Springfield Business Corridor

[downtownparks]

The thing is, Lake, I think that its possible to strike a balance, and appeal to everyone in the neighborhood. Nobody is looking for the Gap and Urban Outfitters to come rushing in and open stores. People just want safe clean environments, and the ability to buy what they want/need. Its a very tall order, but one that I believe can be found

BTW, its worth mentioning, that before the "war" with Hionides, his leasing company was unaccessible, not willing to lease existing buildings, and had razor wire on every fence between 1st and 5th.

Now, anyone wanting to look at the space available can call, get a response, take a tour, and negotiate terms. The razor wire is gone, and while things still aren't exactly peachy, there has been a lot of progress.

[sheclown]

Ya know, I think the tone got nasty around here just about the time Stephendare quit playing the 80s video of the day.   

I, for one, was a better person back then.

[thelakelander]

The thing is, Lake, I think that its possible to strike a balance, and appeal to everyone in the neighborhood. Nobody is looking for the Gap and Urban Outfitters to come rushing in and open stores. People just want safe clean environments, and the ability to buy what they want/need. Its a very tall order, but one that I believe can be found

I'm just getting in from participating in a commercial corridor revitalization meeting in Springfield.  One of the things discussed was finding a way to take advantage of businesses we already have.  The balance you mention could come from us, SAMBA and SPAR finding a way to enhance the environments of our existing establishments.  Its been mentioned earlier, but its the easiest thing to do for short term improvement.  If the businesses operating right now aren't successful as a whole, we can give up the dream of hoping for new places to come in and save the day.

[thelakelander]

Another thing mentioned in today's meeting was the need to focus on a compact area, as opposed to attempting to tackle multiple blocks.  The idea of clustering complementing types of uses needs to be embraced as well.  A few years back, Main was on the right path with several establishments open within walking distance of each other.  We need to find away to get back to the model that attracted those venues in the beginning.  This should be a high priority of everyone who cares for this community.

[downtownparks]

This is something we have all talked about since the MetJax days.

The problem with Main is, south of 7th, there really isnt a cluster thats usable. Perhaps 3rd and Main can help some, but clustering will almost have to happen at 8th and Main.

[thelakelander]

In regards to Main, it appears that its best if developed as a general commercial district.  Basically, a place filled with neighborhood oriented retail with a mix of commercial uses that have the ability to pull in residents from outside of the area.  With the revitalization of a commercial district, we have to focus on a starting point. 

The epicenter of 8th & Main is as good as any considering there are a few businesses operating in the area.  The storefronts are there, its the heart of the community, Carl's is in position to be decent anchor business for the strip and its a half block from the Jerome Brown's, the Chicken District and 9th & Main space.  To the south, even the west side of Main is highly workable between 7th & 5th.  3rd & Main is a kind of isolated, but again its only a short walk to the compact line of storefronts.  Existing spots like Shanty, Chan's, A-Z, Mike's auto spot, the post office, Wachovia, etc. play a key role as being elements already in place.  So we're not starting from scratch.  We just need to focus on finding ways to help improve their businesses and better link them by finding complementing uses for the empty storefronts that separate them.

Btw, evidently the construction of 3rd & Main is encouraging the owner of the gas station across the street to improve his business.  Some say we need a well maintained gas station in the area.  Perhaps we should work with this existing one and find a way to help his business become that spot.  This will be easier than recruiting a new station into the area plus it could create a little synergy with 3rd & Main.

[thelakelander]

I like blunt.  Its easier on the eyes.

The vacuum still exists.  There's a ton of vacant storefronts and money flowing out of the community.  How did SPAR getting involved create a negative? (please be blunt.  I like that.)

SPAR should be able to be a positive today. The best way for a good future is to know and understand the past.  This way we all can avoid the mistakes of yesteryear.

[jbm32206]

The posts have been moved into a new thread, to allow for continued discussion of the business corridor, which is separate from the ongoing discussion concerning SPAR

[sheclown]

lol she clown.  Thanks.  And what a great idea.  I just hate to see Strider attacked for making a stand for what's right.

Strider is the bravest man I know.

[sheclown]

In regards to Main, it appears that its best if developed as a general commercial district.  Basically, a place filled with neighborhood oriented retail with a mix of commercial uses that have the ability to pull in residents from outside of the area.  With the revitalization of a commercial district, we have to focus on a starting point. 

The epicenter of 8th & Main is as good as any considering there are a few businesses operating in the area.  The storefronts are there, its the heart of the community, Carl's is in position to be decent anchor business for the strip and its a half block from the Jerome Brown's, the Chicken District and 9th & Main space.  To the south, even the west side of Main is highly workable between 7th & 5th.  3rd & Main is a kind of isolated, but again its only a short walk to the compact line of storefronts.  Existing spots like Shanty, Chan's, A-Z, Mike's auto spot, the post office, Wachovia, etc. play a key role as being elements already in place.  So we're not starting from scratch.  We just need to focus on finding ways to help improve their businesses and better link them by finding complementing uses for the empty storefronts that separate them.

