DDRB approves changes at annex despite loss of sidewalk

[Steve]

Find out more. 03/28/2008

by David Ball

Staff Writer

The Downtown Development Review Board went back to its roots Thursday with some detailed discussions over design plans for two Downtown projects, resulting in one approval and one deferral.

The Jacksonville Economic Development Commission board, formerly the Design Review Committee, approved amendments to a design plan for the City Hall Annex being redeveloped by the Police and Fire Pension Fund. The DDRB tacked on several stipulations, including one to remove a large Pension Fund seal proposed for the exterior of the 1908 Henry Klutho-designed building on the corner of Laura and Duval streets (formerly known as the Haverty’s building). However, the board couldn’t get around one change that will narrow a portion of Downtown sidewalk.

Jason Pelletier of KBJ Architects said two new entrance ramps, required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), will block about 5 feet of sidewalk width along the east side of Laura Street. He said the ramps are needed because of a 6-inch step created when a concrete slab is poured on top of the existing, structurally unsound floor.

DDRB board members expressed discomfort with narrowing the sidewalk and even considered removing two parking spots along Laura Street to create more space.

“If every building in Downtown started doing this, we’d have a horrible streetscape,” said DDRB member Roland Udenze. “There’s got to be a better way to do it.”

One option was to move the ramp within the interior of the building entrance, to which Pelletier and City Chief of Building Inspection Thomas Goldsbury weren’t very receptive.

“We don’t even know who the tenant is yet, so I’d hate to take up that interior space,” said Goldsbury.

The board ultimately approved the change as presented. However, the DDRB voted unanimously to install a faux window on the Duval-side exterior where designers had proposed to put a plaque or some other signage.

Also, the board approved plans to install more narrow windows on the first floor, which was necessary due to the width of interior concrete support columns. Proposed street lamps were also asked to be moved for design symmetry and to minimize dark areas. Police and Fire Pension Fund officials last reported they expect the renovations to be complete by October.

While the DDRB had the necessary information to approve that request, the same couldn’t be said for an application by Stadium Tailgaters Parking to replace a single-wide trailer near Jacksonville Municipal Stadium that the company runs as a sales office for RV parking and tailgating in adjacent lots.

Jason Wade, operations coordinator for Tailgaters Parking, said owners wished to replace the 12-foot by 40-foot building with one 56 feet long and convert the old building into a bathhouse on another lot. Wade said the restroom and shower facility is required by the State Department of Health.

The plans also included some improvements to the exterior look of the trailer, such as teal and black paint to match the Jaguars colors, as well as new landscaping. However, the board members wanted to see more specific details regarding the design. Board member Jonathan Garza also wanted to hear future plans for the site and if the company planned to replace the modular building with something more permanent.

“I really don’t like the idea of another trailer Downtown,” he said. “It’s been there since the Jaguars have been there, probably. In my mind, that’s quite a while.”

The Board voted to defer the application until more information is presented at next month’s meeting.

Also at the DDRB meeting:

• Assistant General Counsel Jason Teal gave a presentation on state Sunshine Laws and public records policies. The board has to adhere to the laws after assuming some quasi-judicial duties and approval powers from the City Planning Commission.

• JEDC Deputy Director Paul Crawford and DDRB member Jim Bailey updated the DDRB on the recent formation of the Downtown Action Plan Committee and its efforts to coordinate events and promotions in Downtown. They said the DDRB might be to approve some projects and initiatives, such as added street signage during events.

[Steve]

What is with our infatuation of widening the sidewalk at the expense of parking?  Are we still this backwards?

[reednavy]

I'd say so. This city is practically stupid in a sense, wtf are these people smokin, stuff that is found on the Northside, namely area adjacent north of Springfield?! I'm tellin you, for the 12th largest city, 3rd on the Eastern Seaboard, its a lame excuse for a city. It's basically a bunch of sprawled neighborhoods that decided to go under one common name and try and call it " The Bold New City of the South"

[thelakelander]

Is the building's finished first floor level significantly higher than the existing exterior sidewalk?  In any event, they should take advantage of the dead space created by the ramps by using them as sidewalk vendor locations.  Wide sidewalks are overrated if you don't use them for anything.

One option was to move the ramp within the interior of the building entrance, to which Pelletier and City Chief of Building Inspection Thomas Goldsbury weren’t very receptive.

“We don’t even know who the tenant is yet, so I’d hate to take up that interior space,” said Goldsbury.

Are they incorporating street level retail space into the building now?

[tufsu1]

I think the "tenant" still refers to COJ....there is no definitiove answer on which departments are moving there