Southbank Riverwalk Plan Unveiled

[Fallen Buckeye]

In the future, I would also like to see a cafe added to MOSH, that would face and open up into the Friendship Fountain area.  As for the fabric awnings, they can be replaced with shade trees, imo.

That would be great to encourage the surrounding buildings to interact more with the Riverwalk. My understanding is that there used to be some sort of cafe at MOSH, but the kitchen has been really stripped down basically to just some coolers and a sink. When I went through there last it looked like a closet jammed with a lot of stuff, so I don't think this idea is anywhere on the near horizon. But there are some shops in the Gulf Life building that are halfway hidden. It took me forever to ever figure out they were there. Encouraging more building-riverwalk interaction would do a lot more to enhance the character of the riverwalk than some awnings or an ampitheater IMO.

Also, I'd like them to keep that sailor statue and add some more statues to boot.

[urbaknight]

I've been studying bing maps of DT, I'm looking at the block just west of my church. (Immaculate Conception) And all that's there is a parking lot and an ugly building on the SE corner. As it turns out, the building is valuebale and appropriate, it's a free clinic for the working uninsured.

I've been pondering that block and thought it would be a good idea to build a highrise apartment building for the disabled. Rent can be based on one's income. (like the YMCA is with its memberships)

I'm just thinking hypothetically right now. I don't know if the owner would sell the lot, how much he'd want for it, the measurements of the perimeter, etc.

There are lots of things to consider. I cannot possibly afford it. How can I go about getting donations? Who do I ask? Are there federal/state/local grants for such a project?

I think it's a worthwile project. Disabled people can live DT where they otherwise may not be able to afford to leave home. (SSI doesn't provied enough to live on independently) There would be some units with wide bathrooms and lowered sinks and counters for the wheelchair bound. Doorbells that flash a light when you press it for deaf people. Stoves can have raised markers on the knobs for the blind to be able to cook accurately. (don't worry we wont burn the place down) And of course, other adaptations for any other disability.

Again, I'm just pondering at this point. I don't know how and if I can make it happen. I'm sure I could get some people or companies to join in.

[fieldafm]

Yes, opening up MOSH to more interaction with Friendship Fountain would be great.  100% needed.
 
But one thing you all have to remember is that there once was a decent amount of retail fronting the Southbank Riverwalk.  But, since there isnt much for people to be drawn to the Southbank... most of all that retail went bust.  The two buildings at the foot of the Main Street Bridge were once different(one was a cafe-style restaurant serving hot dogs/ice cream, can't recall what the other one was).  There was retail in the spaces in front of the hotel-which was anchored by Chart House and Crawdadys(now demolished).  There used to be many festivals on the Southbank Riverwalk that activated people to visit these shops and River City(when it was Harbormasters) had a boisterous deck business on the weekends  Over the years, the Southbank just did not develop, the events left and the Riverwalk fell into disrepair(its current state).

Also, the Southbank Riverwalk is just not boating friendly.  It's infinately easier to dock at the floating docks at the Landing than it is to tie up to the fixed piers on the Southbank.  Frankly there is no reason for a boater to even travel to the Southbank as all the action is at the Landing anyway.

[Captain Zissou]

In the future, I would also like to see a cafe added to MOSH, that would face and open up into the Friendship Fountain area.  As for the fabric awnings, they can be replaced with shade trees, imo.

That would be great to encourage the surrounding buildings to interact more with the Riverwalk.

There is actually a space at the Peninsula that is supposed to house a restaurant on the riverwalk.  It's actually pretty sizeable (3,000 sqft or more).  I guess they are waiting on the economy to recover, because I don't think they really market the space as for lease.

[Julian]

When I was working with the Southbank buildings the developer of the Strand and Peninsula had advised that the space in the Peninsula was supposed to be some type of shop to service the planned marina that is/was going to be built directly in front. take out food/wine/bait/boating supplies and such. The issue with putting a restaurant in that spot would be access, I don't think the residents would want that much traffic in and around the building as it would leave opportunities for people to sneak into the building itself. In any situation, it would be nice to have something in that spot to help contribute to a contiguous synergy along the southbank. That and if the Wyndham store fronts can leased as well.

