Southbank Riverwalk Plan Unveiled
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/1253793329_XPHL2TW-L.jpg)
Metro Jacksonville shares a presentation highlighting the City of Jacksonville's proposed Southbank Riverwalk improvement project.
Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2011-may-southbank-riverwalk-plan-unveiled
The best thing I see here is the decision to leave the walkway under the bridge intact....there had been some thought in the initial design from the City to instead have people cross the "expressway" portion of Main St.
^ Agreed. A walkover would be hideous.
A future option would be to install pedestrain ramps up to the bridge directly connecting the north and southbank riverwalks.
I want to commend MetroJacksonville for presenting this insightful information and presentation to improve the quality of life for Jacksonville.
I have few suggestions. Those canopy thingy that stretches are the stupidest and ineffective. Look at the Metro park's. It got real dirty easily. I think the better investment would be an actual building or outdoor building that can permenantly house lot of storages that would support the activities of Southbank.
A good example I have personally visited would be Little Rock's River Market which allow lot of small business to rent their own vendor spaces to sell their goods.
(http://www.rivermarket.info/images/content/inside.jpg)
(http://www.doubletreelr.com/images/apg_1240343833.jpg)
(http://photos.igougo.com/images/p30934-Little_Rock-River_Market_in_Little_Rock_AR.jpg)
-Josh
What no cobblestone?
Hmmm, there's gonna be a steamboat dock?
LP- Those 'steamboats' are the Annabell Lee and the Lady St Johns. They are two steam boat look alikes that have been operating from the South Bank Riverwalk for over a decade.
All of this because Don Redman broke his ankle..... Imagine what we would have gotten if something more serious befell him...
Quote from: Captain Zissou on May 02, 2011, 11:03:23 AM
LP- Those 'steamboats' are the Annabell Lee and the Lady St Johns. They are two steam boat look alikes that have been operating from the South Bank Riverwalk for over a decade.
All of this because Don Redman broke his ankle..... Imagine what we would have gotten if something more serious befell him...
I have about broken my neck on that ramshackle Riverwalk more times than I can remember. Looks like all it took was the same thing happening to a Councilman to get someone to fix it.
Based on Jacksonville's past, I am hoping 50 to 75% of the new plans for the southbank Riverwalk actually come to pass.
Quote from: Captain Zissou on May 02, 2011, 11:03:23 AM
LP- Those 'steamboats' are the Annabell Lee and the Lady St Johns. They are two steam boat look alikes that have been operating from the South Bank Riverwalk for over a decade.
Wow, I had no idea we even had steam boats (or look alikes anyway) cruising the St. John's--a steam boat dock makes sense then.
I guess I don't get to the South Bank enough--will have to check these out sometime.
Thanks for the info Captain.
So is this a done deal or does the city need funding still?? I hope they create some innovative designs instead of copying other existing designs.
If Hogan has anything to say about it, it won't happen. Instead, we'll probably get another parking lot.
I pick on Hogan alot but, maybe he'll surprise all of us. I sure hope he does.
Quote from: TheProfessor on May 02, 2011, 11:57:23 AM
So is this a done deal or does the city need funding still?? I hope they create some innovative designs instead of copying other existing designs.
the funding was set aside last summer...split between this ($15 million), the fountain (approx. $3 million), and Met Park (approx. $4 million)
I agree on the sail-awnings. So, we're going to replace dated infastructure with more dated infastructure? Why can't we build coverings that are more classic and will stand the test of time instead of something that will need to be replaced with every nor'easter?
Quote from: second_pancake on May 02, 2011, 02:23:52 PM
I agree on the sail-awnings. So, we're going to replace dated infastructure with more dated infastructure? Why can't we build coverings that are more classic and will stand the test of time instead of something that will need to be replaced with every nor'easter?
I was thinking maybe the awnings are cheaper? They could take them down in the future and replace them with something better, if that's the reason...
Quote from: tufsu1 on May 02, 2011, 02:18:03 PM
Quote from: TheProfessor on May 02, 2011, 11:57:23 AM
So is this a done deal or does the city need funding still?? I hope they create some innovative designs instead of copying other existing designs.
the funding was set aside last summer...split between this ($15 million), the fountain (approx. $3 million), and Met Park (approx. $4 million)
Nothing's ever a "done deal" in Jacksonville until it's completely completed to the very end.
