QuoteFamily Dollar
Standard Feed is gone from its spot on Kings Road just off Myrtle Avenue, where it stood for 65 years.
It moved just a couple of doors down, but its old home has been torn down. In its place is going a 9,000-square-foot Family Dollar.
The store is expected to open in October, but it's only one of a handful of Family Dollars coming to Jacksonville.
In November, stores will open at 5507 Moncrief Road and on New Berlin Road. Early 2012 will see new stores at 5407 Beach Boulevard and the 100 block of Edgewood Avenue, a company spokesman said.
Later in the year, a store is planned for 233 E. State St. downtown.
The spokesman said the company has secured leases on all those properties.
The Kings Road land, a little more than an acre, sold for $650,000 earlier this year, according to city property records.
Family Dollar, based in Charlotte, N.C., has about 6,800 stores in 44 states, including 20 stores in Jacksonville.
Meanwhile, Standard Feed has settled into its new building, though work continues on the greenhouse out front.
Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/business/2011-06-14/story/works-progress-seasons-52-one-many-businesses-under-construction#ixzz1PLBfozHD
One way to keep our dollar weak is to keep supporting these stores...how will we ever strengthen our country will paying chinese people 1 dollar a day.
A crappy steel dollar store building is the last thing downtown needs.
well that is an empty parcel behind Burger King so I'm good with it...hopefully design will be decent
I agree. As long its designed urban and walkable Im fine with it.
Quote from: duvaldude08 on June 15, 2011, 08:32:08 AM
I agree. As long its designed urban and walkable Im fine with it.
+1
Are there examples of Family Dollar building an urban friendly design?
233 State is not an empty parcel. It's the site of Warren Motors on the block bounded by State, Newnan/Hubbard, Orange and Market Streets.
(http://www.warrenmotorsinc.com/11-2010/images/images/WarrenMotors_525.jpg)
That said, if its designed with parking in the rear, I fine with it. However, I seriously doubt that and expect it to be the same thing they have going up at King and Myrtle.
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/1324158009_Rk7D9nX-M.jpg)
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2011-jun-durkeeville-project-illustrates-zoning-code-issues
Yeah I just did some extensive research and I can not come across a family dollar that is "urban". I found some kool looking one's, but none with the parking in the rear. Im going to keep looking.
It won't be urban, they are known for picking their locations based totally on vehicle counts. And this is the last thing downtown needs.
do we really believe they are going to build an urban friendly design? and I have heard that Warren Motors is looking to move.
Here's one (I think)
(http://www.clippergirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Family-Dollar-e1303181337497.jpg)
lakelander, is that a giant swimming pool in your skyview depiction?
No, that's their retention pond. Most likely, it will be dry with weeds and fenced in.
Family Dollar should take the friggin' "dollar" out of their name. I still can get things CHEAPER at Wal-Mart or Target than the darn store. They are falsely portraying themselves as a dollar store. You can still get more rubbish stuff at Big Lots cheaper than Family "YO HOLLER GIVE ME YOUR MONEIES" Dollar.
For the downtown placement, we don't need them. I don't care how much it will help the downtown, but it is not going to help in the long term. I am willing to make a bet of $200 that they will build one in downtown, then go out of the business within a year or two.
That was a dangerous statement I just made.
-Josh
Quote from: fsujax on June 15, 2011, 09:16:27 AM
do we really believe they are going to build an urban friendly design? and I have heard that Warren Motors is looking to move.
No, and it has nothing to do with them. They'll layout what's easist to get approved according to our zoning regulations and since those regulations make it easier for suburban design, that's what we'll be seeing.
of course they will. thats my point. there is nothing in place to encourage an urban style store.
I agree but disagree. Lets take a look at that BP that was proposed for DT. The first design was suburban (and ugly) and the redesign was urban. So its possible. Speaking of that, did the lady just give up on the gas station or what? anybody know?
The BP fell within the DDRB's boundary, which meant they had to incorporate more urban design standards into their layout. Since it's on the north side of State, I think this property would fall just outside of what is officially considered downtown. As for an update on the BP, I have no idea of where things stand with that right now.
Ohh ok gotcha. Well if all else fails, atleast it will be out of sight and out of mind. You wont really be able to see it from the main road anyway. Family dollar stores just look like a big metal box. The pic I posted earlier would be nice, but from what you just told me, it may not happen.
I don't think the term design should be used in the same sentence with Family Dollar. They have no respect for the word. The only reason all their stores are not hideous boxes is zoning. (There is one on Yellow Bluff Road on the Northside that is not completely horrible.) All they care about is making a quick buck. And like Josh said, where is the dollar crap? Someday when the economy recovers, these dumps will line our streets and roads like dead animals. They are everywhere and one day the bottom will fall out.
