7-Eleven: Can Convenience and Aesthetics Co-exist?

[MusicMan]

None of those pictures looks even remotely like the quiant setting of The Shoppes of Avondale.

I walked from my home up and around that location tonight and thought as I walked past that corner lot, "This will not improve the Shoppes. That is such a special area in the Historic neighborhood. This is
not an improvement."

Sorry that's my humble opinion.

[thelakelander]

So you're saying that its impossible to make a 7-Eleven look like and address the sidewalk like The Brick?  If I had the time and energy, I'd play around with some exterior examples in photoshop.  From an architectural standpoint, they both would have some sort of exterior skin (brick perhaps?), windows, signage, an entrance and outdoor seating.  We as a community have complete control over what these things can look like.

[Gators312]

The Parker's in Savannah -- http://parkers19.com/ - Would be a great addition to the Shoppes.

It was said in the other thread on this subject. 

There is a myriad of hot foods, great wine selection, and gifts that you wouldn't see in a normal convenience store.

I really think the model would thrive and add to the neighborhood, if that's how 7-11 does it. 

Anyone who has been into the Parker's there on Drayton would agree imo.

Sure a fountain would be great and aesthetically pleasing, but why does that owner have to sacrifice his property for what a few consider the greater good? 

If the proposed development isn't what the neighborhood wants., why not all of the other Shoppes owners, and concerned neighbors help RAP purchase the property and let the neighborhood decide what goes there?

[JeffreyS]

Here are some chain stores with Avondale curb appeal.

[MusicMan]

I hope they build the most appropriate structure they can there. I hope it is beautiful and "connects" from  'town to The Brick. I am not opposed to development of that lot, I just wish it was not a 7-11.

I remain hopeful that I will be impressed and glad that it gets done quickly and by a local builder/contractor who has a great reputation.  One thing is for sure, in a year or two we will know.

[JeffreyS]

I think we all would prefer a perfect little bodega with some convenience items.

[north miami]

all manner of viable influences have been flung towards RAP and rejected over the decades.

it's not about "modern 7 11" but rather more about us.

Now if a new age Avondale Seven 'leven will somehow boost property values I would be all in favor....it is apparent we are going to have to get all we can get in order to sell and move to preferred better place.

[north miami]

So you're saying that its impossible to make a 7-Eleven look like and address the sidewalk like The Brick?  If I had the time and energy, I'd play around with ......

Lake,you have your affections,hands on the pulse of too many subjects.
Leave this corner of Duval County alone please.

[north miami]

I think we all would prefer a perfect little bodega with some convenience items.

If only the former owners of the Convenience store two addresses down (present day Prudential Reality,past pet store)had known of the winning business plan

[JeffreyS]

I am not proposing that NM my point was more that your don't always get your absolute first choice. I guess I should have referenced some of my earlier posts to make it clear.

[thelakelander]

Lake,you have your affections,hands on the pulse of too many subjects.
Leave this corner of Duval County alone please.

lol, my passion for Jacksonville is too deep now to just stand quietly on the sidelines. 

it's not about "modern 7 11" but rather more about us.

This is what I'm trying to point out here.  It is about us....and what we have control over.  7-Eleven is only being used as an opportunity to make a point.  We as residents and the city don't control the market.  However, we do have 100% control over how private development is built, designed and layed out within our municipal boundaries.  I hope for the day that we can recognize this as a whole and address ALL projects with a holistic approach.  If we applied half the energy we put in fighting things we can't control in modifying and enforcing policy, Jacksonville would be on another economic tier by now.

[dougsandiego]

If a  development is not what the neighbourhood wants, then the development code should be changed to reflect the community's desires. Of course, then the community has to ensure that weak-kneed politicians so not try to over-ride adopted community plans.

Urban real-estate comes with restrictions (zoning codes) and opportunities (concentrated consumer bases). Owners know what they are getting when they buy a property. Communities do not have to buy out unhappy owners, just educate them on the possibilities their property offers.

We have an excellent example here in San Diego of a new, Von's supermarket finally under construction after 20-years of corporate attempts to bypass the Uptown Community Plan's urban design guidelines. The company wanted a supermarket surrounded by a parking lot and a 150 foot loading dock fronting Washington Street (a reviving pedestrian corridor). They finally saw that the community was not going to budge, and now a large, modern market with enclosed parking and a line of new shop spaces along Washington Street is under construction and scheduled to open in early 2012. The lesson is to formulate your community plan and stick to it.

[north miami]

California communities typically exhibit that certain something difference,outlook and empowerment.

[thelakelander]

Why can't Jax?  Why must we as residents continue to accept the minimum?

[GayLA]

.because Jacksonville will and always will be a GOP city...a big "ole" elephant!! Lazy, really large, and scared of something so little