Metro Jacksonville

A Southern Music Hall of Fame in Jacksonville?

(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/2168272915_pwdsC5L-M.jpg)

A Metro Jacksonville forum debate about determining what to do with the old Duval County Armory building has energized discussion of a Southern Music Hall of Fame in Jacksonville.  Today, Hugh Simpson, co-founder of the Southern Music Hall of Fame shares his executive summary of the concept for public discussion.

Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2012-oct-a-southern-music-hall-of-fame-in-jacksonville

perfect.

A virtual museum in search of a home.  A building in search of a purpose.

The Jacksonville influence is quite significant to the development of all types of southern music.  Let's be proud of this and figure out a way to celebrate and share this heritage.

And let's save the Armory (or another historic building) before vacancy and neglect cause its ruin.

Tom Petty?

Quote from: jcjohnpaint on October 23, 2012, 07:39:30 AM
Tom Petty?

Otis Redding too please.

Scott "If your going to San Francisco" McKenzie too.

I'd also love to see a section about music that was inspired by southern music. There is no "Exile on Main St." and countless other classics without the influence of southern music.

Thanks Metro J'ville for a SUPER story and YES let's get my 20 year dream a home in my hometown of J'ville!

Hugh Simpson
http://www.southernmusichall.com

Good news Hugh...hope it works out because it is perfect for Jacksonville!

From Hugh Simpson's blog:

QuoteSo where is The Southern Music Hall of Fame?

Actually it is currently located at this blog. I have been working on this project for over 19 years with my associate/co-founder, Ron Rich. We have looked at more than a dozen locations including Atlanta, GA; Jacksonville, FL; Myrtle Beach, SC; Winston Salem, NC; Durham, NC; Macon, GA; Dalton; GA; Greenville, SC; Charlotte, NC; Chattanooga, TN and Marietta, GA. Each location had its plusses and problems with the main one being parking for as many as 1000 vehicles daily. Our research showed we needed this at any location we might select. We project at least 100,000 visitors the first year of operation.  Seeing the first year attendance numbers for the Georgia Aquarium, this projected number could go much higher.

Hugh, what are your design perameters or site selection criteria?

I think this is a spectacular idea.  How wonderful this would be for our city. 



Diane Melendez

I talked to Hugh this afternoon.  We talked about sites.  It needs to have parking for 1000 plus easy access off 95.  He sees this as a snowbird stop and marketed throughout the south.

I think the Armory meets the parking criteria.  Haven't counted the spaces, but there is parking on the side and in the back.

Now, I need to get in there and take some photos, look around and check out the space.

Hugh has quite a network established including possible funding sources.

This is a total win for Jacksonville. 

Mayor...can we have the armory?  You said "find a use."

Thanks everyone for your. enthusiasm and support!

Yes the converstion with Gloria was very productive.

Pluses for this location:

1. Close to I95

2. Parking seems adequate and will know more when Gloria reports back.

3. Lots of space for expansion including use of auditorium, a Southern music themed restaurant, stores, etc. Also one of my board members who also grew up in J'VILLE suggested a Florida Music Hall of Fame which we explored with Stephen and Terri Lorrence years ago. This could be another section of the buiding.

4. A historic building qualifying for tax credits.

Minuses:

1. My partner Ron started his own investigation and found that mold is a major problem in that building.

2. Sits in flood plane which could cause problems.

If these can be overcome then we could begin to work on Phase One which would only need to be 10,000 sq ft tops and plan to open for 2013 tourist season.

Thanks!

Hugh
http://www.southernmusichall.com

Live music?

Yes we are looking at producing a week long Southern Music festival patterned after New Orleans.

Quote from: thelakelander on October 23, 2012, 11:03:14 AM
From Hugh Simpson's blog:

QuoteSo where is The Southern Music Hall of Fame?

Actually it is currently located at this blog. I have been working on this project for over 19 years with my associate/co-founder, Ron Rich. We have looked at more than a dozen locations including Atlanta, GA; Jacksonville, FL; Myrtle Beach, SC; Winston Salem, NC; Durham, NC; Macon, GA; Dalton; GA; Greenville, SC; Charlotte, NC; Chattanooga, TN and Marietta, GA. Each location had its plusses and problems with the main one being parking for as many as 1000 vehicles daily. Our research showed we needed this at any location we might select. We project at least 100,000 visitors the first year of operation.  Seeing the first year attendance numbers for the Georgia Aquarium, this projected number could go much higher.

Hugh, what are your design perameters or site selection criteria?

We need only 7500-10,000 sq ft for phase 1.

I assume 1,000 parking spaces would be for full build out, not phase 1?

Awesome idea! This would be a great fit for Jacksonville. A converted church and expansion would be a cool idea with a nod towards gospel/soul and its influence on southern rock and rock in general. This is great Jacksonville history and I hope it happens.

