Springfield's impact on other neighborhoods

[Bill Hoff]

Good piece in the Jax Business Journal about how Springfield's positive development is impacting adjacent neighborhoods:

"For years, 'Springfield is up and coming' was a common refrain heard among city leaders, Realtors and early pioneers.

These days, the neighborhood seems to have up and came: After going through several micro-booms, the historic neighborhood has been on a steady trajectory of growth since the housing crisis of 2008.

Now, with Main Street attracting retailers, vacant lots being purchased and housing values rising, the growth in the historic square-mile neighborhood is beginning to spill over, with data pointing to nearby Phoenix and Brentwood as two of Jacksonville's on-the-verge hot spots."


Full story:
https://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2020/02/28/going-beyond-the-boundaries-as-springfield-booms.html?iana=hpmvp_jac_news_headline

For the record, New Springfield is a real area, not a marketing ploy (read the article for context).

[Peter Griffin]

(read the article for context).

If only it wasn't behind a paywall...

Oh well

[Bill Hoff]

(read the article for context).

If only it wasn't behind a paywall...

Oh well

You're the guy that asks for unlimited free samples at the ice cream shop, huh? Charming.

[Peter Griffin]

You're the guy that asks for unlimited free samples at the ice cream shop, huh? Charming.

I didn't even ask for it to be reposted, I just noted that I could, in fact, not read it. No need to be a dick, dude.

[MusicMan]

I love whats happening in Springfield, but there is a LONG LONG way to go. You do a serious inventory of Main Street from 1st through 8th, both sides of the street, there's a lot of vacant lots and non-performing storefronts and buildings. Way over 50%.

Bill, what's going into the old Quality Foods on 7th? (It's under contract...)

[Bill Hoff]

I love whats happening in Springfield, but there is a LONG LONG way to go. You do a serious inventory of Main Street from 1st through 8th, both sides of the street, there's a lot of vacant lots and non-performing storefronts and buildings. Way over 50%.

Bill, what's going into the old Quality Foods on 7th? (It's under contract...)

Yea, I think everyone would agree. Come a long way, but still a lot of improvement left to achieve.

Part of that inventory issue you mentioned is because the main commercial district is much larger than that of 5 Points, San Marco, Avondale. If all the decent businesses on Main Street were condensed to 4-5 blocks, like those areas, instead of 12 as they are now, you'd have a totally different impression.

But, they're not. And that's why some larger institutional offices, apartment developments, etc are probably going to be needed to fill up the large expanse that is Springfield's Main Street.

[Bill Hoff]

Bill, what's going into the old Quality Foods on 7th? (It's under contract...)

I've heard of something, but it's just speculation.

[Kerry]

Springfield would only be considered a success story in Jacksonville.  I've lived in Jax for 17 years and Springfield is barely more than it was back then.

[Snaketoz]

Springfield would only be considered a success story in Jacksonville.  I've lived in Jax for 17 years and Springfield is barely more than it was back then.

17 years is not long enough to realize how far it has come from it's absolute bottom in the 80s. In the 40s, 50s, and 60s it was a thriving, though rough, area.  It had a large Setzer's grocery between 7th and 8th, Capitol theater, many restaurants, shoe store, Berrier's ice cream shop, doughnut shop, all within a few short blocks from 8th and main.  The Southern Bakery, Merita, drive-ins, etc.  It was a vibrant area.  It started it's decline in 70s and when crack cocaine entered the scene it went to ruin.  I'm glad to see the improvements. 

[vicupstate]

Springfield has been 'on the way back' since at least the early to mid '90's.

I literally can't think of anything that a neighborhood can experience that Springfield hasn't at some point in its existence.

If the city did not impede progress and be a significant absentee landlord, it would be further along than it is.   

[Steve]

Springfield would only be considered a success story in Jacksonville.  I've lived in Jax for 17 years and Springfield is barely more than it was back then.

Then you haven't been to Springfield in 17 years. The commercial was not happening whatsoever for most of that time. Now it is. That's a GIANT improvement.

[Kerry]

Springfield would only be considered a success story in Jacksonville.  I've lived in Jax for 17 years and Springfield is barely more than it was back then.

Then you haven't been to Springfield in 17 years. The commercial was not happening whatsoever for most of that time. Now it is. That's a GIANT improvement.

Again, Springfield is only a success story in Jax.  No other city in America moves this slow at revitalization.  I have seen entire cities turn around fast than Springfield has.

[bl8jaxnative]

Springfield may be up and coming but one's standards have to be pretty low to say it's "up and came".  Not even close.

[Kerry]

Springfield may be up and coming but one's standards have to be pretty low to say it's "up and came".  Not even close.

And that is a problem.  When the people who should be the most critical of Jax leadership (media, activist, etc...) operate as cheerleaders there is little wonder things moves at a snail's pace.  There is simply no accountability for the lack of progress.

I didn't read the article and I don't know who wrote it, but based on the headline and excerpt provided, it should have been killed as soon as it was typed.  This stuff is actually hurting downtown growth, not helping.

Who wins when you lie to yourself?

[Steve]

Springfield would only be considered a success story in Jacksonville.  I've lived in Jax for 17 years and Springfield is barely more than it was back then.

Then you haven't been to Springfield in 17 years. The commercial was not happening whatsoever for most of that time. Now it is. That's a GIANT improvement.

Again, Springfield is only a success story in Jax.  No other city in America moves this slow at revitalization.  I have seen entire cities turn around fast than Springfield has.

That's wonderful.

Would I like to see Springfield's turnaround go faster? Yes. Has it been slow? Yes. Does it mean it's not a reason to be happy for the neighborhood and our city? No.