Intuition Ale Works Moving Downtown

[bencrix]

LEED?  The greenest building is one that is already built.  Thanks, Ben!

While the point I believe you are making -- that re-using existing buildings is more sustainable than building new -- is undeniable, your statement implies that there are no opportunities for improvement in existing buildings.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Major renovations provide excellent, cost-effective opportunities to drive down costs, improve occupant health & productivity and minimize environmental impact.

Since you previously expressed thanks for my commentary, may I suggest you check out LEED or Green Globes for Existing Buildings -- or even the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager program? 

[bencrix]

If the elevated highway was demolished all the way to the stadium so it was just an off/on ramp to bay street it would open up so much valuable real estate in that area.  I think that is one of the keys for continued progress in the sports complex/shipyards area.

How much life is left on that elevated highway? It shouldn't be replaced, that is for sure.

That said, it certainly makes for a great "roof" for tailgating.

[thelakelander]

Its not even 50 years old. It probably has a couple of decades of life left in it.

[thelakelander]

...the vast nothingness in-between that building & the Landing.

Who cares about the Landing?  It's only about a half-mile to other venues on Bay Street across from the old Courthouse.

Because like it or not, thats the major central part of downtown with all the businesses there, around Laura, the Riverwalk, Skyway, etc. Or did you just wanna rely on the bleed over (IE scraps) of the mostly weekend late-night bar crowds on Bay?

And have you ever walked that half mile in between those bars & the stadium complexes? Its not pleasant (and that's using kind wording). I don't imagine many people doing it just to go to a tap-room when there's other options around them that doesn't require walking through urban desert.

Like I said, I hope it does well & is able to draw people in, but I'd just feel better if that stretch in between didn't suck & there was activity there. This has been a sore spot in downtown for years & its just now getting some traction going. Yes, the Riverside location wasn't a pleasant walk either from the major areas on King & Post, but at least it was IN Riverside where people actually live, tons of other businesses, etc whether they were walking or driving, it was there. Right there.

People are already in Riverside, all day every day. Downtown? Not so much. Hope it changes, but thats where we're at now. It'll get better, esp with these types of businesses popping up & taking a chance, but they can't do it alone & the city needs to stop dragging their feet.

Jax's newest craft brewery and tap room is located in the back of a business park off Southside Boulevard and I-95 in Baymeadows. Because IAW is a manufacturing operation first and a taproom second, they should be fine. On the taproom side of things, this one will most likely end up being a lot more popular than the King Street location.

[fieldafm]

The armchair microbrewers are funny.

Two years after opening the new location, I think you'll see Ben knocking on Cigar City's doors saying 'Hey Joey, remember back in the day when you were the king of Florida microbrews?'

[urbanlibertarian]

I've been in the Hourglass Pub a few times.  I think they're doing ok so far.  I also think Intuition will do fine and probably help City Hall Pub do better.

Technically its now called Jacksonville Sports Tavern. Changed names after Ron Sholes brought in new management because the Giants and his other businesses were taking his time away from City Hall Pub.



Thanks for the correction.

[fieldafm]

Technically its now called Jacksonville Sports Tavern.

Jacksonville Sports Tavern is leased and operated by former First Street Grille management and staffers. They now operate under limited hours (mainly when there are events going on at the Arena and the Baseball Grounds.

Good people.

[Tacachale]

...the vast nothingness in-between that building & the Landing.

Who cares about the Landing?  It's only about a half-mile to other venues on Bay Street across from the old Courthouse.

Because like it or not, thats the major central part of downtown with all the businesses there, around Laura, the Riverwalk, Skyway, etc. Or did you just wanna rely on the bleed over (IE scraps) of the mostly weekend late-night bar crowds on Bay?

And have you ever walked that half mile in between those bars & the stadium complexes? Its not pleasant (and that's using kind wording). I don't imagine many people doing it just to go to a tap-room when there's other options around them that doesn't require walking through urban desert.

Like I said, I hope it does well & is able to draw people in, but I'd just feel better if that stretch in between didn't suck & there was activity there. This has been a sore spot in downtown for years & its just now getting some traction going. Yes, the Riverside location wasn't a pleasant walk either from the major areas on King & Post, but at least it was IN Riverside where people actually live, tons of other businesses, etc whether they were walking or driving, it was there. Right there.

