Metro Jacksonville

Jacksonville by Neighborhood => Downtown => Topic started by: Metro Jacksonville on August 22, 2011, 03:04:33 AM

Title: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: Metro Jacksonville on August 22, 2011, 03:04:33 AM
Urban Construction Update - August 2011

(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/1440742735_fDccsj9-M.jpg)

Here's a look at the status of various projects under construction in and around Downtown Jacksonville as of August 2011.

Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2011-aug-urban-construction-update-august-2011
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: ProjectMaximus on August 22, 2011, 03:31:46 AM
Fionn is opening in the Landing?? I had no idea. Very nice!
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: Noone on August 22, 2011, 03:36:09 AM
Nice update. But here is an observation. Took someone kayaking Downtown last week and we paddled by Fionn MacCool's Irish Rest. and Pub and we saw them painting this location from the water. How cool would it be to see who will recognize a small craft launch and docking site that could capture this growing market.

MJ team. How about an Urban Potential Waterfront Access Point update. And this could include Springfield, San Marco, Riverside, Downtown?   
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: thelakelander on August 22, 2011, 05:51:15 AM
Noone, you know the river better than all our writers combined.  Send us a list of your top 10 or 20 access point locations, along with a blurb about each one and we'll put a story together for you.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: acme54321 on August 22, 2011, 05:52:41 AM
I guess the arch across Laura is no longer going to be installed?
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: Noone on August 22, 2011, 06:39:06 AM
Quote from: thelakelander on August 22, 2011, 05:51:15 AM
Noone, you know the river better than all our writers combined.  Send us a list of your top 10 or 20 access point locations, along with a blurb about each one and we'll put a story together for you.

Thank you. Love to put together a top 10 list.  North Miami, Field, anyone else. if you also have a potential access location on the water just PM me and I'll meet with you and we'll start from the Landing and go from all points north and south.   
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: Captain Zissou on August 22, 2011, 07:06:17 AM
Quote from: acme54321 on August 22, 2011, 05:52:41 AM
I guess the arch across Laura is no longer going to be installed?

That was my first reaction as well.  Those lights look awful.  Anyone have any info on the arch.  There is an almost identical one at Stockton park, so I know it's possible.  The arch is what made those awful information kiosks almost worth it for me.  BRING BACK MY ARCH
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: tufsu1 on August 22, 2011, 08:05:33 AM
The arch is not happening...those awesome globe lights are instead.

btw, gotta love the new green paint at the Landing....the pics don't do it justice...I encourage you all to check it out :)

finally, note that the City is building a new pedestrian connection from Bay St down to the Landing, adjacent to the Ocean St ramp of the Main St Bridge.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: avonjax on August 22, 2011, 08:16:52 AM
Yes I never expected the arch to be added. This is typical Jacksonville. I loved the arch so I had a good idea it was never gonna happen. Most plans are way better than the final result.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: avonjax on August 22, 2011, 08:18:33 AM
And the final product doesn't make the project very special to me.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: Wacca Pilatka on August 22, 2011, 08:47:36 AM
Is that the old Chevrolet Parts Depot building listed under Paul Davis Restorations?
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: JeffreyS on August 22, 2011, 08:51:34 AM
Love the lights on Laura. I hope we can get some movement on the Laura street trio.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: copperfiend on August 22, 2011, 09:10:46 AM
A "to be named" upscale Italian/pizza restaurant - Riverside

They have to name it eventually, right? :)
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: kells904 on August 22, 2011, 09:53:55 AM
Can't really tell...are they re-doing the roundabout bricks?
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: thelakelander on August 22, 2011, 09:58:04 AM
^Yes
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: fsujax on August 22, 2011, 10:02:03 AM
Interesting to see 7-11 buying the old Woodlawn Baptist Church and tearing it down to build a store.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: thelakelander on August 22, 2011, 10:11:07 AM
It's not a given and I'm sure the community would fight it.  However, I included it in the update so people would be aware of what sits on the actual location.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: acme54321 on August 22, 2011, 10:24:01 AM
Has the Avondale purchase been confirmed yet? 

