Suzanne Pickett, CEO, Historic Eastside Community Development Corporation

In an interview with Invest:, Suzanne Pickett, CEO of Historic Eastside Community Development Corporation, discussed the organization’s key milestones, including revitalization efforts, community-focused development, and initiatives to preserve affordable housing and cultural heritage in Jacksonville’s historic Eastside neighborhood.

What has been the overall impact and contribution of the Historic Eastside Community Development Corporation in Jacksonville’s Eastside over the past year?

We are the leading organization in the revitalization and investment efforts on the Eastside. Before our arrival, the community had been without such an organization and had almost no investment for over a decade. The CDC was formed in response to the need to act as a resource and liaison for residents as investment interests increased into surrounding neighborhoods, including the Eastside, but with no organization in place to direct those funds. That’s how we got started, and our impact has been significant, serving as a catalyst for where we are today. Moving forward, with the Community Benefits Agreement and a major investment from the city of Jacksonville and the Jaguars, we are seeing a substantial infusion of resources connected to the stadium of the future, which also benefits the historic neighborhoods around us.

What are the main initiatives you’re implementing to preserve and transform the Eastside?

Preservation is at the heart of our community’s mission. As a historically African American neighborhood, direct investment into the Eastside is not just important—it’s vital. Our Restore and Repair program focuses on preserving the integrity of historic structures for our residents, ensuring that our neighborhood’s rich history remains intact. A recent milestone for us has been becoming part of Main Street America — the first in Jacksonville. Through Florida Avenue Main Street, we are driving the revitalization of our commercial corridor along A. Philip Randolph Boulevard, which serves as a gateway to the Sports and Entertainment District. This is a significant achievement for our community.

In partnership with LIFT JAX, our Purpose Built community quarterback, we are working to create equitable multifamily housing. We’re also planning mixed-use developments along the corridor, providing a balance between modern growth and community preservation. Our focus remains steadfast: setting a high standard to combat gentrification and prevent displacement, ensuring that Eastside’s legacy endures for future generations.

How are these initiatives contributing to overall development, particularly in terms of economic vitality, cultural preservation, and housing?

Our primary focus is people-centered development — investing in human capital. We’re uncovering the talents and gifts that have always existed within the community but have often been overlooked. By connecting Eastside residents, especially legacy families, with the resources they need, we’re helping to unlock that potential. Some families have called the Eastside home for six generations — how remarkable is that? One of our partners even offers innovative programs where teenagers and adults can attend school together, helping them acquire new skills or reskill for today’s workforce, which is incredibly exciting.

Housing is also at the forefront of our efforts. Many of the homes in the Eastside were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. While they’ve withstood the test of time, they now require significant investment — sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars — to ensure they are safe and livable. Preservation is one of our core initiatives to protect the neighborhood’s historic fabric. At the same time, we’re embarking on new construction, with plans to build 22 single-family homes, adding to our current stock of affordable housing. This is part of our larger mixed-income housing initiative, aimed at ensuring that both longtime residents and newcomers can find affordable homes in the Eastside.

What would you say have been your most significant accomplishments as a leader?

When I made the decision to stay in the neighborhood, my primary goal was to build trust with the community. Trust has been a major issue, not only in large-scale developments but in smaller projects as well. Too often, organizations or initiatives come in, spark hope, stay for a year or two, and then disappear. I’ve been here for 13 years, and my long-standing commitment to this community, along with the trust and reputation I’ve built, is invaluable. As a developer, that foundation of trust is essential. Now, as we introduce new developments, it’s crucial to bridge the gap and reassure residents that they will be safe and able to stay in the neighborhood they call home.

What are the main industries that compose the local economy, and which sectors have seen the most growth in Jacksonville’s Eastside?

Our proximity to JAXPORT has allowed us to witness tremendous growth, and the downtown area, along with the stadium district, is thriving. New apartment complexes are springing up, including the Union Terminal Warehouse, which is set to begin leasing in December. We’re also welcoming the addition of a Four Seasons Hotel, which is opening doors to new opportunities in the hospitality industry, particularly in management roles.

Beyond these developments, we’re focused on expanding the entertainment and creative sectors—industries that are often overlooked but are vital to the cultural fabric of our community. We’re working diligently to create more opportunities for artists and creative entrepreneurs right here on the Eastside. Construction continues to be a significant industry as well, fueling both infrastructure growth and job creation in the area.

Are there specific workforce development programs you’re implementing to foster local talent and create a more skilled labor force?

In the past, we’ve run a construction-ready program to equip residents—not just from the Eastside but throughout Jacksonville—for the city’s rapid growth. We’re proud to continue that initiative in collaboration with our construction partners. In addition, our new Debs grocery store houses a Goodwill Career Center, where we’ve been discussing workforce development opportunities in key areas like hospitality, maritime, and entertainment, especially given our proximity to the water and the Sports and Entertainment District.

We’re also exploring an exciting new partnership that could introduce AI and creative entrepreneurship training, starting with youth and extending to adults. Technology is essential to the future of our community, and we’re eager to help our residents stay ahead of the curve. Ultimately, our goal is to both cultivate the natural talents already present in the community and create new pathways for growth and opportunity.

In terms of business and economic development, what diversity, equity, inclusion, or environmental sustainability initiatives are underway?

We’re actively partnering with the Armory Project on the EPA’s Community Challenge Grant to tackle environmental justice issues in the Eastside, a critical step in improving the quality of life for our residents. Additionally, we’ve been collaborating with environmental councils to address the significant disparities affecting our neighborhood. When we talk about community safety, environmental factors like air quality and temperature often go unnoticed, but they play a major role. For example, the Eastside is about 10 degrees hotter than surrounding areas, which directly impacts the health and well-being of our residents. Addressing these environmental challenges is essential to creating a healthier, safer, and more sustainable neighborhood for everyone.

What are the biggest challenges the Historic Eastside CDC is facing today?

Our challenges evolve daily. Right now, our primary focus is on the upcoming city council vote on our Community Benefits Agreement, which could bring a significant influx of funding into the Eastside. One of the key challenges will be ensuring that these funds are distributed equitably, benefiting legacy residents, small businesses, and new ventures alike, while striking a balance that supports the entire community. Another ongoing concern is our anti-gentrification efforts. A recent study indicated that once the stadium deal is finalized, rental prices and property values could rise by 4.7% or higher. Our goal is to protect and prepare our current residents for these changes while welcoming new development and investment into the neighborhood.

How can business leaders or potential investors get involved in this journey?

We warmly invite everyone to experience the Eastside firsthand. For the past three years, we’ve been offering tours to investors, supporters and friends of Eastside, and they’ve been incredibly successful. To truly understand the potential of this neighborhood, you need to see it. The Eastside is the most intact African American neighborhood in Florida, and we encourage investors to come with a community-centered mindset. There is tremendous opportunity here, particularly along our commercial corridor, but it’s crucial that investors engage in a way that respects, preserves, and uplifts the community.