Quote from: urbaknight on May 02, 2011, 03:15:23 PM
Quote from: tufsu1 on May 02, 2011, 02:18:03 PM
Quote from: TheProfessor on May 02, 2011, 11:57:23 AM
So is this a done deal or does the city need funding still?? I hope they create some innovative designs instead of copying other existing designs.
the funding was set aside last summer...split between this ($15 million), the fountain (approx. $3 million), and Met Park (approx. $4 million)
Nothing's ever a "done deal" in Jacksonville until it's completely completed to the very end.
Exactly. Funding set aside or not. I'm waiting 'til the citizens of Jax hear tell that fifteen million of their tax dollars are being used to improve the Riverwalk. Dump it back into the general fund!
Plus I recall the original Southbank Riverwalk plans being far grander than what we ended up with...
Quote from: Bativac on May 02, 2011, 03:24:49 PM
Plus I recall the original Southbank Riverwalk plans being far grander than what we ended up with...
true..and I would expect the same to happen here...the sketches are just that....actual design and procurement will decide what can be built for the budget.
im excited about that lookout tower it's like our own white trash eiffel tower
I dont suspect there will be any loookout tower.
Apparently, there will be a pergola added to Friendship Fountain park to provide shade and seats under it for a front row view.
Quote from: Bativac on May 02, 2011, 03:24:49 PM
Exactly. Funding set aside or not. I'm waiting 'til the citizens of Jax hear tell that fifteen million of their tax dollars are being used to improve the Riverwalk. Dump it back into the general fund!
Yes - those cries will be heard for sure. What they don't realize is that these are capital improvement funds and cannot be used for the general operating fund.
I am a big fan of Chris Flagg's work and if I thought an ocean/beach theme was the best choice for a downtown park, I would think that he did a very good job. But... I don't like the ocean/beach theme for downtown. The patterns on the pavement remind me too much of the Seawalk in Jacksonville Beach.
Nautical yes, but perhaps more toward the maritime/naval theme. Perhaps even some railroad elements? Or something to connect to the history of the southbank and the City of South Jacksonville.
Quote from: dougskiles on May 02, 2011, 04:59:21 PM
Quote from: Bativac on May 02, 2011, 03:24:49 PM
Exactly. Funding set aside or not. I'm waiting 'til the citizens of Jax hear tell that fifteen million of their tax dollars are being used to improve the Riverwalk. Dump it back into the general fund!
Yes - those cries will be heard for sure. What they don't realize is that these are capital improvement funds and cannot be used for the general operating fund.
I am a big fan of Chris Flagg's work and if I thought an ocean/beach theme was the best choice for a downtown park, I would think that he did a very good job. But... I don't like the ocean/beach theme for downtown. The patterns on the pavement remind me too much of the Seawalk in Jacksonville Beach.
Nautical yes, but perhaps more toward the maritime/naval theme. Perhaps even some railroad elements? Or something to connect to the history of the southbank and the City of South Jacksonville.
I agree. Frankly, aside from the awnings (that will surely wear out and be done away with after a couple years... if they ever go up in the first place) and the amphitheater and everything else, I'd love to just have the deadly dangerous "rotting wood" feature of the current Riverwalk to be replaced with brick or concrete or something less likely to break the fragile ankles of our beloved councilmen. That and I'd like it to extend further past that Escape From New York setpiece. Can we not drape a gigantic tarp over that thing?
I'd like to see more focus on improving the riverwalk's access with the Main Street Bridge and Riverplace Drive. In the future, I would also like to see a cafe added to MOSH, that would face and open up into the Friendship Fountain area. As for the fabric awnings, they can be replaced with shade trees, imo.
Yeah I went for a walk on the SB river walk the other day and aside from my fear of being stuck by a splinter the size of a broadsword, I really do feel the walk needs better access points to the Main Street Bridge with proper lighting etc. I feel that overall the Main St Bridge is a wonderful centerpiece of both river walks and entry to the city.
I would like to see the Main Street Bridge closed for pedestrians on weekends...
