Creating Downtown Vibrancy by Exposing Secret Retail
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/1077842287_FmDnx-M.jpg)
News flash Jacksonville: There won't be a Whole Foods, Publix, Nordstroms or 10,000 residents beating down the doors of downtown to anytime soon. However, this does not mean that all is lost. Better exposing and utilizing what's already there is an affordable solution that will stimulate additional foot traffic and create the unique sense of place city leaders desire.
Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2010-nov-creating-downtown-vibrancy-by-exposing-secret-retail
NO TIME SOON???
No time soon..you can bet your boots on that one...with the conservative bunch leading this city..it'll be another 30 years before that happens...they all have to die and be replaced by forward thinking people for a downtown to return to Jax...sucks but the truth hurts and we can all blame it on the cracked leadership this city has had to put up with...good luck to all...you'll need it.
All of these things could happen right now, today. They aren't relying on big, infrastructure funding. Building owners and retail store owners could make this change happen in the blink of an eye. Good article, Ennis.
I'm friends with the owner of Java Junction. She says the property manager of the Bank of America Tower absolutely prohibits outside advertising of businesses within the building, even a simple sandwich board on the sidewalk (although the Florida Bank manages to do this). The dry cleaner/convenience store can get around this restriction by displaying its wares in the window as you see. Java Junction's location in the building lobby makes this impossible. It's a shame. She serves really good coffee.
That sounds like something DVI, JEDC or even the Mayors Office could work with property managers to resolve. Since Java Junction is located right at the building's main entrance, all they need is a couple of outdoor umbrellas/seating with their logo on them. There may also be some policies within our own code that lead to these types of decisions that may need to be reconsidered. These are actions that won't cost the city a dime and will accomplish more than many big ticket public expenditures currently underway in DT.
Perhaps they don't want people to know, just saying.
GREAT article. These are all simple and precise suggestions that should be done. How can we get it done? Who do we need to talk to??? Who should be our next mayor to actually get this moving?
With all the money being spent on the Laura St improvement to increase pedestrian friendliness and create some vibrancy, this article definitely needs pushed to the appropriate people to try and implement these ideas.
If these stores fronts can be opened to the street and signage or other window dressings can be put out, to go along with completing the Laura st improvements, it would appear as quick results to people passing by. Which would hopefully increase hope and motivation to people that investing in downtown can produce results.
I'll take some pictures of 1180 Peachtree and the new 12th and Midtown buildings. These are newer 2000s office buildings (glass, LEED, marble lobby class A office buildings) that have interaction with the streets. The first one has a very successful restaurant/German brewhouse called Tap and other restaurants/stores that are both inside and street facing, but any ground floor tenant is allowed to have a sign on the building about 20 ft. above the street to let passersby know they are there. The second development is the huge Daniel Corp/Selig Enterprises development which is actually similar to Enterprise Center downtown. One side is the hotel and one side is the office building and they are connected with retail space that abuts the sidewalk. In this development and their condo building across the street numerous places have opened up including a CB2 (Crate and Barrel) and an Equinox gym among about 4 restaurants and a couple of shops.
What bothers me is the building owners are so snobby about their buildings here in Jax. Parmenter holds BofA in one of their funds and it is their best building and the nicest building in Jax, but come on it isn't even that nice (by big city standards). They need to relax on it and quit treating the building like it is some Core trophy tower or some Park Ave high security thing. And the Modis building? The owners and their management company, which runs the security, is even more ridiculous. This for a sort of class B building.
Unfortunately all of our office buildings were constructed in a time of isolationism and elitism (the 70s/80s) so they were built to separate the street people from the office people. It's funny because there are really no "big shots" who need top security working practically anywhere in the city and even some of these "big shots" are ok with living normal lives amongst the people.
Great article.
My wife once worked in a gym that was located in the Tower Mall. The owner of the gym was bleeding money and shut it down. Combination of super high rent and nobody outside of the building realizing there was a gym inside.
