What Jacksonville residents want to see happen at the Landing

[thelakelander]

At the second public forum on the redevelopment of the Jacksonville Landing, there were the usual suspects: local political figures, Downtown activists and members of the media.

Small crowds gathered around tables and walls Wednesday night to look at some of the mock-ups that came out of the first planning session in June, when nearly 100 people contributed ideas for a redesign of the iconic waterfront site – from completing demolishing the outdated retail structure to adding elements like a cinema, public park or amphitheater.

Stakeholders surveyed the different plans, commenting on one aspect or another, and sometimes sharing those thoughts with members of the Downtown Investment Authority who worked their way through the room over the course of the two-hour charrette.

Full article: http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/blog/morning-edition/2015/07/what-jacksonville-residents-want-to-see-happen-at.html

[thelakelander]

On Wednesday, the Joshis and others caught a glimpse of those preliminary visions during a public charrette.

They saw sketches of a Landing with Laura Street opened up. A public greenspace similar to Hemming Park incorporated. A boutique hotel, a "cultural venue" and an eight-story main building that could house up to 300 residential units, retail and parking.

Rows of public walkways adorned with large shaded trees on either side. A new pedestrian ramp leading to the Main Street bridge, a tear-down of the vehicular one at the venue's doorstep.

Former City Council member Bill Bishop, an architect by profession, said he sees the components for a viable urban facility. But it looked similar to an idea largely rejected last year that spurred the current discussion.

Small changes could help, he said, like shifting the public park aspect to the end of Laura Street — opening it up even more.

Doris Goldstein, the DIA member liaison to the project, said she's heard others have Bishop's concerns about the look being too much like the old proposal. She's frustrated by that, given constraints to the site after key aspects like opening Laura Street and an influx of public space is incorporated. "This is an inviting, safe place," she said.

It's also one she thinks is economically viable, although she and others say it's too early to talk costs for such a project.

One concept sure to change is the dominance of retail at the site. Currently, it's about 100,000 square feet. Senkbeil said the new concept will be closer to 40,000 to 45,000 square feet.

Full article: http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=545840

[pierre]

The problem with the Landing has never been a lack of pictures of what it could be.

I won't be holding my breath for anything to actually happen.

[CCMjax]

I like this concept much better than the last.  It seems like a more interesting space and aesthetically a more appealing façade choice.  Kind of makes me think of a smaller and more modern twist to Nashville's riverfront.  I agree with Bishop, some minor tweaks, like maybe pull the main building back a little more away from the river to create even more green space.  I don't think it's perfect but I like it. 

[jaxnyc79]

Why is DIA doing this?  Is there really any chance of plans like this actually happening?  I'd imagine there may be money for opening up Laura Street to the River, but having residents give a grand vision for the Landing is an exercise in futility...or is this the 20-year plan for the Landing? 

Many months ago, Sleiman proposed something.  Why not give some tweaks, and then get it done?  With this kind of bureaucracy (a Town Hall for a downtown remodel), Downtown vibrancy is for the next century.  Sorry to be so negative - can you guys give me a reason to "believe?"

[simms3]

Omg a bunch of geriatrics.  What a fucking waste

[CCMjax]

Omg a bunch of geriatrics.  What a fucking waste

Ha ha ha!

[Crabernacle]

Omg a bunch of geriatrics.  What a fucking waste

But if we take their advice The Landing could have the premier shuffleboard facility in the Southeast. Entertainment would be provided by the finest in easy listening jazz, with the occasional rock song in it's quintessential form: Muzak. Nothing after 1957 though, that get's a little too heavy. Pair the entertainment with some fine dining, say a Famous Amos with dinner specials starting at noon. Enjoy an evening out before the sun even sets and still be home for the Matlock reruns. Landing: Saved. 

[UNFurbanist]

I gave the millennial perspective last night so don't worry. They took many of the old people's ideas with a grain of salt but really wanted to know my opinion. (Rockstar status being the only person there under 45... by a lot)

I have some renewed hope that this might actually be real. The price has to be right, of course, lets put that out there. But one of the architects was telling me that Sleiman is desperate to redevelop the site. He really wants to change the landing and make it a vibrant area again. ($$$) His original redesign was lackluster because at first he just wanted a quick fix but supposedly he has bought into the new process and is excited. The DIA obviously wants this very badly too because well that's their mission and they are directly involved because the city owns the land that the building sits on. This is also a pivotal project as the face of the city and not just a simple retrofitting.

As far as the architecture of the main building goes, someone described it to me as almost a place holder. The usage will be the same as rendered (mixed use, residential, bars, retail, restaurants, etc.) but they know it needs to be more iconic so that is something they will dive into further after this public meeting. Everyone brought that up so they definitely know. I think the final design will be just as tall but more rounded and maybe with some type of sail feature to be a real symbol of 21st century Jacksonville. Cool stuff over all.

[Todd_Parker]

I don't see any parking garage on the rendering. Or did I miss it?

[thelakelander]

^It's inside of the 8 story building.

[thelakelander]

I gave the millennial perspective last night so don't worry. They took many of the old people's ideas with a grain of salt but really wanted to know my opinion. (Rockstar status being the only person there under 45... by a lot)

I have some renewed hope that this might actually be real. The price has to be right, of course, lets put that out there. But one of the architects was telling me that Sleiman is desperate to redevelop the site. He really wants to change the landing and make it a vibrant area again. ($$$) His original redesign was lackluster because at first he just wanted a quick fix but supposedly he has bought into the new process and is excited. The DIA obviously wants this very badly too because well that's their mission and they are directly involved because the city owns the land that the building sits on. This is also a pivotal project as the face of the city and not just a simple retrofitting.

As far as the architecture of the main building goes, someone described it to me as almost a place holder. The usage will be the same as rendered (mixed use, residential, bars, retail, restaurants, etc.) but they know it needs to be more iconic so that is something they will dive into further after this public meeting. Everyone brought that up so they definitely know. I think the final design will be just as tall but more rounded and maybe with some type of sail feature to be a real symbol of 21st century Jacksonville. Cool stuff over all.

Yes, the mix of uses will be driven by the market.  They probably won't differ much from what Sleiman proposed last time (which wasn't a bad mix, btw). Ultimately, it will boil down the architectural design and integration of public space. Many people want "iconic".  It will be interesting to see what they eventually end up with.

[The_Choose_1]

The problem with the Landing has never been a lack of pictures of what it could be.

I won't be holding my breath for anything to actually happen.

OMG now this man is right on the money!