Tell us how the SMEBA membership can benefit you and your business.
Promote
smart businesses
development
Encourage
investment in infrastructure
Champion
enhanced safety and crime deterrence
Support
stronger relationships among community

A New Vision
Together we’ll create a vibrant, thriving neighborhood with walkable retail while positioning San Marco East as a target enterprise destination among our region’s business community.
What people are saying
“I’m excited about all of the development occurring along the Philips Highway corridor—it’s long overdue. SMEBA has been at the forefront in helping the areas transition and is dedicated to ensuring that the momentum continues.”
LeAnna Cumber
District 5 Councilwoman
“Prescott Group is excited to do our part to support the transformation of the neighborhood. The enhancements we’ve made to San Marco East Plaza help Jacksonville offer a unique and dynamic campus complete with increased green spaces, community areas and new activities.”
Jud Pankey
CEO & Founder
Prescott Group
“The San Marco East Corridor offers a great mix of business, retail and growing residential opportunities in an urban setting poised for growth. We’re excited to be part of the San Marco East Business Association as it continues to champion the development of this burgeoning region.”
Jeff Rosen
Principal
Chance Partners
“SMEBA demonstrates the great things that can happen when a group of business leaders who are dedicated to their community come together in common purpose. I’m proud of the work this group has accomplished, and continues to accomplish, for our corridor and for our city. You haven’t seen anything yet!”
Bryan Croft
HC Brands
Meet the founders
Jeff Rosen
Chance Partners
Steve Fernandez
HC Brands
Andy Kaufmann
Jacksonville Icemen
Frank Cofer
Prescott Group
Bryan Croft
HC Brands
Craig Meek
The Meek Companies
Watch What Develops
We are an alliance of businesses, civic leaders and citizens working to uplift the north Philips Highway corridor, known as the San Marco East Neighborhood—a gateway to historic San Marco, the Southbank and other developing downtown neighborhoods.
Walk through the ages
1950s
“The Grand Strand” entertainment district
1960
Philips Highway Plaza opens
1970s
Shifting demographics, dwindling traffic
1980s
Market Square outlet mall
1990s
San Marco Development Association formed
2018
San Marco East Business Association formed
2018
Chance Partners begins work on San Marco Promenade
2019
Prescott Group purchases and transforms former Metro Square to San Marco East Plaza
2019
I-95 Overland Bridge / King Street / Atlantic Blvd. / US-1 Interchange is opened
2020
Chance Partners begins work on The Exchange & Barlow
2020
RF SMART relocates its global headquarters to San Marco East Plaza campus
2021
ALDI opens
2021
Jacksonville Icemen start development of the IGLOO headquarters & entertainment complex
San Marco East Plaza continues its transformation through campus enhancements and improvements
The Barlow and Exchange offer almost 500 luxury residential units
The IGLOO embarks on massive renovations through 2022
The San Marco Promenade apartments will open Phase 2 with 226 new residential units