Here's a newly published ... well, I guess you can only call it a propaganda sheet ... from SPAR Council on the subject of commercial revitalization: Enjoy the read ...
QuoteCommercial Corridor Revitalization â€" FLACDC Member Spotlight
By admin | Published: August 19, 2011
COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT: RESTORATION, REVITALIZATION AND NEW CONSTRUCTION
(Excerpts from the Florida Alliance of Community Development Corporations (FLACDC) June 2011 Member Spotlight )
The hallmarks of strong, healthy urban neighborhoods are quality housing, good schools, accessible open spaces and vibrant commercial corridors. It is believed that a strong business district benefits the surrounding neighborhood and serves as the key measure of the overall economic condition of an area, as it provides opportunities for entrepreneurs, much-needed entry-level jobs and workforce training and convenient access to goods and services for residents. The Springfield Preservation and Revitalization (SPAR) Council serves as an example of an urban commercial revitalization program, coordinating a broad coalition of neighborhood stakeholders that include merchants, residents, property owners, other nonprofit agencies, city departments, financial institutions and others, all working together toward a common vision of improving the commercial corridors of Springfield.
SPAR, incorporated in 1977, serves as the historic district preservation agency for the Springfield Historic District in Jacksonville â€" a one square mile area of traditionally-platted land featuring approximately 1800 single-family and multi-family residential structures and mostly single-and two story commercial structures that are more than 50 years old. The Springfield Historic District, one of only three in Jacksonville and designated in 1987, is divided into four quadrants by its two main commercial corridors, Main Street â€" running north and south and 8th Street â€" running east and west. It is located adjacent to and directly north of Jacksonville’s downtown central business district, accessible on foot or bicycle with easy access to major highways, just east of I-95.
Originally settled in 1869 and developed after the Great Fire of 1901, the Springfield Historic District significantly declined for more than four decades after the post- World War II era, during which many of the historic structures deteriorated beyond saving. Many of those that survived were not maintained because of the financial challenges faced by their low-or very-low income occupants or they were unoccupied and further damaged by criminal elements, leaving the area blighted and crime-ridden.
However, since the mid-1990’s, with the leadership of SPAR and along with a number of other organizations, the district has experienced a much-anticipated revitalization. SPAR served as the sponsor of market research and commercial development planning and instituted a series of community-based initiatives such as beautification, safety and awareness events and activities.
Beginning in 2007, SPAR has functioned as “mall manager†for Main and 8th Streets, spearheading the implementation of plans to attract retailers that can provide jobs and managing planned programs to improve the commercial environments cleanliness, comfort and safety for resident and visitor pedestrian traffic. For example, SPAR collects, distributes and publicizes sale/lease information; develops work plans that include targeted areas and time frames; coordinates meetings with property owners, commercial developers and commercial brokers/realtors; conducts area tours; provides weekly, monthly and quarterly updates on developments and progress; and secures grant funds and undertakes fundraising campaigns for property enhancement along the commercial corridors.
As a result, Springfield has evolved into a much more viable commercial market than it was in years past. The old adage, “retail follows rooftopsâ€, certainly applies here. Many of the older homes have been renovated and there has been a wave of new infill construction â€" roughly 80 new homes inspired by the historic architecture of the neighborhood and the first new mixed-use building in over 40 years was completed in 2008. Riding this wave are Springfield’s businesses, with a diverse array of new restaurants recently opened that have been quite successful.
