NW Florida's Business Climate Magazine, October 2025
20 City of Pensacola Unveils the New Palafox Project
The largest investment in the city's most iconic downtown street
23 Pickle by the Bay
Phase one of Pensacola's new Portside Pickle officially opens for play
27 Hollice T. Williams Park Design + Expansion
The city recently unveiled new designs and preliminary vision plan for the 110-acre park
31 Developing Downtown
A look at some of the major commercial, residential and infrastructure projects transforming the landscape of downtown Pensacola
45 Open for Business
A glimpse at some of the newest restaurants, retailers and businesses to open their doors in downtown Pensacola
Editor’s Note
Over the past 12 months, downtown Pensacola has continued its remarkable evolution—welcoming new businesses, residential communities, upscale hotels and major infrastructure investments that are reshaping the heart of our city.
The streets are buzzing with new activity, as a growing mix of restaurants, boutiques and retailers continues to bring fresh energy to nearly every block— and the momentum shows no signs of slowing.
In just the past 12 months, we’ve seen a number of new restaurants open their doors, major hotel and apartment projects break ground and public spaces like Bruce Beach Park come back to life.
As someone who’s watched this city evolve over the past 15+ years, I can honestly say, there’s never been a more exciting time to be in Pensacola. The energy here is different now—bolder, more ambitious. Downtown isn’t just keeping up with the change; it’s leading it.
This is more than a development boom—it’s a transformation. One that’s bringing new jobs, emerging industries, housing options and renewed energy that is breathing new life into our historic city center.
Population and foot traffic in the urban core continue to rise, fueling a wave of new residential developments. From the recently completed Palmilla luxury apartments to a slate of upcoming hotel and condo projects along Garden and Main Streets, the demand for downtown living has never been higher.
In this annual edition of NW Florida’s Business Climate Magazine, we highlight some of the major developments and public investments fueling this forward momentum.
As we celebrate two decades of chronicling the region’s economic evolution, we look ahead with excitement and optimism for what’s to come. Here's to Pensacola—rooted in history, driven by progress and brimming with opportunity.
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MASTERWORKS
OCTOBER 4, 2025
NOVEMBER 8, 2025
JANUARY 10, 2026
MARCH 7, 2026
APRIL 25, 2026
Opening Night!
Classically Connected
Beethoven & Blue Jeans
DECEMBER 31, 2025
FEBRUARY 7, 2026
NOVEMBER 15, 2025
JANUARY 31, 2026
MARCH 28, 2026
Mahler Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection”
100th Anniversary Gala Concert
Celebrate the New Year!
Icon: The Voices that Changed Music POPS CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF MUSIC
Music for Families
Mozart Madness
Gil Shaham Plays Brahms
Pensacola’s Next Chapter
Why Momentum Matters for Business and Commercial Real Estate
By Danny Zimmern
Pensacola is changing. You can feel it walking down Palafox on a Friday night, sitting at a waterfront café, or stepping into a new office lobby where there was once a vacant lot. What was once a quiet Gulf Coast city is becoming a magnet for businesses, investors and residents who see the value of this place. After nearly three decades in commercial real estate here, I believe we are entering one of the most transformative moments in our community’s history.
A Business Climate Built for Growth
Pensacola has always been attractive—sun, sand and Southern hospitality—but what we’re seeing now goes deeper. Florida’s pro-business tax structure, combined with local leadership that embraces growth while protecting quality of life, creates the kind of predictability companies want. At the same time, people are moving here in record numbers. These upwardly mobile residents bring energy and create opportunities for growing businesses across sectors, which in turn drives strong demand for commercial real estate.
What sets Pensacola apart isn’t just policy—it’s momentum. Each new project, from a waterfront hotel to a new employer inland, reinforces the idea that this is a place worth investing in. Every resident who chooses Pensacola adds to that cycle, bringing purchasing power, talent and demand for new businesses that ripple through the market.
Downtown as the Heartbeat
Downtown is the anchor of the greater Pensacola Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). It’s where most banks have their main offices, where the “First” churches stand, and where the arts thrive with theater, ballet, museums and galleries. With a lively nightlife and dozens of restaurants and venues, downtown is the engine that drives the Panhandle. Other Gulf Coast cities may have beaches,
but Pensacola combines natural beauty with the charm of a vibrant, walkable downtown.
New hotels and mixed-use projects are reshaping the skyline while adaptive reuse keeps our character intact. The Reverb by Hard Rock at Maritime Park will welcome visitors with a rooftop bar and retail, while residential projects like the Romero community bring hundreds of new neighbors within walking distance of shops and entertainment.
The redevelopment of the Baptist Hospital campus is perhaps the most ambitious project of all—more than 40 acres ready to be reimagined into housing, medical offices, education and retail. That site alone has the potential to redefine the western edge of downtown for generations.
Infrastructure and Access
Growth is only as strong as the infrastructure that supports it. Pensacola International Airport continues to set records, with passenger levels far above what you’d expect for a city our size. Expansions and added routes mean easier access for businesses and tourists alike.
Today, Pensacola offers direct flights to more than two dozen cities—including Chicago, Charlotte, Washington, D.C., Miami, Tampa, New York, Denver, Atlanta, Nashville, St. Louis, Houston and Fort Lauderdale—connecting us to major hubs and key markets nationwide. For commercial real estate, that accessibility is a multiplier: it increases hotel demand, supports convention business and attracts corporate relocations.
Beyond the airport, investments in roads, transit and utilities ensure that development can keep pace. A city that moves well is a city where businesses thrive.
Workforce and Opportunity
A healthy real estate market requires a healthy workforce. Triumph Gulf Coast’s investments—tens of millions of dollars into advanced manufacturing, aerospace and education— are fueling new job creation across the region. At the same time, partnerships with Pensacola State College and the University of West Florida ensure students are trained to meet the demands of local employers. In today’s economy, jobs follow people. Workers increasingly choose to live where they want, and many choose Pensacola. They are willing to establish roots and wait for the right opportunity— and those jobs are arriving.
For investors and developers, that means confidence. When a region produces talent and creates high-wage jobs, the demand for office, retail and housing naturally follows.
Tourism as an Economic Engine
Tourism remains one of Pensacola’s strongest economic drivers. Festivals, concerts and sporting events draw hundreds of thousands downtown each year. Visitors spend money in restaurants and shops, and many return as secondhome buyers or full-time residents. That cycle of spending and return visits builds confidence that new hotels, mixed-use projects and entertainment venues will succeed.
National Recognition
The nation is starting to see what locals already know. From Condé Nast to LinkedIn’s Cities on the Rise, Pensacola is being recognized for affordability, lifestyle and growth. These rankings influence talent recruitment, corporate site selection and investor confidence. When national publications place Pensacola alongside larger metros, it validates the story we’ve been telling for years. This recognition is also bringing outside investment in big numbers, fueling commercial real estate demand and increasing long-term property values. Investors have discovered Pensacola and Northwest Florida.
The Intertwined Story
What makes these positives in and surrounding Pensacola so powerful is not each one individually, but how they connect. Lower interest rates encourage new projects. Those projects bring residents and businesses downtown. A stronger downtown draws tourism and national recognition. That recognition fuels further investment, which creates jobs, which supports housing demand.
As it relates to commercial real estate, this is how momentum works. Each success builds on another, creating a cycle of growth that is hard to stop once it gains speed. Pensacola is in that cycle now.
