The Ambassador Hotel Is Finally Getting Restored!

Ambassador Hotel to Be Restored as Part of Pearl Square

Downtown Jacksonville real estate development is reaching a turning point — and one of the city’s most iconic buildings is finally getting a second chance. After sitting vacant for decades, the historic Ambassador Hotel is officially being restored by Gateway Jax, the ambitious real estate developer behind a $2 billion master plan to transform more than 20 city blocks of Jacksonville’s urban core that’s quickly taking shape!

A Historic Hotel Returns to Life

Originally opened in 1924, the Ambassador Hotel was once a symbol of elegance in Downtown Jacksonville. After years of stalled redevelopment efforts, Gateway Jax acquired the long-vacant property and is now leading a full restoration, returning the building to its former glory as a 100-room boutique hotel complete with modern amenities and refined design.

To bring the hotel to life, Gateway Jax has partnered with the globally acclaimed Indigo Road Hospitality Group — the team behind the popular O-Ku in Jax Beach and a growing portfolio of luxury hotels and restaurants across the country. Though full details on the hotel and restaurant concept have yet to be released, expectations are high given Indigo Road’s reputation for delivering elevated guest experiences in revitalized urban environments.

Part of the Pearl Square District

The Ambassador Hotel restoration will serve as a gateway into Pearl Square, the first $750 million phase of Gateway Jax’s broader $2 billion investment in the Downtown Jacksonville real estate landscape. Once complete, Pearl Square will include:

• Over 1,250 new residences

• Vibrant public spaces

• Curated restaurants and retail

• A reimagined, walkable urban district unlike anything Jacksonville has seen before

Adjacent to the hotel, the historic Federal Reserve Building is also being transformed into The June, an exclusive private members club. Nearby, Indigo Road will debut Oak Steakhouse inside the landmark Greenleaf & Crosby building, another symbol of the district’s intentional blend of history, hospitality, and community.

A Bold Move for Jacksonville’s Urban Core

While Jacksonville’s Sports and Entertainment District continues to expand under the guidance of Shad Khan and the Jaguars, many believe that the true revitalization of Downtown must be broader. Gateway Jax’s role as a first-mover real estate developer is setting the tone for what’s possible — reimagining underused land and restoring architectural treasures while inviting new life, residents, and businesses into the city center.

The Future of Downtown Jacksonville

As developments like the Ambassador Hotel restoration begin to take shape, the energy around Downtown Jacksonville real estate development is growing. Investors, residents, and visitors alike are watching closely as Gateway Jax, in partnership with firms like Indigo Road Hospitality, redefines what it means to live, work, and experience Jacksonville’s urban core.

Video produced by Justin Sena, Executive Producer – Fun To Watch

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