Is the lowest in over a decade. Many small, local businesses have been opening up there recently. Via the Daily Record.
http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/downtowntoday.php?dt_date=2012-05-31
So can we expect Fuddrucker's soon? ;)
That's good, but it's kinda turning into a flea market...
Quote from: downtownjag on May 31, 2012, 11:17:13 AM
That's good, but it's kinda turning into a flea market...
Having our local businesses supporting Landing, and downtown in particular is where we need, and have to start. Trust me if the Landing was waiting on national chains to come in, they would be waiting a long time. Supoorting our local businesses first, would make a good impression on a national chain that may be considering downtown
Some serious remodeling need to be done at the landing, felt very uncomfortable going in there. The place got no AC, it's dark and have an weird smell inside. Oh..have to pass about 5 homeless person to get in there.
Quote from: Rynjny on May 31, 2012, 11:48:39 AM
Some serious remodeling need to be done at the landing, felt very uncomfortable going in there. The place got no AC, it's dark and have an weird smell inside. Oh..have to pass about 5 homeless person to get in there.
Well dont go... and BTW did the scary homeless people attack you? I beleive there are homeless people in downtown across the country.
OK, now I have to go back down there and see, because the last time I was in the Landing, it wasn't dark, smelly or hot. I find that hard to believe. And while I may have passed some people on the walk there, I don't recall, I'd really have no way of knowing if they were homeless or not.
Quote from: duvaldude08 on May 31, 2012, 12:01:11 PM
Quote from: Rynjny on May 31, 2012, 11:48:39 AM
Some serious remodeling need to be done at the landing, felt very uncomfortable going in there. The place got no AC, it's dark and have an weird smell inside. Oh..have to pass about 5 homeless person to get in there.
Well dont go... and BTW did the scary homeless people attack you? I beleive there are homeless people in downtown across the country.
Why are you taking this personally??? and NO they did not attack me but how would you felt if those people come up to you and kept asking for money???
Quote from: Debbie Thompson on May 31, 2012, 12:05:29 PM
OK, now I have to go back down there and see, because the last time I was in the Landing, it wasn't dark, smelly or hot. I find that hard to believe. And while I may have passed some people on the walk there, I don't recall, I'd really have no way of knowing if they were homeless or not.
Even from childhood, I never have been hot in the Landing and not having any AC. Even during the 4th of July when its packed I never had an issue with being hot.
Let's all be honest. It could use a makeover. Some of the interior corridors are dark and dingy.
"Why are you taking this personally??? and NO they did not attack me but how would you felt if those people come up to you and kept asking for money???"
Uh, I would feel like saying "No." and going about my business. The Landing is nice.
Quote from: cline on May 31, 2012, 11:09:32 AM
So can we expect Fuddrucker's soon?
Once they become small and local, sure. ::)
Quote from: Rynjny on May 31, 2012, 12:08:49 PM
Quote from: duvaldude08 on May 31, 2012, 12:01:11 PM
Quote from: Rynjny on May 31, 2012, 11:48:39 AM
Some serious remodeling need to be done at the landing, felt very uncomfortable going in there. The place got no AC, it's dark and have an weird smell inside. Oh..have to pass about 5 homeless person to get in there.
Well dont go... and BTW did the scary homeless people attack you? I beleive there are homeless people in downtown across the country.
Why are you taking this personally??? and NO they did not attack me but how would you felt if those people come up to you and kept asking for money???
Im sorry to be snappy, but the homeless thing is just a pet peeve of mind. Jacksonville wants to be a major city so bad, but yet we have a phobia of the "homeless". Other REAL such as NY for example, have a bad homeless problem. Do you hear them complaining and staying away from DT? No, they just ignore them, which is the same thing I do. If the vibe is right I may give them some money, if not I just keep walking and ignore them. Its really not that serious
Quote from: acme54321 on May 31, 2012, 12:17:14 PM
Let's all be honest. It could use a makeover. Some of the interior corridors are dark and dingy.
So I'm NOT the only one who felt it could use a makeover huh?
Quote from: acme54321 on May 31, 2012, 12:17:14 PM
Let's all be honest. It could use a makeover. Some of the interior corridors are dark and dingy.
A facelift is in order, can lie about that one ;D
Personally, the landing is just really, really boring. I see zero reason to go there, even when I'm downtown. Haven't had a good time at the Landing since the days of Banana Republic and when I used to use the arcade as a kid. Also, the food court has gone way downhill in the past 10 or so years. What it boils down to, and maybe my tastes just aren't what they used to be, I'd much rather hang out at Chamblin's and sit in Hemming than go to the Landing.
The Landing has come a long way in the last year , Fionn McCool's and River City Gourmet are awesome. Does anyone know when they are going to start their renovations from the Laura Street grants? Considering the age of the Landing, and the fact the interior has never had a makeover, I think it is about time.
are there any renderings of what they will be doing with the grants? I remember talk once of opening up the middle of the Landing and having more retail facing the street. I am assuming it won't be that aggressive.