Looking Ahead
With all of these positives about Pensacola—and with smart development, thoughtful rules, and the capacity to support growth—all while preserving our character and quality, the time is right now to invest in commercial real estate here. Whether you are building your portfolio or positioning your business to grow, Pensacola offers a great place with a great attitude. If your business is ready to expand, or if you are seeking an investment that delivers both income today and appreciation tomorrow, our Commercial Team at Levin Rinke Realty Commercial Real Estate stands ready to help. We provide not just high-quality representation but high-caring representation. Contact Danny Zimmern at The Zimmern Team, and let us add fuel to your journey of buying, selling or leasing commercial real estate in and around the greater Pensacola market.
About Danny Zimmern
Danny Zimmern is the co-owner of The Zimmern Team, part of Levin Rinke Realty – the leading real estate brokerage in the greater Pensacola region. Danny leads Levin Rinke Realty’s commercial real estate division, formed after The Zimmern Team joined the firm in August. With almost 30 years in commercial real estate, Danny's experience features numerous developments in downtown Pensacola and the regions, which include over 40 U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) transactions and notable success in retail, including partnerships with more than 30 quick-service restaurants and five Publix grocery-anchored centers. His expertise spans the Gulf Coast’s resort and residential market, involving over 300 investment condo transactions and numerous multifamily developments. Danny has built his commercial business through a relationship model, rather than being only transactional. If you need something in Pensacola or Northwest Florida, if Danny doesn’t know the answer, he knows who to call – and people take Danny’s calls. For more information about Danny Zimmern and Levin Rinke Realty, visit levinrinkerealty.com or thezimmernteam.com. Danny can be reached at danny@thezimmernteam.com.
The City of Pensacola Unveils the New Palafox Project
By Morgan Cole and R. Aaron Gilmore
In August 2024, Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves unveiled plans for what he calls the largest investment in the city’s most iconic street, the New Palafox Project.
Anticipated to cost around $9 million, the project is planned to make Palafox Street safer, increase the area's walkability and make much needed aesthetic improvements.
The project will be funded by a partnership between the City of Pensacola and Florida Power and Light (FPL), with the city's portion coming from city parking revenues and, if needed, Urban Core Community Redevelopment (CRA) funds. No general fund dollars are expected to be used.
FPL began upgrading the utility infrastructure back in 2018, which was just recently completed. “We are really pleased to be able to partner with the City of Pensacola on this project,” FPL Northwest Region Vice President and General Manager J.T. Young said.
The city is working on the project with Jerry Pate Design and Baskerville-Donovan Engineering. The project will give the road a fresh new look, while also making it safer for pedestrians.
“The opportunity to repave this area does not come along very often. This is an iconic street, and we have the ability now to make it even better. We are still in the concept phase of this project, including listening to our downtown business owners and citizens,” Mayor Reeves said.
The New Palafox Project would reconstruct four blocks of Palafox Street, narrowing car lanes, widening sidewalks and replacing aging infrastructure.
Before any actual design work had been done, city officials were hoping the entire project would cost around $5 million. However, the project’s cost has nearly doubled since those early conversations, and is now estimated to cost around $9 million.
According to city officials, part of that cost increase stems from rising construction costs and the installation of new crash-rated security bollards at key intersections. This change came in response to the 2023 terrorist attack in New Orleans, in which a driver deliberately plowed into pedestrians along a crowded commercial corridor. City officials say they hope to prevent similar vehicle-based attacks by reinforcing pedestrian zones.
Conceptual design of Palafox Street (from Garden Street to West Romana Street) by Jerry Pate Design
The now estimated $9.2 million effort, which the city says is part of a broader vision to improve downtown walkability, will also upgrade stormwater systems, plant 51 new canopy trees and enhance the pedestrian experience with midblock crossings and new pavers.
Though the project’s design has advanced, funding remains a challenge. In July, the city council rejected a mayor-backed proposal to shift funds from the Hashtag Connector project.
Had the funding shift been approved, it would have reallocated funding designated for the Main Street phase of the Hashtag Connector to the Palafox segment, which city staff pointed out is part of the broader Hashtag vision.
Members of city council also noted that the Cedar Street leg of the Hashtag Connector recently secured design funding through the state’s SunTrail program, reducing the urgency to preserve bond funds for that segment. In the end, the city council voted to move forward with bidding on the project, but to delay a decision on how to cover its full price tag.
While the city works to determine the best course of action on how to handle street closures during construction, the issue is raising concerns among downtown business owners about how the project will impact them.
Mayor Reeves recently spoke about some of the ongoing conversations he's having with business owners who are worried this project will affect the accessibility of their businesses, and more importantly, their revenue.
He noted that the city had hosted at least six meetings with downtown business owners and incorporated numerous design changes in response to their concerns. Reeves said he’s committed to working with businesses to reduce the impact that the project’s construction will have on their business, and says the city is looking at two options of getting all that work done.
The first option is to close the entire street to cars for about five months, with sidewalks still accessible. The second option is to have the work proceed block-by-block, but the city estimates that this option will take 14 weeks for each block, dragging the entire project out a little over a year.
"We understand the lifeblood of Palafox. And what makes this place cool is the businesses that need to thrive and be successful," Reeves said. "However, if we decide to parse out the construction, the sidewalks will remain open the entire time."
Reeves said he’s committed to supporting local businesses during this time, and the city would likely create a marketing campaign to drive traffic to downtown businesses and create additional free parking spaces while construction is underway.
"The benefits of that were multiple, in my opinion,” Reeves said. “One: we can start it on January 2, after the holiday season, which is very important to many downtown businesses, and, as of our current engineering estimate, we can be done by Memorial Day.”
Meanwhile, the growing cost estimates of the project have outrun its original funding, and the city will have to reevaluate the funding sources and budget to make the project happen.
The next step is for the city to continue seeking bids from contractors to determine the true project cost, which is a necessary step before construction can begin; the project’s start date remains undetermined.
The city will solicit contractor bids for the project through October 2, and return to the board later this year with updated numbers and a final funding proposal. This leaves the funding source for the project to be determined by the council later this year.
According to Reeves, construction phasing will ultimately be informed by contractor bids, and the city will continue meeting with merchants to refine plans before work begins.
The final plan—whether to shut the entire corridor for 20 weeks, or work block-by-block over a longer period—will be determined in the coming months.
For now, you can keep up with the project online through the city’s dedicated project webpage at thenewpalafox.com, which will be updated as the project progresses.
Pickle by the Bay Pensacola’s New Portside Pickle Opens for Play
By Morgan Cole
A new pickleball facility has just opened in Pensacola, offering locals a fresh and exciting place to stay active, socialize and enjoy one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.
Somewhere between tennis, badminton and ping-pong lies pickleball, and the Sports and Fitness Industry Association says it’s the fastest-growing sport in the United States.
If you have never played pickleball, you’re more than likely wondering—much like myself—what exactly it is, and why this peculiar-named sport has become so popular.
Played on a small court with a paddle and a lightweight plastic ball, it’s easy to learn, surprisingly competitive and a blast to play—whether you’re 18 or 80.
Often considered as the “sweet spot” between other popular racquet sports, pickleball provides a great workout without being overly strenuous. The sport’s smaller court size, slower pace and simple rules make it easier to learn and play, attracting a broad range of ages and skill levels.
Brands, investors and communities are investing big in pickleball infrastructure, and participation numbers only continue to rise.
From its humble origins as a backyard game played between families, pickleball has evolved to become a globally recognized sport, with participation in the US growing by nearly 20 million players in 2024.
The sport’s rapid increase in popularity has resulted in a significant shortage of courts, prompting a surge in demand for both public and private facilities. This shortage is leading to longer wait times for players and causing communities to rethink how they use existing recreational spaces.