I wonder if the city's sign ordinance has anything to do with outside signage. It seems like it's unnecassarily confusing. Do we really need to make it anymore difficult for businesses to advertise themselves downtown? For example:
(b) Ground Floor Signs:
(1) Types:
(i) Multi-Story buildings with ground floor retail
sales or services tenants are allowed one square foot of signage
per every linear foot of street frontage for additional wall,
window, awning, canopy, or projecting signs. (See Figure 2).
Multiple signs will only be approved by DRC when it can be shown
that multiple signs significantly enhance the creative impact of
the signage concept and are not detrimental to the building, the
surrounding context or signage opportunities of adjoining uses.
for the longest time, i did not know there were stores inside the at&t building. funny thing is my wife works there and i picked her up from work everyday. then one day i had to go inside and saw all these places. i was amazed that there were no signs to let anyone outside know about this. it's like their own little world inside these buildings
Wow. How do they expect downtown to bring keep folk down there if they don't know what's there?!? I've driven a thousand times down there and had no clue. What am I supposed to look through brick walls to know? City leaders need to gather these businesses to encourage them to do something about this lack advertising madness. No wonder its so dormant downtown. Simple solutions to fix a greater problem. Awesome article. Metro for Mayor
Really is pretty absurd
Have you guys every thought about doing things yourself to draw in the residents and show them not only what is already there but what it COULD be...guerilla style (see below for Ft. Worth and Oak Cliff (a neighborhoood very much like Springfield/downtown):
http://fortworthology.com/2010/10/04/guerilla-complete-streets-fort-worth-better-block-project-plus-fall-arts-goggle-report/
There is a small mall inside the first floor of the Modis building. A barber with an old fashioned strait shave, a nice Jewler, a book/ convenience store, a full function copy center, art gallery and others.
With all the vacancies in downtown right now, retailers who are not happy with being entombed in a glass structure with more prohibitions than common sense, should consider the possibilities of moving out.
What are the downtown codes on the street level of buildings? Don't they require a certain percentage of storefront with any new building? I guess they can't make existing buildings change.
The Bank of America building would bet the best one to change. There is a convenience/gift store/dry cleaner, Java Junction and a restaurant along the Laura street sidewalk. They could all interact with a street the city is trying to make more pedestrian shopping friendly. Some outdoor seating for that cafe would be great.
Quote from: stephendare on November 05, 2010, 10:28:41 AM
Quote from: second_pancake on November 05, 2010, 10:26:35 AM
Have you guys every thought about doing things yourself to draw in the residents and show them not only what is already there but what it COULD be...guerilla style (see below for Ft. Worth and Oak Cliff (a neighborhoood very much like Springfield/downtown):
http://fortworthology.com/2010/10/04/guerilla-complete-streets-fort-worth-better-block-project-plus-fall-arts-goggle-report/
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2010-aug-do-it-yourself-town-square-dallas-2010
Wow, you had the whole thing covered. So whatever came from this? What are the the brick-walls you guys are finding yourselves up against? Seems like the holidays would be perfect for this...complete with christmas lights and gift retailers full of local crafters and artisans. You'd have to find a way to corral the "homeless" a.k.a. Jax Criminals for the weekend.
Quote from: Jumpinjack on November 05, 2010, 10:40:44 AM
With all the vacancies in downtown right now, retailers who are not happy with being entombed in a glass structure with more prohibitions than common sense, should consider the possibilities of moving out.
The problem is that, as with the rest of their asinine policies regarding downtown, COJ is equally restrictive when it comes to advertising and signage. You wouldn't fare any better moving out, you still can't put up lighted exterior signage, sandwich boards, or most things that actually draw customers in.
There was a thread about this problem a year ago on MJ, when COJ actually ran all over writing thousands of B.S. tickets to small business owners.
If more upper floor office tenants move out, then the landlords will have to make the storefront more visible to customers to the outside to keep tenants alive.