Quote from: dougskiles on May 02, 2011, 07:01:31 PM
I would like to see the Main Street Bridge closed for pedestrians on weekends...
they could actually close one lane all the time for bikes and then leave the sidewalks for pedestrians...I would reduce the bridge to 2 travel lanes (1 in each direction) with a middle lane that could be reversed in the AM and PM peak hours.
Quote from: tufsu1 on May 02, 2011, 08:45:48 PM
Quote from: dougskiles on May 02, 2011, 07:01:31 PM
I would like to see the Main Street Bridge closed for pedestrians on weekends...
they could actually close one lane all the time for bikes and then leave the sidewalks for pedestrians...I would reduce the bridge to 2 travel lanes (1 in each direction) with a middle lane that could be reversed in the AM and PM peak hours.
Yes the lack of a safe transit for bikes across the river is a big problem with DT if you ask me. I think possibly widening at least one of the existing walkways would definitely help. I believe they are cantilevered off of the bridge and I would assume that they could be made larger. I don't know if closing lanes would be the best thing to do. If/when the core comes back all travel lanes of that bridge will probably be needed.
Quote from: acme54321 on May 02, 2011, 09:39:58 PM
I don't know if closing lanes would be the best thing to do. If/when the core comes back all travel lanes of that bridge will probably be needed.
there is more than enough bridge capacity on the Acosta...plus, in the peak hours you would still have 2 lanes on the Main St bridge in/out of downtown....imagine a lane reserved for bikes or a lane reserved for transit (like streetcar)....plus the remaining lanes could be widened slightly, which would make them safer.
Quote from: urbaknight on May 02, 2011, 03:15:23 PM
Quote from: tufsu1 on May 02, 2011, 02:18:03 PM
Quote from: TheProfessor on May 02, 2011, 11:57:23 AM
So is this a done deal or does the city need funding still?? I hope they create some innovative designs instead of copying other existing designs.
the funding was set aside last summer...split between this ($15 million), the fountain (approx. $3 million), and Met Park (approx. $4 million)
Nothing's ever a "done deal" in Jacksonville until it's completely completed to the very end.
A part of the funding is the River Accord. I was on the barge on the Southbank when it was signed and replacing the wood with pavers was a highlighted amenity. Did anyone reach out to the residents of the Peninsula? Just curious. I'd also be concerned about the active access component to the river as to the passive access component.
How about extending the Southbank Riverwalk to the JEA property and beginning to use it for public events, green space, and recreation rather than letting it sit fallow for years and years waiting for some next "great thing" to show up. This property represents a huge value producing zero return for a decade or more. What a waste.
Regardless of how this property ultimately gets used, the Riverwalk should/will come to it so why not sooner than later. Provisional use of the property would give us a chance to see how it functions and whether it is worthy of further development as a public space (which I suspect it is).
Quote from: stjr on May 03, 2011, 10:24:49 AM
How about extending the Southbank Riverwalk to the JEA property and beginning to use it for public events, green space, and recreation rather than letting it sit fallow for years and years waiting for some next "great thing" to show up. This property represents a huge value producing zero return for a decade or more. What a waste.
Regardless of how this property ultimately gets used, the Riverwalk should/will come to it so why not sooner than later. Provisional use of the property would give us a chance to see how it functions and whether it is worthy of further development as a public space (which I suspect it is).
That is a huge, empty space. Is there any reason it can't be used for public events? I'm sure it'd have to be cleaned up first, but still... Didn't JEA plan to do something with the site at some point?
Surely there are better uses for a huge piece of riverfront property than letting nature reclaim it.
well the same thing can be said for the Shipyards property...and I'd much rather see that used for public events first
Quote from: Bativac on May 03, 2011, 10:34:08 AM
Quote from: stjr on May 03, 2011, 10:24:49 AM
How about extending the Southbank Riverwalk to the JEA property and beginning to use it for public events, green space, and recreation rather than letting it sit fallow for years and years waiting for some next "great thing" to show up. This property represents a huge value producing zero return for a decade or more. What a waste.
Regardless of how this property ultimately gets used, the Riverwalk should/will come to it so why not sooner than later. Provisional use of the property would give us a chance to see how it functions and whether it is worthy of further development as a public space (which I suspect it is).