With rising demands for more court space in cities across the country—including Pensacola—it’s no question that pickleball is here to stay.
With their eye on the ball, a group of businessmen combined forces to develop an innovative solution to meet the growing
demand for pickleball space here in Pensacola, and it’s called Portside Pickle.
We had the opportunity to meet with Wilbur Matthews, Head Pickler in Charge, and Kelli Reeves, VP of Operations, to tour the new state-of-the-art pickleball facility and learn more about what’s in store as construction continues on the remaining portions of the project.
Matthews is one of three business partners spearheading the project, along with local attorney Scott Remington and project developer Robert Fabbro.
Matthews, who is a longtime friend of Remington, recently relocated to Pensacola from San Antonio, Texas, after retiring from a long career in global investments. As a passionate pickleballer himself, Matthews immediately jumped on board when he learned about the opportunity from Remington.
“People are lining up at mayor’s offices across the country requesting more dedicated pickleball courts to be built. The closest dedicated pickleball complex is in Daphne, Ala. There aren’t nearly enough quality courts within 50 miles of Pensacola,” Matthews explained. “There are only 18 dedicated pickleball courts in the area, and four additional courts have only just recently opened in Gulf Breeze. Most of today’s courts are multi-use gymnasiums or tennis courts that have been repurposed, many with no restrooms or amenities.”
The team worked with experts at top pickleball facility, design and operations firm Johns Design & Consulting, which was co-founded by pickleball legends Ben and John Collins.
Portside Pickle is situated next to the new American Magic headquarters along Commendencia Slip at the Port of Pensacola. Once complete, it will be one of the largest pickleball facilities in the Southeast, and indisputably, one of the coolest pickleball venues along the Gulf Coast.
“When it’s all said and done, Portside Pickle will be nationally recognized as one of the top 10 pickleball facilities in the country,” Matthews said.
Developers broke ground on the multi- phase project in May 2024, and after 14 months of construction, phase one is now complete and is officially open for play.
For now, guests have access to the outdoor portion of the facility, which includes three tournament-size pickleball courts, with five more currently in the works, which should be ready for play by the end of the year.
Phase one also includes a waterfront bar and large entertainment area with giant lawn games, a concessions area with space for two food trucks.
The entire facility boasts a nautical vibe, from the color scheme and decor to the repurposed shipping containers that house the outdoor bar and temporary pro shop.
The team has recruited Romeo Amodo as Director of Fire & Ice to spearhead the hospitality program for the new facility. Amodo and his team are working to develop the menu for the bars, which will eventually include a variety of craft cocktails and signature drinks, assorted beers, wines, sodas and more.
For now, guests can enjoy sodas, water, energy drinks and a variety of sports drinks until the full bar menu is finalized.
"We anticipate having the food trucks and full bar open to the public within the coming months. We're just waiting on our final licensing," Reeves explained.
In addition to the large waterfront entertaining area, the facility also boasts a massive 240-seat waterfront bar that spans the entire perimeter of the three completed outdoor courts.
Phase one also includes a pro shop. Also housed in a bright blue shipping container near the entrance of the facility, the pro shop walls are lined with a curated assortment of topnotch pickleball equipment, accessories, apparel and branded Portside Pickle merchandise.
A few short hours after receiving the facility’s official Certificate of Occupancy from the city, Portside Pickle officially opened the completed portions of the facility to the public during a soft-opening event on August 18.
The next phase of construction includes five additional outdoor courts and revamping the interior of the warehouse building, which will house 10 tournament-size pickleball courts and two regulation padel courts.
Reeves said the team is working to have all of the outdoor courts completed and ready for play by the end of fall.
In addition to the pickleball and padel courts, the revamped 45,000-square-foot warehouse building will include a full-size bar, seating areas and other amenities like baseball and golf simulators. The warehouse will also serve as the pro shop’s new permanent home, with 2,000 square feet of dedicated floor space.
Portside Pickle will eventually offer memberships in addition to the current hourly court rental rates. While specific membership
rates have not been finalized, Matthews explained that they will more than likely offer different levels, with “drop-in” play for visitors and travelers and “open” play for members to ensure there’s always a game available.
For now, the daily schedule is broken up to allow for hourly court reservations and open play sessions. Currently, guests can reserve a three-hour open play session for $10, or reserve an entire court for $10 per hour. Court reservations can be made through the Sweat Pal mobile app, or online at sweatpals/ host/Portside_Pickle.
Whether you’re an avid pickler or simply want to come and enjoy a few drinks on the waterfront with friends, everyone is welcome at Portside Pickle. “Membership or entry fees won’t be required for those wanting to come and watch or grab a drink at the bar. This is a space for everyone,” Matthews said.
Though there are fees to play, first-time players are invited to participate in a free group clinic. Registration is required.
While portions of Portside Pickle are now open to the public, no official date has been announced for the completion of phase two. The facility is open for walk-ins (space permitting), but online reservations through the Sweat Pal app or website are highly encouraged.
Stay tuned for updates and follow the progress as construction continues on the final portion of the new facility. Although subject to change, Portside Pickle is currently open on from 8 am to 9 pm on weekdays, on Friday from 8 am to 10 pm, Saturday from 8 am to 11 pm, and on Sunday from 8 am to 9 pm.
For now, you can follow Portside Pickle on Facebook or Instagram @portsidepickle for updates and weekly announcements on open play hours, court reservations and more. For more information on Portside Pickle, visit portsidepickle.com.
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Hollice T. Williams Park Design + Expansion
City Unveils New Design Plans for Park & Long Hollow Pond
By Nicole Willis
The City of Pensacola recently unveiled plans for a multi-decade project that will reimagine Hollice T. Williams Park, the 1.3-mile stretch of green space that runs beneath Interstate 110.
The redesign will add a variety of new public amenities and extend to the adjacent Long Hollow Stormwater Pond, transforming the two connected areas into a vibrant community-focused hub.
This new vision plan is a result of extensive public input, replacing a previous plan that lacked sufficient community engagement.
The park is named after Hollice T. Williams, Pensacola’s first African American City Councilman and longtime YMCA leader. The redesign is set to honor his legacy, as well as reconnect and restore vibrancy to the historically Black and working-class neighborhoods that were displaced by the construction of I-110 in the 1970s.
To ensure the park redesign adheres to the community’s vision, the City Council adopted the Hollice T. Williams Equitable Development Plan in November 2024.
The design team has worked closely with community groups, park users, area neighborhoods, state and federal agency stakeholders and former residents to ensure the community’s input is accurately reflected in the park design and expansion plans. Led by Pensacola native Katie Fox of
Geosyntec Consultants, the team also includes renowned park designers Michael Van Valkenbergh Associates, and Pensacola-based landscape architects Jerry Pate Design.
The equitable development plan lays out six guiding values for the redesign: inclusivity and accessibility, history and culture, economic opportunity, environmental justice, housing affordability and local decision-making. These principles will guide both the park’s redevelopment and future growth around its perimeter.
“We hope that the park will become a design precedent for the Gulf Coast region and will give back to the local community and the city in a big way,” Community Redevelopment Area Urban Design Planner for the City of Pensacola Rachel Bennett said.
For years, there have been discussions around a potential revitalization of the park, but only recently has there been a look into the future of a reimagined Hollice T. Williams Park.
“The City of Pensacola initiated the design process for the Hollice T. Williams Stormwater Park in 2010, resulting in the Hollice T. Williams Greenway Framework Plan, and in 2022, a set of 100 percent design plans,” Bennett explained. “The city utilized these design plans to apply for $25 million in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery stormwater infrastructure grant money to fund the first phases of planning, design and construction of the Hollice T. Williams Stormwater Park and successfully won this grant money.”
