Construction begins on Courthouse

[stjr]

This isn't technically construction beginning. They're taking core samples of the soil to see what kind of conditions are there and how deep the pilings or foundation should go. Standard procedure on any large project, doesn't necessarily mean construction has comenced. However, that said, it is a step in the right direction.

Are you sure this is true?  If it is, I don't know how they could have bid the project.  Quoting the foundation without knowing the soil conditions is a total wildcard!  Soil borings should have been done during the design phase.  If your are right, it would be just another example of the gross incompetence on this project and why "the price" is never really "the price"!

[reednavy]

That is what they're doing. The crane is supporting a core driller for soil conditions, but more for seeing where and how deep the bedrock is. I don't see what else this could be, I've seen this type of device many times before as a surveyor. After this, survey crews will likely be there getting the overall footprint of the structure into place with point stakings and such.

[stjr]

Here's proof, which was sent out as a media release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact:  Misty Skipper, (904) 630-7377
Kristen Beach, (904) 630-2709

CITY TO CLOSE PORTION OF MONROE STREET FOR COUNTY COURTHOUSE CONSTRUCTION

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 15, 2009 – Beginning May 26, a portion of Monroe Street in downtown will be closed to allow for the construction of the new Duval County courthouse.

Monroe Street will be closed between Broad Street (to the west) and Julia Street (to the east). Motorists may utilize Forsyth Street (one-way westbound) or Church Street (one-way eastbound) as detour routes.

Electronic message boards were put into place on Monday, May 11 to notify motorists of the impending construction activity and detour signage will be posted accordingly. The road will be reopened once construction is complete.

Still wondering how they plan to leave Monroe given that the directions of existing streets and the turning radii shown in the renderings don't match up!  Another disaster in the making?  If we can find this many problems as bystanders, imagine what we aren't seeing on the "inside" of this project!  Expect lots more issues to come.

Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't the western side of this project Broad Street?  This is one way north, currently.  As such, traffic could not turn right into the curve based on the graphic in the rendering.  Traffic in the curve would have to originate from Pearl Street which is one way south.  This would force traffic on Monroe in front of the courthouse in the OPPOSITE direction from traffic emanating from I-95.  How foolish would this be?!!  The alternative is to allow no access whatsoever to the curve from Pearl to preserve the current Monroe eastward flow or to reverse the traffic on Broad and Pearl to allow access from those streets into the curve.  What a mess!

What has also not been answered is what will become of the green spaces outside "the curve"?  Will they be retention ponds? A park? Grassy fields?  Future development?  "Protest parks"?  More space for the homeless to collect? If they are used for public gatherings and events, will this interfere with the courthouse function?  This area will be close to 1 and 1/2 city blocks rivaling Hemming Plaza in area.

[thelakelander]

Any idea of how much its going to cost to rip up Monroe, replace it and the utilities under it?  Up to this date, I have not seen a number publicly released, concerning Monroe Street.

[fsujax]

Haven't they already done the utility relocation?

[heights unknown]

Good point Springfielder.

Heights Unknown

[heights unknown]

I always see the front of the new courthouse in renderings; is the back going to look like the front or is the back going to look like the back of a building should (possibly fenced, parking lots, utility boxes, etc.).  That is a much traveled street (I think) that will be at the back of the Courthouse; is it not?

Heights Unknown

[brainstormer]

We've probably never seen pictures of the back because it would cause us to hate the design even more.  It'll probably look like the back of a Wal Mart because all of the money was put into the beautiful "face" and the luxurious courtrooms and judge offices. 

[thelakelander]

The back renderings were included in an article about the courthouse renderings a few months ago.

Front


Back


full article with more renderings and drawings: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2008-dec-duval-county-courthouse-renderings

[heights unknown]

We've probably never seen pictures of the back because it would cause us to hate the design even more.  It'll probably look like the back of a Wal Mart because all of the money was put into the beautiful "face" and the luxurious courtrooms and judge offices. 

Ha Ha Ha...LOL.  That was funny brainstormer, but you know what, you're probably right.

Heights Unknown

[heights unknown]

The back renderings were included in an article about the courthouse renderings a few months ago.

Front


Back


full article with more renderings and drawings: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2008-dec-duval-county-courthouse-renderings

So that explains why the parking garage was built; so that the back of the Courthouse could be built to look like the front because of the busy through street behind it, and to keep it from looking like the back of a Walmart with surface parking, utility boxes, garbage dumpster, etc. From what I can deduce from the drawings you gave us Lakelander, the back will look close to what the front looks like, not identical mind you.

Anyone ever answer the question of what the empty green space is off of the curvature road in the front?  Probably empty green grass or a small park.

Heights Unknown

[brainstormer]

I wonder if the judges realize by having a flat building they won't get a view!  I mean looking out the front, a park for the homeless and a very dry looking parking garage...oooo...ahhhh.  And looking out the back, the JEA water tower building or whatever that thing is.  It certainly isn't aesthetically pleasing.  They will probably be envious of the federal judges...they got both.  A posh office and a view!     How about them apples Judge Moran!

[heights unknown]

I wonder if the judges realize by having a flat building they won't get a view!  I mean looking out the front, a park for the homeless and a very dry looking parking garage...oooo...ahhhh.  And looking out the back, the JEA water tower building or whatever that thing is.  It certainly isn't aesthetically pleasing.  They will probably be envious of the federal judges...they got both.  A posh office and a view!     How about them apples Judge Moran!

Brainstormer you've got my side hurting, that's funny.  But we don't know what high rises or skyscrapers might spring up in that area around the Courthouse or in LaVilla; you never know.  The Courthouse could be a huge spark for that far western sector of downtown, and in 10 to 15 years or more the Judges, if they are not too old, will have a better view.

Heights Unknown

[stjr]

The Courthouse could be a huge spark for that far western sector of downtown, and in 10 to 15 years or more the Judges, if they are not too old, will have a better view.

Heights Unknown

I don't know about those other high rises, but I think we can be certain that most of the judges behind this design will be retired long before then.  I know a few, and most have ALREADY retired.  Not sure of Moran's age or when he must retire, but I bet Peyton promised him the Courthouse before he does retire.  Heck, that may have more to do with the schedule than Peyton's term ending! 

By the way, the JEA plant to the rear is a water chiller plant designed to pump chilled water for air conditioning systems in buildings throughout the Downtown area.  I would guess the Courthouse will be a client.  Since the JEA plant has no roof as I recall, looking down on it from the upper floors of the Courthouse will provide a "beautiful" view of industrial equipment and cooling towers.

What the judges will really like is being next door to Wormans.  I see them and other members of the BAR there all the time.

[Ron Mexico]

While this has not been a popular project, at least it will breathe some life into that part of downtown.  Let's just hope there is some spillover.

Does anyone know what will happen to the old courthouse when this one is opened?