Petra's Rich Trendel Brings Nightlife Downtown!

[Johnt]

Steve,
Thanks for the welcome. I'm usually only an observer, however this seemed an appropriate time to weigh in. But I must say, that Wow, you guys come across as really prickly and defensive around here. I do have a question regarding your comment that I should have sent a private message or email rather than posting my comments publicly. Did you or any others send your comments, regarding Ms. Farwell, to her in a PM or email before offering them as a banquet for the masses? If not, and I'm assuming that is the case, then why would you suggest that I should have? Perhaps my original comment might apply to one of your posts, and if so, I'm sure it stings mildly. Instead of getting worked up and personally offended, which was not the intent, I hope you will reflect on the implications of your remarks and possibly man-up and accept responsibility for those comments with the understanding that Ms. Farwell is due an apology. If for no other reason than just the printing of her full name, keeping in mind that she was an employee of the realestate company, not owner. My best to you.
Regards.
JT

[Johnt]

Wow! This is beginning to feel like I stepped into a love triangle here. Best wishes to you all! Peace out.
JT

[Property Manager]

OK, I have stayed quiet long enough.  This is MARY FARWELL and this may be the only time I will ever involve myself in such journalism.  First of all, I trained Rich during his first year at Petra and am so very proud of his successes.  I set some ground work but he came through with the tenants at the right time.  Second and most importantly, Mr. Stephen Dare has a personal grudge against me because I did not feel he was a qualified tenant a number of years ago and refused to lease to him (eviction tally, anyone?).  Please be advised that I have never spoke with Mr. Dare about my business philosophies or leasing strategies.  I have hundreds of past clients that feel that I have done a wonderful job on their behalf and my future energies will continue to go to those people and not to the likes of Mr. Dare.  I worked with Mr. Hionides for 13 years building out inventory in Springfield (at the expense of millions of dollars) and have proven that we believe in Springfield.  Certain properties may set vacant until several are purchased to form parcels large enough to bring the large tenants (like grocery stores) to the area.  Thank you 'Johnt' for your support....your words finally spurred me to defend myself.  Last word on the subject....Good Work Rich, I'm proud of you!

[Karl_Pilkington]

oh boy, here we go.. this thread might get as good as the CARE one going on right now.

[Bewler]

It’s always kind of sad when someone demands an apology for a remark made in a forum.

Back to the topic at hand, does anyone know what’s next on Mr. Trendel’s plate yet after Dos Gatos?

[Steve]

Absolutely - clustering these places together will definitely help Bay Street.

I'd like to know if he has anyone looking at the old Seminole Club across from City Hall - it's a tough spot to fill, but the right tenant could do wonders there.

[thelakelander]

Are the street level floors of MODIS and the Dyal-Upchurch Buildings the missing link?  If a few of their spaces could be occupied by a couple of places that stayed open at night and complemented the nightlife scene, you would have that connection.

[thelakelander]

The MODIS Tower is right across the street from the Landing.  If you can get a few places on the retail level that open up to the street (maybe a couple of restaurants with outdoor dining), you would have something that pulls people from the Landing, up Laura Street and east down Bay.  Get something in the Dyal-UpChurch Building at ground level and you then put people on the block between Main and Ocean.

[thelakelander]

Basically, you reopen the retail floor of MODIS back to the street and take advantage of the outdoor courtyard space that currently exists.

[Johnt]

No thanks needed Ms Farwell. Kudos to you and Mr Trendel for all of your efforts in this historic area. Keep the vision going I always say.

[zoo]

Basically, you reopen the retail floor of MODIS back to the street

Word on the street is JEDC/DVI has this plan underway to go along with the Laura Street improvements.

[thelakelander]

Great!  I remember including the idea on a presentation I did about Lighting Laura Street a few years ago, while being a part of the DT Action Plan Committee.  Glad to see that this element has been included in the JEDC's plans.  Without adding any more new businesses, DT would feel completely different if we can get more of the towers to position their interior retail spaces to the street.

Does the Hogans Creek master plan include making that stretch of Laura more of a pedestrian friendly connector to DT?  We could really have a nice corridor connecting Springfield and the riverfront together with the Landing and Springfield's parks serving as major anchors.

[thelakelander]

Work is supposed to start in January and take about a year to complete.

Click here to read more about the project:

http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2009-aug-lighting-laura-street-plan-moves-forward

http://jacksonville.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/stories/2009/10/12/daily26.html

[jeh1980]

Beautiful presentation!

[Lunican]

Here are a few photos from the Lighting Laura St. photo shoot back in April 2006.