A 2021 park design was created but was later shelved after Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves received feedback from Harvard University’s Mayors Institute for City Design that the plan lacked enough community feedback and connectivity. This feedback prompted the city to take a step back and redesign the park with deeper community involvement.
“We re-issued a Request for Qualifications in 2023 to redesign the park, and awarded the park redesign to Geosyntec Consultants and Michal Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc. Since then, we have initiated a robust community engagement effort, created an Equitable Development Framework Plan for the park and the half
mile radius around the park, and won a $5 million Reconnecting Communities Grant to further the construction of the park,” Bennett said.
In April 2025, the City of Pensacola unveiled its preliminary vision plan for the park, which included a public presentation featuring a 15-foot, 3-dimensional model of the proposed design plan.
Spanning a total of approximately 110 acres, the reimagined park will provide community amenities, address the area’s stormwater management issues and celebrate and honor the history of the neighborhood.
The construction of the entire park would span approximately 20 years, broken up into four phases. The first phase will cover 46 acres and is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. This ambitious timeline is largely driven by the required deadlines of nearly $30 million in grants the city won for the project.
Some key features of phase one include connecting the Long Hollow Pond to the park with a central multi-modal pathway, constructing a full-size football field and more. Phases two through four are anticipated to take place over the next 20 years, and timelines for these phases will solidify as the project moves forward and more funding is secured.
“The 2045 visioning plan for the Hollice T. Williams Stormwater Park and expansion envisions a wholistic, multifaceted and complex project that focuses on innovative stormwater infrastructure and landscaping that reduces local flooding, multimodal connectivity that reconnects a bisected and erased community due to the insertion of I-110 and reclaims the space under I-110 and recreational project amenities (which are yet to be finalized) that address health
“We hope that the park will become a design precedent for the Gulf Coast region and will give back to the local community and the city in a big way.”
and wellness, history, culture, entrepreneurial opportunities and public art,” Bennett explained.
The new park design plan also calls for meandering sidewalks, new playgrounds, seating areas, basketball courts, infrastructure to reduce flood risks, an outdoor amphitheater and a central multi-modal pathway for pedestrians, cyclists and skateboarders. Additionally, the design includes landscaping plans like the planting of dense trees to shield noise from traffic on the interstate.
The latest milestone in the project was the submission of a 60 percent design plan for phase one construction for the city’s review. Throughout the park’s redesign process, the city has hosted various meetings and events to receive public input and feedback. In August, they hosted Party in the Park, which gave attendees a look at the project plans and an opportunity to provide feedback.
“After four public community engagement events and two public surveys, the general feedback that we have received from the surrounding community has been positive. The community is excited that we are commencing construction in the next year, considering this project has been in progress for two decades,” Bennett said.
The city is also listening to concerns that community members have brought up during the meetings, most of which focus on street closures.
“Some of the bigger concerns that we have received regarding the 2045 vision plan have been related to proposed street closures and stormwater ponds. The Geosyntec and Michal Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc. team is working with Kimley Horn on a traffic study to evaluate the effects of these road closures and has considered the stormwater pond feedback in their design revisions,” Bennett said.
The city plans to hold additional public meetings and workshops in the future to provide more opportunities for shared input and feedback.
To learn more about the Hollice T. Williams Park Design + Expansion Project, visit the official project website at htwpensacola.com. You can also stay informed by following @htwpensacola on Facebook.
Commercial
Commercial
Property
Tenant
Site
Developing Downtown
By Morgan Cole
From large mixed-use development projects and new luxury townhomes to multi-story apartment complexes and waterfront hotels, downtown Pensacola’s renaissance continues. New residential and commercial developments continue rising on nearly every downtown block, signaling a booming real estate market that shows no signs of slowing down.
Blending preservation with progress, current development initiatives aim to protect the area's historic character while introducing modern amenities that appeal to both residents, visitors and local businesses. From recently completed projects to those still under construction, here’s a look at some of the key developments reshaping the heart of downtown Pensacola.
Jewelers Trade Shop
Interior Rendering
Jewelers Trade Shop Opening New Downtown Location
A longstanding Pensacola business is embarking on a new chapter with the development of a two-story building at the corner of North Spring Street and West Garden Street in downtown Pensacola.
Jewelers Trade Shop broke ground on its 11,500-square-foot building at 150 W. Garden St. in June, converting the former parking lot into its new permanent home.
The new shop will offer a much larger retail space with an expanded selection of inventory, as well as more space for staff and customers to interact, including 24 dedicated parking spaces at the north end of the building.
The development is spearheaded by the business’ third-generation owner, Corbett Davis III, who plans to transform the former parking lot at the corner of West Garden Street and North Spring Street into a thriving commercial hub.
The historic Pensacola business has served its customers since 1980 in its current home at 26 Palafox Place. Maximizing every inch of unused space in its current location, the shop has outgrown its original home. Last year, Davis made the decision to establish a new location, viewing it as an ideal opportunity to further expand the business.
The new Jewelers Trade Shop will span both floors of the building, with the first floor dedicated to showcasing the shop’s curated selection of brands such as Rolex. Meanwhile, the second floor will house the shop’s skilled artisans, who handle watch and jewelry repairs, jewelry cleanings, and other specialized services.
With customer and staff interaction having become such an integral part of the shopping experience at Jewelers Trade Shop, Davis and his team were sure to keep this dynamic in mind when designing the new space.
Davis also plans on hiring additional staff to make full use of the additional space and enhance overall operating efficiency. The new shop will boast much larger sections of each of the luxury jewelry brands, as well as dedicated lounge areas for customers to sit back and relax.
Boasting a simple, yet elegant design with clean lines and modern architectural touches, the exterior of the building was designed to complement the surrounding downtown businesses.
Once the new location is complete, Davis plans to close the old store and lease it to another tenant. The new Jewelers Trade Shop is anticipated to open by mid-2026.
Construction Underway on New Hotel Tristan
Construction is underway on a new, full-service boutique hotel being constructed at the heart of downtown Pensacola’s East Garden District called Hotel Tristan. Located at 98 N. Jefferson St., the seven-story, 122-room hotel will feature a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, a rooftop bar, a fitness center and event spaces. Initial design plans called for a 150-room hotel, but developers scaled back plans after the pandemic took a hit on the downtown economy.
Trinity Village
Developers and project partners gathered to host an official ground breaking ceremony in November 2024. The project is led by EGD developer Catalyst Real Estate, real estate development company The Thrash Group, and The 1559 Collective, a group of Pensacola investors in partnership with Tandem Hospitality Group. Hotel Tristan is expected to be complete by late 2026.
In September 2024, members of the Pensacola-Tallahassee Catholic Diocese and others gathered for the groundbreaking of a new housing project aimed to put a dent in homelessness and provide lower-income seniors a chance at stability. The vacant plot of land at 820 W. Garden St. in Pensacola, across from the diocese’s main office on B Street, has been cleared to make room for Trinity Village.
Trinity Village is an expansion of the diocese’s Trinity House program, a transitional housing program that opened in 2020, that now provides two communal homes for senior-aged men who are struggling to get back on their feet. The development includes nine tiny houses that will be available for rent to qualifying, low-income seniors. Once complete, Trinity Village will be available to both men and women who qualify for the income-based rental houses.
The diocese owns the land where Trinity Village is going up, but is fundraising to support the build, which is estimated to cost a total of $1.1 million. They’ve raised just over $300,000 so far and will need another $700,000 to $800,000 to finish the project. The city of Pensacola worked with the diocese on the development and design of the tiny house development. Developers hope to host a grand opening in early 2026.
