A 50-Foot Symbol of Art, Innovation, and Urban Renaissance Breaks Ground at the Heart of a Transformative Riverfront Development
In a significant milestone for Jacksonville’s urban revitalization, a massive new public artwork titled "The Pearl" is set to rise within Central Park at RiversEdge: Life on the St. Johns, a $693 million mixed-use redevelopment on Downtown Southbank. Approved by the city on August 1, 2025, this monumental sculpture will serve as both an architectural focal point and a cultural landmark, redefining the skyline along the riverfront.
A Landmark Installation: The Pearl Sculpture Unveiled
The Pearl, designed by internationally acclaimed architect Marc Fornes of New York-based studio THEVERYMANY, stands over 50 feet tall and spans more than 57 feet in diameter. Crafted from marine-grade aluminum and stainless steel, this sculptural marvel will be a striking visual centerpiece and a functional space for public engagement.
The towering structure will be built on a robust concrete foundation within the newly developed Central Park, one of four public parks in RiversEdge.
Key Specs at a Glance:
- Sculpture Name: The Pearl
- Architect: Marc Fornes / THEVERYMANY (New York City)
- Structural Engineer: Craft Engineering Studio
- Primary Contractor: UCC Group Inc. (Orlando)
- Material: Marine-grade aluminum & stainless steel
- Dimensions: 50'7" tall x 57'6" diameter
- Permit Valuation: $550,000 (installation only)
The unique form—characterized by curvature, complexity, and perforation—continues Fornes' legacy of blending architecture, computational design, and public art to create interactive, community-driven spaces.
What Is RiversEdge? Transforming Industrial Past into Urban Future
Located at 1915 RiversEdge Blvd., RiversEdge occupies 34 acres of the former JEA Southside Generating Station, a site once responsible for powering much of the city before decommissioning in 2001. After decades of industrial use and environmental remediation, the land is now being reborn as one of Jacksonville's largest and most ambitious real estate projects.
RiversEdge Highlights:
- Project Developer: Preston Hollow Community Capital (through Elements Development of Jacksonville LLC)
- Estimated Total Investment: $693 million
- Public-Private Collaboration: In partnership with the Downtown Investment Authority (DIA)
- Land Use Plan Includes:
- Four public parks: Central Park, Fitness Park, Marshfront Park, and Northwest Park
- 950 residential units
- 147 hotel rooms
- 200,000+ square feet of commercial office space
- 134,000+ square feet of retail/dining
- 125-slip full-service marina
The Pearl will serve as Central Park's crown jewel, anchoring the green space and offering the community a symbolic and literal center of gravity.
Strategic Urban Planning and Public Value
The introduction of The Pearl reflects more than aesthetic enhancement—it represents Jacksonville's commitment to placemaking, public art, and sustainable urban redevelopment. The city’s issuance of a permit for this installation marks a critical advancement in delivering on the promises of the Community Redevelopment Area Plan created in coordination with the DIA.
Key goals of the development include:
- Activating the riverfront for recreation, tourism, and community events
- Blending high-quality residential, retail, and office space to create a self-sustaining district
- Preserving environmental integrity through marshland restoration and eco-conscious design
- Cultivating public art as a cultural and economic catalyst
Marc Fornes and THEVERYMANY: Artists Shaping Cities
Marc Fornes is renowned globally for his architectural installations that blend design innovation with immersive public experiences. His works have been featured in museums and cities worldwide, including installations at the World Expo, Perot Museum of Nature and Science, and multiple prominent urban parks across North America.
The Pearl adds to that legacy—a complex, algorithmically generated structure that invites exploration and interpretation. Its lightweight yet massive form symbolizes transformation—fitting for a city reclaiming its industrial shoreline for creativity and connection.
What Comes Next for RiversEdge?
The Pearl's installation is a visual milestone signaling continued momentum for RiversEdge. With infrastructure improvements already underway and commercial parcels being marketed, future phases of the project will include:
- Residential housing completions
- Commercial leasing activity
- Retail and dining concepts along the Riverwalk
- Expanded marina development
- Event programming within Central Park
As The Pearl rises, so does the anticipation for RiversEdge to become Jacksonville’s premier live-work-play destination.
My Final Thoughts
The arrival of The Pearl at RiversEdge is more than just the addition of public art; it's a declaration. It signals Jacksonville’s commitment to blending urban sophistication with cultural depth. While public sculpture may not be everyone's priority, its role in creating identity and place cannot be overstated. The Pearl is bold, forward-looking, and emblematic of the transformation Jacksonville is undergoing.
Though the development still has milestones to reach, the installation of this piece marks tangible progress and deep promise. Jacksonville is not just building new structures—it’s building a future worth staying for.
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