This would be an amazing destination for our City.   

The Armory seems like a fit for this..

Annie Lytle is also a fit, though obviously a larger tab.  The advantage is that A/L predates the use of asbestos, so at least that would be a plus.  Finding parking shouldn't be too much of an issue , when most of Brooklyn is vacant.

You're probably not going to find 1,000 ground level parking spaces anywhere in downtown Jacksonville.  For example, the Armory has somewhere between 160 and 170 spaces.  To get 1,000, you'd have to build a pretty big garage.  Just to compare, the seven story courthouse garage covers a full city block and contains 1,350 spaces.  I can't imagine you would need that many spaces for a 10,000 square foot building.

Quote from: thelakelander on October 23, 2012, 11:26:57 PM
You're probably not going to find 1,000 ground level parking spaces anywhere in downtown Jacksonville.  For example, the Armory has somewhere between 160 and 170 spaces.  To get 1,000, you'd have to build a pretty big garage.  Just to compare, the seven story courthouse garage covers a full city block and contains 1,350 spaces.  I can't imagine you would need that many spaces for a 10,000 square foot building.

Good point Lake.

I like this idea.

1000 parking spaces do not have to be located at facility. Just need to be convenient to it. Are any of the proposed buildings on the monorail circuit?

Hugh, I hope you will stick with us here in Jacksonville.  Your idea would be a winner all the way around for our city and country music lovers.  Regarding the mold you spoke about in the Armory, do you have any insight into how extensive it is and the clean up costs?  This would seem to be something that could be negotiated with the city.  Don't give up on us here.  We would love to have this Music Hall!

Hugh, the former Claude Nolan Cadillac Building/Warehouse, Orange and Main, on Confederate Park, and with a parking garage, is also on the market.  Environmental clean up needed, but maybe we can find funding for that somehow.  Just another possibility. 

As for the Skyway, Claude Nolan is about a 5 minute or so walk from the Skyway station at the Rosa Parks bus station, and the Skyway runs to the Kings Avenue multi-story parking garage.  The Armory is another two blocks. from Rosa Parks. Easy walking distance to both.

Anne Little!

Looking at the other thread, Snyder Memorial Church (Hemming Plaza) are on the Skyway line, station at Hemming.  And the Prime Osborn also on the Skyway line.  (Although Ock will tell you the Prime Osborn needs to be the Jacksonville Terminal again, and I'd have to agree with him.)

Maybe we should merge these two threads about this?

Believe I am NOT giving up on J'ville as I am third generation. I am glad the Skyway is so convenient to these locations! The Armory allows for continued growth and also I understand from one of my Board members has a large auditorium that could be used for events.

Thanks and let's keep Rockin and Rollin!

Hugh

Love TIMKINs idea of adapting Annie Lytle to a House of Blues hybrid, live music venue/musem.
AND/OR
locate the MUSEUM on MAIN STREET in Springfield and tie the two together with streetcar/skyway

Aside, I hope to see the day when we see the realization of a vision of AL/ps#4 being used as either a tech school, private high school, with live music bookings on weekends when classrooms are locked and secured,

PARKING THERE IS NOT AN ISSUE with the Fidelity garage nearly empty on the weekends.
Tie the planned dogpark to the Riverside Arts Market and DT via the northbank riverwalk, and Hogans Creek Greenway to Shands, and FSCJ, Edward Waters, circle the inner ring neighborhoods with streetcar on SR111, and link them into the CBD like a spider web.

Hasn't RPDS recovered from over $10million in construction loans?
Doesn't Mr.Milne, the owner of Annie Lytle sit as a board member of BOTH Tarpon Holdings AND RPDS??

HMMMM

I wonder if that is same Milne family that were my Mom's best friends?

Stephen and I discussed the Synder location and personally it seems ideal. A Skyway station right there. 3 or 4 venues for performances within blocks. Close to library. Hemming Park right out the front door. 4 or so blocks from the River. 10,000 sq ft of space on first floor. Potential expandable space next door. Loads of restaurants.

The Snyder location would be excellent. The building is beautiful and would certainly qualify for historic rehab credits.  The acoustics in the old church are fantastic and people could spill out into Hemming park in the evenings.  It would also bring much needed attention to the downtown.  The city has held onto the church far too long and I honestly think there is a good deal to be had with the church.  The city cannot afford to maintain it and have not done a very good job with it to date.  Having the music hall there would be fantastic.  :)  Now how about Annie Lytle becoming a country themed inn and restaurant with entertainment?  Look out Nashville.



Diane M.