I agree with CG7 - there's quite a bit to do at the landing, if not just have a beer and take in the waterfront. Great view of the fountain, lots of boats cruising by. Weekends always have live music. It's not time square, but it's not dead either.
Quote from: duvaldude08 on May 31, 2012, 11:47:58 AM
Quote from: downtownjag on May 31, 2012, 11:17:13 AM
That's good, but it's kinda turning into a flea market...
Having our local businesses supporting Landing, and downtown in particular is where we need, and have to start. Trust me if the Landing was waiting on national chains to come in, they would be waiting a long time. Supoorting our local businesses first, would make a good impression on a national chain that may be considering downtown
The great thing about a lot of the local businesses in the Landing are that they're selling merchandise that you can't get anywhere else in the city, or in many other places for that matter. The balsamic vinegar at River City Gourmet, in particular. Or an Adrian Pickett print.
Seems to me it's more in keeping with the Festival Marketplace concept than hosting branch #42,312 of The Limited and The Gap.
Quote from: duvaldude08 on May 31, 2012, 11:47:58 AM
Quote from: downtownjag on May 31, 2012, 11:17:13 AM
That's good, but it's kinda turning into a flea market...
Having our local businesses supporting Landing, and downtown in particular is where we need, and have to start. Trust me if the Landing was waiting on national chains to come in, they would be waiting a long time. Supporting our local businesses first, would make a good impression on a national chain that may be considering downtown
I totally agree that unique and local is the way to go, not just with The Landing but DT generally. National retailers are NOT pioneers at all, they only come to DTs once the market is proven. This is somewhat less true for restaurants or coffeeshops, but is very true for retailers.
I know of no city that has a successful DT that did it any other way than with local merchants creating the 'first' if not the 'only' wave of retail.
Quote from: ben says on May 31, 2012, 12:26:11 PM
Personally, the landing is just really, really boring. I see zero reason to go there, even when I'm downtown.
so a good beer at Fionn MacCools, watching a sporting event at Chicago Pizza or Hooters, and/or sipping a margarita at Cinco de Mayo don't interest you?
And how about listening to live music and/or people watching in the courtyard?
Never mind the monthly yappy hour dog festivals, biker nights w/ some really pimped out machines, car shows, fireworks, etc.
Yep, you're right....nothing to see here...move along!
Ive noticed that the Landing has several new stores. Ive wondered through a couple of times and perused a couple of the stores. I think its great that the boutique shops are coming in...gotta start somewhere to get people in the door. It makes a nice diversion in the middle of the day to get away from the office and go see if I can find something different to buy. I think I will have to make the Landing a destination when I get ready to start my holiday shopping...I might find something unique and I can walk there :)
I agree that it could use some renovations...change can be good sometimes :)
I was in Boston a year or two ago and my wife and I visited Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
http://www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com/ (http://www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com/)
It felt like a more successful version of the Landing. Admittedly I haven't walked thru the Landing in a few months so maybe it has improved, but the last time I was there it had kind of a dingy, outdated feel.
Still, I agree locally-owned businesses are the way to go.
When I go on lunch in a few minutes, I may take the skyway over and do a breif walk through
Quote from: tufsu1 on May 31, 2012, 01:15:45 PM
Quote from: ben says on May 31, 2012, 12:26:11 PM
Personally, the landing is just really, really boring. I see zero reason to go there, even when I'm downtown.
so a good beer at Fionn MacCools, watching a sporting event at Chicago Pizza or Hooters, and/or sipping a margarita at Cinco de Mayo don't interest you?
And how about listening to live music and/or people watching in the courtyard?
Never mind the monthly yappy hour dog festivals, biker nights w/ some really pimped out machines, car shows, fireworks, etc.
Yep, you're right....nothing to see here...move along!
I hate how I'm always portrayed as the Debbie downer here, but oh well, here I go: never been a huge fan of pseudo-pubs/Irish themed bars (speaks more to my tastes than Fionn's quality or clientele), and I've tried Chicago pizza, and don't think they make a good product. Cinco de Mayo, like Chicago, just isn't good. I DO like biker nights, yappy hour, people watching, and the courtyard. I guess I'm more speaking to the vendors. Nothing there makes me want to leave the Riverside bubble. I will admit: I haven't been to RCG or Pickett. Listen, I want to like the landing, but again, anytime I'm in the area, I find myself near Dos Gatos/BG/Indochine/Chamblin's/Chomp Chomp et al. I rarely say to myself "can't wait to get to the landing for _____!"....
I miss the Landing's early years and am not particularly wild about any of the restaurants there, but I do enjoy going there anytime I visit, and not just for the view or the courtyard concerts. Plenty of the stores are worth anyone's while.
Several artists doing impressive work. Pickett and his photo-realistic charcoal drawings. The glass etchings at Aly Cat (I bought one of the skyline). James Pontal's superb Jacksonville photography. Tony Ryals painting is fascinating to watch.
I can usually find some good Jaguar merchandise at Sports Mania, including some in-house product that Football Fanatics does not have.