Btw, evidently the construction of 3rd & Main is encouraging the owner of the gas station across the street to improve his business.  Some say we need a well maintained gas station in the area.  Perhaps we should work with this existing one and find a way to help his business become that spot.  This will be easier than recruiting a new station into the area plus it could create a little synergy with 3rd & Main.

This makes perfect sense.  It is the easier, cheaper, more equitable way to plan.  It is a philosophy of restoration versus development.  Let's develop what we have to after we restore what we already have.   & P.S. this works for houses too.

[RiversideGator]

I agree that restoration should take first priority in Springfield.  But isnt it possible to restore while also sensitively developing the already vacant spaces in the area?  I think achieving an appropriate balance and insuring that the new developments are consistent with the old structures and are not too cookie cutter is the key.  This is a difficult balancing act but it can be done.

[thelakelander]

Of course, but if you're working with limited funds its best to reach for realistic goals and not to stretch yourself too thin.  Point blank, today's economic conditions make it more feasible to fill and enhance existing vacant spaces and businesses than building from scratch.  If residents want a clean gas station, lets attempt to work with the existing ones before going after something not in the area.  If residents don't like the decor of certain eating establishments, lets attempt to work with the businesses to improve their ambiance as opposed to chasing chains that won't be coming if the existing businesses fail.  This is the most successful proven path for early urban commercial revitalization.  Why recreate the wheel and make things more difficult when you don't have too?  It reminds me of the State's desire to build a high speed rail line in the middle of I-4 years ago, when enhanced Amtrak service would have been a much more affordable realistic solution.  In the end, we wasted millions on studies and ended up with nothing.  Nevertheless, by no means does this mean the community can't support and work with new infill when the opportunity arises. 

[alta]

Ennis  First of all don't move to Dallas.  If I had your talent I would probably move to a bigger city with a well developed mass transit system but we need you too much here in Jacksonville.  I moved to Springfield almost six months ago from Baymeadows and 9A where I had everything at my doorstep.  I'm a loyal Publix shopper but knew that I wouldn't have one here for a while if ever when I moved.  Ennis is absolutely correct about the demographics.  The demographics don't support a lot of retail.  Springfield is pretty affluent but surrounded by poor areas.  National retail won't locate here yet because of the demographics.

Local business will if you let them know you want their business in Springfield.  Two of the local businesses that I like are Chan's and Mama Mary's.  The key is to keep the dollars in the neighborhood or when you spend dollars outside Springfield let them know.  I would like a Sushi Cafe and Mossfire Grill around the corner but they don't see the business potential if you don't let them know when you go to eat in San Marco, Riverside, Southside that you are spending your dollars outside the neighborhood.  From the residents I have met so far I think everyone agrees that a wide diversity of businesses is in Springfield's best interest.

I think that city leadership is lacking in the development of our city core which often gets dismissed because of neighborhood politics.  John Delaney did a lot to get urban core projects completed on time and on budget.  I remember a WJCT show that was probably seen by only a few people in Jax in the early 2000's.  He was responding to urban project incentives that have only been completed recently.  The host was giving him a hard time about this.  His response was that we are putting downtown on sale.  We want to make it attractive for high rise development in downtown.  We don't have to build any infrastucture and we will more than make up for the incentives in property taxes and sales taxes.

We are lacking this vision with Mayor Peyton.  The courthouse and the pocket park are a perfect example.          

[Karl_Pilkington]

Btw, evidently the construction of 3rd & Main is encouraging the owner of the gas station across the street to improve his business.  Some say we need a well maintained gas station in the area.  Perhaps we should work with this existing one and find a way to help his business become that spot.  This will be easier than recruiting a new station into the area plus it could create a little synergy with 3rd & Main.

what??? can't get my rose in tubes anymore?? come on, get real!  You know, Mythbusters confirmed that you really can polish a turd http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorodango  so I guess anything is possible with this place, but I'm sure they'll still be loaded with 40's, lottos and newports, yeah, gonna go get my drink on.

[downtownparks]

Not to mention, The guy running it doesnt own it. Petra/Hionides owns it. Would the person holding the lease be willing to make a significant investment without ownership?

Also, does anyone know if they already replaced their tanks? All tanks in florida must be replaced with double lined tanks by next year. If they haven't, I would be surprised if either party spends the hundreds of thousands of dollars it costs. By this time next year, it may be just like the Blue Front and the Speedway.