I agree that more could be done with less public money. It takes a public/private partnership and dialogue to show that everyone wants to move in the same direction.
QuoteWith coordination between the existing services provided by the JTA and the Special Events Staff, and a total remake of the Parking Commission, you could transform downtown with very little money in very little time.
Here, here.
And great article Lake... funny thing is, there are lots more lurking behind even more buildings. This just scratches the surface. When I was advocating for the Landing parking lot, one of my main points was that by transforming the space where the old Andrew Jackson statue was, and fronting the businesses inside the Wachovia building you could create a very pedestrian friendly corridor.
The fact that pedestrians on Laura Street are still going to be unaware of the spaces in the library, BofA building, Modis building, etc after the roadwork is done to expand the sidewalks is downright absurd.
The Chamber of Commerce, Mayors office, JEDC, and DVI can all drive to Orlando for a day and back and have lunch downtown to see how its done correctly. And even downtown Orlando can be so much more than it is.
Toronto's Tall Building Planning Process. Some fine planning and planners to guarantee that a good downtown (walkable, vibrant) becomes and remains a great downtown. 7:39
Love this city!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MOQi-77iW4&hd=1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MOQi-77iW4&hd=1)
This is actually a very bad trend in Jacksonville. Here in the Prudential Building there is Cafe Plaza downstairs, which is a resturant and gift shop. Its been down there for 20 years. However no one knows it exsists. They have an entrance facing the side walk and they do have a sign, but it doesnt draw any attention.
In the merchintile bank building, there is a cleaners, gift shop and a resturant call high tide that is hidden inside the building. I think City leaders really need to get with these owners and have a serious talk about this. Acheiving this alone would create a completely different vibe downtown. Its an easy fix.
On the other hand there are or were retail at the bottom of the "First Union" (dating self) bank buliding parking garage that are open to the street. One used to be a Duncan Doughnuts.
I find it odd that people that would walk in downtown don't know about the stores inside the tall buildings. I used to walk through those buildings in the summer to get from one block to the other in the airconditioning rather than walk around. We used to walk across the street to the Morrisons often for lunch. If you're really downtown I'd think you'd do some inside exploring.
Quote from: second_pancake on November 05, 2010, 10:49:43 AM
Wow, you had the whole thing covered. So whatever came from this? What are the the brick-walls you guys are finding yourselves up against? Seems like the holidays would be perfect for this...complete with christmas lights and gift retailers full of local crafters and artisans. You'd have to find a way to corral the "homeless" a.k.a. Jax Criminals for the weekend.
Speaking of Christmas, last year, the city (maybe it was DVI) ran a holiday display contest. I had one of the displays, which was in an empty storefront in a building on Hogan St (right under the Skyway track). A friend and I spent around $250 putting up a display. We were forbidden from advertising anything beyond having our name on a tiny sheet of paper and maybe a website address.
It was fun, sure, but I got nothing out of it, except being able to tell people I decorated an empty storefront window. (I got a picture with the mayor - funny considering that everyone who sees it asks me "who's that guy next to you?") That kind of stuff isn't going to revitalize downtown. Make it worth my while to spend time and money putting up a display - I'm an illustrator, let me put an ad in there, or something. I declined to submit anything this year.
The city seems terrified to allow any kind of advertising to encroach upon the "pristine" environment downtown. (See the bus shelters situation, for example.) Comparing it with other cities, downtown Jax seems absolutely barren of any kind of singage or ads that would alert visitors to the presence of businesses. My dad's cousin owns a couple eateries downtown that exist solely based on the patronage of people working in the buildings. Imagine the uptick in business if he could stick a couple signs outside without having to worry about the sign ordinance.
What kills me is it wouldn't cost taxpayers anything. Just quit enforcing some of the laws on the books and see what happens. If signage gets out of control or God forbid people start leaving their cars in the same spot for a couple hours, start issuing warnings. I would think that would create a better atmosphere than those giant stickers...