River City Gourmet is phenomenal. I've never tasted anything like their balsamic vinegar, and their selection of olive oils (including flavor-infused ones) and spice blends/dips is terrific. Great place for Christmas shopping and for restocking the kitchen.
I'm looking forward to visiting the new cupcake/cake pop store and the men's shop.
Many of the new stores are not flea marketish as somone stated earlier. They happen to be local business owners trying to make a living. For all of those who rant against national chains destroying local business, well here is your chance to make a difference. I go to the Landing three nights a week to go to the gym, never noticed no A/C or homeless people bothering me at the Landing, infact that usually happens on Laura or Bay St. Many tourists are not likely to walk to Hemming Plaza, but they do go to the Landing. NOw could the Landing use some updating??? Yes for sure.
Just got back from my first skyway ride to the Landing and it was packed both ways. Ran into a homeless guy outside of the San Marco station. he yelled at me a few times, but of course I kept walking like he wasnt even there. Skyway was packed both ways. Took a stroll through Hemming Plaza, didnt see anything out of the ordinary. Mostly seen people eating lunch, talking on their phones, or working on a laptop. There were a few of the homeless scattered throughout. JSO was in full effect. The Landing is really shaping up. I stop in the two art galleries to see what they had because I need some art work for the new crib. (lol) Taking a look around, it would be easy to update. Everything is either painted or tile, which would make for an easy renovation IMO.
P.S. Im tired as hell. And its hot and humid out there. Almost got caught in the rain. Whew!
Quote from: fsujax on May 31, 2012, 02:43:39 PM
Many of the new stores are not flea marketish as somone stated earlier.
I wholeheartedly agree.
But there's a "just like a mini-mall" reference in there somewhere.
Quote from: fsujax on May 31, 2012, 02:43:39 PM
Many of the new stores are not flea marketish as somone stated earlier. They happen to be local business owners trying to make a living. For all of those who rant against national chains destroying local business, well here is your chance to make a difference. I go to the Landing three nights a week to go to the gym, never noticed no A/C or homeless people bothering me at the Landing, infact that usually happens on Laura or Bay St. Many tourists are not likely to walk to Hemming Plaza, but they do go to the Landing. NOw could the Landing use some updating??? Yes for sure.
After my mini tour today, there are some extremely nice stores in there. I seen a Men's store that sold suits but I didnt even walk in because the stuff looked expensive. Then there is a really nice couture store next store to where the cake shop is opening (the name escapes me)
I think it's called Kaza Bharma, or something close to that.
Quote from: acme54321 on May 31, 2012, 12:17:14 PM
Let's all be honest. It could use a makeover. Some of the interior corridors are dark and dingy.
It could use a major makeover, but I don't see anybody willing to spend the money necessary to do it.
Eating in the pitiful remnants of the food court is problematic. The air conditioning equipment is so loud you HAVE TO SHOUT to be heard by someone at the same table. If there is one thing in this city that does well, it's fast food, and when you see how few vendors there are in that food court, you really have to wonder why that is.
Quote from: copperfiend on May 31, 2012, 05:46:29 PM
Quote from: acme54321 on May 31, 2012, 12:17:14 PM
Let's all be honest. It could use a makeover. Some of the interior corridors are dark and dingy.
It could use a major makeover, but I don't see anybody willing to spend the money necessary to do it.
With a little creativity I wonder if it would take that much. Fresh coat of paint, decor changed up using some surplus or re-purposed materials? If it were up to me, I'd try something like that.
And I like that local businesses are coming into it. With enough exposure, that could very much be more of a unique attraction than some national chains.
Could someone fix the title of this thread? The typo is bugging me.
Quoteo a good beer at Fionn MacCools, watching a sporting event at Chicago Pizza or Hooters, and/or sipping a margarita at Cinco de Mayo don't interest you?
And how about listening to live music and/or people watching in the courtyard?
Never mind the monthly yappy hour dog festivals, biker nights w/ some really pimped out machines, car shows, fireworks, etc.
Don't forget the best downtown honky tonk, Maverick's. I honestly like the Landing, I like getting a 2 dollar Natty Light on draft at Chicago Pizza or going to Hooters, for the food of course, or a nice kilt at Fionn's. When I run by there from Avondale, there are always people in some part of it.
This is not and never will be Town Center, yes it is old, the original was built in the mid 80s, so we are almost on 30 years, but still a baby compared to Regency or Orange Park malls. Thankfully it is still with us as compared to Phillips or Roosevelt Malls. Some paint here, some new controls there, I think the place is fine. Let Sleiman get the place fully rented, then see if the tenants demand improvements. Will Fat Tuesday ever return? Probably not, but we could have some nice yogurt shops there in its place. The level of stores is 100% better than it was a few years ago.
Quote from: danem on May 31, 2012, 07:16:43 PM
Could someone fix the title of this thread? The typo is bugging me.
!!!!!
