Elements of Urbanism: Columbus

[Metro Jacksonville]

Elements of Urbanism: Columbus



In a region known for economic stagnation, Columbus, OH continues to grow and make progress at a Sunbelt pace.

Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/content/view/540

[midnightblackrx]

One thing Columbus has that Jax doesn't is a large, non-commuter, student population to spend money at bars and clubs. The Arena district is a perfect example of what the private investors of Jax should do with the area by the baseball grounds.  Imagine if that district becomes a hotspot for everyday revelers in addition to people going to a Suns', Jags', Cuda's game and they had a place to hangout before and after the games. This area has a lot of potential imho.

[thelakelander]

I agree.  The Sports District and it's large number of parking lots does have a lot of potential.  The anchors are there, we just have to tie them together.

[gradco2004]

The traffic control needs revision. When I went to the preseason against Tampa, they ushered us from our chairs... to the highway. They should let people find their own way out on their own time, and stop shutting down streets into town. It is just rediculous. The cops are not even that strict on letting you through with a lame excuse anyhow. I guess they see just how dumb of an idea it is also.

[midnightblackrx]

are there any businesses down there currently, other than the stadiums?  I know the doro-fixtures building still stands but is there any business in there or is it and the other buildings vacant?

[lewyn]

One thing Columbus has that Jax doesn't is a large, non-commuter, student population to spend money at bars and clubs.

If UNF was downtown we would have that!

[thelakelander]

They aren't major, but it doesn't appear that we do a good job of marketing the core to students at FCCJ, Edward Waters, Jacksonville University and other colleges in the area.  While not as large or prominent as UNF, there are college students and faculty on these campuses, that are just as likely to support pedestrian friendly core areas, as those at the major universities.

[midnightblackrx]

UNF still has a large population that commutes from home to school. regardless of where the campus is, students who commute are more likely to drive home after class rather than sticking around DT (if it were located here), imo. 

[Lunican]

What percentage of FCCJ students do you think have been to Hemming Plaza, which is just a few blocks from their downtown campus?

I'd say it's close to zero.

[thelakelander]

I'd bet most don't even know where Hemming Plaza is.

[big ben]

UNF still has a large population that commutes from home to school. regardless of where the campus is, students who commute are more likely to drive home after class rather than sticking around DT (if it were located here), imo. 

i went to an almost half and half commuter/resident school and i'd say the biggest difference is on the weekends.  commuter students would be more likely to stick around after class for a week night than students who lived in town would for the weekend.  then again, it was in more of a suburb than a downtown.  it's hard to say how it would be here.  not that it matters, UNF will not be moving downtown.

[spidey]

What percentage of FCCJ students do you think have been to Hemming Plaza, which is just a few blocks from their downtown campus?

I'd say it's close to zero.

Who wants to take their life in their own hands trying to cross those busy 4 lane highways trying to get there?  Not a very pedestrian friendly walk....and you still have to walk across one of those busy 4-laners to take the skyway.  Also, I wouldn't pay 35 cents one way to take the skyway one short stop away....at least not until there's more to do in the Hemming Plaza area.