The new Gateway Markers public art project is the latest sign of CDJ’s advocacy for our growing Cathedral Hill neighborhood!
One of the newest exciting elements of the Cathedral District’s revitalization is the installation of four gateway markers by Jacksonville artist David Ponsler, welcoming residents and visitors to Cathedral Hill.
This milestone marked the final stages of an 18-month collaboration between CDJ and Ponsler. With purple and green as their main colors and horizontal cross-blades depicting the area’s prominent churches, houses, and businesses, the markers honor the neighborhood’s history and architecture. Each vibrant, weather-resistant marker stands 12 feet tall, is crafted of steel and weighs in at 1,375 lbs.
The gateway markers are located at four intersections: N. Main St. and E. Monroe S., N Market St. and E. Adams St., E. Duval St. and N. Washington St., and N Market St. and E. Beaver St.
CDJ President and Founder Ginny Myrick said that the public art project was an organizational goal since the CDJ’s master plan was approved by the DIA in 2017. “Adding beautiful gateway art to welcome visitors and residents into the district was always one of our aspirations,” Myrick said. “We appreciate the efforts of everyone who helped make this possible. We are deeply grateful to David Ponsler, our sponsors, our staff, and all who helped make this part of the new Cathedral Hill vision a reality.”
The markers were officially unveiled at a community celebration in Main Street Pocket Park in October 2025. For more on this event celebrating the spirit of Cathedral Hill, click here to read the press release.
Cathedral District – Jax’s goal is to revitalize the historic area by bringing property owners together with developers to grow the community into a space where residents and visitors of all backgrounds can live, work, and play together.
More photos:
Project Sponsors:
Presenting sponsor NEFAR sparked the idea for this incredible project in 2024. Supporting local and regional sponsors and community organizations provided additional funding for this $108,800 public art initiative:
- Downtown Investment Authority
- AARP
- John’s Cathedral, sponsored by Preston & Joan Haskell
- Baker Design Build
- Aging True
- JEA
The project was sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. Additionally, Harbinger Sign provided an in-kind donation to print the gateway markers’ sign blades.
