Haydon Burns Library reopens as Jessie Ball DuPont Center

[MusicMan]

The Jessie Ball DuPont Center hosted an open house today at it's new home inside the renovated Haydon Burns Library. This seemed to me to be an important step in the right direction for downtown Jax. Sort of thought it would have been covered by MetroJacksonville. I did not see any coverage of the event at all.

Any thoughts?

[thelakelander]

I'm glad to see it reopened. I personally couldn't cover it because I had a deadline associated with my job. It, and many others like it, are required and needed steps for bringing life back to downtown.

[MusicMan]

It turned out great. I am under the impression it was done with private money, no city funds were involved. Perhaps you  know.

It's definitely worth visiting and taking some pics when you get an opportunity.

[IrvAdams]

Is there a public access area inside or is it all private development office space? I'd like to go by and take a look, just wondering if it will all be locked up after hours or weekends.

[MusicMan]

As far as I could tell you are welcome to walk right in. There is a receptionist at a small desk inside the main entrance.

There is a space for a cafe, but it has not been filled. From the conversations I had it will serve the public and the folks who work there.

It has street level covered area for outdoor seating on the corner (sort of) across from Burrito Gallery.  Looked like a large portion of the main

floor is open and would be a great place to sit and read a book.  Also has a "open office" work station area where you can rent a cubby and

conduct your business.  As you can imagine, a photo tour would be helpful.

[Bill Hoff]

It's gorgeous inside.

[copperfiend]

From the pictures I have seen on Twitter, it looks great. Would love to see it soon in person.

[Noone]

200 free taxpayer subsidized parking spots for 5 years associated with this.

Visit Jacksonville!

Show your license plates!

[marksjax]

I can't recall where I read it but I think the number was around $30 million for this buildings re-hab and build out to be completed.
The DuPont Trust has that kind of money obviously. But still that is an eye opener size number to me anyway.

And if that cost number is correct it show us exactly why re-habbing old buildings and bringing them up to code is not real attractive financially to a for profit developer. The numbers just don't work.

Having said that, we are lucky to have them there and should be grateful for their efforts to renew one of our icons.

[MusicMan]

The Wikipedia entry for Haydon Burns is pretty useful and quotes a $20 million renovation budget.

[marksjax]

That makes sense. I think the $30 mil included purchase price as well as site work prior.
Either way, that's a lot of dough.