“The Rising Pearl” Emerges as Jacksonville’s Newest Landmark on the Southbank

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A bold new icon is taking shape on the Southbank of the St. Johns River. The Rising Pearl, a monumental public art installation, is now being installed at the Riverwalk at RiversEdge: Life on the St. Johns; marking a new chapter in Jacksonville’s downtown revitalization.

The sculpture, created by artist RE:site Studio of Houston, stands at 26 feet tall and features a dramatic steel-and-glass design. At its heart is a shimmering iridescent orb, the “pearl”, cradled by twisting stainless steel forms meant to evoke the movement of water, the flow of the river, and the city’s transformation.

The installation is already turning heads along the Riverwalk, where pedestrians and cyclists can watch it rise near the waterfront plaza. Once complete, it will serve not only as a visual centerpiece for the area but also as a symbol of Jacksonville’s growing commitment to art, culture, and civic space.

“It’s unlike anything we’ve had in Jacksonville before,” said project representative and Southbank developer Preston Hollow Community Capital. “The Rising Pearl” is a metaphor for rebirth for the river, the land, and the city itself.

Part of the $600 Million RiversEdge Development

The sculpture is the first permanent public art piece commissioned for RiversEdge: Life on the St. Johns, a $600 million mixed-use development that’s transforming the former JEA Southside Generating Station site into a walkable, riverfront destination. Developed in partnership with Preston Hollow and the city’s Downtown Investment Authority, RiversEdge will eventually include residential towers, office space, retail, parks, and a public boardwalk; with The Rising Pearl as its landmark beacon.

According to RE:site Studio, the design is intended to represent a “narrative of regeneration,” drawing inspiration from Jacksonville’s relationship with its natural environment and ongoing urban renewal efforts.

Designed to Catch Light and Spark Imagination

The sculpture’s distinctive look is amplified by its materials. The pearl itself is constructed from iridescent dichroic glass, engineered to reflect different colors depending on the time of day and viewer’s angle. The surrounding steel curves reflect the sky and water, offering constantly changing visuals; especially during sunrise and sunset.

“It’s meant to be dynamic, just like Jacksonville,” said one of the artists from RE:site. “Every time you walk by it, it should feel a little bit different.”

Lighting will be incorporated into the structure to illuminate it at night, allowing the piece to become a glowing centerpiece for evening visitors and downtown events.

A New Era for Jacksonville Public Art

The Rising Pearl is one of the largest public art installations in Jacksonville’s history. Its debut comes amid a wave of creative investment across the city, from murals in historic neighborhoods to sculpture parks in redevelopment zones. The project also reflects a shift in how Jacksonville imagines its public spaces: more accessible, more interactive, and more expressive.

“It’s not just art for art’s sake, it’s part of a bigger conversation,” said Lori Boyer, CEO of the Downtown Investment Authority. “As our city grows and attracts new residents, employers, and tourists, we want downtown to reflect the vibrancy and creativity of who we are.”

Installation Nearing Completion

Construction crews began installing the base in late July, and final elements are expected to be in place by mid-August. A formal dedication ceremony is anticipated this fall, with community programming and events to follow.

In the meantime, residents are encouraged to visit the site and watch the sculpture come to life along the Southbank Riverwalk, just east of the Main Street Bridge.

 

 

At a Glance: The Rising Pearl

• Location: Southbank Riverwalk, RiversEdge: Life on the St. Johns
  
• Height: 26 feet
  
• Design: Stainless steel and iridescent glass
  
• Artist: RE:site Studio (Houston)
  
• Symbolism: Transformation, rebirth, fluidity of water and time
  
• Commissioned by: Preston Hollow Community Capital, City of Jacksonville