Lake is that church within the RAP historic district?
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: cline on August 22, 2011, 10:26:08 AM
Yes it is within the historic district.  That block is pretty much the boundary.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: Overstreet on August 22, 2011, 10:27:19 AM
The topping out ceremony was July 21 on the Baptist Wolfson Tower. Here is a link,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tS_sRXN1Et4

Here is a picture,

(http://i738.photobucket.com/albums/xx24/GrumpyOldBakerman/BWT8-22-11.jpg)


Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: Steve on August 22, 2011, 10:50:20 AM
acme - I can confirm that the church is not only within the boundaries of the historic district, the church is a contributing structure to the historic district. This is a building that directly contributes to Riverside and Avondale being a historic district, and RAP has a good reputation fighting demolition of these types of structures.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: Dapperdan on August 22, 2011, 11:38:22 AM
I am for 7-11 bulldozing it if no one else steps up and does anything. Why have a vacant building just sitting there doing nothing? Obvoiusly it has sat there for a while and no one has taken any interest in revitalizing it.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: Ethylene on August 22, 2011, 11:50:41 AM
What is happening to the 2nd or 3rd story facade of the 3rd building in the Trio on Laura? See the 5th picture in the story behind the Marble bank. I noticed the activity and was forced to walk under a moving crane last week.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: thelakelander on August 22, 2011, 12:04:09 PM
^It's falling apart.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: reednavy on August 22, 2011, 12:08:03 PM
What is going on with the JEA Tower garage, recladding?
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: thelakelander on August 22, 2011, 12:15:01 PM
Yes.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: CG7 on August 22, 2011, 12:46:53 PM
I have to throw this out there, because I know how the majority of people on MJ feel about the courthouse. I was riding the bus to the game Friday night with a group of Falcon fans, as we drove past the courthouse a woman in the group asked me what it was, I pointed to the name on the front of the building and told her it was our new courthouse. I kid you not she raved about how beautifil it was for the next 5 minutes...all I could do was smile, because I didn't want to be a debbie downer.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: JeffreyS on August 22, 2011, 12:50:19 PM
It looks impressive I will give it that.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: thelakelander on August 22, 2011, 12:51:47 PM
I'm not crazy about it but its there now.  No reason to piss in the punch bowl.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: Ocklawaha on August 22, 2011, 01:24:36 PM
I'll just settle on calling it large, sort of like a giant size, out of scale inflatable version of Tara. Still looks to me like an explosion in a pillar factory.

OCKLAWAHA
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: Dapperdan on August 22, 2011, 02:16:34 PM
Quote from: KuroiKetsunoHana on August 22, 2011, 12:35:44 PM
Quote from: Dapperdan on August 22, 2011, 11:38:22 AM
I am for 7-11 bulldozing it if no one else steps up and does anything. Why have a vacant building just sitting there doing nothing? Obvoiusly it has sat there for a while and no one has taken any interest in revitalizing it.
i am for someöne bulldozing you.  why have a vacant head just sitting there doïng nothing?

What is your proposal for the building and your funding to do such?
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: KuroiKetsunoHana on August 22, 2011, 03:01:29 PM
Quote from: Dapperdan on August 22, 2011, 02:16:34 PM
Quote from: KuroiKetsunoHana on August 22, 2011, 12:35:44 PM
Quote from: Dapperdan on August 22, 2011, 11:38:22 AM
I am for 7-11 bulldozing it if no one else steps up and does anything. Why have a vacant building just sitting there doing nothing? Obvoiusly it has sat there for a while and no one has taken any interest in revitalizing it.
i am for someöne bulldozing you.  why have a vacant head just sitting there doïng nothing?

