Urban Construction Update - April/May 2021

[jaxoNOLE]

It seems like from a political standpoint they gained from the fact that the pandemic happened pretty much right after demolition was over, and that there aren't enough voices making it clear what a mistake it was over the dull roar of suburbanites muttering "no one went to the Landing, it was unsafe, they're really working on downtown" when they haven't been downtown (or at least out of their car there) in months or even years.

Yep, the town halls have exposed that mentality. "Why spend money in downtown? Nobody goes there. I haven't been there in years." Well then, how do you know what the state of downtown is if you never go?

[MusicMan]

I'm currently in Greenville SC. WOW.  Jacksonville is like a dump compared to Greenville. And Greenville does not have an NFL franchise.

[vicupstate]

I'm currently in Greenville SC. WOW.  Jacksonville is like a dump compared to Greenville. And Greenville does not have an NFL franchise.

Check your PMs, MusicMan

[MusicMan]

I'm under the impression Greenville city leadership said, "we have a pretty downtown. If we make it gorgeous, businesses and people will follow."

And that is exactly what has happened.  I was last there 5 years ago (another wedding) and the area on Main Street has filled in nicely from the Peace Center all the way up to the cool inner city baseball field.  All in all, it's one full mile of absolute perfection.

[jaxlongtimer]

^ And 20 acre Falls Park that runs along the banks of the steam continues for several miles and widens up into adjacent 122 acre Cleveland Park (http://greenvillesc.gov/217/Park-Map).  That's 152 acres of green space in the heart of Greenville.  We can't get a fraction of that here! They also have designer created "iconic" pedestrian bridges over the "falls" and stream.  It shows how green space done right can, almost single-handedly, lead to massive economic development.  This is why our leaders should be supporting and listening to the Riverfront Parks Now group here.

Info on Falls Park: 
http://greenvillesc.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12587/Falls-Park-Informational-Brochure

Here's the history of how it came to be (note the use of a "master plan!"): http://greenvillesc.gov/178/History

[Ken_FSU]

[Tacachale]

^Who wore it better?

[Zac T]

Dewberry wants to demolish the former Stein-Mart in Ortega Park for possible redevelopment

https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/dewberry-proposes-to-demolish-the-ortega-park-stein-mart-store