Quote from: mtraininjax on May 31, 2012, 08:30:47 PM
Quoteo a good beer at Fionn MacCools, watching a sporting event at Chicago Pizza or Hooters, and/or sipping a margarita at Cinco de Mayo don't interest you?
And how about listening to live music and/or people watching in the courtyard?
Never mind the monthly yappy hour dog festivals, biker nights w/ some really pimped out machines, car shows, fireworks, etc.
Don't forget the best downtown honky tonk, Maverick's. I honestly like the Landing, I like getting a 2 dollar Natty Light on draft at Chicago Pizza or going to Hooters, for the food of course, or a nice kilt at Fionn's. When I run by there from Avondale, there are always people in some part of it.
This is not and never will be Town Center, yes it is old, the original was built in the mid 80s, so we are almost on 30 years, but still a baby compared to Regency or Orange Park malls. Thankfully it is still with us as compared to Phillips or Roosevelt Malls. Some paint here, some new controls there, I think the place is fine. Let Sleiman get the place fully rented, then see if the tenants demand improvements. Will Fat Tuesday ever return? Probably not, but we could have some nice yogurt shops there in its place. The level of stores is 100% better than it was a few years ago.
The part about the yogurt shops...that's a joke, right? Replace daiquiri bars with froyo? You're killing me.
I like the Landing, but it needs a serious makeover. The whole place is a reflection of Jacksonville's build it and forget it attitude, HORRIBLE. I'd like to see the new parking garage allow for the full development of the parking lot under and east of the Main Street Bridge. Turning the stores so they'd have street side access would do wonders for downtown, and blowing a hole in the front entry to allow Laura Street pedestrian traffic to flow all the way to the river. Finally, somebody please clean the pee out of the elevators.
Quote from: mtraininjax on May 31, 2012, 08:30:47 PM
Quoteo a good beer at Fionn MacCools, watching a sporting event at Chicago Pizza or Hooters, and/or sipping a margarita at Cinco de Mayo don't interest you?
And how about listening to live music and/or people watching in the courtyard?
Never mind the monthly yappy hour dog festivals, biker nights w/ some really pimped out machines, car shows, fireworks, etc.
Don't forget the best downtown honky tonk, Maverick's. I honestly like the Landing, I like getting a 2 dollar Natty Light on draft at Chicago Pizza or going to Hooters, for the food of course, or a nice kilt at Fionn's. When I run by there from Avondale, there are always people in some part of it.
This is not and never will be Town Center, yes it is old, the original was built in the mid 80s, so we are almost on 30 years, but still a baby compared to Regency or Orange Park malls. Thankfully it is still with us as compared to Phillips or Roosevelt Malls. Some paint here, some new controls there, I think the place is fine. Let Sleiman get the place fully rented, then see if the tenants demand improvements. Will Fat Tuesday ever return? Probably not, but we could have some nice yogurt shops there in its place. The level of stores is 100% better than it was a few years ago.
I agree MTrain. Getting it 100% occupied should be the first goal. Renovating an half empty place would have never made sense. Maybe after the occupancy sustains itself for awhile, the owner will finally get up off the dough and spruce the place up.
I actually wouldnt mind it being updated, but keeping its vintage look.
Quote from: Ocklawaha on May 31, 2012, 10:23:48 PM
I like the Landing, but it needs a serious makeover. The whole place is a reflection of Jacksonville's build it and forget it attitude, HORRIBLE. I'd like to see the new parking garage allow for the full development of the parking lot under and east of the Main Street Bridge. Turning the stores so they'd have street side access would do wonders for downtown, and blowing a hole in the front entry to allow Laura Street pedestrian traffic to flow all the way to the river. Finally, somebody please clean the pee out of the elevators.
LOL @ pee in the elevators.
I'll always remember the Landing's glory days: Fat Tuesday upstairs, and Annie Tiques upstairs on the other side. The service at AT's sucked. No wonder they folded. FT's frozen drinks were AMAZING. Anyone remember the 190 Octane?(with Hawaiian license plates) I dont know what was in it, but 1 190 Octane would always floor me. Ah, the memories.
Downstairs was Sharper Image, Stadium Stuff, Aqua East, Shine 'em Up (shoeshine stand), and the annoying fudge store with that damn f**king bell. CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! What time is it? ITS FUDGE TIME.
Daryl @ Shine em Up always made my shoes sparkle. Is Fun N Games still there?
Quote from: BackinJax05 on June 01, 2012, 12:18:30 AM
Quote from: Ocklawaha on May 31, 2012, 10:23:48 PM
I like the Landing, but it needs a serious makeover. The whole place is a reflection of Jacksonville's build it and forget it attitude, HORRIBLE. I'd like to see the new parking garage allow for the full development of the parking lot under and east of the Main Street Bridge. Turning the stores so they'd have street side access would do wonders for downtown, and blowing a hole in the front entry to allow Laura Street pedestrian traffic to flow all the way to the river. Finally, somebody please clean the pee out of the elevators.
LOL @ pee in the elevators.
