February 18, 2026

Downtown Is Still Open: One Palafox Place Shops & Restaurants Are Thriving During Palafox Construction

If you’ve driven down Palafox Street lately, you’ve probably noticed the construction. And if you’ve wondered, “Are the businesses still open?” — the answer is a big, enthusiastic YES.

At One Palafox Place, our shops and restaurants are open, accessible, and continuing to serve the downtown Pensacola community every day.

Yes, There’s Construction. Yes, We’re Open.

Progress sometimes looks like orange cones and temporary barriers — but behind them, our block is fully active. Pedestrian access remains available, businesses are operating normal hours, and our tenants are welcoming customers just as they always have.

In fact, many visitors have shared that the reduced vehicle traffic has made the area even more walkable and enjoyable.

The construction is part of the City of Pensacola’s New Palafox Project, a major investment designed to improve infrastructure, accessibility, and the long-term vitality of downtown. Learn more about the project here: https://cityofpensacola.com/3550/The-New-Palafox

Parking Is Easy — Including Free Options

Visiting downtown during construction is still convenient, with multiple parking options available:

• 2 Hours of Free Parking with Validation Several One Palafox Place retailers and restaurants offer up to two hours of free parking in the nearby designated parking lot with validation. Simply ask participating businesses when you visit.
• Free On-Street Parking The City of Pensacola has also made many street parking spaces free during the construction period to help support downtown businesses.

These options make it simple to shop, dine, meet clients, and explore downtown without worrying about parking.

Support Local — Restaurants, Bars & Retail Are Open

The heart of downtown Pensacola has always been its locally owned businesses, and that hasn’t changed. One Palafox Place continues to be home to many of downtown’s favorite destinations.

Restaurants & Bars

• V. Paul’s Italian Ristorante
• Badlands
• Global Grill
• 86 Forks
• The Kennedy

These restaurants and bars continue to serve guests daily for lunch meetings, date nights, and happy hours.

Retail Shops & Services

• Blue Morning Gallery
• Express Mobile Tech
• First City Bee
• Easy Going Records & HiFi
• Rocket to Saturn Vintage
• Gray Boutique
• The Hue

From local art and specialty goods to fashion, music, and unique finds, our retailers remain open and ready to welcome visitors.

Our professional office tenants also continue to meet with clients daily, keeping the downtown business community active and thriving.

Construction doesn’t stop community — it simply sets the stage for what’s next.

Two New Restaurants Coming Soon

We’re excited to share that two new restaurant concepts are currently in development at One Palafox Place and will be opening soon.

While details are still under wraps, these additions will bring new energy, new dining experiences, and even more reasons to visit downtown Pensacola.

Stay tuned for official announcements.

Downtown Pensacola Is Evolving — and So Are We

The improvements to Palafox Street are part of a long-term investment in the future of downtown Pensacola. When complete, the area will be even more pedestrian-friendly, vibrant, and attractive for businesses, residents, and visitors alike.

At One Palafox Place, we’re proud to be part of that growth — and even prouder of the tenants who continue to make our block one of the most dynamic destinations in the city.

If you haven’t stopped by recently, now’s a great time.

Come see us. 
Come support local. 
Come experience downtown Pensacola — construction and all.

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For leasing inquiries about retail or office space at One Palafox Place, contact our management office to learn more about current opportunities.