Quote from: avonjax on June 15, 2011, 10:38:52 AM
I don't think the term design should be used in the same sentence with Family Dollar. They have no respect for the word. The only reason all their stores are not hideous boxes is zoning. (There is one on Yellow Bluff Road on the Northside that is not completely horrible.) All they care about is making a quick buck. And like Josh said, where is the dollar crap? Someday when the economy recovers, these dumps will line our streets and roads like dead animals. They are everywhere and one day the bottom will fall out.
I agree. Family dollar has went into overload during the recession. All these stores popping up is ridiculos. They are over extending their selfs. Dollar general has remained moderate.
Quote from: avonjax on June 15, 2011, 10:38:52 AM
I don't think the term design should be used in the same sentence with Family Dollar. They have no respect for the word. The only reason all their stores are not hideous boxes is zoning. (There is one on Yellow Bluff Road on the Northside that is not completely horrible.) All they care about is making a quick buck. And like Josh said, where is the dollar crap? Someday when the economy recovers, these dumps will line our streets and roads like dead animals. They are everywhere and one day the bottom will fall out.
I'm not 100% sure but I'm pretty sure that's a Dollar General.
Quote from: thelakelander on June 15, 2011, 09:05:30 AM
233 State is not an empty parcel. It's the site of Warren Motors on the block bounded by State, Newnan/Hubbard, Orange and Market Streets.
oops...thanks for the correction...kind of suprising actually
I'm absolutely fine with it - WITH URBAN DESIGN, REAR PARKING, ETC. ETC. Without those two very important elements, this will be a horrible thing for the look of downtown. Who can raise a stink about it when the initial design comes out?? ;)
It does seem that the "dollar store" business plan is one of the few that is actually GROWING in today's whacked out economy. Hard to say no to them under those circumstances. But it also says that they might be able to listen if you can convince them the urban plan is worth it to them
I don't think it will be that bad if State is the more "strip mall" street in downtown. If that one street makes it seem more convenient to people wanting to move downtown. There are now plans for a new gas station, CVS and Family Dollar to go along with the close Winn Dixie. If that street is the one for national chains they would help support the local business in the more urban area to the south.
Quote from: JeffreyS on June 15, 2011, 05:23:04 PM
I don't think it will be that bad if State is the more "strip mall" street in downtown. If that one street makes it seem more convenient to people wanting to move downtown. There are now plans for a new gas station, CVS and Family Dollar to go along with the close Winn Dixie. If that street is the one for national chains they would help support the local business in the more urban area to the south.
CVS? Where? At the Parkview?
The Parkview will probably have a CVS, Walgreens or something similar. There's nothing wrong with State & Union filling in with major retail. If we were smart, we'd actually encourage it, considering the high traffic counts and centralized location to downtown and the adjacent neighborhoods. We just need to make sure, what goes in there is pedestrian oriented moreso than their suburban counterparts. That's the only way we're going to get back to a point where Springfield seamlessly integrates with downtown from the pedestrian level.
Quote from: duvaldude08 on June 15, 2011, 05:28:04 PM
Quote from: JeffreyS on June 15, 2011, 05:23:04 PM
I don't think it will be that bad if State is the more "strip mall" street in downtown. If that one street makes it seem more convenient to people wanting to move downtown. There are now plans for a new gas station, CVS and Family Dollar to go along with the close Winn Dixie. If that street is the one for national chains they would help support the local business in the more urban area to the south.
CVS? Where? At the Parkview?
Yes.
Don't tell me they can't do urban. Here is their store in Downtown Chattanooga, TN.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t_FybHQUo9Q/TbjId31HiGI/AAAAAAAACf8/FVQ00WasSds/s400/Downtown+Chattanooga7%252C+April+2011.jpg)
Quote from: JeffreyS on June 15, 2011, 06:28:39 PM
Quote from: duvaldude08 on June 15, 2011, 05:28:04 PM
Quote from: JeffreyS on June 15, 2011, 05:23:04 PM
I don't think it will be that bad if State is the more "strip mall" street in downtown. If that one street makes it seem more convenient to people wanting to move downtown. There are now plans for a new gas station, CVS and Family Dollar to go along with the close Winn Dixie. If that street is the one for national chains they would help support the local business in the more urban area to the south.
CVS? Where? At the Parkview?
Yes.
Ah dang. LOL I knew there would be a pharmacy, but I never knew they named one. KOOL
^The Chattanooga Family Dollar is a block away from this Chili's restaurant.
(http://www.metrojacksonville.com/photos/thumbs/lrg-6464-p1060412.JPG)
and about two blocks away from this Residence Inn by Marriott.
(http://www.metrojacksonville.com/photos/thumbs/lrg-6453-p1060391.JPG)
Another Family Dollar in Pittsburgh.
