What Business Would Benefit From New Convention Center and Amtrak Back Downtown?

[Ocklawaha]

Atlanta is pretty far along in the finance of the new MultiModal Amtrak Station in downtown.
A simple Google search will turn up images, photos, etc.
Try it.

Within 3 years of the station comes JAX-ATL Amtrak.

OCKLAWAHA

[Jason]

BT, I'd also build the new courthouse on the site of the Greyhound station (which moved to the Transit Hub).  It's still adjacent the new garage and will provide a built-in ridership for the skyway because of the connection between Central Station and Hemming Plaza.  Not to mention the fact that a new building on that lot would most definitely add to the skyline!

[Ocklawaha]

Lakelander, I am sure JTA is looking at those options as well. Running a major rail system is not cheap no matter how its being paid for. Just thinking realistically.

Long term LRT or Streetcar O&M costs are lower then the same route miles of BRT or Bus transit.

OCKLAWAHA

[Ocklawaha]

BT, I'd also build the new courthouse on the site of the Greyhound station (which moved to the Transit Hub).  It's still adjacent the new garage and will provide a built-in ridership for the skyway because of the connection between Central Station and Hemming Plaza.  Not to mention the fact that a new building on that lot would most definitely add to the skyline!

I don't know Jason, that Greyhound building is one of the few Art Deco pieces we have in downtown. Rebuilt with the chroms, steel and glass industrial arts of the 1930's I'm sure we could find a recycle use for it that would rock the town. I'd hate to knock down another historic gem. In fact the neon sign out front has been photographed and used across the film industry as much as any other sign in the country.

OCKLAWAHA

[Jason]

Maybe move it?  Maybe build the courthouse around it and keep the fascade?

[thelakelander]

Is there anything historically significant on the interior worth saving?  If not, you could preserve the facade as a part of an entry courtyard and construct a new building behind it.



At street level, you can't tell the difference.

[BridgeTroll]

Streetcar/ trolley maintenance facility?

[Ocklawaha]

Inside has been rebuilt several times over the years, the restaurant is gone "THE POST HOUSE" and the entire passenger area enlarged. The office or South end of building and upstairs are more likely the better parts on the inside. Wonder whats above the stupid false ceiling? But otherwise, I tend to agree, I would make a great recycle building keeping the historic outside, even the neon dog sign, sort of like Portlands "GO BY STREETCAR" sign.

OCKLAWAHA

[thelakelander]

Streetcar/ trolley maintenance facility?

That could work.  That would also be a good centralized location for the trolley museum that Ock keeps preaching about.

[Ocklawaha]

Streetcar/ trolley maintenance facility?

Add the MUSEUM word and you might have a REAL WINNER!

OCKLAWAHA

[Ocklawaha]

Streetcar/ trolley maintenance facility?

That could work. That would also be a good centralized location for the trolley museum that Ock keeps preaching about.

Just as "STEAM PUNK" is becoming very popular, the public is fascinated by the technology of the 1800-1940 period. It's really not enough just to ride the old streetcars, but the men in the crowd tend to want to see what makes them tick. Add a gift shop and a public viewing area to the shop complex, and you have instant museum, and an extra revenue stream.

Little Robert plays with his toy trolley more then any other, it was his first "train" ride and he's hooked. So lets sell them all a motor mans hat, a toy trolley or coffee mug!

OCKLAWAHA

[Jason]

Well, that just doesn't work with my "ruler of the world" plans. 

[Ocklawaha]

Dear Fearless Leader:

We could always lift the whole block to the top of your new 400 story World Leader Building in downtown Jason!

But for the streetcars that's going to be a hell of a climb.

OCKLAWAHA

[Jason]

I'll grant you the first three levels and multiple sub levels for all of the railroading and streetcar stuff you can fit. 

[5PointsGuy]

Wow, if only the public would get behind an idea like this. That and the funding the city would need. Here's a thought though. Downtown needs more... well just more. Businesses, residential, parks, malls, whatever. Otherwise the hotels would be empty most of the year. How about a mall consortium buys one of the historic high rises downtown and converts the interior into a mall? I bet that would pull some people.