After a lengthy period of construction, McCoys Creek is finally reconnected to the St. Johns River again. The two waterways were formally rejoined in an Oct. 2 ceremony during which Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan delivered remarks.
“With this project, we’re not just restoring a waterway: We’re restoring a piece of Jacksonville’s history, its ecology and its heart,” Deegan said.
During the event, sheet piles were removed, allowing the creek to flow freely into the St. Johns River once again.
“This is an exciting and long overdue flood reduction project that’s part of the city’s overall creek restoration effort,” said Deegan.
In addition to flood mitigation, Deegan said the project will enhance connectivity in Downtown Jacksonville by creating new recreational opportunities, allowing residents to kayak along the restored creek or stroll down pedestrian-friendly pathways.
This is part of the City’s far-reaching $105.4 million restoration and overhaul of McCoys Creek. According to Groundwork Jacksonville CEO Kay Ehas, McCoys Creek is an “incredibly important” segment of the Emerald Trail, the grand vision for 30 miles of paths, greenways and parks that will create a green beltway through downtown and 14 historic neighborhoods.
“Not only does [McCoys Creek] make up three miles of the 30-mile trail system, but it also provides vital connections–to the St. Johns River and Northbank Riverwalk; to Downtown via the LaVilla Link; to the Riverside Link: and, to Segment 6, which includes Robinson’s Addition and the Rail Yard District,” said Ehas.
Uncovering this final stretch of McCoys Creek is only a small part of the project. The City is attempting to mitigate chronic flooding and rehabilitate the creek’s ecosystem by restoring natural stream flow, expanding floodplains, improving water quality, and reestablishing native habitats for fish and wildlife.
“What really makes the McCoys Creek project special is the abundant nature that is being allowed to flourish in an urban environment,” said Ehas.
For decades, the final stretch of McCoys Creek was hidden from sight, flowing under the Florida Times-Union parking lot.
A New Riverfront Destination
The former headquarters for the Florida Times Union and its parking lot were demolished in 2022 to make way for One Riverside, a development that includes new apartments and a Whole Foods Market. Hardhat tours and leasing for new residents began earlier this year.
“We’re excited to share that One Riverside is currently 70% leased. All of our retail spaces are fully leased, and construction has begun on the restaurant space Norikawa, which will bring a unique dining experience to the riverfront,” said Connor Berry, director of marketing for Atlanta-based developer Tribridge Residential, which is behind One Riverside.
In addition to Norikawa, Colliers’ Urban Division announced on Oct. 14 that artisanal donut shop The Salty Donut, Demma Aesthetics, a medical spa and face bar, and fitness studio Solidcore will also be tenants at One Riverside.
Berry also shared that Whole Foods is slated to open sometime in 2026.
