Public Access Improvements for Northbank Riverwalk

[thelakelander]

From what I was told, they don't and won't have the money to extend it anytime soon.  I also wonder how ridership is coming along, since it now costs 50 cents each way.

[avonjax]

Let me clarify my statement....
I didnt mean an archway type sign over Riverside Avenue, I meant over that section of the Riverwalk under the Fuller Warren so when you are driving by you are aware that it's a unique section of the Riverwalk. I mentioned RAP because, correct me if I'm wrong, isn't that the border of Brooklyn and Riverside?
I just think the idea is a very good one but needs to be signed as such.

[thelakelander]

It definately needs something visual catching along Riverside Avenue, or else you'll miss it.  There's a pretty large parking lot between the actual artist mall area and the street.

[jeh1980]

I just want to ask. Is the Riverside a part of downtown? 

[thelakelander]

No.  Riverside is a part of the Riverside/Avondale Historic District.

[vicupstate]

Wasn't the paved area under the Main Street Bridge, between MOSH and Treaty Oak Park, supposed to be an outdoor farmers/flea market?  Today, outside of skateboarders, it sits empty most of the week.

Where is the "downtown" Greenville market located, in relation with the rest of that city's downtown destinations?  Is it visible from the street for people visiting or driving through the downtown core?  Is it within walking distance of existing retail shops, restaurants, etc. or is it as isolated as a site under the Fuller Warren?  Although I'd personally prefer one powerhouse market that's centrally located and offers everything, if a second smaller make-shift market is desired, it would be better off between the TU center and the Landing, Hemming Plaza or Hogan Street under the Skyway.  At least then, people visiting are exposed to existing retail shops and restaurants in the area, which is what creating and benefitting from urban synergy is all about.

I absolutely agree that there are better locations for somehting like this, but I had read years ago that that was the plan for the under the Fuller Warren Bridge area.  The best locatoin for a Jax DT Farmer's Market would be Laura Street between Hemming and the Landing. DVI use to do a Friday market under the Skyway, do they still?

Greenville's market is in the heart of Main Street corridor DT, so it is very visible.     

[thelakelander]

DVI's Friday market is held in Hemming Plaza.

[Ocklawaha]

Ideally, the Beaver Street market would have gone to DT or LaVilla or this location.  However, there is a Greenville Farmer's Market similiar to Beaver Street, and also a Saturday market DT. The one DT is much smaller and more of a niche market.

Both have local produce, but the atmosphere and the offerings are more upscale at the DT location.  Kind of how Publix differs from Winn Dixie.  Also, the DT market has fresh baked items, and home decor stuff too to help differentiate it.

Something missed in this is the REASON the food wholesalers and market is on Beaver Street at the union of all rail carriers. It's called freight rates. True, few if any still have rail service via sidings but they use the newer piggyback and container modes quite heavily. If they move away from the rails the freight rates can and will double or worse. One small Oklahoma City lost its rail service after a long fight and some dirty deals from the railroad itself. The Mayor told me the day the rail link was broken the rates for wheat and drill pipe went up 200%... Don't believe it? Call the manager, First National Bank, Fairview, Oklahoma.

There is still no reason a sattelite market couldn't be set up in any of these locations. Just not the main market and packing houses.

Love those new Parking Spaces! Trolley Fodder? Skyway Park-n-Ride? or .50 PCT replacement?


 
Here's a couple of Trolley Gateways that might make for something cool over Riverside Avenue, just add streetcar and a BILLION DOLLARS of new development. BTW we had such a "gateway" at the foot of Broadway(?) at the waterfront. But of course, we tore it down.


Ocklawaha

[thelakelander]

Doubt it.  Like larger markets in Detroit, Cleveland and St. Louis, the rail sidings for the market were removed decades ago.  When relocation was discussed, the issue of rail proximity never came up.  Besides, the potential relocation sites mentioned on this site were pretty close to existing rail, as well, if track proximity would have been a major issue.

[Coolyfett]

Impressive!! Very Creative. Will the new out door auditorium be like the sea walk pavilion?

[Bike Jax]

I do love the way this part of the Riverwalk is taking shape. As an artist and as far the artist walk is concerned. With what little art that is purchased by the residents of Jacksonville. Not many artists can afford or are willing purchase the one million dollars liability insurance the city is going to require for artists to display their work there.

[Jason]

You need liability insurance to display art?!?!

[thelakelander]

• Looks like Riverside Arts Market is gearing up for business. It’s tentatively set to open March 14, 2009. Riverside Avondale Preservation, Inc. (RAP) has contributed to the hype by helping put on a contest for artists to design a logo for the market that will be stationed underneath the Fuller Warren Bridge structure. The winner will receive a free booth at the market for a month. The deadline is Nov. 12 and submissions should be sent to Doug Coleman at doug.coleman @ yahoo.com.

http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/citynotes.php

[thelakelander]

Coming soon: Northbank Riverwalk Square’s Artists’ Market

The Riverside Artists’ Market (RAM) that will be held underneath the Fuller Warren Bridge as part of the Northbank Riverside Walk has a tentative opening date: March 14, 2009.

“Things are going good,” said Council member Michael Corrigan of the renovations taking place on the artists’ market. “We’re in the permitting process.”

Though it’s still a tentative date, things are looking great as far as Corrigan is concerned.

RAM was modeled after the highly successful Portland Saturday Artists Market in Portland, Ore. and will feature only hand-made artwork by local artists in a covered area larger than the length of a football field. Its predecessor brings around 700,000 people to Portland per year.

full article: http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=51116

[jacksonvilleconfidential]

RAM will be in full swing sometime next year (expected in March of 09 as stated above). In the interim they are currently conducting a LOGO CONTEST.

Click the link below for all the details.

http://www.jacksonvilleconfidential.com/2008/10/riverside-arts-market-logo-contest.html