Urban Core Construction Update - May 2011
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/1280859253_QP2jbp7-M.jpg)
Here's a look at the status of various projects under construction in and around Downtown Jacksonville as of May.
Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2011-may-urban-core-construction-update-may-2011
It seems like Vino's Pizza on san Marco has some pretty bad timing opening up in the middle of the streetscape project.
The kiosks and street markers along the Laura Street project are awful - poor design, ugly materials/construction. They look even worse up close than in photographs - like styrofoam. Who is responsible for them?
Any reviews of Soups On?
So basically nothing has happened with the Park View it seems.
I think the asbestos removal is done as I haven't seen the crews there in the last week or so.
Quote from: BridgeTroll on May 10, 2011, 08:05:46 AM
Any reviews of Soups On?
They won't open in Jax until May 16th, but they do have a location in Baltimore. The menu and prices are listed on it. They have a ton of soups. I'm looking forward to trying them out.
QuoteWe are a gourmet soup company offering freshly- prepared soups made daily.
Simply put, our work belief when making soup is to use only the freshest produce. Soup's On is a family-owned company who prides itself on offering soups that are made all natural using no additives, preservatives or anything artificial. Even our stocks are made fresh! All soups are low sodium, simply add the amount of salt desired. We use spices from around the world that are freshly grounded and blended. Any dried goods are bagged or boxed, we use no canned items.
With over 200 soup varieties including...
Vegan - no dairy or meat products
Vegetarian - contains dairy
Meat - chicken, beef, pork...
Seafood - clam, crab..
Dessert - fruit blends (breakfast or dessert)
Sizes vary from cup, bowl or pint and are served hot, in store. You can also purchase pints, (sold refrigerated fresh or frozen) packaged and sealed in a microwavable-safe containers. Perfect for work, soups come with spoon , napkin and crostini (a plain and/or seeded toasted baguette sliced and brushed with olive oil and dusted with sea salt & cracked peppercorn) You are set to eat a great tasting and healthy lunch or early dinner. Soup's On, no can opener required.
http://www.soupsonbalto.com/
Quote from: Miss Fixit on May 10, 2011, 08:05:04 AM
The kiosks and street markers along the Laura Street project are awful - poor design, ugly materials/construction. They look even worse up close than in photographs - like styrofoam. Who is responsible for them?
The JEDC.
I don't have a problem with the street markers themselves. I think they are a great idea actually. But the lady friend(a graphic designer) and I remarked the other day at how chaotic the media inside of them are. They aren't very user friendly at all.
Any details about the Icon store's selection? I'm anxious to patronize any downtown retail whenever I visit.
I can't help but to think that Olio is kind of screwed once the courthouse moves....
They sure are taking their sweet time on that Park View..........
what's taking Pulp so long to open up?
Isn't Olio suppose to be open for dinner?
ICON looks pretty cool. We don't have a lot of stores like that in the Core. Olio looks great. The Stockton streetscape project leaves a lot to be desired. They should have buried power lines. They should have made a larger bulb in the curb to allow 13 Gypsies to do some tables and chairs on the sidewalk. It would be great if they had enough sidewalk space to do an awning and 5 or 6 tables facing post street.
Quote from: thelakelander on May 10, 2011, 08:34:05 AM
Quote from: Miss Fixit on May 10, 2011, 08:05:04 AM
The kiosks and street markers along the Laura Street project are awful - poor design, ugly materials/construction. They look even worse up close than in photographs - like styrofoam. Who is responsible for them?
The JEDC.
Naturally... ::) Should've known.
Here's a video of icon. Looks like a cool store.
http://youtu.be/aOa9rnyl49M (http://youtu.be/aOa9rnyl49M)
Quote from: duvaldude08 on May 10, 2011, 10:21:04 AM
Here's a video of icon. Looks like a cool store.
http://youtu.be/aOa9rnyl49M (http://youtu.be/aOa9rnyl49M)
Liking the Lyricist Hour.
Quote from: duvaldude08 on May 10, 2011, 10:21:04 AM
Here's a video of icon. Looks like a cool store.
http://youtu.be/aOa9rnyl49M (http://youtu.be/aOa9rnyl49M)
Thank you.
Build baby build!!! Only a month and a half until July!!! Build while you still can!!!
Some cool spot going up. Wheree is Olio exactly?
Churchwell Lofts building on the NE corner of Bay & Market.
What's going on with the (former?) Bank of America branch building in the center of San Marco Square? It appears to be closed with no signage or other activity present the last few times I have driven by it. I haven't seen anything about it closing but there now appears to be work going on around the building suggesting it is being prepared for something new.
