Did anyone get to check them out this weekend? I walked by both Friday night, but didn't go in either. I really like the exterior of Fionn MacCool's. I didn't get a look at Rush Street since there were so many people standing by the entrance of it.
I checked out both Friday early evening. I wanted to get there before the "madness" started. Went to Rush Street first and was actually suprised for the better. It's still the same layout from Twisted, but they did some neat painting on the floor and there must have been 50+ flat screens hanging all over the place. Considering their time frame to get it ready for FL/GA I thought they did well. I was told they would be closing for a couple weeks after this past weekend to finish off the rebuild, so we'll have to wait for the final product.
As for Fionn's...I was very, very impressed. Loved the build out, loved the patio and loves all the large open door ways leading out to the side patio tables. Food was excellent and the vibe was great. Both seem to be very nice addidtions to the Landing. Now let's just hope they can both sustain.
I can certainly believe that Rush Street will be closing. I find it somewhat harder to believe that it will be opening again. But we can always hope; the Chicago Pizza folks seem to know what they're doing.
I haven't gotten a chance to hit up Fionn's, but I like what I've seen so far. Things may be looking up for the Landing.
Why do you find it hard to believe that Rush Street would open back up again Tacachale?
Quote from: Basstacular on October 31, 2011, 09:38:11 AM
I checked out both Friday early evening. I wanted to get there before the "madness" started. Went to Rush Street first and was actually suprised for the better. It's still the same layout from Twisted, but they did some neat painting on the floor and there must have been 50+ flat screens hanging all over the place. Considering their time frame to get it ready for FL/GA I thought they did well. I was told they would be closing for a couple weeks after this past weekend to finish off the rebuild, so we'll have to wait for the final product.
As for Fionn's...I was very, very impressed. Loved the build out, loved the patio and loves all the large open door ways leading out to the side patio tables. Food was excellent and the vibe was great. Both seem to be very nice addidtions to the Landing. Now let's just hope they can both sustain.
This is good to hear... thanx for the review!
@Tacachle...There is no way they would not plan on opening back up simply by looking at how many 42" flat screens they put up and the work they put into it. The TV's were not installed for the short term and there's no way they'd spend that kind of $$ for one weekend in my opinion. However, I can understand anyone's reluctance to believe that they are opening back up. The optimist in me says they are going to give it a full effort to make it succesful and I hope they succeed as I'm sure we all do.
Like Lake is always saying; complimenting businesses in a compact setting help make each other more successful. Hopefully a better link will be established between the landing and bay street/ocean/adams areas.
Quote from: urbanlibertarian on October 31, 2011, 11:41:19 AM
Like Lake is always saying; complimenting businesses in a compact setting help make each other more successful. Hopefully a better link will be established between the landing and bay street/ocean/adams areas.
I believe that's already happened....the new pedestrian connection next to the Main Sty bridge ramps (that replaced the road) does the job....plus the new laura Street....all that is really needed now is better signage/wayfinding
I just wonder how we'd go about establishing that connectivity. As far as entertainment/nightlife it's like downtown is a small scale copy of how Jacksonville is as a city... spread out. Even though I wouldn't describe Marks, Dive, TSI, Lit, Ivy, Burro, P.L.S. and Dos Gatos as being far apart, they definitely aren't all in an ideal bar hopping distance as most people would like them to be. Throw in the fact that we have a bunch of 'Daytime Only' businesses between these spots, it makes them seem that much further apart. The Landing is sort of in an entirely different region it seems.
On a side not, are majority of the upstairs spaces in clubs/bars I listed occupied (the ones that are multilevel buildings)? It would be nice if we could cluster new nightlife on top of each other. Like Burrito Gallery and Indochine have managed to do.
actually I'm fine with the bars being a tad bit spread out (yet still very walkable)...it leaves room for complementing restaurants and shops to fill in the gaps over time.
Quote from: tufsu1 on October 31, 2011, 11:54:19 AM
Quote from: urbanlibertarian on October 31, 2011, 11:41:19 AM
Like Lake is always saying; complimenting businesses in a compact setting help make each other more successful. Hopefully a better link will be established between the landing and bay street/ocean/adams areas.
I believe that's already happened....the new pedestrian connection next to the Main Sty bridge ramps (that replaced the road) does the job....plus the new laura Street....all that is really needed now is better signage/wayfinding
The link is going to have to be stronger than a sidewalk through a few parking lots and under two bridges. Short of infilling new buildings with active uses at ground level between the two, the focus should be on the Independent Life Building (Wells Fargo Center).
