Downtown Construction Update - August 2008

[Captain Zissou]

The more i look at that picture on the front page, the more I think the DuPont building is one pretty structure.  They also have done two different lighting schemes at night.  Last week they lit the glass pyramid at the top, and on Tuesday they had uplighting on all of the columns on the top floor.  If they combine the two it will make for an impressive display, despite its small size.

[Basstacular]

Wow, Reed and 101, talk about doom and gloom.  Being that I am someone who has said for the last two updates that this project is going forward, and looking at your posts you two really have no faith.  This project is going forward and will begin construction in the near future.  In actuality, the project has not been abandoned and the developer is working night and day to get it started.  The project has not lost a single contract as well.  I am not making this information up.  I receive this information because I am actively involved in this project and I cannot wait till construction resumes in the near future and see what you have to say. 

Here is an easy way to look at things.  If the developer had intentions to abandon this project, why in the world would he have paid a third party (CTS) to come in and demolish the rest of the garage and remove the debris.  That was not OSHA who did that, that was a company hired and paid for by the developer to do that.  How do you know new contracts have not been wrote since the accident?  I know what has happened to the existing contracts, new contracts and the level of interest in the project since the accident and believe me when I tell you, that I am encouraged and excited for construction to resume.

Also 101, according to OSHA, the garage contractor SPS made a mistake in pouring to much concrete and not following the engineers plans.

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=16211

Please try and keep the faith, even if it is only a small amount.

[reednavy]

I have some faith, but damn, finish already. I've grown fond of the tower crane forever there, and will no be happy to see it go. At least we'll have one right beside I-95 for the hospital expansion. I just wish JAX would've caught the high rise wave earlier, then we'd have an even better skyline. I will say this, glad the St. James wasn't built, very ugly, good ridence.

[Basstacular]

Good to hear total faith is not lost.  I know it is frustrating for many, look at me, I am professionally and personally invested in this project (buyer).  I am frustrated as well, but know with absolute certainty it will go froward and be finished.  This developer is one of the most repectable men I have been associated with and this has been his number one priority since the accident happened.

[Basstacular]

In regard to the Shipyards, I was dealing with a developer who has told me that his company will be taking over that land from LandMar and he had plans to go vertical with commercial space directly next to BP2.  He said he was in negotiations with LandMar to purchase the majority of their property and make it his priority to get that land developed ASAP.  He almost seemed to good to be true for Downtown advocates and then I was able to verify his legitimacy through his attorney.  I do not know specifics and hope to hear something about it in the near future.

[thelakelander]

For those oldschool metjax readers, whatever happened to Bishopgate??

Bishopsgate went up in smoke.  The developer could not pull it off.

[fhrathore]

what is this artisit mall on the northside?

[obie1]

The library project is exciting. they are smart to keep the public and arts involved while it moves forward, builds up a heap of good karma.

[simms3]

the city reclaimed the land from landmar, this is from a guy in commercial real estate at cbrichardellis.

[02roadking]

the city reclaimed the land from landmar, this is from a guy in commercial real estate at cbrichardellis.

today's Daily Record:

• More good news. LandMar has been informed there are no mechanics liens on the Shipyards property. The lien search was done by Chicago Title Insurance Company. LandMar is currently working on the bulkhead and Northbank Riverwalk extension phase of the multi-use development project.

[Lunican]

Here is a photo of the Shipyards taken July 11, 2008.



Enlarge

[brainstormer]

In my opinion the vacant blocks between Berkman Plaza 1 and the sports complex area are a huge part of why Downtown feels so disconnected.  The coffee plant is kind of an ugly hindrance, but if the riverfront was developed from BP 1 to Metro Park, it would do a lot for connecting our downtown with the huge crowds of the sports complex area.  The skyway extension or streetcar line would also help.  Like someone else said in an earlier post, I can't wait for the ground breaking of another huge project.  The shipyards would be great.

[apvbguy]

some random thoughts from reading the various posts
Move the jail, JSO, and don't build a new court house directly downtown, these facilties hamper the area and should be located in some fringe area. the skyway should be extended to the sports complex, that is a no brainer!
the skyway going out there would be a help by allowing people to park near d/t go to a game and then go out d/t after a game, anything that makes it easier for people to go d/t will help.
The more building the better, regardless of how pretty or not you think a building project is more people living and working downtown will create the critical mass needed to sustain progress for the area.
I know this conflicts with my first statement but Jails, cops and bail bond shops are not good for the area while residents and businesses are what will be the lifeblood of the area. Another blight is the bus station which should be relocated to the train station area.
more later

[JeffreyS]

I think the Maxwell House is pretty cool. Business is important to a vibrant downtown.

[avonjax]

What's the word on Novare? Are they still planning to build here?