I'll always remember the Landing's glory days: Fat Tuesday upstairs, and Annie Tiques upstairs on the other side. The service at AT's sucked. No wonder they folded. FT's frozen drinks were AMAZING. Anyone remember the 190 Octane?(with Hawaiian license plates) I dont know what was in it, but 1 190 Octane would always floor me. Ah, the memories.
Downstairs was Sharper Image, Stadium Stuff, Aqua East, Shine 'em Up (shoeshine stand), and the annoying fudge store with that damn f**king bell. CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! What time is it? ITS FUDGE TIME.
Daryl @ Shine em Up always made my shoes sparkle. Is Fun N Games still there?
Dont forget about J. Riggins over across from nine west. As a teenager I absolutely LOVED that store. Unfortnately Another thing I noticed, arcades and game rooms are not popular anymore. The Landing axed there;s and the last time I was at Regency I noticed the Tilt was closed! But realistically children are too busy getting in trouble. Im only 30, but when I was growing up simple things entertained us.
Aqua East used to have live models in their windows. Those girls were hot. There was also a produce market under the escalators. Cant remember the name
I remember the 190 Octane. Everclear orange slushy.
I think the Landing is going through a quiet renaissance.
Only getting better.
This is somewhat related, did Fionn McCool's at the beach close?? I saw somebody post it on Facebook and I find it hard to believe. They just dropped a ton of money on the buildout of their landing location, plus I was at the beaches location last Saturday and it was full, so I would assume their financial strength is fine.
Quote from: Captain Zissou on June 01, 2012, 06:55:23 AM
This is somewhat related, did Fionn McCool's at the beach close?? I saw somebody post it on Facebook and I find it hard to believe. They just dropped a ton of money on the buildout of their landing location, plus I was at the beaches location last Saturday and it was full, so I would assume their financial strength is fine.
Fionn MacCool's Facebook page states they'll be closed a couple days this week and will announce when they will be reopen. That was as of a day or two ago.....
I think the Landing Toy Store is expanding. I can't remember the name of it, but that is one of the stores that has been there forever.
Quote from: Dapperdan on June 01, 2012, 08:26:01 AM
I think the Landing Toy Store is expanding. I can't remember the name of it, but that is one of the stores that has been there forever.
It's the Toy Factory, and I can't believe I forgot to mention it when I was listing all the stores I liked earlier. They have carried quality toys from Day One of the Landing.
Quote from: BackinJax05 on June 01, 2012, 12:18:30 AM
LOL @ pee in the elevators.
I'll always remember the Landing's glory days: Fat Tuesday upstairs, and Annie Tiques upstairs on the other side. The service at AT's sucked. No wonder they folded. FT's frozen drinks were AMAZING. Anyone remember the 190 Octane?(with Hawaiian license plates) I dont know what was in it, but 1 190 Octane would always floor me. Ah, the memories.
Downstairs was Sharper Image, Stadium Stuff, Aqua East, Shine 'em Up (shoeshine stand), and the annoying fudge store with that damn f**king bell. CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! What time is it? ITS FUDGE TIME.
Daryl @ Shine em Up always made my shoes sparkle. Is Fun N Games still there?
Wow. I forgot all about the Fudgery and its bell.
Fun N Games is still there but is now called The Toy Factory.
Quote from: BackinJax05 on June 01, 2012, 12:51:44 AM
Aqua East used to have live models in their windows. Those girls were hot. There was also a produce market under the escalators. Cant remember the name
It's still open as Apple A Day. I think it, Body Shop, Fun N Games/Toy Factory, Hooters, and the cookie place are the only remaining original tenants?
sounds correct to me. Remember L and N Seafood, Johnny Rockets....etc.
Quote from: fsujax on June 01, 2012, 09:12:45 AM
sounds correct to me. Remember L and N Seafood, Johnny Rockets....etc.
My first meal in Jacksonville was at Johnny Rockets at the Landing. Miss that place.
Fionn's at the beach is closing but evidently re-locating to the old Dick's Wings stand alone building on third st.
At least that is the rumor.
Quote from: marksjax on June 01, 2012, 09:53:49 AM
Fionn's at the beach is closing but evidently re-locating to the old Dick's Wings stand alone building on third st.
At least that is the rumor.
That would be interesting. I like their space on First though but it is a little small.
Where in the Landing were Johnny Rockets and the old arcade?
According to Wikipedia, the Landing opened on June 25, 1987. Twenty-five years ago this month! Is Sleiman Enterprises planning any celebration to mark the occasion?
wow. I was there, just a little kid of course, but it was a huge day!
Check out the Landing's Facebook page. They are planning some activities for the entire month to celebrate.
Quote from: KenFSU on June 01, 2012, 10:11:07 AM
Where in the Landing were Johnny Rockets and the old arcade?
If the arcade in question was the Ostrich Landing (never quite understood the name), it was upstairs where Maverick's is (and Club Paris was). As a middle schooler, it was awesome. It had this Mark Twain looking riverboat shooting game.
Johnny Rockets was where Cinco de Mayo is today.
Thanks guys.
