In the heart of downtown Jacksonville, Florida, the Jessie Ball DuPont Center, known as The Jessie, is located within walking distance of hotels, restaurants, and cultural destinations. With its rich history, inspiring architecture, premium amenities, and sustainable impact, The Jessie is a world-class venue for your next event.
In the mid-20th century, world-renowned architect Taylor Hardwick designed Jacksonville’s then-new public library with the hope that it would be a bright spot in the urban environment and a place for the community to gather. Purposefully designed with vibrantly colored tiles, strong lines and angles, and large glass windows, the building has served as a visual icon for Jacksonville since it opened. Today, the 126,000-square-foot building serves as a nonprofit hub and event venue, retaining its mid-century modern elegance to create a beautiful backdrop for a variety of meetings and convenings.
Premium Amenities & Event Capabilities
The Jessie is a flexible venue where an experienced team collaborates with event planners to bring their vision to life. Amenities include advanced audio/visual capabilities, hybrid and virtual event technology, an on-site catering kitchen, collaborative tools like a fully stocked production studio and smart boards, and adjustable room layouts and furniture configurations. Throughout the planning process, its on-site event manager ensures your event is customized to meet every need.
With 15 creative settings throughout the building, The Jessie accommodates events ranging from conferences, team off-sites, and board meetings to cocktail receptions, holiday parties, and formal galas:
- The Great Hall: A 3,500-square-foot space featuring 30-foot ceilings and capacity for up to 300 seated guests
- Lecture Hall: Accommodates up to 150 seated guests and features a 220-inch LED video wall and stage
- Rooftop Garden: A 3,000-square-foot open-air space, a perfect background for networking or cocktail hour
- Meeting Rooms: Ten are available, including two boardrooms, offering flexible layouts for a productive session for 12 to 32 attendees
- Concourses/Common Areas: Ideal for receptions, networking, and cultural programs, with historic charm and colorful backdrops
Hosting at The Jessie means more than seamless event execution, it also supports the building’s purpose as a welcoming public space. With more than 30 nonprofits and mission-driven companies as tenants, The Jessie is a community hub. Every event hosted on-site supports these community organizations.
Learn more on The Jessie’s website or email events@thejessie.org.
