Pablo Plaza, a longstanding shopping center in Jacksonville Beach, underwent a transformative renovation led by ELM in partnership with Regency Centers. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the center was rejuvenated to reflect a modern, coastal design, aligning with the aesthetic of Jacksonville Beach. The renovation aimed to establish a distinct identity for the area, creating a cohesive community aesthetic that residents could take pride in. ELM’s redesign focused on incorporating high-quality, contemporary elements, enhancing the overall shopping and dining experience for local patrons.

The renovation encompassed comprehensive architectural improvements across all buildings, ensuring each tenant space was updated to reflect the new design vision. This included significant upgrades to the parking lot and a major landscape enhancement program, which played a crucial role in redefining the plaza’s exterior appeal. A key aspect of the project was the reconfiguration of the plaza, with Whole Foods moving into the previously occupied Office Depot space. This shift marked a strategic decision to introduce the Amazon-owned grocer as the new anchor tenant, signaling a fresh direction for the plaza. The relocation of Office Depot to the northern end of the center was another important milestone.

The culmination of ELM’s renovation efforts was marked by the grand opening of Whole Foods Market on October 7th, 2020, completing the final component of the project. The inclusion of Whole Foods has been pivotal in rebranding Pablo Plaza as a contemporary, quality shopping destination, attracting a broader customer base. ELM’s design approach was specifically tailored to enhance the pedestrian experience, transforming everyday shopping into an enjoyable activity. The architectural style adopted for the renovation celebrated the coastal character of the Jacksonville Beach region, ensuring that Pablo Plaza remained a vital and attractive hub in the community.