With the amount of kids that I normally see at the Landing, especially on weekends, it seems like an arcade would be a great idea.
And I miss Johnny Rockets.
Don't think I've seen one within 100 miles of Jacksonville.
Quote from: copperfiend on June 01, 2012, 10:38:03 AM
Quote from: KenFSU on June 01, 2012, 10:11:07 AM
Where in the Landing were Johnny Rockets and the old arcade?
If the arcade in question was the Ostrich Landing (never quite understood the name), it was upstairs where Maverick's is (and Club Paris was). As a middle schooler, it was awesome. It had this Mark Twain looking riverboat shooting game.
Yep, that's it. It may have had a different name originally, but I don't recall. That place was a lot of fun.
Sadly video arcades have gone the way of Blockbuster and the buggy whip store except in Japan. I think a good percentage of folks born between about 1960 and 1990 spent many a quarter in the old
salón de maquinitas.
Waterside in Norfolk Va. and the Jacksonville Landing are in the same trouble? And here is a study done on Waterside we all should take a look at? http://www.norfolk.gov/city_hall/meetings/2012/04-10-12/WatersideStudy_Huntley.pdf
Quote from: If_I_Loved_you on June 01, 2012, 01:06:18 PM
Waterside in Norfolk Va. and the Jacksonville Landing are in the same trouble? And here is a study done on Waterside we all should take a look at? http://www.norfolk.gov/city_hall/meetings/2012/04-10-12/WatersideStudy_Huntley.pdf
I live in the Norfolk area and Waterside is in much worse trouble than the Landing. It's nearly vacant, despite being adjacent to a well-used park, cruise terminal, and museum and the fact that Norfolk's downtown area in general has been on an upward trend for many years now.
It shifted over time, with some success, from mostly a retail center to a restaurant/entertainment venue, and was holding its own in that area until a couple of the larger and more unique dining/entertainment options shut down due to (I think) liquor license violations and a couple of high-profile brawls and criminal incidents. Now it's down to Outback, Hooters, Joe's Crab Shack and not much else. The retail is nearly vacant, as are several large restaurant/club spaces, and the food court is bleaker than the Landing's.
Waterside has several advantages over the Landing, including not turning its back on the rest of downtown, being directly adjacent to a hotel, and having its own parking garage (connected to it by footbridge). Its main disadvantages seem to be that the rest of downtown Norfolk is pretty vibrant, making it a less obvious focal point; and that Waterside Drive is a very wide road that's essentially at the foot of an expressway, cutting it off from the non-waterfront remainder of downtown (save for the footbridge). Imagine if Independent Drive were State and Union Streets and you get the picture.
Quote from: KenFSU on June 01, 2012, 12:41:13 PM
With the amount of kids that I normally see at the Landing, especially on weekends, it seems like an arcade would be a great idea.
On similar lines, I'd love to see a Jillian's/Dave & Buster's type venue at the Landing. Norfolk had a Jillian's at Waterside until a couple of years ago.
Quote from: Wacca Pilatka on June 01, 2012, 01:33:34 PM
Quote from: KenFSU on June 01, 2012, 12:41:13 PM
With the amount of kids that I normally see at the Landing, especially on weekends, it seems like an arcade would be a great idea.
On similar lines, I'd love to see a Jillian's/Dave & Buster's type venue at the Landing. Norfolk had a Jillian's at Waterside until a couple of years ago.
Dave and Busters would be perfect for that former Fuddrucker's Space.
Quote from: Wacca Pilatka on June 01, 2012, 01:23:55 PM
Quote from: If_I_Loved_you on June 01, 2012, 01:06:18 PM
Waterside in Norfolk Va. and the Jacksonville Landing are in the same trouble? And here is a study done on Waterside we all should take a look at? http://www.norfolk.gov/city_hall/meetings/2012/04-10-12/WatersideStudy_Huntley.pdf
I live in the Norfolk area and Waterside is in much worse trouble than the Landing. It's nearly vacant, despite being adjacent to a well-used park, cruise terminal, and museum and the fact that Norfolk's downtown area in general has been on an upward trend for many years now.
It shifted over time, with some success, from mostly a retail center to a restaurant/entertainment venue, and was holding its own in that area until a couple of the larger and more unique dining/entertainment options shut down due to (I think) liquor license violations and a couple of high-profile brawls and criminal incidents. Now it's down to Outback, Hooters, Joe's Crab Shack and not much else. The retail is nearly vacant, as are several large restaurant/club spaces, and the food court is bleaker than the Landing's.
Waterside has several advantages over the Landing, including not turning its back on the rest of downtown, being directly adjacent to a hotel, and having its own parking garage (connected to it by footbridge). Its main disadvantages seem to be that the rest of downtown Norfolk is pretty vibrant, making it a less obvious focal point; and that Waterside Drive is a very wide road that's essentially at the foot of an expressway, cutting it off from the non-waterfront remainder of downtown (save for the footbridge). Imagine if Independent Drive were State and Union Streets and you get the picture.
