Urban Construction Update - April 2014

[Bill Hoff]

I like seeing all the work in the Springfield-Main Street area. As Main St. goes, so goes the neighborhood.

Not really. Main Street has been more or less stagnant for years, mostly due to the financial position key property holders are in. But the residential has continued to progress year after year. That's happened despite Main Street, not because of it.

In the past year or so you've seen some small new stuff come in. A vintage clothing store, uniform shop, etc. Feature 23 is temporarily renting out space until their office is renovated in Dowtown Jax, things like that. But nothing that you would deem "significant".

The irony is, is that there is A LOT of demand for decent commercial space in SPR, but little of it.

Off the top of my head, people are looking for the right spot to open an event/arts/after hours space, salon, dog rescue, beer garden, antique warehouse, PR office, home improvement office & warehouse, etc.

But decent space for the right dollar amount is hard to find.

[Tacachale]

Bill, what are SPAR's plans for redeveloping Main and getting businesses like that set up there? As much progress as we've seen, it's never going to achieve the vibe it could if every business keeps opening up on side streets.

[AuditoreEnterprise]

I like seeing all the work in the Springfield-Main Street area. As Main St. goes, so goes the neighborhood.

Not really. Main Street has been more or less stagnant for years, mostly due to the financial position key property holders are in. But the residential has continued to progress year after year. That's happened despite Main Street, not because of it.

In the past year or so you've seen some small new stuff come in. A vintage clothing store, uniform shop, etc. Feature 23 is temporarily renting out space until their office is renovated in Dowtown Jax, things like that. But nothing that you would deem "significant".

The irony is, is that there is A LOT of demand for decent commercial space in SPR, but little of it.

Off the top of my head, people are looking for the right spot to open an event/arts/after hours space, salon, dog rescue, beer garden, antique warehouse, PR office, home improvement office & warehouse, etc.

But decent space for the right dollar amount is hard to find.

Amen to that theory

[duvaldude08]

Bill, what are SPAR's plans for redeveloping Main and getting businesses like that set up there? As much progress as we've seen, it's never going to achieve the vibe it could if every business keeps opening up on side streets.

I agree. That section of main street is sad and I cant figure out why nobody will open there. Is the rent that being asked too much? I drove through and imagine that strip full of life, and just could not understand why it is so dead.

[Cheshire Cat]

Wow.  First let me say thanks for all the work and effort it takes to put these updates together.  I find much to be excited about going on in Jacksonville.  Some awesome stuff happening.  Does anyone know what the cross street is to the Laura Street apts being renovated?  Thanks.

[Bill Hoff]

Bill, what are SPAR's plans for redeveloping Main and getting businesses like that set up there? As much progress as we've seen, it's never going to achieve the vibe it could if every business keeps opening up on side streets.

No firm plans. There are helpful things that can done, but it's a market issue and largely out of any organizations hands.

[Bill Hoff]

Wow.  First let me say thanks for all the work and effort it takes to put these updates together.  I find much to be excited about going on in Jacksonville.  Some awesome stuff happening.  Does anyone know what the cross street is to the Laura Street apts being renovated?  Thanks.

Near W. 3rd Street. I had a sneak peek the other day, and they're really nice. The owners have won awards for their other projects in the neighborhood, and I would expect this one to continue that tradition.

Their properties can be found on www.urbanlivingjacksonville.com

[Cheshire Cat]

Thanks Bill.  I think this is a great project.  Looking forward to good things. 

[PeeJayEss]

The developers of the Lydia Street houses said they plan on building on the other side of the block and are going to be putting soccer fields in the middle.  There is also work being done (slowly) next to Snap Fitness on Oak.  They are currently working on two storefronts in the strip. 
Great updates and really pumped about all that is happening in Springfield.

The house on Lydia Street are done, though I'm not sure if they are moved into yet. The house on the Downing St side are under construction. Last I saw earlier in the week, two had foundations and one was going vertical. Doesn't look like they'll be fitting 7 houses in there, though, so I'm not sure if that number is accurate. Looks like 3 on each side, unless they have one going in on the cul-de-sac down Lydia.

[urbanlibertarian]

What's keeping 9th and Main from being developed?

[thelakelander]

The City of Jacksonville owns it and won't allow anyone to do anything with it.

[Tacachale]

Bill, what are SPAR's plans for redeveloping Main and getting businesses like that set up there? As much progress as we've seen, it's never going to achieve the vibe it could if every business keeps opening up on side streets.

No firm plans. There are helpful things that can done, but it's a market issue and largely out of any organizations hands.

I don't mean to criticize, but this is something I just don't get about Springfield. RAP and SMPS put a lot of focus on revitalizing the commercial districts in those neighborhoods. In fact, the efforts of SMPS are one of the main reasons San Marco Square is what it is today and now it's at a point that merchants can fund their own collective projects. Springfield as much as anywhere would really benefit from proactive attention to the commercial districts along those lines.

[IrvAdams]

The City of Jacksonville owns it and won't allow anyone to do anything with it.

Why not?

[AuditoreEnterprise]

Bill, what are SPAR's plans for redeveloping Main and getting businesses like that set up there? As much progress as we've seen, it's never going to achieve the vibe it could if every business keeps opening up on side streets.

No firm plans. There are helpful things that can done, but it's a market issue and largely out of any organizations hands.

Springfield, from the few places I have looked at, are either way too pricey and the owners wont budge or the owners are just sitting on the property.

For example the old ford or chevy place I can't remember exactly what the building was, but it is labeled as a janitorial supply store. They turned down a 600k offer for the property. And on the corner of main and state where the hotel was (it now resembles a parking garage...) they want 2 million for that. it's a little ridiculous honestly, but until the owners get the motivation to sell we will be in a pickle.

I don't mean to criticize, but this is something I just don't get about Springfield. RAP and SMPS put a lot of focus on revitalizing the commercial districts in those neighborhoods. In fact, the efforts of SMPS are one of the main reasons San Marco Square is what it is today and now it's at a point that merchants can fund their own collective projects. Springfield as much as anywhere would really benefit from proactive attention to the commercial districts along those lines.

[AuditoreEnterprise]

What's keeping 9th and Main from being developed?

is that the building with the brick puzzle pieces looking things on it?