Demolition of Kartouche Building

[thelakelander]

Does the DDRB just shrug their shoulders and roll with it?

Are there any examples full-sized gas stations being well designed to complement and fit in with the surrounding urban fabric?

Not sure the DDRB has any real power other than guide realistic cosmetic changes to projects submitted for design approval. The damage is already done my friend. This isn't going to be an urban gas station. Urban gas stations don't need a full city block. It also isn't going to be something outside of the Daily's standard design. So we can forget about mixed-use unless the mix of uses is a car wash, gas pumps and a store carrying gummi bears, beer, coffee and sandwiches. It will be a suburban gas station. The biggest design debate will be how the convenience store interacts with the adjacent sidewalk (heck, which block do you even choose?) and what kind of plants and knee walls will surround the parking apron. I totally expect something similar to the Brooklyn Gate gas station.

[Ken_FSU]

https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/more-amenities-for-downtown-is-what-downtown-needs-dvi-ceo-says-as-dailys-parent-buys-lavilla-block

Jake Gordon, CEO of Downtown Vision Inc., said Aug. 25 that he had a mixed reaction when the Kartouche was demolished, but realizes what Daily's would bring Downtown, although he has not confirmed it will be a gas station and convenience store.

"More amenities for Downtown is what Downtown needs," he said. "We are always of a mind that the historical part of Downtown can continue but at the same time, Downtown is about progress."

Love the flippancy about a 106-year-old building.

The use of the word "can" instead of "should" here speaks volumes.

[marcuscnelson]

Ah yes, progress.

If we define demolition in exchange for lack of density as progress, Jacksonville has gone light years ahead! Curry fulfilled his promise! Downtown really will be unrecognizable by 2023!