Reopening its ground level uses up to the street (just follow the Wells Fargo Store example) would both enhance Bay and Laura Streets. If something could be done with one of the ground level spaces of the Dyal UpChurch Building, that would be a strong visual, pedestrian friendly connection tying the two areas together.
^Another thing that could help fill in the gaps is to allow sidewalk vending and food trucks to congregate on the block between Ocean and Main. Do that and you'll transform a dead zone into an active one that draws from both directions.
Portland, OR
(http://www.metrojacksonville.com/photos/thumbs/lrg-4245-img_5778.jpg)
Toronto
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/Learning-From/Toronto-June-2007/P1010637/463389127_3YdLe-M.jpg)
Making a strong connection between the two can be pretty easy and cheap. However, it's going to require a policy change in regards to mobile vendors and working with Wells Fargo Center's owners to allow its tenants to have their own outdoor entrances. Allowing mobile vendors wouldn't cost anything and it would probably be cheaper to install outdoor seating and a few storefront entrances at the Wells Fargo Center than it was to grade and sod the Shipyards.
Quote from: comncense on October 31, 2011, 09:56:04 AM
Why do you find it hard to believe that Rush Street would open back up again Tacachale?
Quote from: Basstacular on October 31, 2011, 10:06:08 AM
@Tacachle...There is no way they would not plan on opening back up simply by looking at how many 42" flat screens they put up and the work they put into it. The TV's were not installed for the short term and there's no way they'd spend that kind of $$ for one weekend in my opinion. However, I can understand anyone's reluctance to believe that they are opening back up. The optimist in me says they are going to give it a full effort to make it succesful and I hope they succeed as I'm sure we all do.
The timing and the rushing just smack of a business capitalizing on the big weekend by hastily setting up shop in an available space. I'd like to believe they're in it for the long haul, and I wasn't aware of the TVs, which may be a good sign. Still, I wouldn't be surprised if "Rush Street" as such never opens back up.
maybe you should go take a look at what they did with the space...if they had no plans beyond this weekend, why renovate at all?
Quote from: tufsu1 on October 31, 2011, 01:26:18 PM
maybe you should go take a look at what they did with the space...if they had no plans beyond this weekend, why renovate at all?
That's why I have faith that they will re-open and make a go of it. Knowing what it looked like before and the $$ they put into...there is just no way in the world they did that for one weekend, even if that is FL/GA weekend. Trust me guys...when you see the massive amount of TV's they have installed alone you know they are going to re-open. Just my two cents.
Quote from: comncense on October 31, 2011, 12:03:16 PM
I just wonder how we'd go about establishing that connectivity. As far as entertainment/nightlife it's like downtown is a small scale copy of how Jacksonville is as a city... spread out. Even though I wouldn't describe Marks, Dive, TSI, Lit, Ivy, Burro, P.L.S. and Dos Gatos as being far apart, they definitely aren't all in an ideal bar hopping distance as most people would like them to be. Throw in the fact that we have a bunch of 'Daytime Only' businesses between these spots, it makes them seem that much further apart. The Landing is sort of in an entirely different region it seems.
On a side not, are majority of the upstairs spaces in clubs/bars I listed occupied (the ones that are multilevel buildings)? It would be nice if we could cluster new nightlife on top of each other. Like Burrito Gallery and Indochine have managed to do.
I like all of your ideas for connecting the Landing with East Bay St. But I have a couple of other ideas that would enhance your ideas. If the Bay st Trolley can add the Landing as a stop, and all the empty space in floors above the ground get converted into apartments (especially the Laura st Trio) These would tie all of it together very tightly. We need apartments as infill, having people DT all the time would keep things lively 24/7.
The owners have been working on Rush Street for a month and rushed to get it open in time for FL/GA, with plans to close, finish their renovations and re-open. They are scheduled to re-open on Friday, November 11.
I am the first to say that one trick ponies won't save downtown, but the Laura Trio is critical in establishing nightlife and connectivity between Bay St and the Landing. There are many projects around the Trio that are just speculative bets on the Trio getting redeveloped (the Greenleaf building for one). Once the Trio is redone, those projects can move forward and further energize that area. Also, the shear fact that this will add hundreds of residents to the area who will need to travel that corridor just to get the goods and services they'll need to live. Not to mention, the trio will have a sight line with Dos Gatos, Florida Theatre, Casa Dora, Thee Imperial etc... That will make pedestrians feel safer walking to Laura street, which then has a sight line with the Landing. Perception-wise, that will be much safer than the landscaped dungeon known as the 'pedestrian link'.
