St. John's Town Center, easy question

[futurejax]

Was there ever any discussion/possibility of developing this in the shipyards area.  I'm sure this is covered ground but am new to the scene so any info would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

[Ocklawaha]

No, I believe the shipyards was actually the shipyards when this project was hatched... I mean in the classic sense as in docks, vessels and cranes! It went up in a desolate area which was at the time known as "Tiger Hole Swamp." When the REAL shipyards closed and moved out the space they vacated became The Berkman Towers complex (unfinished) and the "Shipyard site with 680' pier."

I tend to agree that big box retailers with some sort of cult following, ie: Ikea, Bass Pro etc... just MIGHT bring this parcel back to life and drag half of downtown with it into the light. The Lakelanders concept of a JACKSONVILLE QUAY along with a couple of big name-big money retailers would blow the socks off of lesser projects. Except for the couple of mega-stores the balance could be allowed to erupt into a plethora of local shops, eatery's and markets, with some guarantee that customers WOULD be there.


OCKLAWAHA

[tufsu1]

I think the location for STJC was ideal from a retail capture standpoint....next to 2 expressways and smack in the middle of the wealthiest folks (Ponte Vedra, Manadarin, San Marco, River-Avon-Ortega)

[JaxNative68]

and the skinner, davis and hodge families have a way of getting their properties in front of the developers at prices way cheaper than the downtown city properties.

[fieldafm]

Was there ever any discussion/possibility of developing this in the shipyards area.  I'm sure this is covered ground but am new to the scene so any info would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

No.
Furthermore, certain leaders in this city listen to Ben Carter about his thoughts on the future of the Shipyards site.  Carter is an intelligent man, who understands commercial development very well, and who definately sees the bigger picture.  All you need to know is if you ask Mr Carter if he would personally fund his vision of the Shipyards site, the answer is 'no'.

Certain leaders in this city think Class A office space is destined for this property.  I say its a pipe dream without massive public assistance.

I think certain leaders should read some of the studies they pay to produce.  One such study gives a virtual playbook for the site, but we tend to ignore such ideas.  Not quite sure if its b/c of negligence, or more sinister ulterior motives.

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

I think the prudent question would be to ask the Publix brass what their plans are for putting a store downtown.  With out going off of anything more than a vague memory, doesn't Publix pave the way for infrastructure and development.  Their land group and marketing group are almost deitified for being able to find 'throw away' land and then bring the developers to them.

I say, "Ask Publix."

[thelakelander]

That question was asked at an Lakeland Chamber visit to Jax that Metro Jacksonville spoke at a few years back.  Publix CEO's answer was about 20,000 residents living in the area (and that's when the market was booming).  That means DT has 18,500 more people to convince to come.  In other words, get used to Winn-Dixie or a much smaller grocer set up to serve a niche market.

[fieldafm]

The only plans Publix has for the urban core is the St Joe/Regency development in San Marco.  Which contrary to rumors otherwise is not dead... just very much delayed and waiting on certain stars to align.

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

That question was asked at an Lakeland Chamber visit to Jax that Metro Jacksonville spoke at a few years back.  Publix CEO's answer was about 20,000 residents living in the area (and that's when the market was booming).  That means DT has 18,500 more people to convince to come.  In other words, get used to Winn-Dixie or a much smaller grocer set up to serve a niche market.

Exactly, when the market was booming.  Now that the market is on life-support....  They have 'IT' when it comes to getting in ahead of everyone.  I know that you can make more money by purchasing than you can by selling, and Publix seems to follow that mantra also.  That's why they seem to get in and anchor so many developments before they're developments (Oakleaf, John's Creek, World Golf Village, Baymeadows @ 9A.....) So I guess to re-phrase my question, "Ask Publix, NOW, what their plans are for DT."  I think that their answer would give 10x the insight on the future of DT development than 1B in feasiblity studies.

[thelakelander]

^They didn't have plans during the good times and they definitely don't have plans now, for the Northbank.  The demographics don't work.  However, they do have plans for an urban core store at Hendricks and Atlantic Blvd (San Marco).  Imo, it would be cheaper to strengthen the mass transit connections between San Marco and Riverside with downtown than it would be to subsidize retailers in the Northbank.  Reliable fixed transit would immediately allow Northbank workers and residents connectivity with vibrant spots like Five Points and San Marco Square.  In return, the money invested in public infrastructure would attract additional development between these areas, eventually pulling them all together as one large walkable district.

[spuwho]

^They didn't have plans during the good times and they definitely don't have plans now, for the Northbank.  The demographics don't work.  However, they do have plans for an urban core store at Hendricks and Atlantic Blvd (San Marco).  Imo, it would be cheaper to strengthen the mass transit connections between San Marco and Riverside with downtown than it would be to subsidize retailers in the Northbank.  Reliable fixed transit would immediately allow Northbank workers and residents connectivity with vibrant spots like Five Points and San Marco Square.  In return, the money invested in public infrastructure would attract additional development between these areas, eventually pulling them all together as one large walkable district.

+1

Agreed.

[ProjectMaximus]

^They didn't have plans during the good times and they definitely don't have plans now, for the Northbank.  The demographics don't work.  However, they do have plans for an urban core store at Hendricks and Atlantic Blvd (San Marco).  Imo, it would be cheaper to strengthen the mass transit connections between San Marco and Riverside with downtown than it would be to subsidize retailers in the Northbank.  Reliable fixed transit would immediately allow Northbank workers and residents connectivity with vibrant spots like Five Points and San Marco Square.  In return, the money invested in public infrastructure would attract additional development between these areas, eventually pulling them all together as one large walkable district.

Someday...just hope it's in my lifetime!!

[Coolyfett]

Northbank gets no love.

[CS Foltz]

Until the City has a vision and the means to fund it.........won't happen!

[tufsu1]

Until the City has a vision and the means to fund it.........won't happen!

The City has vision plans my friend....including one for the Urban Core area (north of downtown) and one for downtown.