What is your proposal for the building and your funding to do such?
nothing at all, actually, but this business ov preferring another damn convenience store to a historic building (yes, even an empty one) is a large part ov why urban jacksonville is such a hideous wasteland, and quite indicative that something's gone very wrong in our head meat.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: lowlyplanner on August 22, 2011, 03:06:21 PM
What is the Northpoint Town Center?  That is some pretty striking modern architecture...  Do they have actual tenants going in there?
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: thelakelander on August 22, 2011, 03:45:29 PM
The 10,600sf office/retail building is the first phase of a mix of uses that will be clustered together around Myrtle Ave in Durkeeville/Moncrief.  According to an article in the paper, a 16,000sf urban designed Sav-A-Lot grocery store will be constructed across the street from it.

Quotecalled the North Point Town Center, is the centerpiece for an ambitious array of construction planned by the CDC, which is marking its 10th anniversary this year. Other plans are:

- The $6 million Mary Eaves Senior Living Center at Myrtle Avenue and 16th Street. The CDC is seeking to round up the final half million dollars in financing needed to start construction of the 50-unit center in early 2012.

- A $1.6 million renovation of apartment buildings over the coming year. The work will add central air conditioning and other amenities to 50 rental units, which will be renamed the Villages of North Point.

- More home construction. The CDC has built and sold 69 houses to first-time home buyers, and six more are under construction.

- A grocery store that would be built on Moncrief Road, across the street from the North Point Town Center building. The CDC has bought most of the land needed for a store site.

http://jacksonville.com/business/2011-08-13/story/north-point-town-center-built-bring-northside-jacksonville-back-life
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: iMarvin on August 22, 2011, 04:17:32 PM
Does anyone have a pic of the arch that used to be on Laura?
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: Wacca Pilatka on August 22, 2011, 04:25:48 PM
Quote from: CG7 on August 22, 2011, 12:46:53 PM
I have to throw this out there, because I know how the majority of people on MJ feel about the courthouse. I was riding the bus to the game Friday night with a group of Falcon fans, as we drove past the courthouse a woman in the group asked me what it was, I pointed to the name on the front of the building and told her it was our new courthouse. I kid you not she raved about how beautifil it was for the next 5 minutes...all I could do was smile, because I didn't want to be a debbie downer.

Some people have an overwhelming love for Greek columns.  It's not just a Jacksonville thing, and it's not just a modern thing (e.g., the overwhelming theme of the Chicago world expo of the late 1800s whose name is escaping me, with the notable exception of Louis Sullivan's Prairie-style pavilion).
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: Lucasjj on August 22, 2011, 04:41:06 PM
Quote from: iMarvin on August 22, 2011, 04:17:32 PM
Does anyone have a pic of the arch that used to be on Laura?

(http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/articles/11_18_09/5a.jpg)

This is the arch that was originally planned that was being referred to earlier. I don't believe there was ever an actual arch on Laura, but I could be wrong.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: iMarvin on August 22, 2011, 04:54:49 PM
^Looks nice. Definitely would make the intersection look much better. Thanks.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: thelakelander on August 22, 2011, 04:57:23 PM
This is a Greek column:

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/47/Temple_of_Hephaestus_in_Athens_02.JPG/480px-Temple_of_Hephaestus_in_Athens_02.JPG)

This is an architectural abomination:

(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/1321534117_9GjmWsX-M.jpg)

Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: tufsu1 on August 22, 2011, 05:09:22 PM
notice that in the Laura St arch drawing, the roundbaout doesn't have a statue in it...perhaps they felt Andrew Jackson was enough for the intersection.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: DuvalHusky on August 22, 2011, 05:14:55 PM
noone - One idea would be to have the City make an application to the Florida Inland Navigation District to assist in funding a Phase I plan for the urban tributary system. FIND could pay up to 50% of the Phase I costs. Phase I could be used to determine appropriate access points as well as indentify obstacles for complete navigation of the system. FIND could then be approached for Phase II implementation funding upon completion of Phase I.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: ubben on August 22, 2011, 05:33:31 PM
a. I will chain myself to that old church building before I let them tear it down and put a &*%$# 7/11 there. The mere thought of this makes me sick. If you think this makes sense, please move out of the historic districts.

