A Closer Look at the Transportation Center

[Charles Hunter]

I think Don Knotts is busy, or at least unavailble - he died in 2006.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Knotts#Death

[CS Foltz]

Even deceased...........he could do better then Johnny!

[Ocklawaha]

I think Don Knotts is busy, or at least unavailble - he died in 2006.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Knotts#Death

Yes I know that... That is why I suggested someone with MORE thought process then Peyton!
Don Knott's is OUR GUY! Thanks for taking the bait guys.

OCKLAWAHA

[Charles Hunter]

Anytime, Ock ... I am here to serve! 

[CS Foltz]

tufsu1 ......you do read it all...........glad to hear/see that! I enjoy our conversations!

[krazeeboi]

I know it's already been said, but this thing is incredibly bland. I'd expect to see something like this in Macon or Mobile, but not Jacksonville. City leaders must be interesting in created memorable places wherever possible, and it doesn't take a whole lot of money to do so. Jacksonville should have take a page out of Detroit's playbook for their new $22.5 million Rosa Parks Transit Center:

[Charles Hunter]

I think you'd raise the ire of the historical folks, if you built something as modern looking as that next to the historic rail terminals.

[thelakelander]

I don't think the historic folks would care.  They didn't tend to raise much fuss when half of DT was obliterated.  Can't imagine them raising serious cane over the design of something that will be located on the backside of the the old terminal.  If they did, they would be questioning the current design as well.

[Ocklawaha]

I think you'd raise the ire of the historical folks, if you built something as modern looking as that next to the historic rail terminals.

No Charles, they would raise the ire of You and I! As long as this stupid "Ranch" stays completely north of Bay, I wouldn't give a rats ass. But it shouldn't (except for the Skyway module) be built north of Bay at all. Move this type of construction into the 1890-1919 station and more then a few purists will declare war on JTA, FDOT, COJ etc.

Gee Charles, are we old enough to be considered "historic folks?"

OCKLAWAHA

[thelakelander]

By the way, how is this for history? The Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto.



Or how about the Indianapolis Public Library?



Bringing this home locally, where is Railroad Row or the streetcar barn these days?  Both were taken down by transportation projects (skyway, new Acosta Bridge ramps). Since the architectural integrity of the old terminal is so important, why isn't the preservation of the terminal's tunnels a part of the overall plan.

Is it me or does anyone else find it kind of ironic that a city that cares nothing about preserving history can turn around and use respecting history as an excuse for bland architectural design?

[CS Foltz]

lake.............I agree!! Bad enough we have not vision or no plan, but to pay hard earned tax dollars for mediocrity is pathetic!

[Ocklawaha]

By the way, how is this for history? The Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto.

SUCKS

Or how about the Indianapolis Public Library?

SUCKS TWICE

Bringing this home locally, where is Railroad Row or the streetcar barn these days?  Both were taken down by transportation projects (skyway, new Acosta Bridge ramps). Since the architectural integrity of the old terminal is so important, why isn't the preservation of the terminals tunnels a part of the overall plan.

Is it me or does anyone else find it kind of ironic that a city that cares nothing about preserving history can turn around and use respecting history as an excuse for bland architectural design?

Jacksonville Terminal Complex ** (added 1976 - Building - #76000590)
Also known as 1898 Union Station and 1919 Jacksonville Terminal
Duval County - 1000 W. Bay St., Jacksonville
(30 acres, 2 buildings)
   
Historic Significance:    Event, Architecture/Engineering
Architect, builder, or engineer:    Murchison,Kenneth M., Howe,W.B.W.
Architectural Style:    Italian Villa
Area of Significance:    Transportation, Architecture, Commerce
Period of Significance:    1875-1899, 1900-1924

I fully agree that the city has done a horrible job of preservation, furthermore, destruction of the remaining tunnels, and terminal station elements is a crime. The modern designs are nice, and in many cases the blends of design are nice, but with the historical elements of our terminal I think it would amount to desecration of the Temple, to do such changes. The JTA village however, COULD BE completely modern, or they could follow the Italian-Villa style of the 1898 station. The one area where this opportunity appears without damage to the original building, is a train shed over the boarding tracks could be designed rather then standard butterfly sheds.

OCKLAWAHA

[JaxNative68]

to bad RS&H butchered the trainbay side of the terminal for the convention center addition!

[thelakelander]

Ock, I know you're a fan of conservative traditional architecture, but I think you missed my point.  I wasn't saying to cover the old terminal with glass or even advocating a modern design (although I do prefer architecture to be designed for its time instead of copying styles from an era gone bye).  I was just pointing out how hypocritical it is to rip down history with no problem on a regular basis and then use "respecting history" as an excuse for substandard design.

[Ocklawaha]

Oh no, I got it and I agree 100%. Frankly I love ultra-modern, Ikea modeled their stores after my house interiors! LOL!

I just don't think in the case of Jax Terminal, we should allow a modern style to steal from that incredible mind blowing entry on Lee, or the Italian Villa side on Bay Street. As you know this same city that now claims they are building "to protect the terminals history" wants to wreck the old tunnel system, build a God-Awful "skywalk" from the Headhouse all the way to McCoys Creek, that will soar above everything, then add a "WART" on the south end of the old station - for what? A station! In effect they say we have to build a station on the station because with the Prime Osbourne we haven't a station at the station, thus we are short one station. HUH? Nothing like a perfectly balanced dominant structure being thrown completely off center by some $25 dollar plywood and stucco wanna be addition. Hells bells, they might as well bring in the house trailers.

OCKLAWAHA