Ashco Centers Proposes New Southbank Mixed-Use Project
The proposed 110,000-square-foot retail space offers local operators a new footprint on the Jacksonville waterfront.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Remote Work
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Ashco Centers has unveiled plans for The Seaport at St. Johns, a 4.87-acre mixed-use development on Jacksonville’s Southbank. The project at 1701 Prudential Drive includes retail space and amenities, with the developer currently seeking potential operators to lease the site.
Why it matters
The development aims to establish a high-traffic destination along the St. Johns River, potentially altering the competitive retail and hospitality landscape on the Southbank. For operators, this creates a new venue for expansion in a rapidly developing corridor of Jacksonville.
The proposal features 110,000 square feet of retail space on a 4.87-acre site, marking a major addition to the local commercial footprint. The scale of the project is backed by Ashco Centers, a development firm with over 50 years of experience in the industry.
The players
Ashco Centers
A development firm with over 50 years of experience specializing in large-scale mixed-use properties.
The details
The Seaport at St. Johns is designed as a destination hub incorporating a luxury hotel, residential towers, a grocery store, and a marina. By integrating retail with residential and hospitality components, the developers are focusing on density to draw steady foot traffic to the waterfront promenade. Ashco Centers is currently vetting potential operators interested in occupying the retail spaces to ensure a tenant mix that complements the site's luxury amenities.
Timeline
October 16, 2026: The development proposal for the site was officially unveiled.
Market Landscape
The Seaport at St. Johns fits into the ongoing Southbank waterfront redevelopment initiatives by increasing the district's density. This proposal marks the latest in a series of projects attempting to transform the St. Johns River frontage into a primary commercial and residential hub.
Retailers and service operators looking for new storefronts in Jacksonville should monitor the lease opportunities as the project moves through the planning phase. Evaluate the site's accessibility to the proposed residential and hotel amenities to determine if this location fits your current customer acquisition strategy.
The takeaway
The addition of a large-scale waterfront retail center signals a significant shift in potential commercial foot traffic for the Southbank district. Interested operators should track the developer’s formal leasing schedule to identify if the site aligns with their expansion requirements.
Further reading
For more information on how commercial hubs are adapting to changing work patterns, visit Remote Work.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News 4 Jax.
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