The Modis building is another big obstacle/opportunity. If the ground floor (which is already full of tenants) is opened up to both Bay and Laura, that will put people on the street and make the walk between Ivy's/Lit less ominous.
The main obstacle to a revitalized nightlife and downtown core is the abundance of surface and structured parking lots. To walk from Ivy's to the Landing, regardless of the route you take, you have to pass by 3 dimly lit and empty blocks of parking. If you do in fact use the 'pedestrian link', or landscaped back alley dungeon, you have to walk past the Chamber of Commerce building, which at night is dark, empty, and set back from the street. Does anyone else find it ironic/pathetic that our own Chamber's building is set back 40 feet, unwelcoming, with an adjacent surface lot?? In my opinion it should be the building most engaged with the street. It's just another visual reminder of our city's opinion towards its citizens. They want to rule over us, but not interact with us.
;D Stephen. Yeah, I didn't really like the idea of that walkway personally. I guess it's good to have an option, but it doesn't seem like the safest thing in the world. I generally stick to walking down the Riverwalk if I'm heading towards the Landing.
So has there been any news on the Laura St. Trio or The Bank Hotel?
^The developers asked for $5 million in historic tax credits for phase 1 of the project this summer. They say the project can't move forward without it. The buildings are in terrible shape, with a lot of water intrusion. Personally, I'm not holding out much hope for this one, especially for the Florida Life and Bisbee Buildings.
Quote from: Captain Zissou on November 03, 2011, 11:38:33 AM
If you do in fact use the 'pedestrian link', or landscaped back alley dungeon, you have to walk past the Chamber of Commerce building, which at night is dark, empty, and set back from the street. Does anyone else find it ironic/pathetic that our own Chamber's building is set back 40 feet, unwelcoming, with an adjacent surface lot?? In my opinion it should be the building most engaged with the street. It's just another visual reminder of our city's opinion towards its citizens. They want to rule over us, but not interact with us.
which is why the Chamber is redesigning its building....they plan to address street frontage and the parking lot
btw..I think the back alley you are ferring to is between the Chamber and Modis (along the Main St bridge ramp)....the one I referred to is the new connection on the east side of the Ocean St bridge ramp, which is lit extremely brightly at night.
Quote from: tufsu1 on November 03, 2011, 01:53:52 PM
Quote from: Captain Zissou on November 03, 2011, 11:38:33 AM
If you do in fact use the 'pedestrian link', or landscaped back alley dungeon, you have to walk past the Chamber of Commerce building, which at night is dark, empty, and set back from the street. Does anyone else find it ironic/pathetic that our own Chamber's building is set back 40 feet, unwelcoming, with an adjacent surface lot?? In my opinion it should be the building most engaged with the street. It's just another visual reminder of our city's opinion towards its citizens. They want to rule over us, but not interact with us.
which is why the Chamber is redesigning its building....they plan to address street frontage and the parking lot
btw..I think the back alley you are ferring to is between the Chamber and Modis (along the Main St bridge ramp)....the one I referred to is the new connection on the east side of the Ocean St bridge ramp, which is lit extremely brightly at night.
I'm talking about the same 'pedestrian link' as you. You can light a dungeon as bright as you want, it's still a dungeon. Btw, the alley between Modis and the Chamber is called Main Street.
When is the start date on remodling the chamber??
Quote from: Tacachale on November 03, 2011, 12:31:18 PM
^The developers asked for $5 million in historic tax credits for phase 1 of the project this summer. They say the project can't move forward without it. The buildings are in terrible shape, with a lot of water intrusion. Personally, I'm not holding out much hope for this one, especially for the Florida Life and Bisbee Buildings.
If only I could win the lottery, I'd give the 5 million myself!
So many of those buildings can/should be converted into apartments; but I make the Trio a priority. Do the Trio first and I'm sure it would set an example of what could happen all around DT.
It could be the catalyst that saves all of DT.
This is what I'm talking about when I suggested doing fund raising events on other threads. Can MJ put something together that can hasten the beginning of this project?
^ Maybe we should start a MJ lottery pool with hopes that we strike it rich and rebuild the Core ourselves :)
Hey that's a great idea! MJ should seriously consider it, and the more people that participate the better our chances would be.
On a pitiful note, it would probably take no less than that to infill our core. COJ isn't really interested in doing it.