(http://www.hillhouse.org/dms/hillhouse/articles/economic/Familydollar/FamilydollarStore_lg.jpg)
http://www.hillhouse.org/home/about/economic.html
These images prove that major chains have no problem going urban (even with their typical box designs) if zoning makes them.
(http://www.clippergirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Family-Dollar-e1303181337497.jpg)
This is the best I found.
My paycheck has been cut over the last years, but my bills have remained the same. One change I made was avoiding the Target's and Walmarts and heading out to the Dollar Tree (similar as FL's Family Dollar) and buying items there and spending less, MUCH less, and making up for my paycheck cut.
Bring on the store, my only WISH is that the design fit within the neighborhood. Ennis, do love your altered rendering. Stores need to fit in the existing neighborhood, not the neighborhood change for the store.
More adaptive reuse should occur. Why demolish when you can "restore" and make a hip-ass store. Chain stores should take that into consideration more, and don't give me the song and dance about costs involved. Embrace history, don't destroy it.
Unless something has changed, Dollar Tree and Family Dollar are completely different beasts. Family Dollar is like a mini-wal-mart with pretty crappy prices when stuff's not on sale. Even Dollar Tree isn't that good of a deal anymore. When they first opened, there wasn't "dollar store" manufacturing, so they really did sell goods at a discount but ever since the boom, companies are making stuff specifically for Dollar Tree and either the goods are really sub-par (never buy their off-brand batteries or anything electrical unless you like fire) or they're specifically made for them and you can find better deals dollar-for-dollar at bigger stores. Sometimes you do find really decent deals though- they were selling this whole grain bread my wife loves that's usually $3 in other stores.
Quote from: thelakelander on June 15, 2011, 06:26:56 PM
The Parkview will probably have a CVS, Walgreens or something similar. There's nothing wrong with State & Union filling in with major retail. If we were smart, we'd actually encourage it, considering the high traffic counts and centralized location to downtown and the adjacent neighborhoods. We just need to make sure, what goes in there is pedestrian oriented moreso than their suburban counterparts. That's the only way we're going to get back to a point where Springfield seamlessly integrates with downtown from the pedestrian level.
Yes, yes, yes.
We do need to push for the zoning changes that Lakelander has recommended for downtown. Until that happens, we should be proactive in pushing for better design whether it's required or not. Corporations generally want to please consumers. If we make enough noise about the need for an urban design in this location Family Dollar may just do the right thing.
Quote from: thelakelander on June 15, 2011, 06:40:45 PM
Don't tell me they can't do urban. Here is their store in Downtown Chattanooga, TN.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t_FybHQUo9Q/TbjId31HiGI/AAAAAAAACf8/FVQ00WasSds/s400/Downtown+Chattanooga7%252C+April+2011.jpg)
That would be acceptable.
Thekillingwax is correct about the difference between Family Dollar and Dollar Tree. Dollar Tree is literally a dollar store, whereas Family Dollar is not. It is just as Thekillingwax described.
I seem to recall there is (or was) an urban format Family Dollar in a former department store storefront in downtown Syracuse too.
(http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTpExfrC1-VlsBEvrx_YV9sQLlpDMBxV9hotcb8clwDHpNZ2uVvVbt90Q)
QuoteOne way to keep our dollar weak is to keep supporting these stores...how will we ever strengthen our country will paying chinese people 1 dollar a day.
Garden Guy, I completely agree. I like seeing a new business in downtown - but would rather see some incentives for locally owned.
If we HAVE to have another dollar store (there is one on Main too in Springfield - don't remember if it is Family Dollar or not) I hope we at least pressure them on the urban design issue. Parking in REAR
^That's a Family Dollar too. Before it was constructed, I was told by a former high ranking member from a neighborhood group that shall remain nameless, that it would be urban (right up against the street). I guess we had two different ideas of what that meant.
(http://www.metrojacksonville.com/photos/thumbs/lrg-7067-p1150994.JPG)
While the 17th & Main store is "against the street", its a completely blank side wall. The store actually faces the parking lot.
(http://www.metrojacksonville.com/photos/thumbs/lrg-7069-p1150993.JPG)
Quote from: thelakelander on June 15, 2011, 09:25:10 AM
Quote from: fsujax on June 15, 2011, 09:16:27 AM
do we really believe they are going to build an urban friendly design? and I have heard that Warren Motors is looking to move.
No, and it has nothing to do with them. They'll layout what's easist to get approved according to our zoning regulations and since those regulations make it easier for suburban design, that's what we'll be seeing.
Is this location within the downtown overlay boundaries? I cannot imagine that they won't require building up to the sidewalk. Someone needs to ask Killingsworth.
