There are six big developments coming to the Town Center area in the coming months. This expansion has already begun, and is estimated to continue for the next six to eight years.
Top Golf
It’s impossible to miss the construction of the entertainment complex that’s going up near I-295 East and Town Center Parkway. Estimated to open in early October, Top Golf is a year-round entertainment option for students to go, hang out, and work on their putting skills.
For those who don’t golf, Morgan Wallace, Top Golf communications specialist said something people don’t always know is that the food itself is an attraction. She said at other locations, people regularly go there just to eat.
The prices for food are on-par with other Town Center favorites, like BJ’s or Applebee’s, and memberships for games start as low as $5 for the card, with hourly rates of about $20 an hour (for groups of up to six).
Wallace said they plan to hire between 400 to 500 associates, meaning students can look out for job applications about two months prior to the grand opening.
IKEA
The popular Sweden-based chain in planning to open their fifth florida location in Jacksonville fall 2017. It is going up on a 25-acre site in the northwest corner of I-295 and Gate Parkway.
IKEA stores are known for their build-it-yourself furniture and the prices they sell for, but also offer childcare, a marketplace, and dining, making it another location students could frequent just for the food. Their restaurants serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 9:30 am to close, with meals as low as a dollar and averaging around $5.
According to IKEA’s website, the company plans to hire 250 associates when the new store opens, which could mean employment opportunities for students in the near future.
Town Center Promenade
This 30 acre development is currently under construction and will be across from the town center, between Midtown Parkway and Brightman Boulevard. It will be comprised of office and retail space, restaurants, hotels, and condos.
According to Metro Jacksonville, anticipated establishments are Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Texas de Brazil, Piada Italian Street Food, Newk’s Eatery, Aldi, and Starbucks. All of which are expected to open in 2017, leaving students plenty of time to pray this new Starbucks has a drive-thru.
The Strand
The Strand is expected to be complete summer 2017 and will be comprised of retail, residential, commercial, and office space. It will also be built across Town Center Parkway, stretching from Gate Parkway to the Town Center entrance.
Announced restaurants are Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen and Firebird’s Wood Fired Grill. While Firebird’s looks to be above the average college budget, Cheddar’s menu sits at or below the $10 range for most meals.
The last announced tenant in The Strand is a Hobby Lobby, which will save crafters everywhere from a drive out towards the beaches.
The Crossings at Town Center
Built by the same company as The Strand, The Crossings at Town Center will also be complete summer 2017. This one is strictly retail space and will be west of the Gate Parkway and Town Center Parkway intersection.
As of right now, the only announced establishment is Wawa, a popular gas station and convenience store chain. It’ll be like the year they built the Gate on Town Center Parkway all over again.
Mill Dam Branch
This last project will take the longest to complete, but holds promise. It’s estimated to take six to eight years and is being built by a company based out of Houston, TX. Designed to be like a little sub-community within the Town Center area, the Mill Dam Branch is expected to consist of retail, office, hotel, and residential space, in addition to featuring parks
