Demolition in Five Points?

[Metro Jacksonville]

Demolition in Five Points?



I can wholeheartedly say there's no way we would support the demolition of those buildings,  said Carmen Godwin, executive director of the nonprofit Riverside Avondale Preservation Inc.  It would be a devastating loss.

Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/content/view/1082

[deathstar]

Very valid point proven here Ennis, I wholeheartedly agree with using the existing structure to accommodate said business looking to open there. There has been too much loss of too many historical sites in the past, and with a chance to save another building that has potential, I hope the right parties step up to the plate ready to hit a home-run.

[jeh1980]

Good article. I don't feel that they should tear down that building...although I'm not to fond of the idea of a drive-thru pharmacy. A mid-rise building or a skyscraper perhaps, but not a drive-thru pharmacy.

[Hurricane]

This is one of the best compiled topics I have seen, great job!  Way to be on the ball with this one!  Great real life examples of how to accomplish putting in a big box retailer into a historic / urban setting.

I completely agree and hope that this arcticle finds its way to every decision maker involved with this project.  If anyone reading this has contacts at the review board, please send them the link to these excellent examples of how to get it done right.

Keep kicking ass!  Great catch!

[fsujax]

OMG...I have been to that Walgreens in San Juan!

[thelakelander]

Small world fsujax.  That one snuck up on me.  I was walking down the sidewalk in Old San Juan and next thing I know, there's a Walgreens.  Anyway, according to the property appraiser, the Jelks Building's floor heights average around 12'.  If all parties make an effort to compromise, that entire site could become something that could set the local standard for redeveloping and incorporating historic structures into new projects.

[heights unknown]

I agree with Godwin, and applaud the Riverside Avondale Preservation for "sticking to their guns;" find innovative ways to build the pharmacy and keep the historic building, yes, put it on the ground floor of the building, and, it doesn't have to be 7,000 square feet; that area has a lot of traffic and is primarily residential, but I think a smaller pharmacy would be more ideal.  Parking could also be an issue so even if they kept the building and someone added the pharmacy in the mix, parking will be an issue.

Heights Unknown

[Abhishek]

Well compiled post. Very impressive.

[will]

It seems like such a no-brainer to use the existing structure. I'd personally love a pharmacy like that. I'm sometimes forced to go the walgreens on park and king. I can't put my finger on it, but there's something instantly menacing and downtrodden about walking through that parking lot. I don't get that feeling with any of the adjacent historical structures. You can definitely feel when a building has been constructed and laid out for cars rather than people.

[stug]

I will strap myself to that building in protest. Anyone with me?

[hightowerlover]

well yeah - that all makes sense.  please post the pictures when they tear down the buildings though.

[Gatorziggy]

You missed a good example two blocks north. The Regions bank was a historic building that was upgraded with a drive-thru and limited parking and still keeps the historic building. This is a little bigger, but can be done the same way to accommodate both sides.

[RiversideLoki]

That building has massive potential. It would be a shame to see it torn down for another McBuilding.

[mtraininjax]

Well, at least this helps RAP swell its ranks. They should setup a booth/tent across in the park and hold 24 hour vigils on the demolition. Who will be first to camp out for days on end in the sweltering sun? Sign me up!

[Deuce]

Ah, the U Street/Cardozo neighborhood. That takes me back to some cool nights in the clubs around there. What many on this board may not know by looking at that picture is that 10 yrs ago that place was worse than Springfield.