Infill Retail Proposed for Southbank

[Riverrat]

Wow...so many great things happening this week. This is a great project. Perfect for the area.

[thelakelander]

I'm sitting at the DDRB meeting.  This project is now up for discussion.

[thelakelander]

The presentation of this project is being given by a representative from KBJ Architects. Baptist continues to expand into the Aetna Building so developer envisions this project serving both Baptist and Aetna employees and visitors. No extra parking is envisioned because the intent of the project is to serve people already in the area that use existing facilities.

[thelakelander]

Dunkin Donuts has expressed interest in the project.

[thelakelander]

Roland Udenze wants them to bring color samples when they come back for final approval. Chris Flagg suggests if there is an opportunity to make the building stand out from the garage, the applicant should take advantage of it. He also suggests making the patios on the end larger.  He thinks they could be great outdoor spaces.

[thelakelander]

The DDRB has approved the conceptual design of this project.

[Jason]

Thanks for the play-by-play, Lake.  I agree with the request for larger patios.

[vicupstate]

This is a nice addition, but why not add 4,5 or 6 more floors and cover up that garage view. 

Could be doctor's offices, apartments, Extended stay or boutique hotel.  Land is at a premium in this area already. 

Maybe the foundation is being built such that it could be added later?  Seems a waste to just put a single story building there.  Each floor could have same floor garage access too, I would think.

[simms3]

^^^ask downtownjag about land prices in that area, he is in that business I believe.  Numbers he threw out earlier for Jax and DT in particular shocked me (basically there is no value in land anywhere in Jax...retail near SJTC is most expensive and it's still what I would call a giveaway)

Plus...this particular land could already be owned by whoever owns the garage.  I wouldn't be surprised if the developers of the retail are on a ground lease, thus making both parties happy (or is the owners of the garage doing this?).  There's no value in more than they propose, MOB for additional doctor's offices need a much more sophisticated building and fully customizable space.

[thelakelander]

The developer already owns the land, garage and the Aetna building.

[thelakelander]

Looking at the Aetna Building's website, does anyone know anything about the Shoppes of Aetna?

The Shoppes of Aetna

Coming soon! The best building in downtown is about to get even better. Construction is underway on the brand-new Shoppes of Aetna featuring unique shopping, delicious dining options like The Two South Cafe, and powerful business facilities. Check back here in the future for the latest news and updates on progress.

http://www.aetnabuilding.net/

[vicupstate]

There's no value in more than they propose, MOB for additional doctor's offices need a much more sophisticated building and fully customizable space.

Why couldn't the additional floors be just as 'sophisticated' or 'customized' as they need to be? 

Given that  the additional parking is already provided, and that this is in extremely close proximity to thousands of workers, patients and visitors, how is a one story building the highest and best use? 

[jcjohnpaint]

It would have to be old given the drawing of the st john tower to the rt, which has been dead for some time. 

[thelakelander]

^That site plan says "future" tower.  During their presentation last week, South Shore mentioned the future marina and tower site.  Sounds like they still eventually plan some sort of infill on the site of the dead St. Johns condo tower, when a feasible opportunity presents itself.

[Coolyfett]

Now, if we can just get that pedestrian bridge built from the Skyway station, we will be in business.

What bridge exactly??