Metro Jacksonville

Jacksonville by Neighborhood => Downtown => Topic started by: Metro Jacksonville on January 04, 2008, 04:30:00 AM

Title: Downtown Construction Update: January 2008
Post by: Metro Jacksonville on January 04, 2008, 04:30:00 AM
Downtown Construction Update: January 2008

(http://www.metrojacksonville.com/photos/thumbs/lrg-3257-p1070305.JPG)

Check up on the status of Downtown Jacksonville's construction projects in the January Downtown Construction update.

Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/content/view/683
Title: Re: Downtown Construction Update: January 2008
Post by: gatorback on January 04, 2008, 05:35:04 AM
Thanks for the photos and the update. You'd never know that underneath all that great work lies a potential Mayberry. 
Title: Re: Downtown Construction Update: January 2008
Post by: jeh1980 on January 04, 2008, 07:21:56 AM
A potential Mayberry? ::) Well, I don't know about all that. I still see a city on the rise! 8)
Title: Re: Downtown Construction Update: January 2008
Post by: copperfiend on January 04, 2008, 08:35:26 AM
Quote from: gatorback on January 04, 2008, 05:35:04 AM
Thanks for the photos and the update. You'd never know that underneath all that great work lies a potential Mayberry. 

ok
Title: Re: Downtown Construction Update: January 2008
Post by: Pavers on January 04, 2008, 09:01:00 AM
Is the "Brick" coffeehouse open?  Where on Adams is it exactly?
Title: Re: Downtown Construction Update: January 2008
Post by: thelakelander on January 04, 2008, 09:06:58 AM
It's located next to the entrance of the Ed Ball Building between Hogan and Julia Streets, however its not open yet.
Title: Re: Downtown Construction Update: January 2008
Post by: fsujax on January 04, 2008, 09:58:47 AM
I know I shouldn't complain, but don't you think Chamblins could do without the bars, I hate seeing bars in store fronts like that. Too me it makes it look like an unsafe area.  They could have done better than that. On the bright side, glad to see them almost opening (finally).
Title: Re: Downtown Construction Update: January 2008
Post by: second_pancake on January 04, 2008, 10:15:54 AM
Quote from: fsujax on January 04, 2008, 09:58:47 AM
I know I shouldn't complain, but don't you think Chamblins could do without the bars, I hate seeing bars in store fronts like that. Too me it makes it look like an unsafe area.  They could have done better than that. On the bright side, glad to see them almost opening (finally).

Unfortunately, one has to ask themselves which is less costly, the perception others may have by looking at burglar bars & therefore not entering the establishment, or having to replace windows and inventory every other day because of robberies.  Something tells me the bars are a safe bet.

Btw, I have some info too...will have to see if I have pics so I can post them for you, but City Cycle is moving out of 5 points (they are currently next to the renovated theatre) and setting up shop in the more recently renovated area of King and Park.  They have taken over the old Fig Leaf location across from European Street that went out of business as of 12/31/07.  Demolition is going on now on the interior and plans are to redo the exterior as well.
Title: Re: Downtown Construction Update: January 2008
Post by: avonjax on January 04, 2008, 12:24:25 PM
Interesting info about 5 points.
Does anyone have any update about future tenants? It seems quite a few places have gone but only a few have replaced them.
Thanks for any info.
Title: Re: Downtown Construction Update: January 2008
Post by: second_pancake on January 04, 2008, 12:31:49 PM
Quote from: avonjax on January 04, 2008, 12:24:25 PM
Interesting info about 5 points.
Does anyone have any update about future tenants? It seems quite a few places have gone but only a few have replaced them.
Thanks for any info.

I'd like to know too.  I'm over in that area quite frequently and I've watched Urbane come and go, the jewelry shop that has been there for years is leaving, Hypnotique has been sitting there with an empty store and naked manequins forever, and I have no idea when the sushi place is coming back (they took over the space occupied by the optometrist shop).  It's sad really.  It would be cool to see a music store go in.  There is virtually no place to go if you live in the area, to buy/listen to cds, and given the median age in that area I think it would do really well.
Title: Re: Downtown Construction Update: January 2008
Post by: second_pancake on January 04, 2008, 12:54:09 PM
http://www.urbanjacksonville.info/2007/09/01/retail-gets-big-in-springfield/

One of you guys probably writes this, but I found it interesting nonetheless ;)  I didn't hear the rumor about Fans and Stoves.  I wonder what big national chain we can find moving in there if the rumormill is right.

I can, however validate the claim of high-rent in 5-points.  It's not the rent that keeps the new places from staying though, but the fact that there doesn't seem to be any enforcment of contracts by the owner.  Places come and go so quickly because they can.  Things don't work out, they just up and leave with no consequences.  And forget trying to get any of the other tenants to share your concern with bringing business into the area.  There are quite a few of them that really don't seem to care whether or not they make a dime.  Why would you want to open your shop, or keep your shop open, in an environment where the people have such a lackadaisical attitude about everything?

