Secret space

Secret Space is a temporary Hush Hush activation using silent disco technology in both familiar and unexpected ways to transform a vacant storefront at 41 E Duval St into an immersive world of entertainment. The Secret Space showcases local talent through monthly events such as live shows and dance parties set in a multi-room digital art installation drenched in color. This Project is made possible by Placemaking Jax, a 2025 Placemaking Award, Downtown Vision, and a team of local creatives dedicated to a vibrant downtown: Cory McCracken, David McCracken, Joshua Dunn, Simeyon Gillespie, Ariel Salgado, Josie Danese, and Dalton Miller. 🗞️ Read about us in the PRESS with the Jacksonville Business Journal !!

Events:

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  • Grand Opening of 41 E Duval St.

    ✨ You’re invited to the Grand Opening of 41 E Duval St.

    Join us Friday, July 25 from 6–9 PM as we unveil a reimagined historic, previously vacant, space.

    A complete transformation brought to life by:
    🎸 @paulusmusicco
    🪩 @hushhushjax
    🧁 @thepetitejax
    🌐 @kollectjax
    🇯🇵 @Konbini_labo

    🎟️ Free & open to the public — all are welcome to experience this one-of-a-kind immersive project

    Event Details

  • Art Walk Open House

    📆 First Wednesdays

    🕕 6-9PM

    Every first Wednesday starting in May we will open our doors for you to experience our vibrant multi-room digital art installation and catch archived footage from past Hush Hush Happenings 👀💫

    📸 Give your camera lens a good wipe, because these rooms are selfie ready.

    Event Details

  • Silent Open Mic

    Featuring John Wes on August 13th

    📆 Second Wednesdays

    🕗 8-11PM

    An immersive audio experience—headphones for clarity, subwoofers for the feel 🔊

    Beginning with a featured performer, followed by up to 20 open mic performances competing for crowd favorite + cash prize 💰

    Newbies and vets welcome to hone your craft, build content, and connect 🎤

    Event Details

  • PAST EVENT: Not So Secret Pride

    Happy Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈

    Get gay with us at Secret Space with special performances by Nikayla & the phuNk and Niya Elan, both winners from our Silent Open Mic series who are ready to lay it all down. We will also have Queer Bingo with prizes by Ariel of ‘SOFT’, a gender affirming clothing swap with JaxDSA , and a Silent Disco Dance Party to top it off.

    We’re serving looks and support — all proceeds are going to TEA [Transgender Empowerment Alliance].

    Event Details

  • PAST EVENT: A Night with Dolly P + Friends

    Get ready for an electrifying night of music, culture, and connection as Afrobeats artist Dolly P brings his international sound to the heart of Jacksonville!

    📀 Be the first to experience songs from his brand new EP, Afro Odyssey Volume 2, performed live for the very first time. With a fusion of Afrobeats, Dancehall, and global vibes, Dolly P’s music will have you dancing, vibing, and feeling every beat.

    🎤 Featuring Special Performances by:

    IamAura (@iamaura68)

    Kenzie (@kenzieesplace)

    Thai M (@thai_monro)

    🎥 Don’t miss the live video feed displayed across our stunning LED screens, capturing every moment on stage and bringing you closer to the artists than ever before. Expect high energy sets, and vibrant music that moves you from the inside out.

    Event Details

  • PAST EVENT: Dance For Comfort

    Presented by Simmy

    Celebrate life, music, and movement with ‘Dance for Comfort’—an EP release 🎶 and birthday party 🎉
    Rooted in Trans joy, Black beauty, and radical self-expression. 🏳️‍🌈

    Join us for a midday dance session featuring DJs: Dalton & Sabu, and the artist behind Test for Comfort—a project about coming out, reconnecting with music, and dancing through it all.

    Expect good vibes, queer & trans vendors like Queer Trans Project, Jax Period Pantry, and TEA, with community resources like HIV testing with JASMYN and a gender-affirming clothing swap with JaxDSA.