Working in an office setting, we are ALWAYS looking for different things to eat for lunch that is convenient and close by. Aside from creating vibrancy, these business's would make a killing during lunch.
QuoteI find it odd that people that would walk in downtown don't know about the stores inside the tall buildings.
That is part of the point of the article. The exteriors of those buildings are not exactly inviting in... nothing tells folks walking around... "come in and check us out".
If I remember right, downtown has its own overlay which governs what can be done there. If the merchants, planners, and downtown NGOs wanted to change something, I'll bet it could be done. Signs are only one part of enticing a customer inside.
I have worked downtown for over 23 years and never knew these places existed. I walk down Laura Street everyday during lunch time. Now I will have to check them out for new places to eat lunch.
It's a wonder anyone ever finds Benny's.
I would say I am going to venture out during lunch today and check out a place or two. but wait where the hell am I m going to park. LOL our downtown has several issues that need to be addressed. LOL
You must be somewhere with free parking like a business park. There's plenty of parking in town, you just don't get it for free. There's metered parking and the lots are not full and fairly inexpensive. Of course, you could put your feet to the street or use the bus or trolley or bike in. Come on down.
Quote from: Jumpinjack on November 05, 2010, 02:36:26 PM
You must be somewhere with free parking like a business park. There's plenty of parking in town, you just don't get it for free. There's metered parking and the lots are not full and fairly inexpensive. Of course, you could put your feet to the street or use the bus or trolley or bike in. Come on down.
ITs not the fact of the parking, it is just finding a space. Its annyoing as heck to try and find a space when you have people riding your tail and honking the horn. My lunch is only 45 minutes. I would hate to spend 20 of it trying to find a space. That has been my personal experience with DT parking.
Quote from: duvaldude08 on November 05, 2010, 02:55:51 PM
ITs not the fact of the parking, it is just finding a space. Its annyoing as heck to try and find a space when you have people riding your tail and honking the horn. My lunch is only 45 minutes. I would hate to spend 20 of it trying to find a space. That has been my personal experience with DT parking.
This is an issue with me as well. I'm close enough that I could head downtown for lunch if I wanted, but with ony 45 minutes allowed, I'd never be able to drive there, find a spot, eat, and get back.
In fact, I'd imagine it would be difficult for downtown employees to venture very far if they are on similar schedules. Not sure where the 45 minute lunch "hour" came from but I wish they'd just throw in another 15 minutes. I mean, it's unpaid anyway.
Quote from: Bativac on November 05, 2010, 12:14:47 PM
The city seems terrified to allow any kind of advertising to encroach upon the "pristine" environment downtown. (See the bus shelters situation, for example.) Comparing it with other cities, downtown Jax seems absolutely barren of any kind of singage or ads that would alert visitors to the presence of businesses. My dad's cousin owns a couple eateries downtown that exist solely based on the patronage of people working in the buildings. Imagine the uptick in business if he could stick a couple signs outside without having to worry about the sign ordinance.
What kills me is it wouldn't cost taxpayers anything. Just quit enforcing some of the laws on the books and see what happens. If signage gets out of control or God forbid people start leaving their cars in the same spot for a couple hours, start issuing warnings. I would think that would create a better atmosphere than those giant stickers...
This.
This is what I was referring to earlier as well. Even the petty building owners (please we don't have very many large players downtown owning and/or managing buildings as relative to other cities) are snobby about their buildings. The property management of Modis thinks it manages a class super duper A building filled with high powered executives making $20M a year that need overbearing security and a perfectly pristine environment void of visitors. Pu-leeze! Same goes for most of the other buildings.
Downtown leadership is the same way. It thinks too highly of itself. There are only a handful of pristine "all-new" downtown environments with high powered executives working and corporate plazas and high security (Charlotte, Midtown Atlanta, Los Angeles north/west of Grand, and maybe a few more). Even these downtowns permit signs and try to enhance the pedestrian environment and encourage more visitors and pedestrians. Who does our downtown think it is? If anything we should be focused on making downtown a "place for the people". It's not like we have 10 billionaires working there and celebrities milling about and big time corporate players (outside of CSX I suppose). I'm not trying to knock anyone, but our downtown is the product of archaic thinking (and seemingly elitist thinking).
