The Bullbriar Restaurant at Marble Bank

[tufsu1]

Looks cool. So where are we with COJ?

^ DIA has many incentive projects teed up right now.  But frankly, they can't do much until City Council passes the CRA Plan.  It was sent to them months ago.

[hightowerlover]

This reminds me a lot of Aubri Lane's in Milledgeville, another example of a bank converted into a restaurant.  They used their vault as a cellar with a private dining room.

http://youtu.be/3Qsz99_6eak

[blizz01]

So this will be in addition to Cowford Chophouse?

[KenFSU]

So this will be in addition to Cowford Chophouse?

Yep, different building, different investors, different chef.

[fieldafm]

DIA has many incentive projects teed up right now.  But frankly, they can't do much until City Council passes the CRA Plan.  It was sent to them months ago.

It would be misleading to suggest that the CRA money before Council will be used and/or is the main holdup to the Laura Trio project moving forward. COJ would do this outside of that particular pool of money.

CRA money is a seperate issue all together, and shouldn't muddy up the conversation regarding the Trio.

[For_F-L-O-R-I-D-A]

This area will actually feel like a real city. This needs to get done above all other projects.

[Marle Brando]

I hope this project moves forward as planned. I love how Southeast seems to have everything lined up, signing leases, and announcing whats coming to the development. I think this will ratchet up the pressure on the city to not sit on their hands and do something. Like someone said earlier, its a NO BRAINER. We cannot afford to let this opportunity pass us by especially in the core. THIS is exactly the boost needed to reinvigorate the core. Fine dining will hopefully pull some of the SJTC faithful downtown and once there they will discover the core.

[tufsu1]

CRA money is a seperate issue all together, and shouldn't muddy up the conversation regarding the Trio.

oh but it will.

[jcjohnpaint]

I hope this project moves forward as planned. I love how Southeast seems to have everything lined up, signing leases, and announcing whats coming to the development. I think this will ratchet up the pressure on the city to not sit on their hands and do something. Like someone said earlier, its a NO BRAINER. We cannot afford to let this opportunity pass us by especially in the core. THIS is exactly the boost needed to reinvigorate the core. Fine dining will hopefully pull some of the SJTC faithful downtown and once there they will discover the core.

It is a no brainer, but I don't remember council too often making 'brainer' decisions. 

[Marle Brando]

^ Very nice. Before Jacksonville's potential is noticed nationally, it has to be tapped locally first by locals investing home and capitalizing off that potential and unique culture here. Good vibes a comin', Jax is def turning a page, next chapter please

[CityLife]

I hope this project moves forward as planned. I love how Southeast seems to have everything lined up, signing leases, and announcing whats coming to the development. I think this will ratchet up the pressure on the city to not sit on their hands and do something. Like someone said earlier, its a NO BRAINER. We cannot afford to let this opportunity pass us by especially in the core. THIS is exactly the boost needed to reinvigorate the core. Fine dining will hopefully pull some of the SJTC faithful downtown and once there they will discover the core.

Without having any firsthand knowledge, I think you hit the nail on the head with their strategy of releasing the tenants. It is going to be much harder now for COJ to not give the necessary incentives for the project.

Elevated Southern food is definitely hot these days. Combine that with a fantastic space, and this could really turn into one of Jax's signature restaurants. Can't wait to see renderings of the interior.

[BoldCityRealist]

I've had conversations with many of those engaged in raising Jacksonville's profile nationally. The missing strategic element is that singular identity that the city can coalesce around - I think food may hold the key. If we can make Jacksonville a regional attraction for dining, this will only further enhance arguments the Chamber and others make for large scale business relocations to the city, not just blue collar, but highly educated, culturally savvy white collar jobs.

A vibrant downtown, with multiple unique restaurants in unique, historic venues, all sharing our beautiful river as the unifying geographic element is compelling quality of life argument. Laura Street will be not just benefit those fortunate enough to stay in the hotel or eat at the restaurants, but the city as a whole in attracting more taxpayers to the city, raising QOL for all.

[BoldCityRealist]

Also, bring the dining and entertainment and hopefully long dormant residential developments will get some traction again and satisfy the pent-up demand for downtown housing...

[I-10east]

Bullbriar's developer is hoping to get 8 million from the city.

http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=544561

[ProjectMaximus]

Bullbriar's developer is hoping to get 8 million from the city.

http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=544561

This shocked and frightened me for a moment, but it turns out it's just Atkins and the Southeast group's request for the whole project.