That is a huge, empty space. Is there any reason it can't be used for public events? I'm sure it'd have to be cleaned up first, but still... Didn't JEA plan to do something with the site at some point?
Surely there are better uses for a huge piece of riverfront property than letting nature reclaim it.
I'd like to see a few high rises go up on that property. We already have met park for public events. No need for another one on the southbank. Or, how about a go-cart track, mini golfcourse, or anything that the whole family can enjoy, while making money and paying into the cities tax base.
careful urbaknight...some are talking about just those kind of amusement gimmicks for the Shipyards land
Quote from: urbaknight on May 03, 2011, 03:18:59 PM
Quote from: Bativac on May 03, 2011, 10:34:08 AM
Quote from: stjr on May 03, 2011, 10:24:49 AM
How about extending the Southbank Riverwalk to the JEA property and beginning to use it for public events, green space, and recreation rather than letting it sit fallow for years and years waiting for some next "great thing" to show up. This property represents a huge value producing zero return for a decade or more. What a waste.
Regardless of how this property ultimately gets used, the Riverwalk should/will come to it so why not sooner than later. Provisional use of the property would give us a chance to see how it functions and whether it is worthy of further development as a public space (which I suspect it is).
That is a huge, empty space. Is there any reason it can't be used for public events? I'm sure it'd have to be cleaned up first, but still... Didn't JEA plan to do something with the site at some point?
Surely there are better uses for a huge piece of riverfront property than letting nature reclaim it.
I'd like to see a few high rises go up on that property. We already have met park for public events. No need for another one on the southbank. Or, how about a go-cart track, mini golfcourse, or anything that the whole family can enjoy, while making money and paying into the cities tax base.
Adventure Landing and other places would do anything to push the go-kart business to their location. Having one at the southbank would take away from their business.
-Josh
Quote from: urbaknight on May 03, 2011, 03:18:59 PM
Quote from: Bativac on May 03, 2011, 10:34:08 AM
Quote from: stjr on May 03, 2011, 10:24:49 AM
How about extending the Southbank Riverwalk to the JEA property and beginning to use it for public events, green space, and recreation rather than letting it sit fallow for years and years waiting for some next "great thing" to show up. This property represents a huge value producing zero return for a decade or more. What a waste.
Regardless of how this property ultimately gets used, the Riverwalk should/will come to it so why not sooner than later. Provisional use of the property would give us a chance to see how it functions and whether it is worthy of further development as a public space (which I suspect it is).
That is a huge, empty space. Is there any reason it can't be used for public events? I'm sure it'd have to be cleaned up first, but still... Didn't JEA plan to do something with the site at some point?
Surely there are better uses for a huge piece of riverfront property than letting nature reclaim it.
I'd like to see a few high rises go up on that property. We already have met park for public events. No need for another one on the southbank. Or, how about a go-cart track, mini golfcourse, or anything that the whole family can enjoy, while making money and paying into the cities tax base.
Some kind of amusement park would be cool. A Coney Island style boardwalk or something like what used to be in Daytona before condos moved in and tore it all down.
Somehow, I don't see any private enterprise rushing to erect anymore hirise residential buildings anywhere near downtown anytime soon.
I think about what could be done on the old JEA property frequently. #1 on my list would be a charter high school with an environmental focus. The Riverkeeper & JU could be major players in the water quality aspect and JEA could be a major player in laboratories for green energy.
We already have enough empty buildings and vacant surface lots on the north part of downtown. No need to create more empty space by building new high rises at this location.
Quote from: Bativac on May 03, 2011, 05:14:14 PM
Quote from: urbaknight on May 03, 2011, 03:18:59 PM
Quote from: Bativac on May 03, 2011, 10:34:08 AM
Quote from: stjr on May 03, 2011, 10:24:49 AM
How about extending the Southbank Riverwalk to the JEA property and beginning to use it for public events, green space, and recreation rather than letting it sit fallow for years and years waiting for some next "great thing" to show up. This property represents a huge value producing zero return for a decade or more. What a waste.
Regardless of how this property ultimately gets used, the Riverwalk should/will come to it so why not sooner than later. Provisional use of the property would give us a chance to see how it functions and whether it is worthy of further development as a public space (which I suspect it is).
