Completed in 2005, The Metropolitan in Jacksonville Beach, FL, set a new precedent as the first large-scale mixed-use space approved along the beachfront — a milestone that helped influence the future of coastal development in the region. Designed to bring together places to live, work and gather, the nine-story space includes ground-level retail, parking across four levels, office condominiums on the sixth and seventh floors and residential condominiums above.

Early in planning, the project was re-envisioned to better address schedule demands and long-term performance in a challenging coastal environment. Wells partnered with the design team to apply solutions supported efficiency, durability, and architectural intent. Exterior facade elements were engineered to serve multiple roles, simplifying construction while maintaining a refined coastal expression.