I never thought I'd say this, or even think it, but some of the tenants of 5-points could really learn a thing or two by looking at businesses in downtown and what's happening in Springfield.
Title: Re: Downtown Construction Update: January 2008
Post by: raheem942 on January 04, 2008, 12:56:58 PM
things are moving slow around there
Title: Re: Downtown Construction Update: January 2008
Post by: Matt on January 04, 2008, 03:01:18 PM
why oh why would the 20 west developers even say it would be done in november? maybe they meant the windows..in which they are still a month late... ::)
Title: Re: Downtown Construction Update: January 2008
Post by: Doctor_K on January 04, 2008, 04:04:31 PM
Please don't shoot the n00b, and please don't think I'm giving any disrespect to the photo-shooters, but I have a question.  What the heck is going on with the City Hall Annex?  Internal rennovations? It seems, to the too-casual observer, like it's just the same level of progress on every one of these monthly updates.
Title: Re: Downtown Construction Update: January 2008
Post by: second_pancake on January 04, 2008, 04:09:07 PM
City Cycle's new location....

(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e170/prowlett/newbuilding2.jpg)

(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e170/prowlett/newbuilding1.jpg)
Title: Re: Downtown Construction Update: January 2008
Post by: konstantconsumer on January 05, 2008, 02:15:21 PM
too bad about city cycle moving from the neighborhood.  maybe we'll get a cycle shop that is friendly when you go in there and doesn't try to rip you off on merchandise. 
Title: Re: Downtown Construction Update: January 2008
Post by: gatorback on January 05, 2008, 11:45:01 PM
Quote from: konstantconsumer on January 05, 2008, 02:15:21 PM
too bad about city cycle moving from the neighborhood.  maybe we'll get a cycle shop that is friendly when you go in there and doesn't try to rip you off on merchandise. 

A cycle shop that doesn't rip you off on merchandise?  Listen to yourself.  ;)
Title: Re: Downtown Construction Update: January 2008
Post by: cellsworth on January 06, 2008, 12:53:37 PM
re: 'greening' of Main St

when is the city going to kick the expensive palm tree habit and plant more trees that would provide shade that would encourage people to get out of their cars and walk?
Title: Re: Downtown Construction Update: January 2008
Post by: gatorback on January 06, 2008, 01:23:48 PM
When hell freezes over or somebody in the parks department stops gargling with bong water?
Title: Re: Downtown Construction Update: January 2008
Post by: Ocklawaha on January 06, 2008, 02:41:59 PM
QuoteWhen hell freezes over or somebody in the parks department stops gargling with bong water?

Gargling is for modern light-weights Gatorback... Hell, I've bathed in it!

Ocklawaha
Title: Re: Downtown Construction Update: January 2008
Post by: alohameisha on January 07, 2008, 01:38:10 PM
I have a question and a piece of info...

First, When is Chamblins opening in the the downtown location?

Second, the building Fans and Stoves resides in is for sale for 2.8 million. Fans and Stoves is the place that rents space out for people to sell antiques, handmade art collections and a little of everything. THe manager said they might be moving b/c the building is for sale. She said they didn't really know where they would go b/c everything has gotten so expensive. I told her not to worry b/c while that area is a very central location the building is in pretty poor condition for 2.8 million.. but what do I know.
Title: Re: Downtown Construction Update: January 2008
Post by: thelakelander on January 07, 2008, 01:45:29 PM
Would Fans and Stoves be interested in moving to Springfield?
Title: Re: Downtown Construction Update: January 2008
Post by: second_pancake on January 07, 2008, 04:55:47 PM
Quote from: konstantconsumer on January 05, 2008, 02:15:21 PM
too bad about city cycle moving from the neighborhood.  maybe we'll get a cycle shop that is friendly when you go in there and doesn't try to rip you off on merchandise. 

Wow.  That's harsh.  I personally know the owner and have worked in the shop on several occasions, BECAUSE of the outstanding prices and service. The prices at City Cycle are VERY competitive and I have never seen an item on the floor that was over the suggested MSRP.  In fact, the clothing is a virtual steal!  I don't know what it was/is you're looking for when you went there or what price you were quoted.  Nor do I know what kind of comparison shopping you did prior or after visiting, but it would be nice to know as I am an avid cyclist who knows what the going prices are for equipment and have NEVER found anything less expensive than what is being sold there.   Sure, you can go on eBay and find something cheaper, but that can be said for absolutely anything you're looking for. 

As for friendliness, I find that there is usually more of it when someone is trying to 'sell' you.  City Cycle is up front and honest.  If you're looking for a bike to just tool around in, you'll be referred to Wal-Mart.  I've even heard the owner call competitors to see if they have something for a customer if he doesn't sell it (i.e. spin bikes/fitness bikes).  When have you ever gone into a Target when they didn't have a shirt in your size, and had the customer service rep. pick up the phone and call Wal-Mart?
Title: Re: Downtown Construction Update: January 2008
Post by: gatorback on January 08, 2008, 10:05:25 PM
pancake:  I've had a wal-mart call another wal-mart only.  I currently have a Schwinn cruiser.  It's old and a true classic.  Before I moved I had a Trek T-1000 that I bought new.  Loved it.  I've also had verious ghetto bikes, and the like.  I had a Raleigh back in the day--a 10 speed I won for raising the most money the walk for charity.  I just missed a killer all French road bike at Goodwill.  That bike had a great paint job on it and I'm kicking myself for not having the 60.00 on me the wanted.