If the Landing was to take down the Main part out of the Horseshoe of the building out? And keep the Restaurants on the waterfront. It would open up the view to the river then build an open park. Laura Street has truly become a focal point for the City of Jacksonville! And with a riverview it would be even better.
Quote from: Wacca Pilatka on June 01, 2012, 01:23:55 PM
I live in the Norfolk area and Waterside is in much worse trouble than the Landing. It's nearly vacant, despite being adjacent to a well-used park, cruise terminal, and museum and the fact that Norfolk's downtown area in general has been on an upward trend for many years now.
It shifted over time, with some success, from mostly a retail center to a restaurant/entertainment venue, and was holding its own in that area until a couple of the larger and more unique dining/entertainment options shut down due to (I think) liquor license violations and a couple of high-profile brawls and criminal incidents. Now it's down to Outback, Hooters, Joe's Crab Shack and not much else. The retail is nearly vacant, as are several large restaurant/club spaces, and the food court is bleaker than the Landing's.
Waterside has several advantages over the Landing, including not turning its back on the rest of downtown, being directly adjacent to a hotel, and having its own parking garage (connected to it by footbridge). Its main disadvantages seem to be that the rest of downtown Norfolk is pretty vibrant, making it a less obvious focal point; and that Waterside Drive is a very wide road that's essentially at the foot of an expressway, cutting it off from the non-waterfront remainder of downtown (save for the footbridge). Imagine if Independent Drive were State and Union Streets and you get the picture.
So Waterside has its own parking garage, yet it is in much worse trouble than the Landing. I wonder how those who say that the only thing holding the Landing back is its lack of dedicated parking would respond to that.
I think Waterside's connected parking garage is the reason it got big-name tenants in the first place. Outback, Jillian's, BAR, Phillips, and Joe's Crab Shack are unlikely to have gone into Waterside without the dedicated parking.
Waterside was primarily a specialty-store shopping center until about 1990 when it started to fade as a shopping destination as many festival marketplaces did. It started repositioning itself with clubs and restaurants at that point. In the late 90s, when Norfolk's downtown mall, MacArthur Center, opened a few blocks away, it made a concerted effort to market itself as a nightlife venue and added Jillian's and a couple of large bars/clubs.
The national/regional restuarant and bar tenants generally did good business at Waterside and had 10+ year runs there. Then a couple of the larger bars/clubs and Jillian's closed due to a combination of brawls, crime, and liquor license violations. That pretty much pulled the life out of it, because those were the real destination draws for the metro area. I would drive the 45 minutes from Grafton to Norfolk to spend an evening at Jillian's but I have no reason to drive there for Outback or Hooters.
Outback and Crab Shack are still hanging on with business from people who come downtown and want to eat directly on the waterfront, but that and Hooters are about all that's left of Waterside right now.
Dedicated parking was a help to Waterside, not a hindrance or a nonentity. It wouldn't have had a couple of long runs of success without it, because it brought in tenants unique to the area that brought outsiders to downtown Norfolk. Waterside's woes are mostly due to unforeseen circumstances - bad behavior of patrons and a couple of large tenants. It also developed some direct nearby competition in the very walkable Granby St. theatre/chef-owned restaurant district and the MacArthur Center. The mall, Waterside, and Granby served different niches and coexisted just fine for a solid 10 years but it might be harder to bring Waterside back now that its audience may have "migrated" to MacArthur and Granby, as well as to the relatively new Virginia Beach Town Center area that also contains nationally known destination dining and retail adjacent to a performing arts center. A Landing with dedicated parking would not face the same volume of nearby competition.
Thanks, WP.
I think you hit upon a key point: The "festival marketplace's" time has passed. Even the granddaddy of them all, Baltimore's Harbor Place, is but a pale shell of what it used to be. I'm not saying this means the Landing should be torn down or anything like that, but expecting it to somehow recapture what it was when it first opened just ain't gonna happen.
Quote from: finehoe on June 01, 2012, 02:52:34 PM
Thanks, WP.
I think you hit upon a key point: The "festival marketplace's" time has passed. Even the granddaddy of them all, Baltimore's Harbor Place, is but a pale shell of what it used to be. I'm not saying this means the Landing should be torn down or anything like that, but expecting it to somehow recapture what it was when it first opened just ain't gonna happen.
I agree. It was a very 80's concept.
That is why the Landing needs a complete re-do. But as I mentioned I don't see anybody willing to spend the money needed, so the Landing "it is what it is" for the time being.
Quote from: Dapperdan on June 01, 2012, 01:58:21 PM
Quote from: Wacca Pilatka on June 01, 2012, 01:33:34 PM
Quote from: KenFSU on June 01, 2012, 12:41:13 PM
With the amount of kids that I normally see at the Landing, especially on weekends, it seems like an arcade would be a great idea.
On similar lines, I'd love to see a Jillian's/Dave & Buster's type venue at the Landing. Norfolk had a Jillian's at Waterside until a couple of years ago.
