Old main library project awaits one big tenant

[thelakelander]

Especially since they have been putting the breaks on their expansion plans (like most chains these days).  I wouldn't be suprised to see HD close a few existing stores before expanding into markets where the demographics can't support the outlet.

[FCLR Symposium]

What about a small supermarket?  No offense to the Winn Dixie, but that doesn't cut it.  Downtown needs a supermarket.

[tufsu1]

keep in mind they own the empty lot at I-95/University...HD will build there to serve the urban core

[tufsu1]

What about a small supermarket?  No offense to the Winn Dixie, but that doesn't cut it.  Downtown needs a supermarket.

there is nothing worng with the downtown Winn Dixie...that said, there are plans for an urban market....just don't have illusions of it being inexpensive.

[aaapolito]

What about a small supermarket?  No offense to the Winn Dixie, but that doesn't cut it.  Downtown needs a supermarket.

there is nothing worng with the downtown Winn Dixie...that said, there are plans for an urban market....just don't have illusions of it being inexpensive.

One BIG problem with the Winn Dixie: Location.  Example: People working in downtown have nowhere to shop during the day (before, during, or right after work).  It would be great to have a supermarket within walking distance.

Additionally, people on this blog want people to move downtown.  Well, one of the first things that people consider when they move is: where is the closest supermarket?  can I walk there, or do I have to drive?  do I feel safe going there?  etc.

[tufsu1]

well aaapolito...

people working downtown would generally be served by a convenience store (like Walgrens or CVS)....and the Sundrez shop at The Landing partially serves this market.

as for people moving downtown...I'm one of them...and one of the things that attracted me was having Winn Dixie 2 blocks away.

Grocery stores generally serve a market of about 10,000 people....so the Winn Dixie should be fine to serve Springfield and downtown proper...the Riverside Publix can serve that neighborhood as well as Brooklyn/LaVilla areas...and the planned San Marco Publix can serve that area and the Southbank.

[aaapolito]

well aaapolito...

people working downtown would generally be served by a convenience store (like Walgrens or CVS)....and the Sundrez shop at The Landing partially serves this market.

as for people moving downtown...I'm one of them...and one of the things that attracted me was having Winn Dixie 2 blocks away.

Grocery stores generally serve a market of about 10,000 people....so the Winn Dixie should be fine to serve Springfield and downtown proper...the Riverside Publix can serve that neighborhood as well as Brooklyn/LaVilla areas...and the planned San Marco Publix can serve that area and the Southbank.

All great points.  I think you're right.

I guess I would just like to have something between a full grocery store and a convenience store within walking distance to, say Hemming Plaza, or that general area.  Wishful thinking, I suppose.

[Overstreet]

I would go downtown to a Bass Pro "Outdoor World" store just to see feeding time on Saturday.

[urbanlibertarian]

Feeding Time on Saturday is currently held at the back side (Church St.) of Immaculate Conception mid-morning.  It's very popular. 

[samiam]

Feeding Time on Saturday is currently held at the back side (Church St.) of Immaculate Conception mid-morning.  It's very popular. 

LOL

[mtraininjax]

What legitimate developer broadcasts to the Times Union they need a MAJOR tenant to develop a piece of property? A desperate one, that's who. When's the last time Sleiman said he needed A dillard's to open a strip mall?

These guys at the library, good intentions, but this space is way out of their league.

[vicupstate]

What legitimate developer broadcasts to the Times Union they need a MAJOR tenant to develop a piece of property? A desperate one, that's who.

Why would you say that?   This is not exactly rare in my experience.

[uptowngirl]

Harris Teeter and Reids in DT Charlotte- two of the best stores and they both blow Winn Dixie out of the water! Oh and don't forget they also have a Trader Joe's, Target, Marshall's, and Best Buy. Granted that center is not right in the middle of DT, but pretty darn close.

[reednavy]

Harris Teeter has been in the Jax market before, but just couldn't compete with Publix, so they left. This is mostly in part because people though Publix was high, hell, they're Wal-Mart prices compared to HT.