I need to look this up to be sure but I believe the DT overlay covers State Street's ROW. Although on State Street, this particular property is on the north side, meaning it falls right outside of it.
Here's some information I just found.
http://library.municode.com/HTML/12174/level4/TITXVIILAUS_CH656ZOCO_PT3SCDIRE_SPHDOOVZODODIRE.html
QuoteCathedral District: Beginning at the centerline of Main Street and the northerly right-of-way line of State Street; thence run easterly along the northerly right-of-way line of State Street to the centerline of Hogan's Creek; thence southerly along the centerline of Hogan's Creek to the centerline of Adams Street; thence westerly along the centerline of Adam's Street to the centerline of Main Street; thence northerly along the centerline of Main Street to the point of beginning.
So it abuts (but falls outside of) the overlay district.
Quote from: thelakelander on June 15, 2011, 06:40:45 PM
Don't tell me they can't do urban. Here is their store in Downtown Chattanooga, TN.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t_FybHQUo9Q/TbjId31HiGI/AAAAAAAACf8/FVQ00WasSds/s400/Downtown+Chattanooga7%252C+April+2011.jpg)
Lake, come on, that's still a prefab low-density suburban box, they just happened to stick it under an expressway. That doesn't make it "urban." And I have mixed feelings about allowing State & Union to turn into a suburban strip-mall style retail area, one the one hand it's a lot better than nothing. Beggars can't be choosers, right. I guess you have to start somewhere.
Quote from: thelakelander on June 16, 2011, 11:49:24 AM
QuoteCathedral District: Beginning at the centerline of Main Street and the northerly right-of-way line of State Street; thence run easterly along the northerly right-of-way line of State Street to the centerline of Hogan's Creek; thence southerly along the centerline of Hogan's Creek to the centerline of Adams Street; thence westerly along the centerline of Adam's Street to the centerline of Main Street; thence northerly along the centerline of Main Street to the point of beginning.
So it abuts (but falls outside of) the overlay district.
BUT the northerly right-of- way line of State Street (depending on how it's interpreted) may include the area where sidewalks and curb cuts / entrances to parking are located and the City may be able to use this to encourage heightened design standards.
Quote from: ChriswUfGator on June 16, 2011, 11:52:25 AM
Quote from: thelakelander on June 15, 2011, 06:40:45 PM
Don't tell me they can't do urban. Here is their store in Downtown Chattanooga, TN.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t_FybHQUo9Q/TbjId31HiGI/AAAAAAAACf8/FVQ00WasSds/s400/Downtown+Chattanooga7%252C+April+2011.jpg)
Lake, come on, that's still a prefab low-density suburban box, they just happened to stick it under an expressway. That doesn't make it "urban." And I have mixed feelings about allowing State & Union to turn into a suburban strip-mall style retail area, one the one hand it's a lot better than nothing. Beggars can't be choosers, right. I guess you have to start somewhere.
Yes it is not fancy but that store makes the area more walkable because of the interaction with the sidewalk.
^It's actually the ground level of a parking garage. What the material is or if its vertical or not is ultimately not my concern when discussing "walkability". At ground or the pedestrian level, its integrated with the sidewalk and public realm in the form of entry doors and display windows. In this essence, its walkable which is something Jacksonville clearly has a difficult time creating at this point.
Quote from: thelakelander on June 16, 2011, 12:00:18 PM
^It's actually the ground level of a parking garage. What the material is or if its vertical or not is ultimately not my concern when discussing "walkability". At ground or the pedestrian level, its integrated with the sidewalk and public realm in the form of entry doors and display windows. In this essence, its walkable which is something Jacksonville clearly has a difficult time creating at this point.
Well, yeah, walkable, bikible, bus'able, all of it is an issue really. Jacksonville has severe difficulty envisioning anything that doesn't involve hopping into your yacht-sized SUV and having to walk less than 50 feet to your destination.
I honestly dont care what they do, as long as the parking lot is in the back of the building and NOT facing the street Im ok. I want a full urban design, but that may be too much to ask. However, you know we will get a preview of the design eventually so if we need to make some noise about it, we can.
I guess I'm not surprised since we're talking about Jacksonville, but you'd think the city planners would have noticed they were creating a zoning no man's land between downtown and Springfield when they established the boundaries for the respective overlays!!!
It's unfortunate that this project falls into said no-man's-land.....
Quote from: Miss Fixit on June 16, 2011, 12:23:54 PM
I guess I'm not surprised since we're talking about Jacksonville, but you'd think the city planners would have noticed they were creating a zoning no man's land between downtown and Springfield when they established the boundaries for the respective overlays!!!
To some extent, per Stephen's earlier work re: Robert Moses concepts etc., it would appear that that was intentional at the time.