Rethinking Regency Mall

[jaxjaguar]

I would say with the current rides and attractions at AV it's right on the cusp of FEC & AP. The water park there has really become great. If they added another major water ride and a real roller coaster it could be a small amusement park.

[I-10east]

^^^ No doubt the water park is the real McCoy at Adventure Landing, but the dry attractions are VERY FEC-esque. It basically personifies a FEC. I doubt that it would expand much (if any) more than it already is, as it's cut off by a neighborhood, and Beach Blvd.

Fun Spot America in Orlando made that FEC to amusement park transition though, as it added three coasters, and some other flatrides.

www.rcdb.com/10346.htm

[I-10east]

During the design development process, I remember looking at the rides (on paper) and thinking it would be a place most would visit once and never come back.

I don't blame you, I probably would've went one time too. I guess that I was kinda naive, as I was caught up in the novelty of Steamboat City, thinking that it would hopefully expand in the future, LOL. That proposed 'phase one' was definitely boring, as I recalled I believe, one wooden coaster, a log flume, and a merry-go-round. That's all that I remembered. Usually bigger parks, and highways go hand and hand, and the smaller parks would be in a more intimate setting.   

[coredumped]

Before everyone buys sunblock and walking shoes, I wanted to point out the person in the article suggesting that an amusement park would be a good idea has no ownership in the property. He was just saying if he owned it, it is something he would consdier:

"I said a few years ago that if it were my listing, I think someone should sell it to Wild Adventures and try to put an amusement park with roller coasters and water slides," he said. "That was tongue in cheek, but it might make sense if someone could buy the dirt cheap enough. You need some kind of destination there."

[thelakelander]

^Yes. I caught that. I think a theme park on that site is a pipe dream in reality.  Regency is still a viable site as a mall.  It just doesn't need to be as big as it currently is. With that said, they may want to do something about the Belk situation. Losing the remaining anchors it does have could be a death blow.

[Tacachale]

Ashame it couldn't just be turned into a casino. Clearly gambling is already doing good business in the area.

Are there any Timucua Native Americans still around?  Make an old tribal claim?

All Timucua groups have been dead since the 18th century. It would be possible for the Seminole (or Miccosukee) to buy property here and open a casino. It may also be possible for other tribes from outside Florida to do it, but the issue isn't settled. Otherwise there won't be any casinos because of the state's compact with the tribes.

[coredumped]

I agree, losing Belk would be pretty bad especially since it's in the center of the mall. I wish belk would just come out and say their intentions already. I don't think Sears will go anywhere. I've heard a few things to they own the building to if they tear the mall down it'll be a standalone building (like Melbourne and Fernadina).

I'm looking forward to hearing more about what the potential buyer has in mind for the massive property. There's a lot of potential there, and as we all know, more housing/residents are coming.

[I-10east]

Before everyone buys sunblock and walking shoes, I wanted to point out the person in the article suggesting that an amusement park would be a good idea has no ownership in the property. He was just saying if he owned it, it is something he would consdier:

"I said a few years ago that if it were my listing, I think someone should sell it to Wild Adventures and try to put an amusement park with roller coasters and water slides," he said. "That was tongue in cheek, but it might make sense if someone could buy the dirt cheap enough. You need some kind of destination there."

Well said Core. Herschend Family Entertainment (which is the actual company, not Wild Adv like he said) are very cautious and business savvy; They aren't exactly into the 'building theme park from scratch' business, as they invest their time into established parks.

[I-10east]

Regency Square is under contract, and could close next week. Wow!

www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2014/02/10/regency-square-mall-under-contract-to.html

[thelakelander]

Karen Brune Mathis from the Jax Daily Record states the buyer is a joint venture between Namdar Realty Group and Mason Asset Management Inc., both of Great Neck, NY.

http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=542212