Downtown Construction Update - July 2009

[Wacca Pilatka]

If you happen to be downtown near the Jake M Godbold City Hall Annex and Lobsterhouse, check out the plaque at the front door and see if you don't see something wrong within the first few paragraphs..And the city paid good money for it....

Lobsterhouse?

[Captain Zissou]

I think that the entertainment district that is developing downtown is a lot of fun.  Yes I have plenty of complaints, but not enough to keep me from spending my nights there.  Having just graduated from UF, I have seen what a critical mass of just 4 or 5 venues can create.  There are easily 1,000 people within a block of eachother every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights at just 6 bars.  I miss it terribly

That being said, Jax has plenty of work to do as far as how the current bars are run.  Dive Bar and Ivy's are great, no complaints.  TSI does not warrant the $6 to $10 cover it charges, especially considering their drink prices are higher than mark's and Dive bar anyway.  Marks' staff needs to chill out and just be happy they have any patron's at all.  I have been there twice when they were nearly empty and the bar staff and DJ's were still being obnoxious.  Additionally, every bar needs to take a lesson from ole G-Ville in efficiency.  Down there the bartenders are making constant loops from one end of the bar to the other. If they have already passed by, too bad, just wait until they get back around.  Here the bartenders just pick and choose people haphazardly while some people sit and wait forever.

I know this may not be the right place for a bar rant, but it has long been an issue I wanted to discuss.

[KennyLovesJAX]

I love the pics of the comparison of the night spots Jacksonville really looks like a COOL CITY. Also i like the visitor infomation center in downtown the window picture looks great.

[Doctor_K]

Would people lighten up and give me a break?

A nightlife district is a real thing.  We do not have one downtown yet.

Have we made great strides towards improving whats available in the center city and its historic neighborhoods?  Well kindof.

Bay Street is the very beginning of a district.   But lets not count the chickens before the eggs even get laid.

Goes back to that whole "Cycling" thing, doesn't it?  Is not Bay Street in the midst of that process?

[Captain Zissou]

I think that's a good point, doc.  Especially if the courthouse moves, I think we will see a long term entertainment district develop around there in a decade or so.  Already I think the area is close to reaching a critical mass of supporting businesses.  All it took was two or three clubs/bars that were willing to stick it out through the tough times to pave the way for newcomers.  (Mark's/ Dive struggled upon opening while Ivy's had instant success?? Sounds like Cycling)

[reednavy]

I noticed tonight that two tower crane bases are in at the courthouse site and expect full erection of the cranes in the next few weeks.