Quote from: ricker on October 24, 2012, 05:56:05 PM
Love TIMKINs idea of adapting Annie Lytle to a House of Blues hybrid, live music venue/museum.
AND/OR
locate the MUSEUM on MAIN STREET in Springfield and tie the two together with streetcar/skyway

Aside, I hope to see the day when we see the realization of a vision of AL/ps#4 being used as either a tech school, private high school, with live music bookings on weekends when classrooms are locked and secured,

PARKING THERE IS NOT AN ISSUE with the Fidelity garage nearly empty on the weekends.
Tie the planned dogpark to the Riverside Arts Market and DT via the northbank riverwalk, and Hogans Creek Greenway to Shands, and FSCJ, Edward Waters, circle the inner ring neighborhoods with streetcar on SR111, and link them into the CBD like a spider web.

Hasn't RPDS recovered from over $10million in construction loans?
Doesn't Mr.Milne, the owner of Annie Lytle sit as a board member of BOTH Tarpon Holdings AND RPDS??

HMMMM

Ricker... for Clarity.. Mr. Milne is Chairman of the board of directors of Foundation Holdings IV/ Ida Stevens Foundation.  He has no affiliation with Tarpon who is a subsidiary of Gulf Group Holdings in Aventura Fl.  I believe the owner of GGH is Jonathan Politano.    To my knowledge,  Mr. Milne has no affiliation with them whatsoever.

At this point, I am down with any reasonable solution for Annie Lytle .  Cheshire makes a good suggestion as well.

The question remains... Where to get funding to make such a project viable?

Could investors include some of the local Southern Rockers who got their start here?  Susan Tedeschi-Derek Trucks live in the Jacksonville area, as do some of former members of other bands.  Crowd-sourcing is popular, and this should have appeal beyond Jacksonville.

Now we are talking Chesire Cat! I love people with ENTHUSIASM and VISION! I actually ran an 1896 inn and restaurant in Franklin, NC for 2 years.:-)

Also in Atlanta one of the most successful restaurants for years was The Abbey, an old restored church.

The Snyder Memorial Church is one I remember vividly when my Mom and Dad would go shopping downtown on Saturday and then in Morrison's cafeteria.


Hugh

One of my board members and I are friends with several of these old rockers. Yes I see them pitching in possibly with a Jacksonville Reunion concert which that board member could help happen.

Also my co-founder Ron Rich and my board members have all agreed that we pursue Southern Music Hall of Fame EXCLUSIVELY for Jacksonville!

Jacksonville you are in the driver's seat now:-)

Thanks!

Hugh

Nice similar attempt -- smaller scale and vision -- in St. Petersburg ...love the building...this tearing down nice buildings (as the bank prefers) seems to be quite the affliction.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/realestate/article1258227.ece 

We need a kick-off fundraising event.

Of course, a concert.

All we need is some "wild-eyed southern boys"

Quote from: sheclown on October 25, 2012, 12:37:27 PM
We need a kick-off fundraising event.

Of course, a concert.

All we need is some "wild-eyed southern boys"

^ me likey!!

Hugh, this is very exciting for Jacksonville and I would love to see it happen.  The thing about this is that the idea is not only good but a viable one that is a great fix for this city.  I have often felt that if this city would be able to tap into the country folk here it would not only create activity but open up  interest in many other venues and in downtown.  Face it, Jacksonville is a beautiful place to visit and live and it is time we as a community embrace that.  I do believe that the Snyder and Annie Lytle would be a stimulus to this community in ways unexpected.  Loving this.  :)  Making things happen in this city can be a challenge which I know first hand, but an idea like this is one worth the work.  Using Snyder would also have a very positive impact on Hemming Park which is a real topic of interest and discussion these days. 




Diane Melendez

Diane..  loving that you are back among us with great ideas :)  <3

QuoteMusicians and composers from Jacksonville:

Listed chronologically by year of birth:

