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To be quite honest, downtown is exactly what you see in most mid-sized metropolitan areas.  Lots of commerce during the day, and a dead zone at night. 

 

With people starting to move back into the area with developments in Brooklyn, downtown, and Springfield, the downtown area will see at least somewhat of a renaissance, but the only way you're going to see the bustle that was there half a century ago is if the rest of the city just burns down and it's the last area standing.

 

Actually, FBT, I've seen the opposite in my travels.

 

For all we make fun of our similar-sized AFC South rivals, both Indy and Nashville have incredibly vibrant downtowns at night.  In fact, I'd say Jax is unique in creating so many dead spots - night or day - around it's downtown area.  It's been pushed to the suburbs not just because that's what happens in your average mid-sized city, but by some really poor planning and policies.  Look at Charleston or Savannah on the small side, for example.  Both cities took measures to make sure their inner city offered pleasant, if not exciting, alternatives to the charms of suburban day and night life.

 

I've never been to Pittsburgh, but I have heard stories about how the city was practically dead and buried, only to re-invent itself in the 80s and 90s.  Perhaps with similar policies, Jax can enjoy the same renaissance.

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