That is a huge, empty space. Is there any reason it can't be used for public events? I'm sure it'd have to be cleaned up first, but still... Didn't JEA plan to do something with the site at some point?
Surely there are better uses for a huge piece of riverfront property than letting nature reclaim it.
I'd like to see a few high rises go up on that property. We already have met park for public events. No need for another one on the southbank. Or, how about a go-cart track, mini golfcourse, or anything that the whole family can enjoy, while making money and paying into the cities tax base.
Some kind of amusement park would be cool. A Coney Island style boardwalk or something like what used to be in Daytona before condos moved in and tore it all down.
Somehow, I don't see any private enterprise rushing to erect anymore hirise residential buildings anywhere near downtown anytime soon.
It's a shame that there aren't plans to build more residential buildings, don't they realize that's the magic bullet that will solve much of the the problems of an empty DT. That should be a priority, building or renovating old buildings for people to live in. We can't wait for an economic recovery. I regret to predict, we're in this crisis for at least the next decade, and that's if we're lucky! More realistically it will take two or (God forbid) three decades! It may not get worse, but it won't get any better for a long time.
market demand plays a pretty big role in that issue urbaknight
I know it does, what we need is to manipulate the market somehow, Or a building moratorium on suburban development, forcing developers to focus exclusively on the core. I don't know how exactly to manipulate the market, or if it can even be done. All I know is that we need to be in your face and very aggressive about what needs to be done.
yeah I agree, but no politician around here..or at least the ones people like would ever take a risk like that. You would probably have to have the majority of those in power up for something like that and we have the opposite.
One of the project's requirements is a connection to the east side of the Main Street Bridge. It is part of the plan as far as I know.
that would be great
Quote from: urbaknight on May 03, 2011, 03:18:59 PM
Quote from: Bativac on May 03, 2011, 10:34:08 AM
Quote from: stjr on May 03, 2011, 10:24:49 AM
How about extending the Southbank Riverwalk to the JEA property and beginning to use it for public events, green space, and recreation rather than letting it sit fallow for years and years waiting for some next "great thing" to show up. This property represents a huge value producing zero return for a decade or more. What a waste.
Regardless of how this property ultimately gets used, the Riverwalk should/will come to it so why not sooner than later. Provisional use of the property would give us a chance to see how it functions and whether it is worthy of further development as a public space (which I suspect it is).
That is a huge, empty space. Is there any reason it can't be used for public events? I'm sure it'd have to be cleaned up first, but still... Didn't JEA plan to do something with the site at some point?
Surely there are better uses for a huge piece of riverfront property than letting nature reclaim it.
I'd like to see a few high rises go up on that property. We already have met park for public events. No need for another one on the southbank. Or, how about a go-cart track, mini golfcourse, or anything that the whole family can enjoy, while making money and paying into the cities tax base.
Quote from: tufsu1 on May 04, 2011, 12:41:05 PM
market demand plays a pretty big role in that issue urbaknight
UrbaKnight,
I think we need to sell out the ones we have already built first, then investors will come back. All the new towers on the South bank are definitly not sold. It is also not the city's job to renovate buildings for lofts or such. That is where individuals or comapnies come into play and we will not see much if any residential developement for a while, I am afraid. You barely see any residential movement in the suburbs. All that is moving now is foreclosures and short sales.
Quote from: thelakelander on May 02, 2011, 05:43:43 PM
In the future, I would also like to see a cafe added to MOSH, that would face and open up into the Friendship Fountain area. As for the fabric awnings, they can be replaced with shade trees, imo.
That would be great to encourage the surrounding buildings to interact more with the Riverwalk. My understanding is that there used to be some sort of cafe at MOSH, but the kitchen has been really stripped down basically to just some coolers and a sink. When I went through there last it looked like a closet jammed with a lot of stuff, so I don't think this idea is anywhere on the near horizon. But there are some shops in the Gulf Life building that are halfway hidden. It took me forever to ever figure out they were there. Encouraging more building-riverwalk interaction would do a lot more to enhance the character of the riverwalk than some awnings or an ampitheater IMO.
Also, I'd like them to keep that sailor statue and add some more statues to boot.