Olio will not be open for dinner.
SJTR, the San Marco BofA is undergoing renovation. The branch is not closed.
Does anyone know how late Icon stays open on weekdays? Are they open Saturdays?
Anyone know what type of food Olio will be serving? I still think it would be great if downtown had some kind of diner. Pizzas, tacos and hot dogs are great and all but I know a ton of people love to go out and grab breakfast food when the bars and clubs close.
http://www.oliomarket.com/menu/
Quoteolio is slated to open spring 2011.
Our hours will be Monday - Friday 10:00am to 3pm for lunch.
We are located in downtown Jacksonville, at 301 E. Bay Street,
at the intersection of Bay St. and Market St.
I'm sure it's already been said but, those hours suck. I live downtown and I'd never be able to go unless I drove back downtown for lunch. Seems that they would at least be open for residents of the building at least on the weekends for a few hours. Just my 2 cents...
why did I think they were going to be open for dinner. Silly me!
Quote from: comncense on May 10, 2011, 02:42:05 PM
I'm sure it's already been said but, those hours suck. I live downtown and I'd never be able to go unless I drove back downtown for lunch. Seems that they would at least be open for residents of the building at least on the weekends for a few hours. Just my 2 cents...
There probably aren't enough people living in that building or in that area of DT to justify them keeping weekend hours. That area (like most of downtown) is a ghost town during weekend daylight hours.
Hmm, I would think if you're brining something new and unique to downtown, other downtown residents would drive over to Bay to check it out. Hell, I drive over to O'Brothers all of the time just for their fish n chips. Weekday nights, weekends... Burrito Gallery seems to do well, as well as Indochine. Between 11E, the Carling, and the Berkman, that's a decent number of residents for a restaurant of that size if they are offering something new and of interest.
I have many neighbors who go DT just to go to Burrito Gallery on a weeknight or weekends. If it is something people really like they would go in the evenings or weekends!
Burrito Gallery also serves a dual role as a bar. How are places like Zodiac Grill and Chew doing with their weekend business? Who knows? Maybe, if Olio can establish a following, they'll expand their hours. After all, if there is profit to be made, I can't imagine them not.
well, the one Friday night I went to Chew, it was packed.
Quote from: fsujax on May 10, 2011, 03:58:17 PM
well, the one Friday night I went to Chew, it was packed.
Great news! Maybe if things go well, the people of Chew will find it in their hearts to stayput DT.
i really cant understand their wanting to leave. Every time I go in there it is usually very busy.
They're normally empty when I work late nights on the weekend (I work in the building across the street from Chew) and they're planning on leaving DT once their new building goes up in Five Points. So I wonder if them not being clustered in a compact setting with other similar businesses has led to their decision to relocate to an area with high night and daytime foot traffic?
More seating, more foot traffic, own building (no landlord), mixed use building..... am I missing anything?
Quote from: thelakelander on May 10, 2011, 02:34:51 PM
http://www.oliomarket.com/menu/
Quoteolio is slated to open spring 2011.
Our hours will be Monday - Friday 10:00am to 3pm for lunch.
We are located in downtown Jacksonville, at 301 E. Bay Street,
at the intersection of Bay St. and Market St.
Menu looks good...but damn...limited!
I work two blocks from Olio, and I can see myself getting sick of that line up within a 2 month window.
I am only speaking of my Friday night experinece there and lunch time. I havent been there on a Monday or Tuesday night, I can imagine they probably arent too busy. The WA Knight building is a mixed-use building.
I wish Olio success. To me, that is a great location with the awning wrapped around it.
Quote from: thelakelander on May 10, 2011, 04:03:20 PM
They're normally empty when I work late nights on the weekend (I work in the building across the street from Chew) and they're planning on leaving DT once their new building goes up in Five Points. So I wonder if them not being clustered in a compact setting with other similar businesses has led to their decision to relocate to an area with high night and daytime foot traffic?
Which building do you work in? Which floor? I thought all floors above the ground level were closed and empty. Tell me about this area, as I see it, that block is the best example of urban density that we have anywhere in Jax. Please tell me there's activity in those upper floors.
QuoteThe WA Knight building is a mixed-use building.
That area gets ZERO foot traffic at night.
I've been in Zodiac a few times for dinner. There lunch must REALLY cover them to justify those dinner crowds. I applaud what they are trying to do. I wouldnt be brave enough to do it.
Quote from: urbaknight on May 10, 2011, 04:45:55 PM
Which building do you work in? Which floor? I thought all floors above the ground level were closed and empty. Tell me about this area, as I see it, that block is the best example of urban density that we have anywhere in Jax. Please tell me there's activity in those upper floors.
