Wells Fargo opens new branch in Downtown Jacksonville

[Tacachale]

Wells Fargo customers have another place to do their business in Downtown Jacksonville.

The third largest bank in Northeast Florida, with $6.1 billion in local deposits, opened a new branch in the Wells Fargo Center in Downtown Jacksonville today at 1 Independent Drive. The new location has two envelope-free ATM’s.

The opening of the new branch is the company's final move from the Enterprise Center to the Wells Fargo Center, where more than 375 employees work.

Customers can reach the first floor branch through the Bay Street, Independent Drive and Laura Street entrances.

From Michael Clinton at the Jacksonville Business Journal

http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2011/12/12/wells-fargo-opens-new-store-in.html

This may not be the most exiting of news stories, but it's an important move and the kind of small scale addition that can have a huge impact on improving Downtown.

This adds a bank storefront to the Wells Fargo Center. It allows passersby to see that there is indeed something on the ground floor of the building and that it's open to the public. A number of our downtown towers actually have first floor retail and food, but you'd never be able to tell from the street. One thing that struck me about Downtown Orlando is that the buildings expose retail like this, and I think it has really helped their impressive downtown revival.

[thelakelander]

^To me, this is the type of development we should be focusing on in the short term.  Working with existing property owners and business to better integrate their establishments with the street will have a major impact on downtown vibrancy at an affordable price tag.  I'd say this is more important than coming up with +$100 million for a new convention center.

[Tacachale]

Well, I think big projects are important too, but to put in in perspective, I believe a lot of this bank storefront was paid for with the Laura Street facade grant, which was like $50,000 in public money for all the projects. Imagine what could be done if we spent even $10 million on stuff like this in key parts of downtown.

[fsujax]

I am wondering what is going on with the other facade improvements projects? also, i have a recommentation. The CVB office is on the ground floor of the Greenleaf Crosby Building, beautiful historic building with two large flag poles hanging over the sidewalk. Why in the name of whoever, can they never hang flags from them? I notice this with a lot of buildings Downtown. 11E is another one, corner of Main and Bay. Just put some flags out, it would make it appear that there is some life!

[thelakelander]

Well, I think big projects are important too

They are very important but when we have limited resources we have to learn how to prioritize.  For too long, we've ignored the little affordable things in favor of focusing too much on expensive one trick ponies with more sex appeal.  I'd like to see a little more balance going forward to get better utilization out of our limited financial resources.

[Wacca Pilatka]

I am wondering what is going on with the other facade improvements projects? also, i have a recommentation. The CVB office is on the ground floor of the Greenleaf Crosby Building, beautiful historic building with two large flag poles hanging over the sidewalk. Why in the name of whoever, can they never hang flags from them? I notice this with a lot of buildings Downtown. 11E is another one, corner of Main and Bay. Just put some flags out, it would make it appear that there is some life!

Sounds like a fine idea to me.