Dave and Busters would be perfect for that former Fuddrucker's Space.
except that there is already a D&B in town...and it is much larger than the Fuddruckers (now Rush St) space
Quote from: finehoe on June 01, 2012, 02:52:34 PM
Thanks, WP.
I think you hit upon a key point: The "festival marketplace's" time has passed. Even the granddaddy of them all, Baltimore's Harbor Place, is but a pale shell of what it used to be. I'm not saying this means the Landing should be torn down or anything like that, but expecting it to somehow recapture what it was when it first opened just ain't gonna happen.
I agree. But with a focus on locally distinctive shops and products, better interaction with the street and the rest of downtown, and some cleaning and refreshing, I think the Landing can remain an important asset as a community gathering place and tourist attraction. It has a great view, festivals, the Christmas tree, live music, the big video board, the fountain. Now it has some businesses offering products that you can't get anywhere else (I think I'd go from Virginia to Jacksonville just for River City Gourmet's vinegar even if I didn't have manifold other reasons to visit Jacksonville) and artists at work in studio who can be fascinating to observe. I would say that it also has some uniquely friendly stores where interacting with the proprietors is a pleasure in itself - River City, Sports Mania, and Aly Cat in particular.
The national tenants shouldn't be viewed as a solution in and of themselves, but I think adding the dedicated parking necessary to land one or two big draws for downtown-leery suburbanites, coupled with better interaction with the rest of downtown, could provide an important catalyst to the core. Waterside's time may have passed, but it brought tenants to downtown Norfolk that caused people to pay attention to downtown again. Waterside wasn't
the solution for downtown Norfolk by any means, but it helped lay the foundation for developing community gathering places, expanded transit options, a well-thought-out urban mall, revival of older theaters and hotels, construction of two new hotels, and a number of redevelopment and new development projects that are intelligently designed from an urban planning perspective.
^I think a major contribution to Waterside's struggles is the success of the revitalization of Granby Street and MacArthur Center. In the future, their direct connection to Norfolk's new LRT line will only make them stronger. At this point, that's a problem the Landing doesn't really have to deal with. Opening the Landing to Laura Street and the rest of downtown seems like a no brainer to me. In general, it makes sense for both Sleiman and COJ. It's a shame that this concept has been on ice for seven years now.
I agree with opening up the middle of the Landing & having that part all open air, providing better access to Laura. Not to mention for people crossing over from one side of the Riverwalk to the other via Main Street Bridge. I think simply getting rid of that "mini mall" part would do wonders. Have all the storefronts accessible from the outside.
No one's going to the Landing to walk around on that inside part & shop. That's done.
Another local business opens at the Landing.
http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/downtowntoday.php?dt_date=2012-06-13
and she even has a Facebook page....like it!
I'm glad she was finally able to open. I know she hit some delays with the buildout. Looking forward to trying the store!
I had a couple on Saturday, after I left the food truck rally. The snickers cupcake is really good, but man is it sweet. I was glad I had to walk back to my car after that.
Just remember there is no one or nothing Downtown. Those must have been ghosts I saw at lunch time walking all along Laura St, Bay St, Adams St, etc. and long waiting lines at Indochine and BG.
I am sorry but they are going to have to do something. I am all about supporting downtown business, I go to Chamblins, Indochine and Burrito Gallery at least once a week via sky way for lunch. Every time I try to give the landing a chance it disappoints. I would almost rather they turn that into a flea market. On a positive note, that little smoothing shack (apple a day) i think it is, is a shining star. I love there smoothies and they have all sorts of good lunch and on the go food. I did see that Subculture is moving in there which could be good thing, but they need to spruce the place up. And whoever thought that green and black paint on Irish Pub was ok needs to be fined, it's hideous.
sorry rant complete.
What is Subculture?
Jaxlore, give River City Gourmet Shoppe a chance next time you are by the Landing. It won't disappoint.
Quote from: jaxlore on June 13, 2012, 02:42:08 PM
they need to spruce the place up.
That's the biggest issue. It looks old and dated.
Just got back from the Landing. Went to the Pink Cupcake store ordered a Butterfinger cupcake.....so freaking good. Also, I noticed some fresh paint going up in the escalator area. Maybe Sleimnan has been reading this thread!
Quote from: jaxlore on June 13, 2012, 02:42:08 PM
I am sorry but they are going to have to do something. I am all about supporting downtown business, I go to Chamblins, Indochine and Burrito Gallery at least once a week via sky way for lunch. Every time I try to give the landing a chance it disappoints. I would almost rather they turn that into a flea market. On a positive note, that little smoothing shack (apple a day) i think it is, is a shining star. I love there smoothies and they have all sorts of good lunch and on the go food. I did see that Subculture is moving in there which could be good thing, but they need to spruce the place up. And whoever thought that green and black paint on Irish Pub was ok needs to be fined, it's hideous.
sorry rant complete.
Have you tried Fionn Mccools? If you can get past the paint, the food is VERY good.
Happy 25th birthday to the landing!
http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/403251/gary-mills/2012-06-25/look-back-jacksonville-landing-opens-25-years-ago-today