Developers Break Ground on New Homewood Suites
Construction is underway on a new six-story Homewood Suites by Hilton hotel off Bayfront Parkway in downtown Pensacola. Mississippibased commercial real estate development company Kerioth Corporation began site work for the construction of the new 132-room extendedstay hotel at 801 E. Gregory St.
The first floor will include the lobby, dining and breakfast area, a fitness center and a large meeting room. Other amenities include a pool, an outdoor grill and a lawn area with yard games. Crews began site work in September 2025, though an official completion date has yet to be announced.
The Waverly and Westmore Project
The long-awaited Waverly and Westmore condo and apartment development in downtown Pensacola is facing significant delays due to rising construction costs. In July, developer John Buzzell with Louisianabased Bearing Point Properties reported to the City Council that interest rates for construction loans have nearly doubled, and construction costs have increased by 65 percent since the project was initially proposed.
The project occupies nearly the entire block at the southwest corner of Spring and Garden streets, and has been in development for at least five years. In 2023, Bearing Point Properties presented plans for the Westmore apartments with 326 units and the Waverly with 54 condominium units. The development would also include a large-scale grocery retail space, two pocket parks and a multi-level structured parking facility with approximately 175 ungated parking spaces for an estimated total of $45 million.
The developer also requested to partner with the CRA to undertake streetscape improvements along Spring Street
from Garden Street to Romana Street to accommodate delivery trucks to the grocery and improve sidewalks.
In 2023, the city agreed to fund up to $1.5 million of an estimated $2.4 million in improvements to the streets, which included updates to make Spring Street more pedestrianfriendly and improve access to the 40,000-square-foot grocery store planned as part of the development. The city agreement expired June 30, 2023, because construction had not started. Developers asked the council for a six-month extension, which was ultimately approved in a 7-0 vote.
According to developers, no changes are being made to the number of planned units or the grocery store, but they’re looking to make architectural design changes in an attempt to lower the overall cost of the project.
Under the terms of the updated agreement, the developers would have until December 30 to begin construction of the residential units, and the project must be complete by December 30, 2030.
The Westmore courtesy of Bearing Point Properties
The Romero
A new 282-unit luxury apartment development is underway for a long-vacant piece of downtown Pensacola real estate. Birmingham-based developer Crest Residential will construct The Romero on the western half of the former ECUA downtown sewage treatment property, once known as "Old Stinky.” This will mark the first project to begin construction under the West Main Master Plan.
The 282-unit development will feature 10 different floor plans, with units ranging from 612 to 1,393 square feet and one, two
Red Feather
Townhomes
Work has begun on a set of new luxury townhomes in downtown Pensacola. Red Feather Townhomes will be an 11-unit, high-end townhome development at the corner of Baylen and Intendencia streets, just a block away from Palafox Street.
The units range between 2,500 square feet and 3,500 square feet. Each unit has three stories and will feature three- or four-bedroom units with a two-car garage. The garages will open on the backside of the units to an internal driveway.
The Pensacola Architectural Review Board granted final approval to Andrew Rothfeder with Red Feather Developers in January, and crews began prepping the site for construction in March. Developers anticipate construction to be complete by the summer of 2026. Rothfeder said the units will be sold, not rented, though they are still working on exactly how much each unit will sell for. Learn more at redfeatherpensacola.com.
or three bedrooms. According to developers, The Romero will feature a variety of resort-style amenities, including a saltwater swimming pool, outdoor entertainment and dining areas, pickleball courts, a fenced dog park and a luxury pet spa.
Crest Residential closed on 8 acres of the 19-acre property in February 2025 for a total of $6.24 million. The company expects to begin pre-leasing units by the spring of 2026.
The Romero courtesy of Crest Residential
New 5-Story Condo Planned Next to Hotel Tristan
A new luxury condo development has been approved for downtown Pensacola’s East Garden District. The Tristan Residences is a new 25-unit residential development being proposed off North Jefferson Street next to the Hotel Tristan, which is currently under construction and scheduled to be complete in 2026.
Spearheaded by local real estate developer Chad Henderson in partnership with The Thrash Group out of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, the new residential building will be located in the same plaza as the hotel, with residents having exclusive access to hotel amenities like valet parking, housekeeping, room service and more.
The Tristan Residences will stand alongside Hotel Tristan surrounded by a pedestrian-friendly urban plaza with fountains, gathering areas and a mix of food and beverage options, including the world-class dining at the hotel and a locally inspired coffee and bakery on the ground floor of the condo building.
The new five-story condo will offer 25 thoughtfully designed luxury residences, with prices starting at $488,000. The building will also offer a signature penthouse residence on the top level with a large terrace and more than 1,700 square feet of living space. The remaining 24 units will feature one- to three-bedroom floorplans ranging from 837 to 1,548 square feet.
Tristan Residences is part of a broader vision for the East Garden District master plan, and the project draws inspiration from Elias Durnford, the British surveyor who reshaped Pensacola in 1764 by introducing the linear parcels and gardens that Garden Street its name.
The location is at the heart of the planned East Garden District development, which is a private development district designed to activate the northside of Garden Street along Palafox and Jefferson streets. The city approved the conceptual designs for the project in June, and developers are set to break ground this fall.
Community Maritime Park Redevelopment
In late July, The Dawson Company (operating as Inspired Communities of Florida) announced a new strategic partnership with Corporate Contractors, Inc. (CCI) for phase one of the ambitious $200 million redevelopment of the Community Maritime Park Lot No. 5.
Based in Beloit, Wisconsin, CCI is owned by acclaimed business leader Diane Hendricks, and brings decades of expertise in delivering large-scale and community-focused developments across the county. The company’s diverse portfolio features both nationally and internationally recognized development projects. CCI will serve multiple roles in the project as vertical construction lead, co-developer, co-owner and long-term investor of the project. NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith and his company, EJ Smith Enterprises, are also partners in the project.
Phase one of the Maritime Park redevelopment will be anchored by a 10-story Reverb by Hard Rock hotel and a 15-story Rhythm Lofts apartment building, creating a walkable waterfront destination that integrates lodging, inclusive housing, entertainment and public greenspace.
The city planning board approved initial designs for the project in March, and granted final approval to the aesthetic design concepts for the Reverb Hotel and Rhythm Lofts apartments in June. Developers are now proceeding with the standard permitting process, and construction on the first phase is expected to begin in 2026, with completion projected by 2029.
In September, project developers also presented conceptual design plans to the city for the next project proposed for the Maritime Park, which includes a major residential, shopping and entertainment development on adjacent Lot No. 4.
The lot sits directly next to the future site of the future Reverb by Hard Rock hotel, which is currently used as the main parking lot for Blue Wahoos Stadium. That development will be built
on Lot No. 5, which is currently a green space between the Blue Wahoos Stadium and the parking lot.
Developers hope to attract a grocery store such as Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods or Sprouts and restaurants like Cheesecake Factory and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse.
According to the presentation, the entire complex would be a seven-floor building that would have 190,100 square feet of retail space, 119 residential units, 39,100 square feet of office space and a 1,300-space parking garage. Nearly half of the building would be dedicated to a parking garage, with two floors of underground parking.
The current issue with the proposal is concerns on how the public parking garage will be funded. One option on the table is the creation of a special district called a community development district (CDD), where the district funds infrastructure for development through a bond that would be repaid with the property taxes generated from the development.
