Five Points: A "Niching" Success

[Metro Jacksonville]

Five Points:  A "Niching" Success



In 1989 Five Points was a dumpy little shopping strip in a generally rundown and high crime area. There was a baker's dozen of businesses, many of which had been long time occupants and a few 'artsy' establishments, but very little cohesion and each shop had developed its own customer and following.

Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2009-aug-five-points-a-niching-success

[sheclown]

If Main Street ever picks up, parking is going to be a HUGE problem.  There is barely enough parking now and it is mostly vacant. 

[thelakelander]

I think it will be at least a decade before parking on Main becomes a major problem.  Right now, half of the parking on the street has been inaccessible for a few years.  Once construction ends, you'll gain that back, plus on-street parking on every side street.

Long term parking issues can be settled by taking advantage of our alleys for smaller existing structures.  As large infill projects come in, the market will demand them to include off-street parking solutions, similar to what the Chelsea Lofts and 1661 Riverside had to do in Five Points or even 3rd & Main in Springfield.

[JeffreyS]

Great article but I think you should have included a little more about how successful the area is now beyond the Niching.

[b real]

Interesting article. I could see this same concept being successful in Murray Hill.

[GideonGlib]

As for main street, there are plenty of closed down car lots for surface parking  that an enterprising land owner could turn into paid parking if the district ever takes off (think the lots in Little Five Points in Atlanta). I also think that as 5 Points moves beyond it's "Bohemian" niche into something a little more yuppie, as all of Riverside is becoming,  that Main Street in Springfield could benefit tremendously from similar cooperative efforts of the merchants, and by similar businesses opening up. We are off to an ok start with The Pearl and Waffa & Mikes, Zombie Bikes, Burro Bags, Shantytown, Etc...

[jbroadglide]

The best entertainment in Five Points, is to sit in front of Owens Pharmacy and watch newbies and residents alike try to negotiate around that flashing light in the middle of the intersection. Folks who should stop, don't. Folks who don't need to stop, do. Watching them trying to figure out whether they really need to go around the light or can they just cut across.. Sometimes all five are trying to move at once..great entertainment.

[BridgeTroll]

Add a pedestrian and watch the hilarity ensue...

[jbroadglide]

Add a pedestrian and watch the hilarity ensue...

Oh yeah! Put a slow moving white hair into the mix and its worth every penny,,

[heights unknown]

It's real good that 5 Points has finally come of age, I guess, with success if we want to call it that.  I can remember when 5 Points was ho hum, businesses changing like we change underwear, no success with the businesses that were there, and 5 Points was not a shopping destination for anyone, let alone the people who lived in Riverside, Avondale, Brooklyn, etc.  Nice pictures y'all!

Heights Unknown

[rjp2008]

"was a dumpy little shopping strip in a generally rundown and high crime area."

What has changed? To me, it still is. It's fine to have art-centric areas, clubs, venues, etc. but it just
looks too dirty, unkempt and old. Keep the variety/creativity but clean it up.

[GatorShane]

While helping me move back into the neighborhood today, my father was amazed at the changes. He's an old conservative guy but said the neighborhood is really cool. He grew up in J,ville but hadnt been to Riverside in years. We rode through during lunch and there were people everywhere.

[Dog Walker]

Watching the traffic at the Five Points light is always entertaining, except if you are in it!  The patio at Hovan's is the best vantage point.  A roundabout would be a perfect solution, but there probably isn't enough room for one.  It is a constant amazement why there are not more accidents there, but it probably scares everybody into being more careful.

[Dog Walker]

Keep the variety/creativity but clean it up.

A really good start would be if the owner of Starlite would pressure wash his outside space (walk by and the smell will knock you down!) and pick up the mounds of cigarette butts that pile up in the planters.  NOT a good neighbor.

[vicupstate]

^^ While I haven't seen 5 Points in person in awhile, I would disagree with rjp2008.  

A certain amount of grit adds character IMO.  If it's too sterile and sanitized, it ends up looking like SJTC.  Also rents tend to go up when that happens, which can price out certain retailers that give it a local flavor and context.