The City of Jacksonville recently (2010) completed major capital improvements along Main and 8th Streets, which has improved both the accessibility and aesthetics of Springfield’s commercial corridors. With this, everything is in place for the continued successful commercial redevelopment of the Springfield Historic District, with SPAR at the forefront of that effort. SPAR continues to aggressively target businesses whose needs match the existing vacant commercial properties and helps support Springfield’s existing businesses. SPAR has also played a role in the opening of a variety of new businesses that have created jobs, made the area more attractive to new residents and are drawing people from downtown and all over Jacksonville into Springfield. Additionally, SPAR encourages its residents to “GoLO†â€" shop locally owned, locally operated businesses, keeping their hard earned money within the neighborhood, which in turn helps to sustain local businesses. SPAR now is working to improve the facades of commercial buildings along Main Street through its Main Street Property Enhancement Program, which gives businesses donated products from local companies, such as signs and fencing, provided they pay for a share of the property improvements as well.
The commercial revitalization of Main and 8th Streets is vital to the future growth of the Springfield Historic District, as both corridors present a wide range of potential business uses in existing structures and on a number of vacant parcels suitable for mixed-use infill development. Springfield’s commercial corridors have the potential to bring new jobs, residents businesses and visitors to the historic district and SPAR will continue to play an active role in its revitalization.
Quotes:
According to Brenda Boydston, SPAR’s Executive Director, “Admittedly, we’ve been through some rough patches over the years. Yes, there’s still work to be done, but the scale has tipped in our favor. We are invested here, and we are on our way! That is just one of the reasons why Southern Living Magazine named Springfield “The South’s Best Comeback Neighborhood.â€
For more information, contact Brenda Boydston at 904/353-7727 or brenda@sparcouncil.org
Lol, OMG. This is pure comedy. Like, wow!
I especially like this part: "Beginning in 2007, SPAR has functioned as “mall manager†for Main and 8th Streets, spearheading the implementation of plans to attract retailers that can provide jobs and managing planned programs to improve the commercial environments cleanliness, comfort and safety for resident and visitor pedestrian traffic.
As a result, Springfield has evolved into a much more viable commercial market than it was in years past."
Yeah, great job there guys. I think I saw a tumbleweed roll down Main the other day it was so void of businesses & people.
BTW, 2007. Hmm, isn't that about the time everything went to shit over there?? Whatta coincidence!
Amazing! I want what she's smoking!
Deeds would be great. Words, not much use.
SAMBA needs to take the lead in commercial development of Main Street.
How are they even allowed to exist now & dictate such things?? Honest question.
Quote from: stephendare on August 21, 2011, 12:41:50 PM
Preservation SOS needs to be empowered as the sole agent in the neighborhood in light of the demolitions that occurred under SPARs watch, in my opinion. But then Preservation SOS is going to have to pick up the ball and become that authority, which I think theyve been hesitant to do.
You are too sweet. I am beyond proud of the work SOS has done for Springfield over this last year. But our mission revolves solely around "saving the houses." The committees of Make it Happen, Beautification, and Policy/Preservation help to save the houses and beautify blight, it is indeed who we are: wondering if "Preservation Experts" is too bold of a statement?! That is who I think we are. If I had one wish, and one wish only, I wish we had money to save the abandoned houses faster. I'd buy 'em all up, restore, and put in the hands of a loving new owner. Okay, back to reality.
I think SAMBAs recent project at Caribbean Stone on W. 8th Street will help them ignite a strong group to support commercial revitalization. I am very interested in being involved, but not necessarily from an SOS standpoint. Saving a house (or building) is one thing. Bringing in businesses is a whole 'nother game. Right now I just want to get mothballing into action, you know, "make it happen." The legislation is there, people now need to take advantage of it to save our homes.
We have an incredible forum board with a ridiculous amount of house information on it, and are in the process of creating a kick-ass website with even more information. For now: http://forum.preservationsos.org Once the website has some meat on it, we'll post the site address. We appreciate everyone's support. Muuuaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
Rarely is Stephen accused of being too sweet on MJ!!
I think he is referring to PSOS in regards to preservation. We have our hands full just trying to keep in front of the bulldozer saving the houses.
Why can't Preservation SOS & SAMBA combine?
^They have two different missions and both already have their hands full now.
(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk137/chriswufgator/SPARBaghdadBob.jpg)