People are already in Riverside, all day every day. Downtown? Not so much. Hope it changes, but thats where we're at now. It'll get better, esp with these types of businesses popping up & taking a chance, but they can't do it alone & the city needs to stop dragging their feet.

Jax's newest craft brewery and tap room is located in the back of a business park off Southside Boulevard and I-95 in Baymeadows. Because IAW is a manufacturing operation first and a taproom second, they should be fine. On the taproom side of things, this one will most likely end up being a lot more popular than the King Street location.

Yeah, this is too funny. Most breweries are located in industrial areas, because they're industrial sites. And many of those have proven that people will come out to visit their taprooms or take tours. The new location will be a lot more central and easy to access for people from Springfield, San Marco, Southside and Arlington - and it's pretty close to Riverside too. When your needs include a 20,000+ square foot industrial warehouse, this is just about the best conceivable location you could get.

[Dog Walker]

LEED?  The greenest building is one that is already built.  Thanks, Ben!

While the point I believe you are making -- that re-using existing buildings is more sustainable than building new -- is undeniable, your statement implies that there are no opportunities for improvement in existing buildings.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Major renovations provide excellent, cost-effective opportunities to drive down costs, improve occupant health & productivity and minimize environmental impact.

Since you previously expressed thanks for my commentary, may I suggest you check out LEED or Green Globes for Existing Buildings -- or even the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager program? 

No criticism of LEED standards intended!  I live in a 1928 building that has been upgraded to LEED standards so am well aware of the possibilities of making an old building much more energy efficient.  Thanks to upgraded windows, insulation, solar hot water and solar panels, my electric bill last month was $85 and it was HOT!

It's just more efficient to start with an old masonry building.

[bencrix]

It's just more efficient to start with an old masonry building.

You're right. I hope Intuition's lease contemplates the kinds of upgrades that were made to your building.

My understanding is that many microbrews are paying a lot of attention to these things, thereby adding value to their businesses and brands, e.g. (among many others): http://www.newbelgium.com/Sustainability/Environmental-Metrics.aspx.

[CityLife]

It's just more efficient to start with an old masonry building.

You're right. I hope Intuition's lease contemplates the kinds of upgrades that were made to your building.

My understanding is that many microbrews are paying a lot of attention to these things, thereby adding value to their businesses and brands, e.g. (among many others): http://www.newbelgium.com/Sustainability/Environmental-Metrics.aspx.

Good ideas. You should reach out to Intuition and offer to point them in the right direction if they are interested.

[Dog Walker]

Ben is way ahead of us thinking about these things.  He's a planner and doesn't do anything without a lot of thought and care.

[mtraininjax]

Wow. They really are the perfect place to go into this building. They have a very strong following, and they need brewing space. The challenge in the sports complex is major stadium events only happen 14 times a year, but because of their following, they can survive on Friday nights where nothing is going on. Nice proposal from Ben and the team there.

Good points here, but here are a few more. Anyone notice that Bold City is NOT moving downtown? Instead, they are expanding where they are located. I know Intuition tried to expand, but could not due to neighborhood issues. And like several good points on the board, they really are a looking to grow the brewing volume, rather than the tap room. Operating a bar is not what the beer business is all about. Its nice icing, but the cake is their beer.

If they can get that whole sports area going, good for them. The old City Hall Pub has been a dud since the day in opened. Bad food, bad management, bad everything, juju too! Article in the Times Union said they plan to close down the operations in Riverside or maybe turn it into a leased brewing operation. Interesting.

However, I feel that Intuition is leaving its roots, when they close shop in the Riverside Avenue, I'll have more options other than their beer, so when they say goodbye to our area, I will say goodbye to them as well. I hope they can make it with more than the few events a year in a ghost town area, at least in Riverside, you had neighborhoods of people and supporters. Its a bold step, Intuition is the only one out there thinking that this is a good move.

Time will tell.

[thelakelander]

Their not the only one. They tried to grow in Riverside and could not. It is what it is. Nevertheless, in the grand scheme of things, Riverside is a pretty small neighborhood, when compared to the rest of the county. They'll be able to produce more product, keep most of their loyal following and attract others who weren't making the trek to Riverside.  When it's all said and done, they'll be just fine.

[Noone]

^ for me it will be 0.7

This is better

Launching a kayak from Hogans Creek even better.