Didn't I read that the developer wanted the $5M grant, but would only collect at the completion of the renovation?
Yes I did:
Quoteblizz01
June 21, 2011, 01:18:31 PM
Laura Street Trio Developers Plead for $5M in Tax Credits
Quote
The developers of the Laura Street Trio in Downtown Jacksonville say they are approved for a construction loan and permanent financing through a private equity group, but the project wonââ,¬â,,¢t move forward without $5 million in tax credits.
Steve Atkins of The Atkins Group made a presentation to Mayor-elect Alvin Brownââ,¬â,,¢s Downtown revitalization committee Tuesday morning on the state of the project, which includes the Florida Life Building, the Bisbee Building and the Marble Bank Building as well as the Barnett Bank Building.
Atkins is managing principal of Linea LLC, which presented the $70 million redevelopment project in May 2010.
He said the buildings are under contract to be purchased from their Chicago owner, and he expects to close in 60 days. He declined to comment on the purchase price.
ââ,¬Å"The buildings are in shell condition,ââ,¬Â Atkins told the committee. ââ,¬Å"Thereââ,¬â,,¢s water intrusion and theyââ,¬â,,¢re deteriorating rapidly.ââ,¬Â
Linea has outlined Phase I of the project, which is the historic preservation of the buildingsââ,¬â,,¢ exteriors, at a cost of about $5.1 million. Atkins said he is seeking historic tax credits and new market tax credits for the project.
He said the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission Jacksonville Economic Development Commission
Follow this company has approved those credits and that ââ,¬Å"legislation has been drafted,ââ,¬Â though he didnââ,¬â,,¢t know when it would appear before the City Council.
JEDC Executive Director Ron Barton and a city spokeswoman did not immediately return calls for comment.
ââ,¬Å"Itââ,¬â,,¢s all performance-based,ââ,¬Â Atkins said. ââ,¬Å"We would receive the credits after the work is completed and approved by the National Trust for Historic Preservation National Trust for Historic Preservation
From The Business Journal
http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2011/06/21/laura-street-trio-developers-plead.html
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on November 03, 2011, 03:29:06 PM
Didn't I read that the developer wanted the $5M grant, but would only collect at the completion of the renovation?
Yes I did:
Quoteblizz01
June 21, 2011, 01:18:31 PM
Laura Street Trio Developers Plead for $5M in Tax Credits
Quote
The developers of the Laura Street Trio in Downtown Jacksonville say they are approved for a construction loan and permanent financing through a private equity group, but the project wonââ,¬â,,¢t move forward without $5 million in tax credits.
Steve Atkins of The Atkins Group made a presentation to Mayor-elect Alvin Brownââ,¬â,,¢s Downtown revitalization committee Tuesday morning on the state of the project, which includes the Florida Life Building, the Bisbee Building and the Marble Bank Building as well as the Barnett Bank Building.
Atkins is managing principal of Linea LLC, which presented the $70 million redevelopment project in May 2010.
He said the buildings are under contract to be purchased from their Chicago owner, and he expects to close in 60 days. He declined to comment on the purchase price.
ââ,¬Å"The buildings are in shell condition,ââ,¬Â Atkins told the committee. ââ,¬Å"Thereââ,¬â,,¢s water intrusion and theyââ,¬â,,¢re deteriorating rapidly.ââ,¬Â
Linea has outlined Phase I of the project, which is the historic preservation of the buildingsââ,¬â,,¢ exteriors, at a cost of about $5.1 million. Atkins said he is seeking historic tax credits and new market tax credits for the project.
He said the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission Jacksonville Economic Development Commission
Follow this company has approved those credits and that ââ,¬Å"legislation has been drafted,ââ,¬Â though he didnââ,¬â,,¢t know when it would appear before the City Council.
JEDC Executive Director Ron Barton and a city spokeswoman did not immediately return calls for comment.
ââ,¬Å"Itââ,¬â,,¢s all performance-based,ââ,¬Â Atkins said. ââ,¬Å"We would receive the credits after the work is completed and approved by the National Trust for Historic Preservation National Trust for Historic Preservation
From The Business Journal
http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2011/06/21/laura-street-trio-developers-plead.html
Yeah, I really don't see any harm whatsoever in approving this. Even if he doesn't complete, he'll at least be able to patch them up so that they don't continue to deteriorate. Still, they are in horrible shape.
Downtown Vision's Facebook page says that Rush Street is having its Grand Opening tonight. I'm tempted to walk over and check it out.