Last Remaining Tenet at Unity Plaza Closes Up Shop

[thelakelander]

A poor layout or one that relies on density and foot traffic that won't be in Brooklyn any time soon would account for the failure of spaces in limited visibility from Riverside Avenue. Brixx's location, not so much.  The visibility from the street there is just as good as anyone else's. This means it's more likely a situation with the business and the product itself or the rent is too high for what area is. Either way, a more proven concept in the market that does not have a presence in the downtown area (i.e. Waffle House, etc. ;-) would likely fare much better.

[civil42806]

But this was such a wonderful design, it was beautiful, it was dare I say, I dare, I dare "a game changer"!!

https://www.metrojacksonville.com/forum/index.php/topic,20011.0.html

Just keep all this in mind when the next great thing comes down the pike that will just be the best thing since sliced bread.

[Kerry]

Let that be a lesson to us all - don't believe the hype or fall for the pretty drawings (cough Khan and Shipyards cough).  The only thing that matters is that it follows good urban design principles.  If it doesn't it won't be succesful.

[thelakelander]

I've been saying don't believe the hype for well over a decade now. Anything labelled a "game changer" will general end up in disappointment because people are sold on a dream that has high expectations that are impossible to meet.

[KenFSU]

My question is, where's all the private money going that was promised for Unity Plaza. Taxpayers chipped in $2.6 million, nearly twice what we've put in to improve and staff Hemming Park over the last three years, with the understanding that a portion of residents' rent would be set aside each month to staff and activate Unity Plaza 365 days a year. That money was also supposed to help fund promised improvements, like a giant video screen for outdoor movies, floating concert stage with state-of-the-art Av equipment, sculpture, a butterfly garden, etc. 220 Riverside has very little residential vacancy, so either that yoga instructor has a garage full of Bentleys at home, or the developer isn't holding up their end of the deal.

[jaxlore]

Surprised Grabba Greens closed so fast, Tossed Greens Downtown has a line out the door on most days.

[remc86007]

I didn't make it to Grabba Green before it closed. I almost went with my wife one night before an event, but we looked at the menu and were concerned we wouldn't get enough food to make it through the event.

I love Toss Green and I'm so happy they are downtown now. Their salads fill me up and I don't feel terrible after eating them.

[JeffreyS]

How is the residential doing in the building?

[thelakelander]

The residential part stays full.