We should be way less concerned with littering the area with signs of businesses than actually getting any businesses downtown. Unfortunately our priorities are backwards. Today's generation of young professionals certainly does not care whether he walks by a slew of service oriented stores and cheap stores/restaurants with signs, oh and let alone bus stations....uuuugggghhh the boogeyman. Sterility is not on the mind anymore except for maybe with a select few 65-85 year olds (and like I said these 65-85 year olds aren't targets like some 65-85 year olds in other cities).
I may sound like I am rambling and off base, but I just think that even nowadays certain building owners with their property managers and certain city leaders think they are above common people enough to necesitate isolation in their "castles in the sky". I just think it's funny because really nobody is above that, but it's arguable that in certain office buildings in other cities there are people that require a bit of isolation, and "castles in the sky" is a joke in Jacksonville because none of our buildings are very tall or very nice anyways, let alone the parking decks...ewww (well aside from BofA's).
Thinking about it now, the Laura St improvements are literally going to be a waste if draconian laws and property management are allowed to prevail and if the Landing is never opened up. If Laura and Bay are going to be our downtown's spine, then they must be cluttered with businesses opening up to the street, and that will have to include some businesses in the office buildings otherwise there will be completely sterile/empty blocks separating any activity.
I don't get why Parmenter is ok with having lowly "visitors" coming through its building to get to the eatery on the 42nd floor, but it has such a problem making its lobby user/visitor/pedestrian friendly. The same visitors are already walking through the lobby now and using the elevators without any monitoring or security clearances...??? Parmenter brags all the time about the BofA building (which has won an award or two, one I think from BOMA), but there is not much to brag about! The lights on the top corners aren't even on at night anymore so one can perhaps claim their ads are misleading! LOL
I've never heard of a 45min. lunch HOUR?
Terrific feature as usual.
I seem to recall that the AT&T Building, in its Southern Bell days, had a Bell logo on the building at street level facing Forsyth, under which was a list of stores in the Tower Mall in blue font. Does anyone else remember this?
City should have brains enough to explore options that cost the City nothing! Owners of some of these business's should be able to advertise outside...........how else are you going to know they are there? City does nothing to push any small business, other than tax them and thats flat out wrong..... Stupid City Administration does not understand anything about business! What was Johnny's mantra........oh yeah "Gonna run the City like a business"! I would have to ask......just who the hell runs any business like that other than the City of Jacksonville?
I had this same stunning discovery a while back that a lot of people on here have mentioned. I was walking along the river walk and found a tiny sign outside the wachovia tower on the southbank telling what was inside. I had walked past it many times without noticing it because it was so small and set back a little bit.
But on a positive note didn't the new Chick-fila in the hospital add an outside entrance that makes it at least somewhat visible from the street?
I misspoke in my post--that should say facing Water, not facing Forsyth.
I found the tiny sign outside the former Gulf Life building as well. Best visibility for that sign seems to be if you are coming off the water taxi because you come straight at it.
Quote from: TheProfessor on November 05, 2010, 03:22:29 PM
I've never heard of a 45min. lunch HOUR?
No need to be smart. You know what I meant. I get 45 minuts for lunch. ::)
It would be nice for some of this places to have signs.
Reading through this story and the comments, I realized something. With as much as a push as there is for ground-level retail in every building, it is completely nonsensical to also deny any outdoor advertising for those shops. Maybe the city or building management companies are trying to keep out bra ads and the like? Even the ArtWalk and Off The Grid gallery signs are temporary sandwich boards.
Maybe folks want the buildings and sidewalks to always resemble the architectural renderings -- fictional frozen moments of perfection?