I work on the 7th floor of the old Atlantic Bank Annex building (white building in image).
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/1059206416_We3fZ-M.jpg)
You are correct that most of the upper floor spaces along this stretch are empty. That's the reason there's little foot traffic in what should be one of the most vibrant urban corridors in the city. From my office's back windown, you can see the BOA tower, straight through the Jacksonville Bank Building's empty floors a block away. I still don't know why Zodiac stays open for dinner. I applaud them but we need a lot more clustering and special events down here to stimulate the foot traffic to justify business owners keeping later hours. They do great at lunch but they stopped serving breakfast a few months ago, due to the lack of decent foot traffic.
Adams Street is actually becoming somewhat vibrant. Poppy Love Smoke, Icon, Burro Bar, Burrito Gallery, Indochine, Zodiac, Chew.
and then there's the courthouse.
yup, i just threw up in my mouth a little.
Quote from: iloveionia on May 10, 2011, 11:37:37 PM
and then there's the courthouse.
yup, i just threw up in my mouth a little.
Yeah, that thing looks completely ridiculous sitting there towering in the middle of an area that looks like a bomb went off in. Too bad they didn't use that money to rebuild what they did there.
Quote from: jaxlore on May 10, 2011, 09:57:22 AM
what's taking Pulp so long to open up?
Would like to know this as well. They always include a shot of them in the Construction Updates & it never changes after months & months. Something may be different on the inside for all I know, but I've never seen any activity there whatsoever.
I wonder if they're still going forward with it or if they've ran dry on money to finish or what??
The line of live oak trees in front of the John Gorrie school look awesome. Just like they would have looked before the city decided to chop five of them down in the Shoppes of Avondale during the street 'improvements'. That's why the entire block along St. Johns Avenue from the north end of the Brick to Talbot Avenue looks completely bald, ugly and is 15 degrees hotter than the sidewalks shaded by the mature oaks that weren't chopped down.
Stupid stupid stupid, poor planning, lack of vision!
Quote from: thelakelander on May 10, 2011, 05:42:17 PM
Quote from: urbaknight on May 10, 2011, 04:45:55 PM
Which building do you work in? Which floor? I thought all floors above the ground level were closed and empty. Tell me about this area, as I see it, that block is the best example of urban density that we have anywhere in Jax. Please tell me there's activity in those upper floors.
I work on the 7th floor of the old Atlantic Bank Annex building (white building in image).
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/1059206416_We3fZ-M.jpg)
You are correct that most of the upper floor spaces along this stretch are empty. That's the reason there's little foot traffic in what should be one of the most vibrant urban corridors in the city. From my office's back windown, you can see the BOA tower, straight through the Jacksonville Bank Building's empty floors a block away. I still don't know why Zodiac stays open for dinner. I applaud them but we need a lot more clustering and special events down here to stimulate the foot traffic to justify business owners keeping later hours. They do great at lunch but they stopped serving breakfast a few months ago, due to the lack of decent foot traffic.
I'm glad to hear that there's some activity going on there. Is there rooftop access? That would be a great place to hang out on nice nights. But the buildings on both sides would be perfect as apartment units. They could probably accommodate at least a few hundred residents. Foot traffic on Adams st (partially) solved!
My roommate sent me a picture this morning of the new trees they have put in on Bay Street at the shipyards. He said there are tons.
And..... [drum roll]............................... THEY AREN'T PALMS!!
I'll see if I can get the pic up here
I cant see it!
hmmm.... I have employed all methods that I currently know to try and get photos up. This usually works. I can see it on my comp...
seems like you copied URL out of your email, luckily we cant read your email :) so we cant see the pic.
Quote from: Captain Zissou on May 18, 2011, 09:43:47 AM
My roommate sent me a picture this morning of the new trees they have put in on Bay Street at the shipyards. He said there are tons.
And..... [drum roll]............................... THEY AREN'T PALMS!!
sadly they're still using palms...just on San Marco Blvd instead!
(http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/226232_690690064459_4804255_35834626_1881900_n.jpg)
See if this works
I imagine they will be maturing quite nicely when development is finally ready for that land and they all get chopped down. :-\
Those trees will be nice there. Plenty of room for them to grow. Palm trees in city landscaping arent going away. We will always use them.
I think JEA was eyeing that ROW to run some overhead lines. Those trees need to be cultivated U-Shaped. ;)
I drove by earlier they look good.
Quote from: fieldafm on May 10, 2011, 01:54:17 PM
Olio will not be open for dinner.