b. Check out the beautiful new dead trees the city planted just a couple weeks ago at Brooklyn Park. I watched them put them in, all alive and green. One week later, I'm not kidding, one week, one-third of them were dead and brown as toast. Our urban forester should be fired.

c. On a happier note, I'm still really glad the Derby House is going to get some new blood.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: DuvalHusky on August 22, 2011, 05:40:11 PM
The New Courthouse will go down in Jacksonville history as the most unaesthestically pleasing building since the New Main Library.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: KuroiKetsunoHana on August 22, 2011, 06:01:27 PM
Quote from: thelakelander on August 22, 2011, 04:57:23 PM
This is a Greek column:

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/47/Temple_of_Hephaestus_in_Athens_02.JPG/480px-Temple_of_Hephaestus_in_Athens_02.JPG)

This is an architectural abomination:

(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/1321534117_9GjmWsX-M.jpg)
i love you for this.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: acme54321 on August 22, 2011, 07:01:45 PM
Quote from: DuvalHusky on August 22, 2011, 05:40:11 PM
The New Courthouse will go down in Jacksonville history as the most unaesthestically pleasing building since the New Main Library.

What's wrong with the library?
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: thelakelander on August 22, 2011, 08:48:57 PM
Other than the bad retail space layouts, dead walls and old building fossils plastered on the side of them on Monroe, Main and Duval, nothing.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: JeffreyS on August 22, 2011, 08:51:45 PM
I meant to snap a pic of the Midnight Cafe under construction on Adams today for the update.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: A-Finnius on August 22, 2011, 08:58:29 PM
I don't understand why a few of the posters are against 7-11 going into the old church on Stockton.  I could understand if it was being bulldozed for a parking lot but doesn't it make sense to let a company bring in a business and continue to revitalize one of the more blighted areas of Riverside?

Also, are we sure the building would be demolished?  What if the building was renovated?  It would make an incredibly unique 7-11.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: Steve on August 22, 2011, 09:03:51 PM
Quote from: A-Finnius on August 22, 2011, 08:58:29 PM
I don't understand why a few of the posters are against 7-11 going into the old church on Stockton.  I could understand if it was being bulldozed for a parking lot but doesn't it make sense to let a company bring in a business and continue to revitalize one of the more blighted areas of Riverside?

Also, are we sure the building would be demolished?  What if the building was renovated?  It would make an incredibly unique 7-11.

The current plan that was presented to RAP was to demolish the building and build a 7-Eleven with a Gas Station.

I believe that folks in the community would reconsider their feelings if they renovated the church into a 7-Eleven. With that said, there is a concern in the community that three of the four corners of the intersection would be convenience stores.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: floridaforester on August 22, 2011, 09:07:36 PM
Quote from: A-Finnius on August 22, 2011, 08:58:29 PM
I don't understand why a few of the posters are against 7-11 going into the old church on Stockton.  I could understand if it was being bulldozed for a parking lot but doesn't it make sense to let a company bring in a business and continue to revitalize one of the more blighted areas of Riverside?

Also, are we sure the building would be demolished?  What if the building was renovated?  It would make an incredibly unique 7-11.

Really?  You're shocked that residents of a historic neighborhood that have seen too many contributing structures demolished all over town would be up in arms against another historic structure being torn down for any reason.  I agree that if they re-use the structure for the store it would be fantastic.  But I'm not holding my breath for that.  What do you think the odds are for that happening?  So I think you can understand why many folks would immediately get their hackles up about this...because they've seen it happen too many times already.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: A-Finnius on August 22, 2011, 10:00:39 PM
Quote from: Steve on August 22, 2011, 09:03:51 PM
Quote from: A-Finnius on August 22, 2011, 08:58:29 PM
I don't understand why a few of the posters are against 7-11 going into the old church on Stockton.  I could understand if it was being bulldozed for a parking lot but doesn't it make sense to let a company bring in a business and continue to revitalize one of the more blighted areas of Riverside?

Also, are we sure the building would be demolished?  What if the building was renovated?  It would make an incredibly unique 7-11.