I've been studying bing maps of DT, I'm looking at the block just west of my church. (Immaculate Conception) And all that's there is a parking lot and an ugly building on the SE corner. As it turns out, the building is valuebale and appropriate, it's a free clinic for the working uninsured.
I've been pondering that block and thought it would be a good idea to build a highrise apartment building for the disabled. Rent can be based on one's income. (like the YMCA is with its memberships)
I'm just thinking hypothetically right now. I don't know if the owner would sell the lot, how much he'd want for it, the measurements of the perimeter, etc.
There are lots of things to consider. I cannot possibly afford it. How can I go about getting donations? Who do I ask? Are there federal/state/local grants for such a project?
I think it's a worthwile project. Disabled people can live DT where they otherwise may not be able to afford to leave home. (SSI doesn't provied enough to live on independently) There would be some units with wide bathrooms and lowered sinks and counters for the wheelchair bound. Doorbells that flash a light when you press it for deaf people. Stoves can have raised markers on the knobs for the blind to be able to cook accurately. (don't worry we wont burn the place down) And of course, other adaptations for any other disability.
Again, I'm just pondering at this point. I don't know how and if I can make it happen. I'm sure I could get some people or companies to join in.
Yes, opening up MOSH to more interaction with Friendship Fountain would be great. 100% needed.
But one thing you all have to remember is that there once was a decent amount of retail fronting the Southbank Riverwalk. But, since there isnt much for people to be drawn to the Southbank... most of all that retail went bust. The two buildings at the foot of the Main Street Bridge were once different(one was a cafe-style restaurant serving hot dogs/ice cream, can't recall what the other one was). There was retail in the spaces in front of the hotel-which was anchored by Chart House and Crawdadys(now demolished). There used to be many festivals on the Southbank Riverwalk that activated people to visit these shops and River City(when it was Harbormasters) had a boisterous deck business on the weekends Over the years, the Southbank just did not develop, the events left and the Riverwalk fell into disrepair(its current state).
Also, the Southbank Riverwalk is just not boating friendly. It's infinately easier to dock at the floating docks at the Landing than it is to tie up to the fixed piers on the Southbank. Frankly there is no reason for a boater to even travel to the Southbank as all the action is at the Landing anyway.
Quote from: Fallen Buckeye on May 04, 2011, 07:27:30 PM
Quote from: thelakelander on May 02, 2011, 05:43:43 PM
In the future, I would also like to see a cafe added to MOSH, that would face and open up into the Friendship Fountain area. As for the fabric awnings, they can be replaced with shade trees, imo.
That would be great to encourage the surrounding buildings to interact more with the Riverwalk.
There is actually a space at the Peninsula that is supposed to house a restaurant on the riverwalk. It's actually pretty sizeable (3,000 sqft or more). I guess they are waiting on the economy to recover, because I don't think they really market the space as for lease.
When I was working with the Southbank buildings the developer of the Strand and Peninsula had advised that the space in the Peninsula was supposed to be some type of shop to service the planned marina that is/was going to be built directly in front. take out food/wine/bait/boating supplies and such. The issue with putting a restaurant in that spot would be access, I don't think the residents would want that much traffic in and around the building as it would leave opportunities for people to sneak into the building itself. In any situation, it would be nice to have something in that spot to help contribute to a contiguous synergy along the southbank. That and if the Wyndham store fronts can leased as well.
It would be nice if Charthouse added an outdoor seating deck along the riverwalk as well.
I think what we are forgetting here is that a pretty area by itself is rarely enough to attract the number of people to make it's upkeep viable. In my opinion there needs to be a variety of Retail businesses (cafes, Novelty stores, fashion stores and restaurants) that front on to the riverwalk and have alfresco dining possibilities.
My Wife's uncle had a store (Kiteriggers) on the SB Riverwalk years ago, but because of the small number of similar and complementing Retail businesses, it ceased to be a viable location and had to be closed.
I have seen this same idea work in several places around the world and it can be Fantastic, but it needs to be done right. the aesthetics of the new design are great, But people will be drawn by more than just a pretty path.
Consider this for ideas >> http://www.hillarysboatharbour.com.au/index.asp
Stephen, thanks for that history of the Riverwalk businesses that I somehow missed when it was posted.