SJTR, the San Marco BofA is undergoing renovation. The branch is not closed.
Does anyone know how late Icon stays open on weekdays? Are they open Saturdays?
I think they are. The grand opening is Memorial Day - it's located next to Burro Bar.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=205962146109699 (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=205962146109699)
Ok somebody help me understand this. If we just built the current courthouse in 2002, why did we decide to build another one? Then what is the court house annex and why is not anywhere near the courthouse? I am soooooo confused about that. Is there a courthouse on bay street too??? ???
I'll take a shot, but someone with more knowledge may come along and fill in the blanks.
The courthouse built in 2002, the tower on the west side of Hemming Plaza, is the Federal Court House. The courthouse under construction is the Duval County Courthouse. It will replace the existing mid-60s era County Courthouse on Bay Street, between Liberty and Market. The Courthouse Annex, one block west on Bay, is the former City Hall (which moved to the St. James Building during the Austin years). My understanding is that everything in the Bay Street complex will move to the new building, plus the old Federal Courthouse / Post Office (between the new County and Federal courthouses), and part of the Ed Ball Building (the old Florida National Bank, one block south of the new Federal Courthouse).
Quote from: Charles Hunter on May 20, 2011, 09:34:07 PM
I'll take a shot, but someone with more knowledge may come along and fill in the blanks.
The courthouse built in 2002, the tower on the west side of Hemming Plaza, is the Federal Court House. The courthouse under construction is the Duval County Courthouse. It will replace the existing mid-60s era County Courthouse on Bay Street, between Liberty and Market. The Courthouse Annex, one block west on Bay, is the former City Hall (which moved to the St. James Building during the Austin years). My understanding is that everything in the Bay Street complex will move to the new building, plus the old Federal Courthouse / Post Office (between the new County and Federal courthouses), and part of the Ed Ball Building (the old Florida National Bank, one block south of the new Federal Courthouse).
Well Dang! So basically everything is finally being consolidated in other words.
Well, except the "pre trial detention facility" aka Jail, is still on East Bay Street.
Has anyone driven past the Park View Inn Lately? Is there any demo yet? I have an appoint DT Thrusday and I may swing by myself to check out the progress.
Quote from: Charles Hunter on May 20, 2011, 10:49:00 PM
Well, except the "pre trial detention facility" aka Jail, is still on East Bay Street.
Complete with sweeping views of the river!!!!
In all seriousness, I remember reading (probably on this site) some about a new jail being built on the northside. Probably just wishful thinking.
Quote from: duvaldude08 on May 24, 2011, 01:11:36 PM
Has anyone driven past the Park View Inn Lately? Is there any demo yet? I have an appoint DT Thrusday and I may swing by myself to check out the progress.
Facing State Street there's a small section that looks like a car tried to demo it, rather unsuccessfully. No change.
But I DO notice someone's exposing the original bricks on the old Cadillac building.
Quote from: copperfiend on May 24, 2011, 01:15:35 PM
In all seriousness, I remember reading (probably on this site) some about a new jail being built on the northside. Probably just wishful thinking.
I think they should. LOL I didnt know that the P-Farm was wayyyyyyyy deep in the northside. The should built it down there. Out in the middle of nowhere. Its not fair that the jail has views of the river, condos and get to smell maxwell house coffee. LOL!
Quote from: duvaldude08 on May 24, 2011, 01:42:20 PM
Quote from: copperfiend on May 24, 2011, 01:15:35 PM
In all seriousness, I remember reading (probably on this site) some about a new jail being built on the northside. Probably just wishful thinking.
I think they should. LOL I didnt know that the P-Farm was wayyyyyyyy deep in the northside. The should built it down there. Out in the middle of nowhere. Its not fair that the jail has views of the river, condos and get to smell maxwell house coffee. LOL!
But that's part of the punishment. Look at Alcatraz in San Francisco, a panoramic view of the good life of freedom right before their eyes. And all they can do is watch and wish. The county jail provides such psycologic torture.
Quote from: urbaknight on May 24, 2011, 01:58:42 PM
Quote from: duvaldude08 on May 24, 2011, 01:42:20 PM
Quote from: copperfiend on May 24, 2011, 01:15:35 PM
In all seriousness, I remember reading (probably on this site) some about a new jail being built on the northside. Probably just wishful thinking.
I think they should. LOL I didnt know that the P-Farm was wayyyyyyyy deep in the northside. The should built it down there. Out in the middle of nowhere. Its not fair that the jail has views of the river, condos and get to smell maxwell house coffee. LOL!