The current plan that was presented to RAP was to demolish the building and build a 7-Eleven with a Gas Station.

I believe that folks in the community would reconsider their feelings if they renovated the church into a 7-Eleven. With that said, there is a concern in the community that three of the four corners of the intersection would be convenience stores.

I did not realize there was a current plan presented to RAP to destroy the building.  Do you know if this plan had any room for negotiations on that demolition?

Yes, having three convenience stores (and a fourth just south on Stockton) is a concern.  Have there been any other plans presented to RAP regarding this structure? 
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: A-Finnius on August 22, 2011, 10:23:53 PM
Quote from: floridaforester on August 22, 2011, 09:07:36 PM
Quote from: A-Finnius on August 22, 2011, 08:58:29 PM
I don't understand why a few of the posters are against 7-11 going into the old church on Stockton.  I could understand if it was being bulldozed for a parking lot but doesn't it make sense to let a company bring in a business and continue to revitalize one of the more blighted areas of Riverside?

Also, are we sure the building would be demolished?  What if the building was renovated?  It would make an incredibly unique 7-11.

Really?  You're shocked that residents of a historic neighborhood that have seen too many contributing structures demolished all over town would be up in arms against another historic structure being torn down for any reason.  I agree that if they re-use the structure for the store it would be fantastic.  But I'm not holding my breath for that.  What do you think the odds are for that happening?  So I think you can understand why many folks would immediately get their hackles up about this...because they've seen it happen too many times already.

No, I never said I was shocked.  I said I didn't understand.  I'm sure this is my ignorance asking, as I have not lived in Jacksonville my entire life, but could you please provide some examples of historic structures that were demolished to make way for new businesses (not for parking structures) and then had a negative effect on the surrounding area?

I also think there is a bit of a double standard here in Riverside.  If this was Kickbacks wanting to put in a second gastropub, I'm not sure it would have been met with such stern resistance as quickly as it was.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: avonjax on August 22, 2011, 10:32:52 PM
Quote from: A-Finnius on August 22, 2011, 10:23:53 PM
Quote from: floridaforester on August 22, 2011, 09:07:36 PM
Quote from: A-Finnius on August 22, 2011, 08:58:29 PM
I don't understand why a few of the posters are against 7-11 going into the old church on Stockton.  I could understand if it was being bulldozed for a parking lot but doesn't it make sense to let a company bring in a business and continue to revitalize one of the more blighted areas of Riverside?

Also, are we sure the building would be demolished?  What if the building was renovated?  It would make an incredibly unique 7-11.

Really?  You're shocked that residents of a historic neighborhood that have seen too many contributing structures demolished all over town would be up in arms against another historic structure being torn down for any reason.  I agree that if they re-use the structure for the store it would be fantastic.  But I'm not holding my breath for that.  What do you think the odds are for that happening?  So I think you can understand why many folks would immediately get their hackles up about this...because they've seen it happen too many times already.

No, I never said I was shocked.  I said I didn't understand.  I'm sure this is my ignorance asking, as I have not lived in Jacksonville my entire life, but could you please provide some examples of historic structures that were demolished to make way for new businesses (not for parking structures) and then had a negative effect on the surrounding area?

I also think there is a bit of a double standard here in Riverside.  If this was Kickbacks wanting to put in a second gastropub, I'm not sure it would have been met with such stern resistance as quickly as it was.

There are so many lost historic structures in Jacksonville, it would take all day to list them.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: floridaforester on August 22, 2011, 11:08:51 PM
Quote from: A-Finnius on August 22, 2011, 10:23:53 PM
Quote from: floridaforester on August 22, 2011, 09:07:36 PM
Quote from: A-Finnius on August 22, 2011, 08:58:29 PM
I don't understand why a few of the posters are against 7-11 going into the old church on Stockton.  I could understand if it was being bulldozed for a parking lot but doesn't it make sense to let a company bring in a business and continue to revitalize one of the more blighted areas of Riverside?

