Hello from Berkman Plaza (Maybe)

[jagsfan32092]

Soon to be divorced guy here that is seriously considering purchasing a condo at Berkman Plaza.  I like the green space around it and there are some good deals to be made. I am tired of the daily, 50 mile round trip commute to work.  I will be now be only 3 miles and can't imagine what I can do with more free time. 

Does anyone on this board live in Berkman?  What is the population like in there?  Are there many kids (if there are, that would be a plus).  I've noticed quite of few of the condos in there are now for sale (beside the crappy economy), is there a reason for that?  Are they expecting a large assessment for any projects in the near future?  For those who live in the downtown core, what are the pros/cons?  I also like the San Marco and Peninsula but the green space in Berkman is a lot better and since Penisula and San Marco are new, I don't see many "deals" in there.     

Any information would be greatly appreciated.  I'm excited to be only minutes away from the Jags, Suns, concerts, plays, etc...

[mirmc]

I can't believe no one has posted a reponse yet! I don't live in the Berkman Plaza, but I do live downtown (in the Metropolitan lofts...for rent not sale). My fiance and I really love the area and of course the potential for the downtown area.

Best parts:
walking to the landing, river walk, chamblin's bookstore, the library, city hall meetings, cafe 331, london bridge, burrito gallery, bay street bars, dog park (in springfield), hola mexican restaurant, ((the pearl))...and the sporting facilities for baseball/football games
biking to springfield area for basketball, baseball field/soccer field, or to check out the historic area in general; biking to riverside area for the parks and venues
hopping on the skyway to go over the bridge to the southbank (and then walking about a mile) to get to the San Marco shops; especially the san marco theatre - it's pretty fab!
to sum that up...not driving is the best part! for me anyway. And there is always something to do.

Not so great part:
Smelling poo and urine occasionally while walking through some areas (mainly near blighted properties).
The occasional panhandler that wants money for dru...I mean food. Sometimes that's heart-breaking because you want to help...

[downtownjag]

Also in Metropolitan Lofts!  The Berkman is great piece of property with and there are some serious steals available in there right now!  Those deals will be gone soon, I don't know what your financial situation is but you may want to check out Churchwell Lofts, gorgeous property.

[thelakelander]

Have you checked out the Parks?  They aren't on the river, but there should be some pretty good deals there too.

[Driven1]

jagsfan - there are deals in all the buildings - just look at who has gone into foreclosure there (public record at downtown courthouse) and mail them a letter.  the effort will save you tens of thousands.

[Driven1]

ps - you notice so many for sale there b/c there are so many of all homes everywhere for sale right now.  it's called a buyer's market.  you should take your time and get the very best deal you can.  drive that price down.

[jagsfan32092]

I also checked out the Churchwell Lofts; it is a beautiful property.  It turns out, the sales guy is actually one of my current neighbors, small world.  If I could afford the 3 bedroom townhome style layout, that would be great.  The two bedroom, I like but wish it has a balcony.  I'm all for drinking coffee in the AM, watching the river view. 

[Noone]

Bumping this thread.

5 years later. Governor Scott, what should be the result of the Jim Love, Kevin Kuzel Berkman floating dock compromise (26') next to Shipyards III that was misrepresented by OGC during the 2013 FIND grant application process?

Councilwoman Boyer will also deserve statewide recognition in this 70 year old Catherine St. Waterfront Public Access Street end option that would allow immediate opportunity to our St. johns River our American Heritage River a FEDERAL Initiative in our newly created DIA zone.

DIA meeting 3 days out. 4/10/13 next meeting of the Jacksonville Waterways Commission 9:30 am council chambers.

I am Downtown and why you aren't.