Developers began the project with the Reverb by Hard Rock hotel and an apartment development named Rhythm Lofts at Lot No. 5 at Maritime Park last year.
While everything proposed in the initial presentation remains tentative, developers hope to begin work on the complex shortly after the start of the Reverb hotel project, which is expected to kick off by summer 2026.
The City Council may decide as soon as November whether it wants to move forward with the idea, as the construction logistics for the Reverb by Hard Rock Hotel will force a new arrangement for leases on other properties at Maritime Park before construction kicks off in 2026. With preliminary discussions still ongoing between developers and city officials, no additional project details have been released at this time.
New Owners Submit Seventh Proposal for Hawkshaw Site
New owners have submitted another proposal for the development of the vacant 1.7-acre parcel located north of Admiral Mason Park at the intersection of South Ninth Avenue and East Romana Street. In May, the Pensacola Community Redevelopment Agency board approved the seventh amendment to the original development agreement. The revised plans now call for a 4-story apartment building with between 200 and 228 residential units.
The residential units will be constructed above two levels of structured parking, and will feature a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans with common areas and a variety of amenities, including a clubhouse, fitness center, meeting spaces, podcast rooms, a maker’s space, package center and more. The agreement also authorizes a change of ownership for the property and imposes new construction deadlines. Unlike previous versions of the agreement, the city now has a buyback clause if the project fails to move forward in a timely manner.
The city has had the goal of redeveloping the site for residential use for more than 20 years. In 2017, the city sold the property for $1.6 million to Developer Bob Montgomery, and the sale included restrictions on how the property should be developed.
In that original agreement, construction was supposed to begin by the end of 2018.
Over the years, the original plans were revised numerous times as new partners joined the project. In 2022, developers paid the city a fine of $100,000 because of missed project deadlines, and plans for retail space were dropped from the concept.
While new plans were submitted to the city in 2023, construction never began. In September 2024, Montgomery and another investor sent a letter to the city notifying they were selling their stake in the project to Gibbs and Foy Tatum, both with Halstead Contractors.
Halstead was involved with the project in 2021 when the 200-unit apartment concept was last proposed, but now that Halstead will become the primary owner of the property, the change in ownership must be approved by the city under the terms of the 2017 development agreement. The final agreement added new deadlines for different development milestones at several points over the course of the next year, with construction expected to begin by fall of 2026.
City Seeks New Developer for Pensacola Motor Lodge
The Pensacola Motor Lodge could soon have a new owner. In August 2025, the Pensacola Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) voted to sell the property due to the previous developer failing to obtain the proper tax credits to convert the property into affordable housing units. Ever since, the property has remained vacant and fenced in, continuing to deteriorate by the day.
The city purchased the property two years ago for $800,000 with plans to partner with developers to convert the former hotel into a four-story residential complex with 84 affordable housing units, until the deal fell through.
The CRA is shifting its strategy toward an outright sale of the property, rather than pursuing a lease agreement with another developer. This approach would transfer both ownership and the ongoing maintenance obligations to the buyer, while more
efficiently advancing the city’s original objective of facilitating the development of affordable housing.
The final sale agreement will include stipulations to ensure the project moves forward with affordable housing, including specific deadlines for project completion, as well as ownership reverting to the city if conditions are not met.
In October, the city issued the official notice of intent to dispose of the Pensacola Motor Lodge to inform the public of the city's plan to solicit proposals from qualified developers who are interested in purchasing the property for redevelopment with the goal of delivering long-term affordable housing. Although the CRA voted to approve the intent to sell the motor lodge, this still does not guarantee it will be sold.
Stadium Way courtesy of D.R. Horton
Stadium Way by D.R. Horton
Construction has kicked off on a new infill housing development located at 1310 W. Government St. in downtown Pensacola. Stadium Way is a new residential community with a mix of townhouses and single-family homes by D.R. Horton. The project sits on one parcel north of Government Street and one parcel south of Government Street, both between F and
G streets. The community offers 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom floor plans with around 1,754 square feet of living space. The two parcels were acquired this past June from an LLC that had submitted a site plan for the 32-lot development back in 2023. Homes in recently completed phases were listed for sale in late September, with prices ranging from $444,900 to $454,900.
Baptist Legacy Campus to be Demolished in December
The demolition of the 41-acre former Baptist Hospital campus site at E and Moreno Streets in Pensacola will begin in December and is expected to be completed by summer 2027. The City of Pensacola finalized the acquisition of the historic campus in late September, and has contracted NorthStar Contracting Group for the demolition work.
The transfer of title from Baptist Health Care to the city closed September 29, after a two -year effort to assemble money for environmental abatement and demolition and to negotiate terms of a donation.
“The donation of our Legacy Campus to the City of Pensacola reflects Baptist Health Care’s enduring commitment to the community we’ve proudly served for more than seven decades,” Baptist Health Care CEO and President Mark Faulkner said. “We’re excited to see this property reimagined in a way that continues to benefit our entire region, and we’re appreciative of the city’s visionary leadership in shaping a vibrant future for this historic site. This collaboration among the city, the state of Florida, and the county will be a model for other communities to follow.”
With the title in hand, the city can move from paperwork to site work. The next phase involves comprehensive demolition and environmental remediation to address any
toxic materials contributing to the overall complexity and cost of the project.
The campus consists of the familiar main hospital and several medical towers spread across multiple blocks. Most of those structures are slated to be removed in phases; which buildings, if any, might be retained for public or nonprofit use remains a policy question the city will take up as planning advances.
City officials say they expect contractors to mobilize before the year’s end and that the sequence of demolition will stretch for several years as environmental testing dictates which structures come down when.
The demolition of the old hospital is expensive, and the city reports assembling roughly $13.9 million to cover the demolition contract itself, with additional owner costs bringing the total estimated need higher. The package includes a state grant, a direct contribution from Baptist, proceeds from a Baptist land sale to an affordable-housing developer and a contribution from the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency.
The city said demolition is anticipated to begin at the end of this year and conclude in summer 2027, with the detailed schedule still being finalized.
Plans Scaled Back for Tempo Hotel at Site of Former New World Landing
A new hotel being constructed at the site of the former New World Landing in downtown Pensacola has scaled back its design again. The latest plans call for a six-story Tempo by Hilton hotel, located at the corner of Palafox and Cedar streets.
3H Group Hotels of Chattanooga, Tennessee, recently submitted revised plans for the hotel to the Pensacola Architectural Review Board (ARB) for review. The ARB previously approved plans last year for a seven-story 220room hotel, which were scaled back from a rejected 2023 concept of a nine-story 231-room hotel. A second version lowered the floor count to eight, with a third version approved at seven stories. A second-floor patio that overlooked Palafox
Street was in the seven-story design, but that feature was removed in the latest designs.
The new plans call for a six-story, 184-room hotel with meeting space, a dining area with a first-floor bar and a pool on the second floor. The hotel will be 88 feet tall, while the original design was nearly 100 feet. In 2023, developers won approval to demolish the old New World Landing, and a demolition permit was issued after their design was fully approved in 2024. In August, the former New World Landing was demolished, and construction continues at the site as developers work to prepare the parcel for the new hotel.
Rendering of planned Tempo by Hilton hotel at 600 S. Palafox St.
American Magic Headquarters Nears Completion
The new $20 million American Magic headquarters at the Port of Pensacola will become more than a base for the New York Yacht Club American Magic sailing team; it will also serve as home to a state-of-the-art maritime and aerospace manufacturing facility.
Work on Warehouse No. 10 is nearing completion, and the American Magic sailing team is preparing to move into the 56,000-square-foot facility by early November. Once complete, the renovated warehouse will officially be designated as the Center for Maritime Excellence—and the city says the $20 million project will create 150 high-wage jobs for the local economy.