Also, are we sure the building would be demolished?  What if the building was renovated?  It would make an incredibly unique 7-11.

Really?  You're shocked that residents of a historic neighborhood that have seen too many contributing structures demolished all over town would be up in arms against another historic structure being torn down for any reason.  I agree that if they re-use the structure for the store it would be fantastic.  But I'm not holding my breath for that.  What do you think the odds are for that happening?  So I think you can understand why many folks would immediately get their hackles up about this...because they've seen it happen too many times already.

No, I never said I was shocked.  I said I didn't understand.  I'm sure this is my ignorance asking, as I have not lived in Jacksonville my entire life, but could you please provide some examples of historic structures that were demolished to make way for new businesses (not for parking structures) and then had a negative effect on the surrounding area?

I also think there is a bit of a double standard here in Riverside.  If this was Kickbacks wanting to put in a second gastropub, I'm not sure it would have been met with such stern resistance as quickly as it was.

In response to your "double standard" example, my guess is that someone with a vested interest in the neighborhood, such as Kickbacks, might initially try to find a way to renovate the existing structure as part of the re-use and not initially suggest demolition until forced to adapt the plan, like it appears that the 7-11 is proposing.

An example that you're asking for regarding demolition that led to a negative effect could be found numerous times.  I've seen demolition for proposed ventures that never happened (or at least not even years after the demolition occurred).  The first example that comes to mind are the blocks of 30's & 40's era bungalows & commercial structures that were razed for the San Marco mixed-used development that may or may not ever happen at the corner of Hendricks and Atlantic.  I think it could be argued that this was not exactly a positive for the area.  Several square blocks of vacant and overgrown lots is probably not what the neighbors were expecting when these grandiose plans were announced.

I'm sure other posters could come up with some more examples for you (Brooklyn, La Villa... anybody?).
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: fieldafm on August 23, 2011, 12:08:55 AM
QuoteI also think there is a bit of a double standard here in Riverside.  If this was Kickbacks wanting to put in a second gastropub, I'm not sure it would have been met with such stern resistance as quickly as it was.

In a historic district, you have designations of buildings as either being a 'contributing structure' or 'non-contributing structure'.  Basically a contributing structure defines how a neighborhood is considered historic.  The building is an example of some type of architectural uniqueness or offers some type of historic contextual value to the surrounding neighborhood.  The neighborhood can, should and will fight to the bitter end to preserve such a structure.  Without it, the community as a whole loses its identity and historical uniqueness.  That has happened far too often in this great city.

This particular building formerly housed the Woodlawn Baptist Church... a mainstay in the neighborhood for quite some time.  I was not raised Baptist, but vividly remember my grandfather and grandmother taking me up those steps to listen to a revival-style concert by the congregation's choir as a little boy.  I believe my grandmother worked with one of the members of the church at the Visiting Nurses Association. 

In the Kickbacks case, the building that is looking to be replaced is a non-contributing structure.  In order for this conversion to take place... the new structure must meet the design standards set forth in the historic district's overlay.

I am firmly on the record as being in FULL support of 7-11's efforts at constructing a context-sensitive urban walk up location in Avondale.  I am also firmly on the record as being bitterly opposed to any effort to tear down the old Woodlawn building to construct a suburban-style gas station. 

I could care less about how many gas stations are at the interesection itself.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: TheProfessor on August 23, 2011, 12:42:49 AM
Any word on the road in front of the courthouse??
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: thelakelander on August 23, 2011, 05:03:28 AM
^Monroe Street update:

Redman, Boyer seek Monroe ‘timeout’

http://www.metrojacksonville.com/forum/index.php/topic,11202.msg240580.html#msg240580

http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/downtowntoday.php?dt_date=2011-08-22

Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: twojacks on August 23, 2011, 07:20:37 AM
BTW, never saw anything on here about the median landscaping installed beginning about 40th St. on North Main.  Palm trees no less.  Wish this had been used in the landscaping along Main in Springfield.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: Overstreet on August 23, 2011, 08:18:28 AM
Quote from: thelakelander on August 22, 2011, 04:57:23 PM

(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/1321534117_9GjmWsX-M.jpg)


.........but you've really got to admit the temporary plywood doors add a certain amount of local flavor to the main entrance.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: thelakelander on August 23, 2011, 08:51:14 AM
Quote from: twojacks on August 23, 2011, 07:20:37 AM
BTW, never saw anything on here about the median landscaping installed beginning about 40th St. on North Main.  Palm trees no less.  Wish this had been used in the landscaping along Main in Springfield.

