(http://jacksonville.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/VAClinicElevation.jpg)
QuoteBy Kevin Turner
When Debbie Ward joined the Jacksonville Veterans Administration clinic in 2003 as administrative officer, the facility had one location in Springfield.
Since then, it’s expanded to three additional branches â€" one on Eighth Street opposite Shands Jacksonville and two near Interstate 95 and Butler Boulevard.
And today, the clinic has outgrown all four, she said. But with the coming construction of a $35 million, two-story, 135,500-square-foot facility, the clinic will get both expanded capacity and expanded services when it opens in 2012.
Designs for the new facility have been unveiled, and with the new building, the VA will offer expanded medical services for women, primary care, radiology and new equipment to house all of its services. With its opening, only the facility at 6900 Southpoint Drive N. will remain open as a satellite clinic, Ward said.
http://jacksonville.com/business/2010-11-10/story/plans-new-35-million-va-clinic-jacksonville-unveiled
Cool I always wondered why Jacksonville was lacking so much in the VA services when we have more veterans in our metro than most metros in the country, not to mention our huge military bases.
So this will be in Springfield? Does anyone know which parking lot it will be located on?
How odd. Usually when a $35 million project is announced the TU comment boards are filled with how much this is a gigantic waste of money. It's surprisingly positive over there.
I think everyone agrees that our vets deserve better. :)
How will this be tied into the urban fabric of Springfield?
^Judging from the rendering, there will be a driveway between the front door and the street. The site is located along Jefferson Street, where the old Brewster Hospital was quickly torn down a couple of years ago.
It looks like a solid design, if only the city would require less setback distances from the road in the urban area.
^Bingo!
(http://jacksonville.com/sites/default/files/met_VAClinicElevatio.jpg)
If the city had a minimum front building setback in the urban core for most new development, we would naturally have a more walkable environment over time. I've also heard that this VA Clinic will have have a cafeteria. It would have been nice if it were located near the entrance with outdoor seating adjacent to the sidewalk. It appears like that cafeteria is completed hidden somewhere within the building. If so, that's a lost opportunity for walkability.
Quote from: thelakelander
^Judging from the rendering, there will be a driveway between the front door and the street. The site is located along Jefferson Street, where the old Brewster Hospital was quickly torn down a couple of years ago.
The old Brewster hospital was not torn down, it was relocated and remains in LaVilla...just wanted to clarify that.
^The original Brewster hospital was relocated. The larger replacement, which was constructed in the early 20th century was demolished (without a peep) a couple of years ago. Here are a few images I snapped when I noticed what was going on.
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/484847089_9qshJ-M.jpg)
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/484847076_YXu5P-M.jpg)
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/484847091_We2bK-M.jpg)
Btw, all the African-American doctor's houses just south of it were demolished shortly after.
I had no idea about that demolition. That's terrible.
I included below a quick map rendering where I think the clinic will go (in blue). If the main entrance with cafeteria would face Jefferson, there may be an opportunity to connect it to the park with a simple pedestrian crossing (think push button light). Jefferson is not terribly busy aside from rush hour.
(http://johannes.homepc.org/VAClinic.png)
It's absolutely deplorable what the city did to LaVilla and all of those historical houses/structures.
Agreed great design! Too bad it so far back from the road though. But this is good for the area. Its turning into to somewhat of a medical district.
As in "the hospital/medical stuff is gobbling up the entire neighborhood?" It seems to happen around every hospital. For you, good for the area may depend on if you have a house right nearby or not. :-)
Another blown opportunity? THINK SKYWAY! This FEDERAL project sits right smack in the middle of the projected north end of the FEDERALLY FUNDED Skyway, get it Jacksonville? Why don't some of our city leaders or the Duval Delegation's jump Washington about this and get the long lost project to a logical end point?
OCKLAWAHA
Ock,
I was thinking the same thing....how does this fit with the Mobility Plan?
As part of the zoning updates and permit reviews, how many questions will be asked about transit awareness and integration?
Or is this just another "take the money they offer" grab and let them do what they want.
QuoteI was thinking the same thing....how does this fit with the Mobility Plan?
The Mobility Plan includes BRT, Streetcar and Commuter Rail plans that we've been seeing the past couple of years, as already "committed projects". However, the fee would only partially fund (local share to match with federal dollars) the commuter rail line that would run on the other side of Shands Jacksonville's property. In any event, this project will most likely be underway before the Mobility Plan and Fee makes it through council and becomes official. Sort of sucks because the Mobility Fee off a $35 million project would have potentially went into helping fund the rail line that would serve this potential medical district.
QuoteAs part of the zoning updates and permit reviews, how many questions will be asked about transit awareness and integration?
Probably not as much as they need too. The VA clinic would be a good stop for the BRT north corridor. A well designed station there could integrate with both the clinic and the park. Btw, I'm not against the skyway going there, I didn't mention it because its not on the official drawing board at this time.
QuoteOr is this just another "take the money they offer" grab and let them do what they want.
I don't think it is this. However, I do still believe that our community is largely ignorant on how to properly integrate projects like this with their surroundings. Imo, that's the bigger issue.