The new facility is equipped with state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment, including advanced CNC machines, a clean room for composite manufacturing and a high-tech sailing simulator for testing racing foils prior to production.
American Magic has forged partnerships with the University of West Florida and Pensacola State College, creating pathways for local students through internship programs. The internship program allows students to work
for six weeks to determine mutual fit before potentially receiving full-time job offers. Currently operating 44 employees in the adjacent Warehouse 9, the manufacturing division works on projects ranging from sailing yachts for private owners to aerospace components.
The project is the first phase of the headquarters. A second phase is expected to begin soon on a dock complex that is estimated to cost $10.2 million. The dock complex will enable the direct launching of boats from the facility and four boats to be docked to support the sailing team’s operations, as well as other port users.
The second phase of the project is being funded with port revenues and a $5.9 million state grant from the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development fund. Greenhut Construction is building a facility, and between 250 and 300 people will have done construction work on the site by the time it’s completed. For updates and to learn more about the new Center for Maritime Excellence, visit americanmagic.americascup.com.
Courtesy
Pensacola Bay Fishing Pier Replacement
Plans to demolish and replace the Pensacola Bay fishing pier will move forward on November 1, if Escambia’s Board of County Commissioners approves a nearly $23 million construction agreement at their next meeting. The board is being asked to approve a $22,873,000 agreement between Escambia County and Russell Marine, LLC for the project.
The fishing pier extends out from Wayside Park into Pensacola Bay on the east side of the Gen. Chappie James Bridge over Pensacola Bay. It was badly damaged by Hurricane Sally in 2020, when multiple construction barges from the Pensacola Bay Bridge project broke loose and hit the main bridge, causing extensive damage to the bridge and adjacent Pensacola Bay Fishing Pier.
The existing 2,578-foot-long, 24-foot-wide fishing pier and approach structures will now be demolished, with construction debris deposited in permitted artificial reefs or taken to permitted landfills. The new fishing bridge will be approximately the same size and will be constructed along the same alignment as the existing structure.
County engineers say precast concrete light pedestals, poles and luminaires will be installed to provide pedestrian deck lighting. Below-deck fishing lights will also be installed to help attract fish. Anti-graffiti coatings will be applied, along with regulatory and instructional signage that will be installed along the length of the pier.
This project is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA and the State of Florida obligated $17,558,646.49 for the project in April.
The county anticipates 95 percent of the entire project cost to be reimbursed by FEMA and the state of Florida, with Escambia County responsible for the remaining 5 percent.
While the county is responsible for maintenance of the Pensacola Bay Fishing Bridge, the city of Pensacola is responsible for Wayside Park, which was also damaged during Hurricane Sally. The city recently approved $1.4 million in repairs to Wayside Park, but work has been contingent on the county’s replacement of the fishing pier.
Construction is anticipated to begin on November 1. The county says 600 contract days are allocated for the work, bringing the estimated completion date to July 24, 2027.
City Seeks Grant for New Inland Port
In August, the Florida Ports Council announced the City of Pensacola was currently working on a $15 million grant proposal for Triumph Gulf Coast to secure funding for a new 58-acre rail-served inland port as part of the Port of Pensacola. The goal of the inland port is to relieve pressure on the finite land available at the main port and to accommodate growing industry and job opportunities.
A key part of the port’s current operations is the storage of goods like the wind turbines produced at the GE Vernova plant that are later sent out by train or truck rather than by a cargo ship. An inland port would allow products like this to be stored in another location, providing the port an opportunity to increase revenue.
The pre-application, filed under the title Pensacola Industrial Park and Inland Port: Beggs Lane Site, outlines a 58-acre site focused on a warehouse and site work—internal roads and stormwater—with a separate $4 million state port grant identified as a potential funding source for a new rail spur. The
city proposes to own the site and lease space to port-related manufacturers and suppliers, beginning with BlueWind Technology, a component maker tied to GE Vernova.
The application outlines a 36-month timeline for design and construction following funding, and projects the creation of approximately 334 new jobs as tenants expand, offering the port a valuable opportunity to increase its revenue.
According to Port Director Lance Scott, creating an inland port would be a two-part strategy. The first would be buying the land, which would be up to the city, followed by optimizing the land for the best use of the port.
The Triumph Gulf Coast submission is a pre -application; a full application and board consideration would follow if the project advances. Locally, the city would likely need to finalize land control, secure the state rail- spur grant and bring lease terms for prospective tenants to the City Council. Reeves said the goal is capacity, not a change in mission.
Now Open in Downtown Pensacola
By Morgan Cole
Downtown Pensacola is experiencing a vibrant resurgence, driven by a steady influx of new residents. As the population grows, so does the demand for enhanced services, upscale amenities and diverse entertainment options. From innovative restaurants and curated retail spaces to new boutique hotels, downtown Pensacola is quickly evolving into a dynamic hub of activity. Here’s a look at some of the latest additions shaping the city’s thriving urban core.
Half-Moon Outfitters
Located at 2 N. Palafox St., Half-Moon Outfitters is the first retail shop to open its doors as part of downtown Pensacola’s growing East Garden District development. Founded in Charleston, SC in 1993, Half-Moon is an outdoor and lifestyle retailer that offers a curated selection of outdoor apparel, footwear, gear and accessories. They also sell kayaks and a variety of camping equipment from top brands like Patagonia, Kuhl, Hoka and more. Half-Moon officially opened its doors to the public in June 2025, which now serves as the company’s first Florida-based location.
Tijon Pensacola
Located at 160 S. Jefferson St. in downtown Pensacola, Tijon is a custom fragrance lab that offers a unique hands-on experience where guests can create their own signature scent. Tijon offers a series of perfume-making classes that walk guests through the process of blending a custom fragrance. For each of the interactive classes, guests receive an official lab coat to wear, an educational workbook, expert-led instruction and access to more than 300 fragrance oils and multi-component bases to blend their custom fragrance. The shop also hosts a boutique that offers a selection of Tijon perfumes, lotions and balms, as well as soaps, jewelry and other unique gifts. Tijon is open Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 6 pm, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm, and Sunday from 1 to 6 pm.
Nolita’s Parlor & Eatery
Nolita's Parlor & Eatery in Downtown Pensacola is a unique new eatery established by Alden and Hylene Garcia, who also run the beloved MI SU Street Food truck. Located at 9 E. Gregory St. across from Pensacola Hardware in downtown Pensacola, Nolita’s is part ice cream parlor and part restaurant offering sweet and savory menu options inspired by Mexican-American, Southern and fast-food traditions. Nolita’s dishes up homemade soft-serve ice cream with unique toppings, alongside tasty snacks and comfort foods like smash burgers and fried chicken from their popular food truck, MI SU Street Food, which is located on-site as part of the restaurant. The menu also features popular snacks like corn ribs and crispy Brussels sprouts, and a curated selection of craft sodas, beers and wines. Nolita’s is open Tuesday through Saturday, with a limited lunch service offered on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 11 am. Dinner service is available Tuesday through Saturday from 3 to 10 pm.
Bistrology
The second location of a popular Miramar Beach-based brunch spot, Bistrology, made its highly anticipated debut in downtown Pensacola in August, replacing the former Secret Sagittarius Bierwerks & Scratch Kitchen at 21 W. Romana St. Bistrology is most known for its unique atmosphere and generous, artistically presented dishes that blend European, Latin American and American flavors. The restaurant offers an extensive breakfast and brunch menu, creative coffee selection and hosts an After Brunch Party on weekends with DJs and live music. The menu features a variety of sweet and savory dishes for every taste, with options like crepes, tacos, sandwiches, burgers, ceviches and more. Bistrology is open Monday through Friday from 7 am to 3 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 7 am to 8 pm, with their popular After Brunch Party offered on weekends from 3:30 to 8 pm.