Also, consider the number of visitors who are Downtown at the Hyatt or Omni or Hilton or Wyndham. Not everyone in the Core is an office dweller, not every hotel dweller is in town on business. How will these people ever find newsstands, gift shops and restaurants outside of their respective hotels?
Why oh why do we continue to have policies or attitudes to restrict Downtown? This post and the comments got me a little fired up.
QuoteAcheiving this alone would create a completely different vibe downtown. Its an easy fix.
Easy Fix? Ha, Ha, you obviously do not understand Jacksonville politics. So we want more signs for businesses so that people will know what is inside the buildings, eh? Why not throw up flashing signs pointing to where the business is located? Why not bring in a 5-ring circus to perform as well. Change the sign laws downtown, what do you do for the ENTIRE county, which last time I checked, was THE CITY. Consolidation is a bummer!
So sure we could put signs, signs, signs everywhere and plaster the hell out of downtown, but then someone would complain that we turned downtown into the suburbs, minus people after 5 pm. Instead of belly-aching about signage, why not focus on adding NEW businesses to downtown, or adding new residents to downtown. Add more people, and they will find the businesses, with or without the signs.
Audrey is right, bring back DDA, they can do a LOT of good for downtown, if brought back!
Fat chance at that. Other than having a personal passion for DT, there is little financial incentive for someone to invest in such an unfriendly business and living environment. It's going to take more than a DDA to turn things around. If anything, government needs to get out of the way (that includes signage restrictions) and let things develop naturally.
^+1!
Allowing signs doesn't automatically mean DT is overrun with neon billboards. Is window lettering considered to be a sign? Seems like a moderate governance is a smart way to go: say, one sandwich board per entrance (on the sidewalk), window lettering, a canopy entrance with shop name. Frankly, a nice sandwich-style chalboard would improve the street dramatically over the white plastic style that is commonly used by DVI. For shops/restaurants inside the towers, have a directory outside (why is the one on the Forsyth side of Bell South empty?) and maybe open up those ground-level windows by removing the reflective material.
When I ran into Lake in the Wachovia tower when he was shooting for this article, I made the comment that the towers seem impenetrable and unwelcoming, but you discover they really aren't. No restaurateur has yet asked for my proof that I work inside the building in order to buy lunch.
Quote from: newzgrrl on December 05, 2010, 04:51:43 PM
Allowing signs doesn't automatically mean DT is overrun with neon billboards. Is window lettering considered to be a sign? Seems like a moderate governance is a smart way to go: say, one sandwich board per entrance (on the sidewalk), window lettering, a canopy entrance with shop name. Frankly, a nice sandwich-style chalboard would improve the street dramatically over the white plastic style that is commonly used by DVI. For shops/restaurants inside the towers, have a directory outside (why is the one on the Forsyth side of Bell South empty?) and maybe open up those ground-level windows by removing the reflective material.
When I ran into Lake in the Wachovia tower when he was shooting for this article, I made the comment that the towers seem impenetrable and unwelcoming, but you discover they really aren't. No restaurateur has yet asked for my proof that I work inside the building in order to buy lunch.
I say the city should put a 100% stop to enforcing the sign ordinance. In fact, I think it should be repealed. I am a 31 year old man, and my peers and I (people of similar age with money to spend, aching for a place to spend it) are going to be drawn in by an area that presents the image of a vibrant, walkable urban core. Jacksonville can't manufacture blocks of old buildings, but they could allow businesses (maybe even - GASP - encourage them) to advertise by installing eye-catching signage on the buildings that do exist.
Imagine it - Jacksonville, a city full of young designers and artists, becoming known for a downtown full of weird, colorful signage. Visually interesting signage creates intrigue and results in people entering businesses, where they are likely to spend money.
As I mentioned earlier in this thread, this costs the taxpayer NOTHING. Businesses are given freedom to advertise without having to meet the specifications of the sign ordinance. I think everyone can agree that for the time being, there are absolutely no concerns with having Downtown Jacksonville "polluted" by overbearing signage. If we get to the point where large, attractive, interesting, captivating signs are becoming a problem, the sign ordinance can be readdressed. But for the time being, I cannot think of a good reason to continue to support a sign ordinance, beyond the fact that maybe some senior citizens don't like the idea of signs.
