There's Always a Place for You on The Avenue.

Who We Are

Our Mission

Florida Avenue Main Street is committed to revitalizing the historic A. Philip Randolph Business Corridor, fostering economic development and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Jacksonville’s Historic Eastside.

Our Purpose

Our purpose is to lead strategic investments and initiatives that enhance the livelihood of the Eastside’s business corridor, promote the growth of local businesses and support the preservation of its historic character. Through strong partnerships and advocacy, we aim to make the A. Philip Randolph Business Corridor the thriving economic and cultural hub of Jacksonville’s Historic Eastside.

Mural

What We Do

Florida Avenue Main Street

Florida Avenue Main Street is a newly formed organization dedicated to guiding the revitalization efforts of Jacksonville’s Historic Eastside business corridor, centered along A. Philip Randolph Boulevard — formerly known as Florida Avenue or 'The Avenue.' As part of the nationally recognized Florida Main Street network, our purpose is to support local businesses, attract new investment, and encourage economic development and preservation.

The A. Philip Randolph Business Corridor is currently home to several local, small businesses. In its prime, The Avenue was a go-to destination for residents to shop at local businesses, enjoy restaurants, work in offices and more. In the second half of the 1900s, much of this economy was lost to urban renewal. By working closely with business owners and community leaders, we ensure the legacy of 'The Avenue' lives on while fostering a vibrant economic future.

Main Street Network

Florida Main Street is a part of Main Street America, which helps build economic power in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts through its signature Main Street Approach™ framework. Learn more at mainstreet.org.

Florida Main Street is a Main Street America™ Coordinating Program, administered by the Florida Department of State Division of Historical Resources. This technical assistance program aims to revitalize historic downtowns and encourage economic development within the context of historic preservation.

Jacksonville’s Eastside was accepted to the Florida Main Street program in 2023. There are more than 1,200 Main Street America neighborhoods and communities across the country committed to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development.

Our Team

Nigelle Kohn

Nigelle Kohn Executive Director

Nigelle Kohn is Florida Avenue Main Street’s first Executive Director. In this role, she will lead the organization in its work to partner with local property and business owners, residents and community leaders to continue strategic investments and place-making efforts along the Eastside’s business corridor. She will also work alongside new development projects in the area and lead efforts to maximize national and state resources available through the Main Street program.

Prior to joining Florida Avenue Main Street, Nigelle served as Finance & Administration Manager at Family Foundations of Northeast Florida, Senior Program Officer at LISC Jacksonville and as Finance/Operations Manager at Ability Housing. She is a passionate non-profit professional, Jacksonville native and descendent of OutEast residents with a deep understanding of the historic and cultural significance of the neighborhood.

Board of Directors Executive Committee

Avery McKnight, Chair
Owner, Concrete Renovations and Co-owner, Hair Architects
Eastside Resident

Caleena Shirley, Vice Chair
Regional Director, Black Business Investment Fund

Adrienne Burke, Secretary
Principal, Community Planning Collaborative

Ariane Randolph, Co-Chair
Entrepreneur and Community Leader
Eastside Resident

Ivy Henderson, ASLA, Vice Chair
Director of Housing & Real Estate, LIFT JAX
Eastside Resident

A. Michele Kimbrough, Treasurer
Owner, Honey Dripper House
Eastside Resident

Board of Directors

Alex Sifakis
President, JWB Real Estate Capital

Cleve Warren
Executive Director, FSCJ Foundation

Fred Franklin
Managing Director, Rogers Tower

Jimmy Ricks
Zone Chief - District 1, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office

Robin Wallace
Owner, Hair Architects
Eastside Resident

T-Neisha Tate
Vice President of Social Responsibility and Impact, Jacksonville Jaguars

Alice Nelson
Senior Information Technology System Analyst, GuideWell
Eastside Resident

Aundra Wallace
President, JAX USA Partnership

Ennis Davis, AICP
Principal, Community Planning Collaborative

Jimmy Peluso
City Liaison and City Council Member – District 7

Kady Yellow
Senior Director of Placemaking & Events, Downtown Jax

Will Messer
Commercial Broker, Watson Realty

Travis Williams
COO, LIFT Jax

Our Partners

Thank you to our partners for their dedication and ongoing support.

Lift Jax
Historic Eastside
Florida Main Street
Main Street America