Jacksonville's Dynamic Modern Urban Gateway & Riverfront Renaissance
Brooklyn is one of Jacksonville's most dramatically transformed and rapidly growing urban neighborhoods. Situated along the northwestern bank of the St. Johns River between Downtown Jacksonville and historic Riverside, Brooklyn was historically established immediately after the Civil War as a residential community for freed slaves and veterans.
Over the past decade, Brooklyn has undergone an extraordinary multi-hundred-million-dollar modern revival. The district along Riverside Avenue has been reimagined as a vibrant, walkable, mixed-use urban village anchored by luxury mid-rise apartment communities, upscale grocers, and contemporary chef-driven restaurants.
With Unity Plaza offering an urban park and amphitheater, and direct access to the Northbank Riverwalk and Fuller Warren pedestrian bridge, Brooklyn offers professionals sleek contemporary urban living connected to both downtown offices and historic charm.
Key Highlights
- The revitalized Riverside Avenue commercial corridor, featuring popular restaurants, coffee houses, and boutique fitness studios.
- Unity Plaza, an urban green space and outdoor performance amphitheater surrounded by dining patios.
- Direct pedestrian connectivity to the continuous Northbank Riverwalk along the St. Johns River.
- Modern luxury mid-rise residential communities with resort-style swimming pools and skyline views.
From Post-Civil War Freedmen's Town to Modern Urban Showcase
Following the Civil War in 1868, Confederate veteran Miles Price platted a portion of his plantation as a settlement for newly freed African Americans, naming it 'Brooklyn.' The neighborhood grew into a thriving residential community with churches, schools, and shotgun cottages.
By the late 20th century, highway construction and urban decline left many parcels vacant. In 2013, the City of Jacksonville and private developers launched a master-planned revitalization of the Riverside Avenue corridor. The opening of 220 Riverside and Brooklyn Station catalyzed one of the most successful urban redevelopments in modern Florida history.
Milestone Timeline
Miles Price plats Brooklyn as a residential community for freedmen and Civil War veterans.
Brooklyn miraculously escapes destruction during the Great Fire, housing displaced citizens.
220 Riverside and Brooklyn Station open, inaugurating the district's modern renaissance.
Completion of the Fuller Warren Shared Use Path connects Brooklyn directly to San Marco.
Famous Places in Bishop Arts District
Brooklyn Station on Riverside
Retail & Culinary Center of BrooklynPedestrian-friendly retail shopping center featuring Fresh Market, specialty shops, outdoor dining patios, and fitness studios.
Unity Plaza
Urban Park, Amphitheater & Performance LawnCentral community amphitheater and manicured green lawn hosting live acoustic performances, outdoor fitness, and community gatherings.
Northbank Riverwalk Brooklyn Extension
Riverfront Pedestrian TrailScenic paved walking and jogging path connecting Brooklyn along the St. Johns River straight into Downtown Jacksonville.
Fuller Warren Pedestrian Bridge Access
Multi-Use River CrossingDirect bicycle and pedestrian ramp providing a scenic 1-mile crossing over the St. Johns River to the Southbank.
Top Things to Do in Bishop Arts
Dine Al Fresco at Brooklyn Station
Enjoy artisanal burgers, sushi, or fresh burritos on outdoor patios under the palms along Riverside Avenue.
Walk or Bike the Riverwalk to Downtown
Take the continuous riverfront trail northeast past the Acosta Bridge straight into the heart of downtown.
Attend Outdoor Events at Unity Plaza
Join community yoga sessions, artisan markets, or evening acoustic concerts on the amphitheater lawn.
Shop Gourmet Groceries at Fresh Market
Browse organic produce, artisan cheeses, fresh seafood, and fresh flowers at the flagship neighborhood grocer.
Modern Grills, Craft Burgers & Fast-Casual Patios
Brooklyn offers a vibrant collection of contemporary dining options along Riverside Avenue:
Contemporary Grills & Patios
Anejo Cocina Mexicana (modern upscale Mexican & craft tequila), River & Post (rooftop lounge right on the border), and Blue Bamboo.
Gourmet Burgers & Fast-Casual Favorites
BurgerFi (gourmet Angus burgers & craft beer), Bento Asian Kitchen + Sushi, and Chipotle.
Healthy Bowls & Fresh Juices
First Watch (creative breakfast & brunch cafe), Zoës Kitchen, and local smoothie and bowl bars.
Specialty Coffee & Sweet Treats
Panera Bread, gourmet dessert kiosks, and local coffee counters inside 220 Riverside.
Living in Brooklyn: Modern Mid-Rises, Resort Amenities & Zero Commute
Brooklyn offers the quintessential modern urban living experience in Jacksonville. The residential scene consists of newly constructed luxury mid-rise apartment and condominium communities, including 220 Riverside, Vista Brooklyn, and Brooklyn Riverside.
These communities feature high-end amenities such as saltwater swimming pools, rooftop dog parks, state-of-the-art fitness centers, and private co-working spaces. Located midway between Downtown financial headquarters and historic Riverside dining, Brooklyn allows residents to walk to work or the riverwalk with zero commute friction.
Contemporary luxury mid-rise apartment communities and loft-style residences.
Sleek, active, young professional, dog-friendly, and modern.
Walk Score 90; walkable to grocery store, dining, fitness studios, and riverwalk.
Directly links Downtown Jacksonville's business district to historic Riverside.
Best Time to Visit Brooklyn
Year-round, with October through April offering delightful weather for outdoor dining and riverwalk strolls.
Unity Plaza Sunset Concerts
Free outdoor community concerts and acoustic performances held on the plaza lawn.
Riverside Arts Market (Nearby)
Just a short five-minute walk southwest along Riverside Avenue under the Fuller Warren Bridge.
Downtown Jacksonville Riverfront Fireworks
Prime viewing of 4th of July and New Year's Eve fireworks along the Brooklyn Riverwalk.
Getting Around & Parking in Brooklyn
Ride the Free Dallas Streetcar
100% Free Public Transit • Every 20 MinutesRiverside Avenue is a major corridor served by JTA bus routes and bike lanes. The Fuller Warren Path provides bike/pedestrian access to the Southbank.
Brooklyn Station Parking Lot
Large free surface parking lot for retail and restaurant patrons.
220 Riverside Customer Garage
Covered public garage parking serving retail and dining at Unity Plaza.
Street Parking
Pay-by-plate parking along Jackson and Magnolia streets.
Top 6 Local Businesses in Brooklyn
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Apex Master Plumbing & Heating
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Jacksonville Prestige Residential Architecture
Custom luxury home design, modern architectural renovations, and interior blueprints.
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Jacksonville Artisan Bistro & Grill
Farm-to-table artisanal dining and local craft cocktails in the heart of town.
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Joe's Craft Smokehouse & BBQ (Jacksonville)
Award-winning hickory-smoked brisket, ribs, and handcrafted Southern sides in Jacksonville.
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Jacksonville Vanguard Precision Dental Care
Modern cosmetic dentistry, clear aligners, pain-free cleanings, and emergency care.
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Jacksonville Peak Fitness & Performance Lab
Strength conditioning, personal athletic coaching, recovery suites, and hot sauna.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Brooklyn
Explore Nearby Jacksonville Neighborhoods
Downtown Jacksonville
Northbank Riverwalk, Florida Theatre & arena district
Riverside
Cummer Museum, Memorial Park & Prairie architecture
Five Points
Historic village shops, rooftop lounges & indie cinema
San Marco
Venetian square, lion fountain & historic dining
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