I respect and admire senior citizens, but for those with closed minds, I'm sorry -- you're on the way out. That way of thinking results in atrophy and death. Repeal the sign ordinance. Encourage businesses to advertise. Maybe DVI can hold a contest. Interesting signage will lead to an environment that appears more vibrant, which will lead people of all ages to spend time and money, which will -- eventually -- revitalize downtown Jax.
^ Part of me agrees with you, however, another says that the ordinance just needs to be much less restrictive to allow creativity to thrive. I'm sure there are aspects of the ordinance that are very beneficial to the downtown feel that should remain. Just streamline the approval process and edit the ordinance.
Quoteanother says that the ordinance just needs to be much less restrictive to allow creativity to thrive.
I wholeheartedly agree.
Quote from: Jason on December 07, 2010, 01:01:15 PM
^ Part of me agrees with you, however, another says that the ordinance just needs to be much less restrictive to allow creativity to thrive. I'm sure there are aspects of the ordinance that are very beneficial to the downtown feel that should remain. Just streamline the approval process and edit the ordinance.
I say just repeal the whole thing. Or grant some kind of exemption for the downtown area. Remove that potential hurdle. I am not sure what portions of the ordinance are beneficial to downtown. The only thing I can think of is any parts of the ordinance that might pertain to maintenance of signs (i.e. no burned out neon, peeling paint or missing letters). Even that doesn't need to be addressed until there are actually signs downtown to worry about.
More importantly I would hate to see the city council enter another endless debate (which they would certainly do) about which parts of the ordinance to keep, and passing a revised ordinance, etc.
Maybe I don't know what I'm talking about. I am after all just some guy on the internet.
This situation highlights what's wrong with DT Jax at street level and how it can impact small business growth and DT vibrancy.
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/1077842287_FmDnx-M.jpg)
The AT&T Tower has a full blown food court on the second floor that can't be seen from the street, despite you being able to see the street from the inside.
About 30 minutes ago, I decided to head downstairs and walk through the mall at AT&T Tower. I'm now sitting at my desk with a plate of fried chicken, collard greens, mash potatoes and gravy, cornbread, peach cobbler and sweet tea. I had no idea there was a full blown food court with space for about 8 or 9 vendors on the second floor. There's no signage outside and you can't see into the windows from the street. Evidently, retail tenants are totally dependent on whatever offices are upstairs. Needless to say, the only three eateries open serves sushi, soul food and hamburgers, etc. Unfortunately, since the tower is nearly empty, at least two will be closing at the end of the month. Perhaps if we could find some way to better expose what's already down here from the street, places like this would not have to rely totally on offices on the floors above them.
There are a ton of poor urban design situations like this in the Northbank that make the area seem more sleepy than it really is. Instead of focusing on budget busting items like convention centers, the Shipyards and movie theaters, maybe just maybe, it will be more cost effective to work with property owners to better integrate their buildings and hidden retail, with the sidewalks and streets surrounding them?
(http://www.metrojacksonville.com/photos/thumbs/lrg-1310-p1010470.JPG)
This is how a similar street level visibility situation is handled in Toronto. Simple signage and outdoor seating.
The two shops are closing now with the Everbank Employees on the way? Someone should mention it to them.
3 or 4 of those shoppes and Food court entrance signs downtown would do a lot of good. Wells Fargo Building, old Wachovia/ Omni, BOA and AT&T all do have things to offer people. I think it add some synergy to the landing.
Quote from: JeffreyS on July 22, 2011, 04:17:10 PM
The two shops are closing now with the Everbank Employees on the way? Someone should mention it to them.
As of now, Everbank hasn't committed and if they do, such a move is still a few months away. Having to go months without customers on a "maybe" that Everbank will come may not be a realistic financial solution for a small business.