[thelakelander]

It would be nice if Charthouse added an outdoor seating deck along the riverwalk as well.

[Stunyard]

I think what we are forgetting here is that a pretty area by itself is rarely enough to attract the number of people to make it's upkeep viable. In my opinion there needs to be a variety of Retail businesses (cafes, Novelty stores, fashion stores and restaurants) that front on to the riverwalk and have alfresco dining possibilities.
My Wife's uncle had a store (Kiteriggers) on the SB Riverwalk years ago, but because of the small number of similar and complementing Retail businesses, it ceased to be a viable location and had to be closed.

I have seen this same idea work in several places around the world and it can be Fantastic, but it needs to be done right. the aesthetics of the new design are great, But people will be drawn by more than just a pretty path.

Consider this for ideas >> http://www.hillarysboatharbour.com.au/index.asp

[Wacca Pilatka]

Stephen, thanks for that history of the Riverwalk businesses that I somehow missed when it was posted.

I see what you mean with regard to access for sure.  Trying to get to the Riverwalk from the Skyway, or vice versa, or trying to get to the Prudential Dr. non-riverfront hotels from the water taxi stops, is remarkably confusing the first time one does it (and inconvenient).  And I find it bizarre at best that the Chart House doesn't have direct access from the Riverwalk.

Anyone have any history on the mini-mall that used to be between the Gulf Life building and the Crowne Plaza that was then known as the Sheraton?  I think it was called the Sheraton Gulf Shopping Mall.  There's a circa late 70s/early 80s photo of the Gulf Life Building in the back of Jacksonville's Architectural Heritage that includes it.

[rjp2008]

The idea for a park-style ampitheater is a great idea. Nearby the hotels it could easily draw people to  concerts there. Creating more public access to the riverfront is the goal after all.

The JEA site is the key though. Land a huge fish (major international company) to park their corporate headquarters and college there, and that Riverwalk would be CROWDED daily.

[Dapperdan]

There are tons of potential uses for the JEA site.I wish it could be an aquarium site or other such entertainment site with public access riverwlk in front of it.

[hightowerlover]

i think they should install a slip-n-slide into the river 

[iMarvin]

There defintely needs to be something that attracts a lot of people to the riverwalk. If not, it would kind of be a waste spending money on it with nobody using it.

[Tacachale]

There is absolutely no way an amphitheater will ever get built there. St. Nicholas residents were the ones leading the hue and cry against the Met Park amphitheater back in the 90s, because of the noise. And that was across the river from them; imagine what they'd say if it was even closer to them.

It's a pity, too, an amphitheater done right would be a nice mid-sized venue complimenting the Arena and the local clubs. The lack of such places in not only Jacksonville but most of the rest of the state prevents a lot of acts from even bothering to play in Florida.

[peestandingup]

I think an outdoor amphitheater on the river would be an amazing draw to the city, for both residents & visitors. There's certainly enough currently wasted space for one. I don't think the city quite realizes what it has there with the river running right through its downtown. It's badly underutilized IMO.

Something like the Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati comes to mind. Its an awesome venue (one of my favs actually). Lots of seating, big lawn, river in the background from the stage with boats passing by, etc. And it gets top acts too from a bunch of genres (something we don't get a lot of here for a town of this size).

[acme54321]

The JEA site is the key though. Land a huge fish (major international company) to park their corporate headquarters and college there, and that Riverwalk would be CROWDED daily.

Ding ding ding. 

There is already an outdoor venue on the other side of the river.  With PLENTY of parking for the masses.  What would make a duplicate venue on the southbank any better? 

What we need is someone to buy the JEA site and develop it into a dense business/mixed use area, anchored by some sort of serious business that employs a lot of people.  Then I could see the school board selling out for more development.

Hopefully the new Atlantic/I95 interchange will make the site look a little more promising to someone.