I see what you mean with regard to access for sure. Trying to get to the Riverwalk from the Skyway, or vice versa, or trying to get to the Prudential Dr. non-riverfront hotels from the water taxi stops, is remarkably confusing the first time one does it (and inconvenient). And I find it bizarre at best that the Chart House doesn't have direct access from the Riverwalk.
Anyone have any history on the mini-mall that used to be between the Gulf Life building and the Crowne Plaza that was then known as the Sheraton? I think it was called the Sheraton Gulf Shopping Mall. There's a circa late 70s/early 80s photo of the Gulf Life Building in the back of Jacksonville's Architectural Heritage that includes it.
The idea for a park-style ampitheater is a great idea. Nearby the hotels it could easily draw people to concerts there. Creating more public access to the riverfront is the goal after all.
The JEA site is the key though. Land a huge fish (major international company) to park their corporate headquarters and college there, and that Riverwalk would be CROWDED daily.
There are tons of potential uses for the JEA site.I wish it could be an aquarium site or other such entertainment site with public access riverwlk in front of it.
i think they should install a slip-n-slide into the river ::) ::)
There defintely needs to be something that attracts a lot of people to the riverwalk. If not, it would kind of be a waste spending money on it with nobody using it.
There is absolutely no way an amphitheater will ever get built there. St. Nicholas residents were the ones leading the hue and cry against the Met Park amphitheater back in the 90s, because of the noise. And that was across the river from them; imagine what they'd say if it was even closer to them.
It's a pity, too, an amphitheater done right would be a nice mid-sized venue complimenting the Arena and the local clubs. The lack of such places in not only Jacksonville but most of the rest of the state prevents a lot of acts from even bothering to play in Florida.
I think an outdoor amphitheater on the river would be an amazing draw to the city, for both residents & visitors. There's certainly enough currently wasted space for one. I don't think the city quite realizes what it has there with the river running right through its downtown. It's badly underutilized IMO.
Something like the Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati comes to mind. Its an awesome venue (one of my favs actually). Lots of seating, big lawn, river in the background from the stage with boats passing by, etc. And it gets top acts too from a bunch of genres (something we don't get a lot of here for a town of this size).
(http://www.zipscene.com/data/business_lg/BUS_00000089_0_UgnL1UfB.jpg)
(http://images.jambase.com/fans/riverbendpnc/lawnview.jpg)
(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1305/985947665_b589a907c4.jpg)
Quote from: rjp2008 on July 06, 2011, 11:53:40 AMThe JEA site is the key though. Land a huge fish (major international company) to park their corporate headquarters and college there, and that Riverwalk would be CROWDED daily.
Ding ding ding.
There is already an outdoor venue on the other side of the river. With PLENTY of parking for the masses. What would make a duplicate venue on the southbank any better?
What we need is someone to buy the JEA site and develop it into a dense business/mixed use area, anchored by some sort of serious business that employs a lot of people. Then I could see the school board selling out for more development.
Hopefully the new Atlantic/I95 interchange will make the site look a little more promising to someone.
"i think they should install a slip-n-slide into the river ::) ::)"
HA!
Quote from: peestandingup on July 06, 2011, 07:01:37 PM
I think an outdoor amphitheater on the river would be an amazing draw to the city, for both residents & visitors. There's certainly enough currently wasted space for one. I don't think the city quite realizes what it has there with the river running right through its downtown. It's badly underutilized IMO.
Something like the Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati comes to mind. Its an awesome venue (one of my favs actually). Lots of seating, big lawn, river in the background from the stage with boats passing by, etc. And it gets top acts too from a bunch of genres (something we don't get a lot of here for a town of this size).
(http://www.zipscene.com/data/business_lg/BUS_00000089_0_UgnL1UfB.jpg)
(http://images.jambase.com/fans/riverbendpnc/lawnview.jpg)
(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1305/985947665_b589a907c4.jpg)
Oh, it would be awesome. But it'll never happen. Not that close to a neighborhood, anyway.
Quote from: acme54321 on July 06, 2011, 07:13:43 PM
Quote from: rjp2008 on July 06, 2011, 11:53:40 AMThe JEA site is the key though. Land a huge fish (major international company) to park their corporate headquarters and college there, and that Riverwalk would be CROWDED daily.
Ding ding ding.