Quote from: JeffreyS on July 22, 2011, 04:17:10 PM
The two shops are closing now with the Everbank Employees on the way? Someone should mention it to them.
What two shops? Just curious
The place is called Flourney's Grill. They occupy a few spaces in the AT&T Tower Mall's mostly empty food court.
QuoteLooking for lunch with a twist of soul food? Flournoy's has everything from Jamaica beef patties to fish sandwich to veggie burgers. If breakfast is your desire then fill-up on a hearty one from egg croissanwich to omelet with grits. Stop by today for home cooked food, saladbar with fresh fruit and an affordable cooked to order menu.
http://www.downtownjacksonville.org/locations/l-182-flournoys-grill.aspx
To get to the food court, you would have to know that the general public is allowed inside the building, that retail stores are in there and that you have to go up one level, past the security guard desk, behind the elevator shafts, a seating area and another wall to find the restaurant.
Quote from: thelakelander on July 22, 2011, 09:44:57 PM
Quote from: JeffreyS on July 22, 2011, 04:17:10 PM
The two shops are closing now with the Everbank Employees on the way? Someone should mention it to them.
As of now, Everbank hasn't committed and if they do, such a move is still a few months away. Having to go months without customers on a "maybe" that Everbank will come may not be a realistic financial solution for a small business.
I hear you but the building has been under staffed for a few years now it is just eye catching that with this prospect they can't make a bit longer.
BTW the Everbank move is something Everbank is very intent on.
Signage might be the best use of any downtown incentive money.
I'm sure if Everbank comes, new businesses will follow. Unfortunately, many of the ones struggling today may not make it partially due to poor to no visibility at street level.
Quote from: newzgrrl on December 03, 2010, 08:10:34 PM
With as much as a push as there is for ground-level retail in every building, it is completely nonsensical to also deny any outdoor advertising for those shops. Maybe the city or building management companies are trying to keep out bra ads and the like? Even the ArtWalk and Off The Grid gallery signs are temporary sandwich boards.
Why oh why do we continue to have policies or attitudes to restrict Downtown?.
NEWS:QuoteThe Chief of Police is determined that the streets of the city shall not be obstructed by signs that mar the beauty of Jacksonville. Already there have been a few arrests of merchants who refused to take the signs down and the police are adamant in stating that if the merchants do not comply with the law, more arrests will follow...
Times-Union, November 13, 1909
PS: Yes its a real story, look it up for yourselves. OCKLAWAHA
Quote from: JeffreyS on July 23, 2011, 11:09:36 AM
Quote from: thelakelander on July 22, 2011, 09:44:57 PM
Quote from: JeffreyS on July 22, 2011, 04:17:10 PM
The two shops are closing now with the Everbank Employees on the way? Someone should mention it to them.
As of now, Everbank hasn't committed and if they do, such a move is still a few months away. Having to go months without customers on a "maybe" that Everbank will come may not be a realistic financial solution for a small business.
I hear you but the building has been under staffed for a few years now it is just eye catching that with this prospect they can't make a bit longer.
BTW the Everbank move is something Everbank is very intent on.
Agreed jeffrey. Everbank stated themsevles they would not move without the incentives, and now they have them. They showed interest in DT, not the other way around. Once they decide on their destination (more than the At&t building of course) then the migration will begin.
If you don't have the money to hang on or the resources to further yourself into debt while waiting for things to play out, you have to cash in your chips and move on.
Exposing retail in this way is a great idea. I was just in downtown Orlando, and many of their corporate buildings are doing this. Even in buildings you can't see into from the street, there are neon signs in the windows or exterior signs indicating there is life within. And now there are full fledged restaurants and even bars in the bottom floors of corporate buildings in Orlando. I wish I had my camera.
The city needs to stop whatever it's doing to keep this from happening, and needs to encourage the building owners to stop as well. Immediately.
+1 this can not happen fast enough.