New Projects, Venues Make A King Street District.

[Wacca Pilatka]

I agree. For locals. People from other places dont know that. I literally have to argue with people that relocate here and tell that there is stuff to do in Jacksonville. LOL But hey it is what it is. I know where to look and where to go now, so I can spread the knowledge.

I know what you mean.  As has been noted in many threads on this site, there's a substantial portion of the population in Jacksonville that just doesn't seem to appreciate the city and has a tendency to batten down on it as having nothing to do, and nothing for visitors.  I'm a regular visitor and never run out of things to do that interest me.  I don't think the city does nearly a good enough job of publicizing its heritage and opportunities for things to do.  As far as I am concerned, Jacksonville collectively has far too low of an opinion of itself.  Cities with much less impressive districts than Jacksonville has in San Marco, Avondale, Five Points, etc. seem to do a much better job of highlighting them in their tourism materials.

[thelakelander]

while the BK may not be ideal, I think it is ok in the district (just like Wendy's in 5 Points)...if there's a redevelopment that improves on the site, fine....otherwise I'll take BK over another empty lot

Yeah, I think the BK is an asset.  Although it's a fast food box, it comes right up to the street and sidewalk.



Replace a few of those plants with some outdoor seating and you'll extend the zone of sidewalk interactivity along King Street.  Btw, I've had lunch twice this week at Jackson's Grill.  While it's more of a restaurant than bar, it does have a pretty large bar and the burgers and soups are good.

[duvaldude08]

I agree. For locals. People from other places dont know that. I literally have to argue with people that relocate here and tell that there is stuff to do in Jacksonville. LOL But hey it is what it is. I know where to look and where to go now, so I can spread the knowledge.

I know what you mean.  As has been noted in many threads on this site, there's a substantial portion of the population in Jacksonville that just doesn't seem to appreciate the city and has a tendency to batten down on it as having nothing to do, and nothing for visitors.  I'm a regular visitor and never run out of things to do that interest me.  I don't think the city does nearly a good enough job of publicizing its heritage and opportunities for things to do.  As far as I am concerned, Jacksonville collectively has far too low of an opinion of itself.  Cities with much less impressive districts than Jacksonville has in San Marco, Avondale, Five Points, etc. seem to do a much better job of highlighting them in their tourism materials.

Yesss Thats what I was getting around too. Not necessary the businesses, but I think the city needs to do a better job at "selling" itself. And you are right. Most Jacksonville residents think very poorly of the city, and its essence its not bad. Some people just like everything handed to them on a silver platter. Me, i just hook up with the right people, find the right places and have a good time!

[Fallen Buckeye]

I really like living in this area of town. I tend to think of Post and King more like an extension of the Park and King district though because I guess I'm considering things more in terms of everyday living. I think of those bars as just another piece that makes this neighborhood great. I mean consider the growing arts scene on King St. There are some great galleries like the Draper. Or all the restaurant choices in that little area. European St. is only a a little ways down the road too and it always seems to be hopping. There's a beautiful library, parks, a hospital, churches, a couple schools, a pharmacy, and a publix within a short drive too.

Personally as a resident of the area I like having a fast food restaurant like bk right there. BUT I hate the design and I always feel like I'm about to be run over when I walk past because there isn't great visibility for drivers coming out of the drive-thru. I think that front half of the dining room near the street should be bulldozed and they should put in outdoor seating with an awning or some sort of roof.

Also, for anyone else in the area, watch out. There has been someone breaking into several cars in the area including mine.

[hillary supporter]

Had a steak last night at Jacksons, one of my best... no kidding.  Cool moose, is coooool mooooose. Jim Drapers Gallery has been up for approaching a year, looks to begin offering other artists. I moved in at Oak street between King and  5 points. Underbellys , Lomax all within walking.   And they say theres no God!

[RiversideJodi]

Had a steak last night at Jacksons, one of my best... no kidding.  Cool moose, is coooool mooooose. Jim Drapers Gallery has been up for approaching a year, looks to begin offering other artists. I moved in at Oak street between King and  5 points. Underbellys , Lomax all within walking.   And they say theres no God!

I've given Jackson's two tries...  First time service was bad and food was just average... Second time, we had excellent service but food was eh.   I think they need to step it up a bit... I had soup there that was in a styrofoam bowl, seems odd for dining in.  Also some of the portions are super small for the price and food was okay - typical frozen stuff. 

I'll give it another shot but hope they can step it up with the details.  There are plenty of other spots in the 'hood that I could give my money too.  Location is great so I'm crossing my fingers they work out the kinks. 

[Timkin]

It is very elating to see this revived area of Post and King.. My favorite,  Walkers is the site of the Old Riverside Tire .... Amazing job to that building, and well.. all of them.   Great Job and great presentation of the area.   Bravo! 

[Jaxson]

Although I have cut back on eating fast food, I don't mind having Burger King on King Street.  I used to near the Willowbranch Library during my fast foo days and sometimes dropped in or lunch.  I thought that it was admirable that BK (and Panda House) had a presence on King Street back in its seedier days.
Now that the King Street district is on the move, it is easy to look down on Burger King and Panda House.  I, however, believe that they have some purpose as they help add to the variety of choices for the neighborhood.  As long as they keep their properties clean (Panda House could use some sprucing up), I don't mind their presence. 

[urbanlibertarian]

tufsu1 wrote "plans are for the trolley line to parallel the river through Riverside ending up at Park and King...eventually it might be possible to extend through Avondale out to FSCJ".



Current JTA bus routes through the district are P3, P4, WS1, WS6, WS7 and WS12.

[RockStar]

I don't eat fast food as a rule. However, in a pinch I've had to hit that BK twice. (I live wayyy to close) I just don't understand BK's need to sit on/punch a hamburger before they serve it to you. It's messed up. LoL!

Anyway, if you want a decent burger, 5 Guys is only 5 blocks away.

It would be nice if that BK's exterior aesthetics fit the community better...instead it looks like it belongs off an interstate in the middle of nowhere...

just sayin' is all...

[Timkin]

Same here Rockstar... I actually lived in the 2600 block of  Post, and later in the 2700 block of College...  But then the King St. strip was pretty bad.... Nothing close to the beautiful job they have done on rehabbing those several blocks.  It looks great.

  That  BK has been around for ages ,and was renovated probably 20 plus years ago.. The Restaurant practically rests on King St. (not much space at all between the road and the building)

[thelakelander]

All it needs is some landscaping and an outdoor dining area with some umbrella seating and the feel it gives off will be completely different.

[Timkin]

True that .