There is already an outdoor venue on the other side of the river. With PLENTY of parking for the masses. What would make a duplicate venue on the southbank any better?
What we need is someone to buy the JEA site and develop it into a dense business/mixed use area, anchored by some sort of serious business that employs a lot of people. Then I could see the school board selling out for more development.
Hopefully the new Atlantic/I95 interchange will make the site look a little more promising to someone.
An amphitheater done right wouldn't duplicate the Met Park pavilion, it would replace it. The current pavilion has a capacity of about 3000 and is obsolete for modern outdoor concerts. And it's underused even for its current capabilities.
The city's amphitheater plan back in the '90s would have replaced the pavilion with a modern amphitheater with a capacity of up to 7000 under the cover. That would have helped fill our gap in mid-sized venues, and additionally, there would have been room for 10,000 or so removable seats outside the cover, making it available for large-scale concerts and other events like festivals. Unfortunately a confederacy of dunces blocked the project.
We're sorely lacking in venues like this in Jacksonville. We have the Arena, which seats 15,000, and a number of small venues all over town. But we have few mid-sized venues, and those we do have are generally unideal for the type of shows and events we could be attracting. And it's not just Jacksonville; the rest of Florida is similar. The result of it all is that a lot of acts just skip the state entirely.
Quote from: fieldafm on May 06, 2011, 08:58:12 AM
Frankly there is no reason for a boater to even travel to the Southbank as all the action is at the Landing anyway.
Sorry. This made me chuckle a little. :)
CRA/DIA in the USA wrapping up. 2014 is a long way from 2025. What are the 24/7 Public Access components to this? Heard of a possible kayak launch next to the Main St. Bridge. Positive. What is the Public Access component to the new floating dock that is being built? Anyone?
QuoteAn amphitheater done right wouldn't duplicate the Met Park pavilion, it would replace it. The current pavilion has a capacity of about 3000 and is obsolete for modern outdoor concerts. And it's underused even for its current capabilities.
The city's amphitheater plan back in the '90s would have replaced the pavilion with a modern amphitheater with a capacity of up to 7000 under the cover. That would have helped fill our gap in mid-sized venues, and additionally, there would have been room for 10,000 or so removable seats outside the cover, making it available for large-scale concerts and other events like festivals. Unfortunately a confederacy of dunces blocked the project.
We're sorely lacking in venues like this in Jacksonville. We have the Arena, which seats 15,000, and a number of small venues all over town. But we have few mid-sized venues, and those we do have are generally unideal for the type of shows and events we could be attracting. And it's not just Jacksonville; the rest of Florida is similar. The result of it all is that a lot of acts just skip the state entirely.
I cannot believe that the Arena is 10 years old, was built in 2003. Yeah, 15000 seats is a tough nut to crack, but hey, the Times Union Center holds 2900 where I have seen Seinfeld, heard the Goo Goo Dolls play, and yes, even Chicago, so it CAN be used to provide good value in concerts.
The real question has always been, WTF is SMG doing to compete with St. Augustine and is the city losing money due to an antiquated company with backward policies, when SAU is fresh, new and sets NEW attendance records every year.
Would i love to see a 7000 seat amphitheatre in Jax at Metro or the old Southside Generation Station, I sure would, but I'd much rather see our facilities be used on a nightly basis, because sure as we build it, we will put the same SMG in charge of it and all we will hear will be crickets on most nights.
Industry reports have shown that the Arena is one of the more successful (highest grossing?) facilities in its class
This project according to District 4 should come before the Jacksonville Waterways Commission. Very Positive. The 24/7 Public/Private/ Partnership component should be the number one focus as it relates to the St. Johns River our American Heritage River a FEDERAL Initiative in our new 3 mile Riverfront highly restricted DIA zone.
Just one media group contact Don Redman District 4 904-630-1394 to follow up on this.
Has anyone seen the minutes from the last Waterways meeting? Councilman Redman and Scott Wilson please share with everyone the POSITIVE benefits of the new floating dock on the Southbank.
RAM dock only opened when RAM is open. NOT GOOD.
Super Duper Secret FIND meeting one day out. Anyone going? Ask Scott and Don how many meetings that they have attended. Don't be afraid to ASK.