But that's part of the punishment. Look at Alcatraz in San Francisco, a panoramic view of the good life of freedom right before their eyes. And all they can do is watch and wish. The county jail provides such psycologic torture.
I think I would be more totured and afraid if I was out in the middle of no mans land. On a side note, does anyone know whats going on by the JEA building? I just looked out the window and noticed a huge crane in the sky? Is there some type of construction going on?
Quote from: duvaldude08 on May 24, 2011, 02:04:01 PM
Quote from: urbaknight on May 24, 2011, 01:58:42 PM
Quote from: duvaldude08 on May 24, 2011, 01:42:20 PM
Quote from: copperfiend on May 24, 2011, 01:15:35 PM
In all seriousness, I remember reading (probably on this site) some about a new jail being built on the northside. Probably just wishful thinking.
I think they should. LOL I didnt know that the P-Farm was wayyyyyyyy deep in the northside. The should built it down there. Out in the middle of nowhere. Its not fair that the jail has views of the river, condos and get to smell maxwell house coffee. LOL!
But that's part of the punishment. Look at Alcatraz in San Francisco, a panoramic view of the good life of freedom right before their eyes. And all they can do is watch and wish. The county jail provides such psycologic torture.
I think I would be more totured and afraid if I was out in the middle of no mans land. On a side note, does anyone know whats going on by the JEA building? I just looked out the window and noticed a huge crane in the sky? Is there some type of construction going on?
I saw that too, I hope they're at least filling that building back up with tenants.
Quote from: urbaknight on May 24, 2011, 01:58:42 PM
Quote from: duvaldude08 on May 24, 2011, 01:42:20 PM
Quote from: copperfiend on May 24, 2011, 01:15:35 PM
In all seriousness, I remember reading (probably on this site) some about a new jail being built on the northside. Probably just wishful thinking.
I think they should. LOL I didnt know that the P-Farm was wayyyyyyyy deep in the northside. The should built it down there. Out in the middle of nowhere. Its not fair that the jail has views of the river, condos and get to smell maxwell house coffee. LOL!
But that's part of the punishment. Look at Alcatraz in San Francisco, a panoramic view of the good life of freedom right before their eyes. And all they can do is watch and wish. The county jail provides such psycologic torture.
Ha ha.... Right next to the Guiness brewery in Dublin there is a hospital, any guesses who it is for?? Alcaholics!!
They should move the jail out to the powerplant so they have an ocean and downtown view. And the best part.... it's not downtown.
Quote from: duvaldude08 on May 24, 2011, 01:11:36 PM
Has anyone driven past the Park View Inn Lately? Is there any demo yet? I have an appoint DT Thrusday and I may swing by myself to check out the progress.
Nope ....its still there as of Tuesday Afternoon.. appears they have completed Asbestos removal
Has anyone figured out why there is a huge crane by the JEA tower. I will be near it tomorrow so I may check it out.
Quote from: duvaldude08 on May 26, 2011, 01:29:37 AM
Has anyone figured out why there is a huge crane by the JEA tower. I will be near it tomorrow so I may check it out.
No my neighbor asked me about it also. She said they were taking stuff up to the roof all day yesterday. Maybe just HVAC work or something ???
Looked like the other day they were replacing AC units.
Stephendare, are there any updates on the Laura Street Trio? Is it dead in the water now? Are they still trying to secure financing?
Quote from: stephendare on May 26, 2011, 12:30:58 PM
Quote from: duvaldude08 on May 26, 2011, 12:15:55 PM
Stephendare, are there any updates on the Laura Street Trio? Is it dead in the water now? Are they still trying to secure financing?
I ran into Steve Atkins at the Epping Forest Club's fundraiser for Alvin Brown (along with his very very wonderful wife) He's found another partner to do the boutique hotel at the Barnett Tower, but I think he is out of the trio.
Matt Carlucci and I were talking about the trio just a couple of days ago. As you may know Matt established the historic preservation trust fund specifically to rescue those three buildings from being torn down while he was city council president.
He wants them to get a real focus from Alvin's administration, and I suppose he is in a good vantage point to argue passionately on their behalf.
At this moment, the city (under the leadership of Bill Killingsworth) is evaluating the trio for use as a city program for Art Studios and Lofts. Hes finished an initial report on the program for presentation to the Mayor, I assume it will be part of the series of department generated "White Papers" on the status of ongoing city projects.
Im right there with you duvaldude. Along with the other 4 living generations of Jacksonvillians, Ive loved those buildings most of my life.
Still great news! Even if things change directions, as long something happens Im happy. Especially about the hotel. Thats the part I was dying to see. Looks like everything still may work out. Thanks Stephen!