: Bar Citra

Buchner’s Biergarten will establish an outdoor beer garden on Porter House Lawn, serving German beers from a vintage-inspired Citroën truck alongside sausages, sandwiches, cheese, charcuterie, and small plates. The concept is scheduled to open in October 2026.

Credit: Buchner’s Biergarten

PopUp Bagels will occupy 1,443 square feet. Founded in Westport, Connecticut, the bagel concept is known for serving hot bagels intended to be torn apart and paired with schmear rather than sliced or toasted. The Pearl Square location will become the brand’s second Jacksonville outpost.

Credit: Jen Goldberg

Go Greek Yogurt has leased 1,141 square feet for its first Northeast Florida location. The Mediterranean-inspired concept serves Greek yogurt, bowls, and other menu offerings and currently operates more than 25 locations across the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.

Credit: Go Greek Yogurt

JETSET Pilates will occupy 2,495 square feet. The boutique fitness franchise offers reformer-based Pilates classes and will establish its third Northeast Florida studio at Pearl Square.

Credit: JETSET Pilates

Pearl Street Nails has leased 2,032 square feet for a full-service nail salon offering manicures, pedicures, nail enhancements, waxing, and organic treatment options. The concept is operated by a regional company with more than 135 salons throughout the Southeast.

Credit: Pearl Street Nails

The newly announced businesses will join a previously announced Publix grocery store, the first newly constructed supermarket in Downtown Jacksonville in more than a decade, as well as Colletta, a from-scratch Italian restaurant planned within the restored Hotel Merrydelle.

“Downtown Jacksonville is emerging as one of the Southeast’s most closely watched urban markets,” said Bryan Moll, CEO of Gateway Jax.

“It’s our vision that this growing ecosystem of retail, hospitality, new offices, residences, and public green space will drive new life into Downtown Jacksonville, giving people new reasons to live, visit, and do business downtown where the neighborhood itself is the amenity. Vandeveer’s retail mix has been intentionally designed to bring daily life to the Urban Core, encourage all-day activation, and support the kind of walkable, connected environment essential to the city’s continued evolution.”

Moll added that Gateway Jax drew from its experience with projects including Water Street Tampa and National Landing in Arlington, Virginia, while working with The Urban Division at Colliers and Of Place to curate Pearl Square’s retail program.

“Jacksonville’s retail landscape is evolving at an incredible pace. The curated mix at Vandeveer is a testament to the growing national appeal of the city’s urban core,” said Kelly Pulignano, Senior Vice President of The Shopping Center Group, who represented PopUp Bagels in its lease negotiations.

“This transformational project introduces a new standard for urban living and shopping in Jacksonville. Gateway Jax’s vision for Pearl Square is coming to life as a unique, premier destination that will help define the city’s future.”

Buchner’s Biergarten and JETSET Pilates are expected to open in fall 2026, while additional retail tenants are anticipated to begin opening through early 2027. Development of the remaining residential, office, hospitality, and retail phases of Pearl Square is ongoing.

Subscribe to YIMBY’s daily e-mail



Follow YIMBYgram for real-time photo updates
Like YIMBY on Facebook
Follow YIMBY’s Twitter for the latest in YIMBYnews