Jacksonville University College of Law announced its plans to move into a new permanent space in the heart of Downtown Jacksonville at 121 W. Forsyth St., the historic former Atlantic Bank Building, in summer 2024.
The College of Law formally signed a long-term lease of more than 50,000 square feet on four contiguous floors of the building. The space will accommodate the growth of the law school and provide the opportunity to expand. It will be completely renovated to include flexible, state-of-the-art classrooms, study and common areas, meeting spaces, faculty and staff offices, and library spaces. The college will continue to hold classes in its current campus in the VyStar Tower until the new space is completed.
“We’re proud and energized to be able to move into this new space, even closer to the federal and county courthouses and City Hall,” said Randall C. Berg, Jr. Founding Dean Nick Allard. “It is a priority for us to maintain a presence and contribute to the city’s vibrant, growing urban core, and we look forward to being part of the rapid development of Downtown Jacksonville. Our location is ideal, especially for our students, who regularly make good use of the libraries and observe law in action in the county and federal courthouses. This keeps them embedded in the legal epicenter of the region with unparalleled access to these invaluable resources for learning.”
The City is also planning an investment of $6.5 million in 2024 for the $12.5 million project, subject to approval by City Council.
“This is exactly the type of transformational project that Jacksonville needs in its Downtown revitalization goals – the economic vitality of hundreds of college students living and learning in the downtown core and the preservation of one of Jacksonville’s iconic historic buildings,” said Karen Bowling, Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Jacksonville.
The 10-story building was the tallest in Florida at the time it completed construction in 1909.
