The District Drop: Project Update No. 1
Welcome to our new tenant newsletter — your monthly pulse on everything happening across the Phoenix Arts & Innovation District.
As we launch this new communication hub for tenants, we’re stepping into a season of transformation across PHXJAX — from major construction milestones to vibrant cultural programming to community-driven initiatives. The District continues to rise because of the creativity, collaboration, and shared energy of everyone here.
Here’s what’s unfolding across the District…
Development & Construction Updates
The Liberty Building: Opening Spring 2026
Have you seen all the new sidewalks and landscaping on Liberty Street! More to come but it’s looking good friends!
Big news: The Liberty Building is officially set to open Spring 2026! Click here to view the leasing flyer.
This centrally located food, beverage, and retail hub will soon become an anchor destination within PHXJAX — home to a curated mix of vendors, culinary concepts, and gathering spaces that bring people together.
Exterior design and color studies are in progress, while interior planning continues for tile, lighting, sinks, bar layout, and vendor bays. Do you have a mural you’d like to paint on this building. Please submit ideas to us for review.
Know someone dreaming of opening a retail store, gallery, bar, or restaurant?
Let’s co-create! We’re actively exploring opportunities with potential tenants who want to be part of the Liberty Building’s opening lineup.
Bloom Lab: Launching Early 2026
We’re thrilled to share that the Bloom Lab Youth After School Program is scheduled to launch in early 2026. Click here for more info!
Bloom Lab will serve 6th–12th grade youth with immersive programming at the intersection of agriculture, arts, entrepreneurship, and community market experience.
The program will feature:
12-week cohort-based learning
Hands-on work in a community garden and outdoor classroom
Workshops led by local artists, farmers, and entrepreneurs
Youth-led participation in community markets
This is a major step forward in our commitment to building pathways for the next generation of leaders, makers, and creatives in North Springfield. We have part time job opportunities for artists, entrepreneurs and more! Are you interested in working with us? Email Emily at emoody@phxjax.com.
Arts & Cultural Programming
December 7 Gallery Hop at Emerald Station & Legacy Studios
We’re excited to be one of the featured stops in this year’s citywide Gallery Hop, with programming at both Emerald Station and Legacy Studios.
At Emerald Station-
Visitors will experience exhibitions by featured artists:
Varick Rosete
Theresa Cook
Tracie Harris Thompson
At Legacy Studios:
Working artists are invited to open their studios to visitors, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their creative process and works in progress. It’s a great opportunity to connect directly with the artists who help shape the visual identity of PHXJAX.
And while guests are here for the Gallery Hop, they’ll also be able to explore Wolf & Cub and Duval Mercantile, both open at Emerald Station for the holiday season… perfect for anyone who wants to shop small, support local makers, and discover unique gifts.
SAVE THE DATE: Tenant Holiday Party & Art Swap
Mark your calendars! We’re hosting a PHXJAX Tenant Holiday Party at Emerald Lounge on December 18 and you’re invited.
This year, we’re putting a creative spin on a classic white elephant exchange… instead of random gifts, we’re asking everyone to bring a piece of art to trade. It can be something you’ve created yourself or a special piece you’re ready to pass along to a new home.
We’ll gather, connect, celebrate the end of an incredible year, and walk away with a new piece of art and a few new stories.
Food and beverages will be provided. RSVP here.
Emerald Station
Emerald Station continues to evolve as a creative office, retail, and event hub for the District.
Recent highlights include:
Over 300 visitors during Black Friday and Small Business Saturday
Pop-ups by Naked Kitchen and The Blacker the Coffee Co. in the Emerald Lounge
Two micro art galleries installed featuring the work of local female artists
We’re also excited to share that Emerald Station Events is now leased and operated by Puff ’n Stuff Catering & Events.
For all event bookings and inquiries in Emerald Station Events, please reach out directly to Puff ’n Stuff to explore availability, packages, and pricing.
For the holiday season, Emerald Station is also home to:
Wolf & Cub – offering thoughtfully curated apparel, goods, and gifts (pop-up hours vary throughout the season. Check Instagram for the latest updates.)
Duval Mercantile – a shop filled with Duval makers
If you’re looking to shop small and support the PHXJAX ecosystem, this is the place to do it.
Are you interested in hanging your art or selling your goods with us?
We’d love to hear from you. Reach out to Emily (emoody@phxjax.com) to explore opportunities for displays, pop-ups, and collaborations.
Operationally, our team continues to:
Coordinate district-wide cleaning and trash removal
Respond to maintenance needs
Support tenant-led and partner-led activations in shared spaces
Make sure to utilize the the “Forms You Need” page of the website to submit any inquiries about events, feedback or property issues.
Community Partnerships
PHXJAX was featured in Jax Today last week as a destination for holiday happenings.
Emily will be on First Coast Connect on Wed Dec 3 to talk about the Gallery Hop on Sun, Dec 7.
Annie Youth Foundation hosted a leadership meeting at Legacy Studios, deepening our role as a hub for youth-focused and workforce development initiatives.
We donated space to Cathedral Arts Project to hold their bi-weekly classes at Emerald Lounge
A 10 Year Celebration for a Hip Hop Dance Company will be happening at Legacy Studios on Sat, Dec 6
As We Rise Together
The Phoenix Arts & Innovation District is a living, evolving project — and every tenant, artist, neighbor, and partner plays a part in what we’re building here.
Know someone who wants to open a retail shop, gallery, bar, or restaurant? Send them our way.
Want to hang your art or sell your goods at Emerald Station or future Liberty Building activations? Reach out to Emily and let’s talk.
Want to host an event specifically in Emerald Station Events? Please contact Puff ’n Stuff Catering & Events directly: Risa@puffnstuff.com
Have ideas, feedback, or stories for the next edition of The District Drop? We’d love to include them.
Thank you for being part of this community and co-creating the future of North Springfield with us.
Onward and upward. The Phoenix rises together. Love you all! - Emily