Hemline Pensacola
A new, upscale women’s clothing boutique recently opened its doors at the corner of Romana and Jefferson streets in downtown Pensacola. The shop celebrated its grand opening in late summer, bringing a unique personalized shopping experience to the downtown area. Located at 100 S. Jefferson St., Hemline is a Southern boutique brand known for its curated selection of trendy women’s clothing, shoes and accessories from wellknown and emerging designers like French Connection, Cynthia Rowley, Dolce Vita, Citizens of Humanity and more. Founded in New Orleans in 1994, this national chain of boutiques is known for its focus on customer service and styling services. Since the opening of its flagship store in 1994, Hemline has grown to include more than 30 locations across the US. Hemline Pensacola is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm and Sunday from 12 to 4 pm.
Lucky Dough Pizza
Pensacola’s new sourdough-based Neapolitan-style pizza restaurant, Lucky Dough Pizza, opened its doors for its first batch of customers on September 12. Replacing the former Gaby’s Taqueria at 104 E. Gregory Street, Lucky Dough dishes up delicious pizzas using an authentic outdoor wood-fired pizza oven, as owner Arpan Patel has been doing for pop-ups around Pensacola since 2024. The revamped space boasts an expansive outdoor seating area, an indoor dining area with limited seating and a fresh new bar concept developed by Artisan Restaurant Group. While Artisan is still in the process of building out the new bar area for customers to enjoy, patrons can order beers, wines and handcrafted cocktails from a temporary bar in the meantime. For now, the menu will stay consistent with Patel’s pop-up history of signature and specialty pizzas, with future plans to add appetizers, salads, sandwiches and desserts to the lineup to offer more options for downtown’s lunch and dinner crowd. Lucky Dough Pizza is currently open Wednesday through Sunday from 5 pm to 9 pm. For real-time updates and information, follow Lucky Dough Pizza on social media.
Craft on Scenic
The beloved Craft Bakery is opening a second location in East Pensacola Heights at 615 Scenic Highway, previously home to the former Constance Coffee. Aptly named Craft on Scenic, the new location is set to open in November, serving as the bakery’s new hub for all cake-related services, brunch, special events and more. The Scenic location will offer an expanded brunch menu, along with a variety of artisan breads, cakes, pastries, gelatos, coffees and handcrafted espresso drinks. The new location will also offer a late-night snack menu with a variety of fun drinks and more. While the original Davis Highway location will remain open, its offerings will shift to include local artisan goods, an expanded selection of grab-and-go items and a new gelato menu. Craft on Scenic is expected to make its grand debut in November. For updates and to keep up with their progress leading up to opening day, follow Craft Bakery Pensacola on Facebook and Instagram.
Reservoir
What was once the neighborhood’s historical Malamo Brothers corner grocery store at 524 N. Hayne St. has been transformed into a multi-faceted eatery and event space—the Reservoir. Located across from the Blake Doyle Skate Park, the Reservoir dishes up tasty Southern-inspired cuisine, locally roasted coffee, draft beer, cocktails and hand-selected wines in a casual, community-focused atmosphere. The space offers plenty of seating, both indoors and outside on the large patio. Menu options include items like burgers, sandwiches, oysters and other dishes like Red Eye Shrimp and Grits. The menu caters to a wide range of price points, with all items made from scratch using high-quality ingredients. The Reservoir is open Wednesday through Thursday from 11 am to 8 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm and on Sunday from 11 am to 2 pm.
The Drop In
Two locals have resurrected one of Pensacola’s beloved, and possibly most missed products—Damian’s Frozen Lemonade. Co-owners Rick Emmons and Joe Jacobs— the son of Damian’s founder Tony Jacobs—have revived the original family recipe and brought the frozen treat back to Pensacola at their new business, The Drop In. Located at 23 W. Cervantes St. in downtown Pensacola, The Drop In officially opened in May, bringing tasty new eats like hot sandwiches, hand-cut fries, other casual food items and, of course, Damian’s Frozen Lemonade. Housed in a refurbished storefront that once served as a gas station, The Drop In features indoor and outdoor seating, along with a food truck in the back, where the sandwiches and other food items are prepared. Batches of the iconic Damian’s Frozen Lemonade are made from scratch inside the storefront. Although operating hours and menu options are subject to change, The Drop In is currently open Thursday through Saturday from 11 am to 8 pm, and on Sunday from 12 to 5 pm.
J’s Bakery & Cafe
J’s Bakery & Cafe has opened a second location at 1124 W. Garden St. in downtown Pensacola, and is serving up some of its best-selling pastries, including smiley face cookies, thumbprints, chocolate bars, fruit danishes and much more. The downtown J’s is the sister store to the original location at 2014 N. 12th Ave., which has been a staple in the East Hill community since 1946. The new storefront is located in the back portion of the building that also houses the Emerald Coast Bread Company and former Captain Joe Patti’s Seafood Restaurant. Much like the original J’s, the new location will boast an inviting mom-and-pop vibe—something the bakery has been famous for since 1946. The downtown J’s location officially opened to the public in May, serving various crowdfavorites that are quintessential to the J’s experience. As of now, the new location is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm.
Great Harvest Bread Company
Studer Properties announced that The Savoy Place apartment building at 501 W. Wright St. in downtown Pensacola will welcome Great Harvest Bread Company (GHBC) as its first ground-level tenant, which is planned to open by the end of this fall. GHBC is a national franchise that’s widely known for its made-from-scratch breads and fresh food items. Each cafe location mills its own wheat into fresh flour onsite daily to preserve the bread’s nutritional value and bring out its flavors. The GHBC will be the first retail tenant to make its debut in the Savoy Place building, which plans to open its lower level to the public within the coming year, filling the ground floor with a vibrant mix of retailers that will bring additional shopping and dining options to Pensacola’s
historic Belmont-DeVilliers neighborhood. Once open, the cafe will serve breakfast, lunch and a variety of handcrafted coffee beverages with anticipated operating hours from 7 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday. For now, you can follow Great Harvest Pensacola on Facebook for updates on their progress leading to opening day. To learn more about GHBC, including upcoming menu options, visit greatharvestpensacola.com.
The 5 Barrel
Downtown Pensacola craft brewery, The 5 Barrel, is undergoing a significant renovation in collaboration with commercial investor Tracy Goodson, who owns the building at 121 S. Palafox St. If everything goes according to plan, the property could soon become a new restaurant and boutique hotel. The brewery was established in early 2020 by Pensacola attorney Jason Mosley and microbiologist and homebrewer Tom Akin, offering a variety of homemade brews in a laid-back atmosphere. In April, The 5 Barrel closed its doors to prepare for a major renovation project that’s set to transform the former space into a full-service restaurant, with hopes of re-opening the new space by the end of the year. Mosley will be taking over the former Casks & Flights space next door as part of the expansion for the roughly 125-seat upscale restaurant and six-lane duckpin bowling alley. While menu details are still under development, the kitchen will be completely revamped to allow for a more upscale dining experience. Goodson plans to not only revitalize the exterior of the building but also add a luxurious, 11-room boutique hotel on top of the restaurant space, which is expected to take about nine to ten months to complete, pending permit approval. For real-time updates, follow The 5 Barrel on Facebook and Instagram.
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