You just hit my pet peeve with local roadway landscaping, lol.  FDOT's upgrades to North Main were horrible, imo.  It was bad enough that they put those huge medians in the street and substituted parallel parking for bicycle lanes (could have had both if the medians were not included).  However, the basic purpose of street trees is to shield the pedestrian from the elements.  Instead, we spend landscaping money to make streets look better for someone in an air-conditioned car (the landscaping is in the median) driving through what used to be a walkable corridor at 45 mph and wonder why no one walks on the sidewalks (no trees, just concrete).  If there is one thing that Alvin Brown can do from a transportation standpoint to make this city better, it would be to change policy to enforce the concepts of complete and context sensitive streets.  We're already spending the landscaping money, it's just not being utilized properly.

http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2010-mar-complete-streets-policy-to-impact-jacksonville

http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2011-feb-everyone-wins-with-complete-streets
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: comncense on August 23, 2011, 11:40:40 AM
Any word on the BP gas station that was proposed for downtown? When someone mentioned that IF 7-11 gets built over on Stockton, there would be 3 gas stations on 4 of its corners, it just hit me again that in all of Downtown, we only have ONE.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: fsujax on August 23, 2011, 11:48:08 AM
we have two. There is a BP at the corner of State and Davis. It is actually a much nicer store than the Shell and cheaper gas!
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: thelakelander on August 23, 2011, 11:51:39 AM
There's also a gas station/store on the Southbank near Treaty Oak Park (they remodeled the entire place about a year ago).
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: duvaldude08 on August 23, 2011, 11:51:50 AM
Quote from: comncense on August 23, 2011, 11:40:40 AM
Any word on the BP gas station that was proposed for downtown? When someone mentioned that IF 7-11 gets built over on Stockton, there would be 3 gas stations on 4 of its corners, it just hit me again that in all of Downtown, we only have ONE.

The Captain was supposed to get some additional information on it about a month ago for me.  He stated that the gas station is still in the works.

Captian-

DO you have any updates?

Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: duvaldude08 on August 23, 2011, 11:52:35 AM
Quote from: fsujax on August 23, 2011, 11:48:08 AM
we have two. There is a BP at the corner of State and Davis. It is actually a much nicer store than the Shell and cheaper gas!

Im sure when the gas there became cheaper. The times I have been there the gas was sky high.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: comncense on August 23, 2011, 11:57:08 AM
Quote from: fsujax on August 23, 2011, 11:48:08 AM
we have two. There is a BP at the corner of State and Davis. It is actually a much nicer store than the Shell and cheaper gas!

Yeah, forgot about that one. I really never make it down to that area of Downtown. I really can't even recall the last time I passed by it but I'm sure it has to have lower prices than the Shell on Main.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: urbaknight on August 23, 2011, 01:19:08 PM
They should take the money set aside for the reopening Monroe st and use it to begin revitalizing the Laura st Trio.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: DuvalHusky on August 23, 2011, 08:30:28 PM
The Main Library is underwhelming relative to the proposals that were rejected. How many variations on the same tired, monocolored theme can downtown endure?
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: I-10east on August 23, 2011, 11:09:12 PM
The new Kings Rd & Myrtle Av Family Dollar is probably only about a 1/2mile from the FD location on Kings Rd & Seminary St just past EWC. Not to mention the FD not too far away on Moncrief & 20th Street. Why so many FD's in one location? Looks like that new FD should've atleast been a Dollar General, not unless they're planning to change that area's name to Family Dollar-ville.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: Captain Zissou on August 24, 2011, 09:18:14 AM
Quote from: I-10east on August 23, 2011, 11:09:12 PM
The new Kings Rd & Myrtle Av Family Dollar is probably only about a 1/2mile from the FD location on Kings Rd & Seminary St just past EWC. Not to mention the FD not too far away on Moncrief & 20th Street. Why so many FD's in one location? Looks like that new FD should've atleast been a Dollar General, not unless they're planning to change that area's name to Family Dollar-ville.

