Gateway Jax Asks Jacksonville for $49.65 Million in Incentives for N7 Block and Publix

Gateway Jax is seeking a $49.65 million incentive package for its N7 block, which includes a proposed downtown Publix. The request was discussed at a public meeting held by Councilman Matt Carlucci with other city leaders and the developer, according to Yahoo. Of the requested funding, $28.25 million would come from a completion grant drawn from the city's general fund.

Gateway Jax's N7 Block Incentive Request

City Council members met with Gateway Jax to discuss the developer's request for a $49.65 million incentive package for its N7 block, which includes a proposed downtown Publix. Councilman Matt Carlucci held the public meeting with other city leaders and the developer to discuss why the project needs the incentives.

"I'm here to say this will be the last completion grant that we will be asking for from the general fund of the city," Gateway Jax CEO Bryan Moll said. Moll said he believes the grant would help unlock future involvement from Gateway Jax and other developers. Carlucci supports awarding the incentive package, saying downtown developers face different obstacles than those building in the suburbs.

Earlier this month, City Council delayed a vote on the incentives because of uncertainty surrounding Amendment 3. If voters approve the homeowner property tax cuts next month, the change would have a major impact on Jacksonville's budget. Moll said the Publix project would be especially needed if the amendment passes, pointing to commercial rather than residential property taxes.

"It is a commercial property tax, not residential. So I know there's been some comments from council members about let's wait and see what happens," Moll said. "With Amendment 3, we think it's even more important if Amendment 3 passes," Moll said.

Gateway Jax's Pearl Square Funding and Scale

Gateway Jax is a Jacksonville, Florida-based commercial real estate developer founded in 2022, executing a $2+ billion mixed-use urban revitalization across 25 downtown blocks, according to akta.pro company records. Its flagship Pearl Square project will deliver 1,250+ residential units, retail, office, and a Publix-anchored grocery store. The company signed Publix to anchor Pearl Square with a 31,000-square-foot full-service grocery store at 119 W. Beaver St. in September 2025. Gateway Jax raised $59 million in capital from DLP Capital in April 2025 to fund ongoing development of the Jacksonville pipeline. The first phase, the Pearl Street District, represents a $500 million mixed-use development.

Earlier Pearl Square Milestones

In August 2026, Gateway Jax was preparing for the October opening of Vandeveer, the first residential tower in its $2 billion Pearl Square development in Jacksonville, while continuing negotiations with various restaurant operators and retail tenants, according to American City Business Journals. In July 2026, Gateway Jax announced nearly 10,000 square feet of new retail leases at Pearl Square in Downtown Jacksonville, including Bar Citra, Buchner's Biergarten, PopUp Bagels, Go Greek Yogurt, JETSET Pilates, and Pearl Street Nails, according to Florida YIMBY.

Next Steps for the Incentive Package

The incentive package will return to the Finance Committee on Nov. 4, the day after the election.