    ✨ Dress for comfort = dress to throw ass.

    🎧 Sliding scale at the door. No-one will be turned away due to lack of funds.
    Come as you are, leave full of joy.

    Event Details

architectural History:

“Built in 1946, 41 East Duval Street was the longtime home of the F.O. Miller Piano Company.”

“From 1967 to 1999, it was occupied by the Paulus Music Company. Open at the height of Jacksonville’s Southern Rock scene, the Paulus Music Company was a major downtown destination for aspiring local musicians. Customers included members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet, and .38 Special. Operated by Fred Paulus, the store was a popular spot for touring bands on their Jacksonville stops, and held monthly jam sessions for various musicians.”

“The ceilings were high, covered in old stamped tin, the walls had been coated in layers of paint probably an inch thick before you’d hit plaster. There was a large front showroom lined with linoleum (with its own healthy amount of asbestos no doubt), a counter in the back with an old ring-up cash register where you made your purchases, and an upstairs filled with rows and rows of sheet music.” - The Jackson Mag

“For the monthly bluegrass sessions, Paulus would move the amplifiers so the 20-plus musicians could sit in a big circle. Their instruments sometimes included a gutbucket, otherwise known as a washtub bass. Usually the sessions went on for hours. Sometimes spectators would come in to listen, tap their toes and enjoy cold drinks that Paulus supplied.”

“The music business is in Paulus’ blood. He was taught to make violins by his father who was taught by his father and who knows how many generations before that.” - Florida Times Union

The Paulus Music Co. Documentary

“In January 2004, Volunteers in Medicine, a nonprofit clinic that offers health care to the working uninsured, moved into the building.”

July 25th, 2025

“Backed by Downtown Vision and sponsored by VyStar, PlacemakingJax’s newest activation transforms the historic 41 E. Duval St. into a cultural playground.

With five artist-led installations, from digital art immersions to curated retail and live performances, the project aims to draw thousands of visitors while proving that short-term pop-ups can spark long-term change in underused downtown spaces. The project represents the culmination of months of collaboration, more than 2,000 volunteer hours per concept, and a belief that abandoned buildings can become catalysts for cultural and economic revival — even if just for a season.” - Jacksonville Business Journal.

  • The Secret Space from Hush Hush Jax will immerse visitors in digital art and silent disco technology.

  • Kollect Jax, on the second floor, will feature its streetwear and athletic-themed gear (heavy on the Jags) in a media and cultural hub.

  • Konbini Labo, from artist Elena Ohlander, brings a Japanese convenience store to Jacksonville complete with authentic products and rare Japanese pressings from Tiger Records.

  • Paulus Music Co. will honor the building’s melodic past and Jacksonville’s musical legacy through interactive exhibits and live performances.

  • The Petite Gallery Series will offer its portion of the vacant space as a gallery showcase featuring seven local artists.

What is Placemaking?

“Placemaking is a multi-faceted approach to the planning, design and management of public spaces.”

“ Placemaking capitalizes on a local community’s assets, inspiration, and potential, with the intention of creating public spaces that promote people’s health, happiness, and well-being.” - Project for Public Spaces

“Placemaking challenges the dominant narratives and norms that have shaped urban spaces. It questions the status quo and encourages alternative approaches that prioritize social justice, diversity, and sustainability. This might involve reclaiming underutilized spaces, promoting cultural and artistic expressions, and fostering community-led initiatives that challenge the homogenization and commercialization of public spaces.” - Nourhan Bassam

"We believe that placemaking is a radical concept that discusses Who should truly hold the power to decide the future of our cities and public spaces, dismantling the oppressive structures that have perpetuated inequality and marginalization.” - The Gendered City

“PlacemakingJax is a highly collaborative process for the people of Jacksonville to engage in the creation of pop-up activations or large-scale interventions in Downtown Jacksonville to transform underused public spaces into celebrated community places. PlacemakingJax is facilitated by Downtown Vision and funded in part by the #DTJax Gala held each February.