Customer Demographics.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: Tacachale on August 24, 2011, 09:33:05 PM
Quote from: acme54321 on August 22, 2011, 07:01:45 PM
Quote from: DuvalHusky on August 22, 2011, 05:40:11 PM
The New Courthouse will go down in Jacksonville history as the most unaesthestically pleasing building since the New Main Library.

What's wrong with the library?

I'm with you, acme. I have a personal connection to it, but I really like the new main library. I've often taken out of town visitors to it as to Chamblin's. But there's no arguing for the courthouse.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: iMarvin on August 24, 2011, 10:49:47 PM
Quote from: Tacachale on August 24, 2011, 09:33:05 PM

I'm with you, acme. I have a personal connection to it, but I really like the new main library. I've often taken out of town visitors to it as to Chamblin's. But there's no arguing for the courthouse.

Lol!
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: ChriswUfGator on August 25, 2011, 01:23:01 PM
Umm...how about we not knock down a historic building to put up a 7-11...?
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: I-10east on August 25, 2011, 07:31:49 PM
Quote from: Captain Zissou on August 24, 2011, 09:18:14 AM
Customer Demographics.

Yeah, black neighborhoods calls for Family Dollars to be located every 1000 ft I guess. I even had told my niece about the new Family Dollar, and she was like 'what in the world, they already have one just down the street!'
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: thelakelander on August 25, 2011, 08:01:26 PM
They plan to build another family dollar across the street from Burger King at State & Liberty Streets.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: TheProfessor on August 25, 2011, 10:13:36 PM
Will it be urban in design?? I've worked on changing the design of Family Dollar prototype stores in other cities and the current free standing store is basically a metal shed but some jurisdictions call for brick cover and other changes to building.  I hope its not just a metal shed with a CMU facade!
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: Noone on September 12, 2011, 10:01:45 PM
Quote from: DuvalHusky on August 22, 2011, 05:14:55 PM
noone - One idea would be to have the City make an application to the Florida Inland Navigation District to assist in funding a Phase I plan for the urban tributary system. FIND could pay up to 50% of the Phase I costs. Phase I could be used to determine appropriate access points as well as indentify obstacles for complete navigation of the system. FIND could then be approached for Phase II implementation funding upon completion of Phase I.

DuvalHuskey, Just saw this. Great insight. You are absolutely right about working with FIND. Waterways meeting in two days  9/14 at 9:30 council chambers. Council meeting Tues. night and pending legislation 2011-560 Shipyards/Landmar. Have you been to a Waterways meeting. Councilman Redman is dropping the ball and leading the conspiracy to deny Public Access and economic opportunity to our St. Johns River our American Heritage River.

Everyone should be concerned. Time is running out.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: urbaknight on September 19, 2011, 03:57:19 PM
Quote from: thelakelander on August 25, 2011, 08:01:26 PM
They plan to build another family dollar across the street from Burger King at State & Liberty Streets.

They should just put it in one of our many empty stores instead of biulding a suburban style store that would mess up the urban cityscape..
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: Captain Zissou on September 19, 2011, 04:33:54 PM
Brooklyn Park is now a graded, unfenced, un-contained sand lot.  How long until it all blows onto Riverside Ave??
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: thelakelander on September 19, 2011, 04:49:53 PM
It was blowing on Friday when I stopped by to take pics for the September construction update.
Title: Re: Urban Construction Update - August 2011
Post by: duvaldude08 on September 20, 2011, 12:47:45 AM
The Wolfson tower is starting the install the glass. That project has gone very quickly