Lessons Learned As Berkman 2 Dream Goes Up In Smoke

[thelakelander]

If you don't know your urban redevelopment past you are doomed to repeat it. Here are five quick revitalization observations regarding the premature demise of a heavily incentivized proposal to convert the skeleton of Berkman 2 into a hotel and nearby contaminated property into an amusement park and parking garage.

Read More: https://www.thejaxsonmag.com/article/lessons-learned-as-berkman-2-dream-goes-up-in-smoke/

[Charles Hunter]

Excellent article.  Hope someone in the administration listens.

[RiversideRambler]

So a $100+ million project was largely dependent on an old warship being docked next to it? GAME CHANGER! 

[Ken_FSU]

So a $100+ million project was largely dependent on an old warship being docked next to it? GAME CHANGER! 

Even if the buyer had no business whatsoever developing the property, I still think the city deserves its share of the blame for this thing blowing up.

It's on the buyer to perform due diligence, but I have zero doubt that the city was trying to unload Berkman II under the auspices of a grand new convention center and naval museum being located next door.

Things like this, and the botched Convention Center RFP, and forcibly removing Sleiman from the Landing can't be creating a lot of goodwill and faith in Jacksonville within the development community.

[vicupstate]

It's on the buyer to perform due diligence, but I have zero doubt that the city was trying to unload Berkman II under the auspices of a grand new convention center and naval museum being located next door.

If they had done due diligence they would have known how utterly ridiculous it was to expect COJ to build a CC that fit the RPF specifications.

Things like this, and the botched Convention Center RFP, and forcibly removing Sleiman from the Landing can't be creating a lot of goodwill and faith in Jacksonville within the development community.

That the city has any credibility at all on anything having to do with DT is a surprise to me. That was true before the things you listed but especially true now.

[MusicMan]

"Hope someone in the administration listens."

Who in the current administration is considered an expert in urban planning and design?

Ennis knows more than all the COJ staff and administration combined.  I wish he had some input into moving things forward in DT.

[heights unknown]

"Hope someone in the administration listens."

Who in the current administration is considered an expert in urban planning and design?

Ennis knows more than all the COJ staff and administration combined.  I wish he had some input into moving things forward in DT.

Ennis for Mayor...or...head of the Downtown development Authority.

[pierre]

Lessons Learned As (insert failed urban core project) Dream Goes Up In Smoke

[downtownbrown]

OK, so about the new rumor that Berkman 2 is sold again and is going to be an all suite hotel with condos on top....And the buyers have 90 days to close (13 days ago).....

Are we going to believe it this time?

[Ken_FSU]

OK, so about the new rumor that Berkman 2 is sold again and is going to be an all suite hotel with condos on top....And the buyers have 90 days to close (13 days ago).....

Are we going to believe it this time?

I sure hope so.

Hopefully talk of all the early interest in the Ford on Bay property and the Lot J stuff to the east has made this a desirable project for someone.

Would be a huge black eye to see the economic cycle come and go with Berkman II still in the shape it's in now.

[downtownbrown]

especially for Mr. Mayor, who promised....

[ProjectMaximus]

OK, so about the new rumor that Berkman 2 is sold again and is going to be an all suite hotel with condos on top....And the buyers have 90 days to close (13 days ago).....

Are we going to believe it this time?

Only if it's nice enough to keep mr CEO from big company from running for the hills. Of course, they like Jax...just not the hotel quality.

[downtownbrown]

Lots of rumors flying around.  If true, the crappy hotel problem will be solved.

[Kerry]

Does the potential owner have an illegal parking lot case pending with the City?

[itsfantastic1]

Mission accomplished! You won't recognize downtown in 4 years....

https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2020/01/13/multi-million-dollar-building-and-property-condemned-on-jacksonvilles-riverfront/