    James Weldon Johnson (1871â€"1938) African-American activist; composed words for Negro National Anthem
    John Rosamond Johnson (1873â€"1954) musical composer, brother of James Weldon
    Arthur "Blind" Blake (1893â€"1933) influential blues guitarist
    George Paxton (1914â€"1989) big band jazz leader, saxophonist, composer, producer
    Billy Daniels (1915â€"1988) big band singer, actor
    Samuel Jones (1924â€"1981) jazz bassist and cellist
    Ray Charles (1930â€"2004) blind, soulful singer
    Luther Dixon (1931â€"2009), record producer and songwriter
    Jack Sheldon (born 1931) American bebop and West Coast jazz trumpeter, singer & actor
    Pat Boone (born 1934) popular 1950s singer and teen idol
    Nick Todd (born 1935) pop singer
    Jo Ann Campbell (born 1938) country/pop singer & actress
    Scott McKenzie (born 1939) Rock and roll singer
    Johnny Tillotson (born 1939) pop singer, songwriter, actor
    Gary U.S. Bonds (born 1939) R&B singer
    Jackie Moore (born 1946) R&B singer
    Claude "Butch" Trucks (born 1947) drummer of Allman Brothers Band
    Ronnie Van Zant (1948â€"1977) singer, songwriter, founder of Southern rock band, Lynyrd Skynyrd
    Rick Dees (born 1950) radio disc jockey, recorded #1 novelty hit "Disco Duck"
    Danny Joe Brown (1951â€"2005) songwriter and former singer for the band, Molly Hatchet
    Gary Rossington (born 1951) guitarist, songwriter and founding member of Southern rock band, Lynyrd Skynyrd
    Allen Collins (1952â€"1990) guitarist, songwriter and founding member of Southern rock band, Lynyrd Skynyrd
    Donnie Van Zant (born 1952) lead singer of Southern rock band .38 Special
    Johnny Van Zant (born 1959) lead vocalist for Lynyrd Skynyrd since reforming in 1987
    Glenn Jones (born 1962) R&B/Gospel Singer
    Vic Chesnutt (born 1964) folk rock singer-songwriter
    Fred Durst (born 1970) Lead singer, founder of Nu metal band Limp Bizkit
    James MacDonough (born 1970) former Iced Earth and Megadeth bass player
    Greg Eklund (born 1970) drummer of Everclear
    Scooter Ward (born 1970) singer, founder of post-grunge/alternative metal band Cold
    Jeremy Marshall (born 1971) bassist for the band, Cold
    Terry Balsamo (born 1972) lead guitar for the band, Evanescence
    Rogue (born 1972) lead singer for the American goth/electropop band, The Crüxshadows
    Kelly Hayes (born 1973) lead guitarist for the band, Cold
    Nat (born 1974) Southern Rapper
    Scott Borland (born 1977) former keyboard player for the band, Limp Bizkit
    Mase (born 1977) hip hop star
    Sam Rivers (born 1977) bass player for the band, Limp Bizkit
    Sam McCandless (born 1978) drummer for the band, Cold
    Ryan Key (born 1979) lead singer of the punk rock band, Yellowcard
    Derek Trucks (born 1979) child prodigy on guitar, member of Allman Brothers Band & Derek Trucks Band
    Shannon Wright singer-songwriter
    Asia Cruise (born 1990) contemporary R&B singer

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_from_Jacksonville,_Florida#Musicians_and_composers

Thank Tim!

This is an AWESOME list Gloria! It just shows why Jacksonville is the IDEAL location. Also we can consider adding a Florida Music Hall of Fame which one of my board members would like to see as he grew up in Jacksonville too.:-)

Quote from: sheclown on October 25, 2012, 12:37:27 PM
We need a kick-off fundraising event.

Of course, a concert.

All we need is some "wild-eyed southern boys"

Jim Dandy Mangrum, "Uncle Lijah" and the boys from BLACK OAK ARKANSAS are still rocking. I've also heard in our MJ editorial meetings that Molly Hachett wouldn't mind a little "Flirtin' With Disaster," and have expressed an interest in this exact idea. Blackfoot could come to town on the "TRAIN-TRAIN." Back in September the Ozark Mountain Daredevils band was out "Standing On A Rock" in Poplar Bluff, MO. .38 Special was certainly "Back Where You Belong."  "Can't You See," the Marshall Tucker Band visiting with us? Charlie Daniels knows the "Devil Went Down To Georgia," so he'd probably like to come to Florida. Sadly Ruby Starr is now a "Grey Ghost." Canned Heat loves "Going Up The Country." Lobo says "I'd Love You To Want Me." Wet Willy is all for it, they want us to "Keep On Smiling." Grinderswitch desires us to "Let The South Wind Blow." We'll all be dancing the "Fandango," when ZZ Top hits town. I think we could get the Atlanta Rhythm Section out of "Doraville," to do a benefit concert. Just for fun I'd like to invite Louisiana's LeRoux to "Take a Ride On a Riverboat," and come on down. If we could get LeRoux, I'd hope CJ Chenier would bring their "Bow Legged Woman," along for the ride.

Bottom line Jacksonville, "If You Want To Get To Heaven," we'll do this!

Ocklawaha is bringing back the great memories of Southern Rock. Possibly if we tied in a salute to my Bolles classmate Gram Parsons, members from Lynyrd Skynyrd and Duane Allman then that concert who bring even possibly Keith Richards and others that owe their careers to those that have gone before! It would a HUGE crowd and probably even a TV special.

Hugh

Would the Bostwick Building be in the consideration for the location?

Most definitely need to use a historic building to house this.

I still think the Armory would be ideal.

Main Street Cruise synergy, ample parking, auditorium, room for expansion. 

However, it is the reuse of a historic building into something extremely cool which is important.  It is the celebration of Jacksonville's contribution to music which needs to happen -- to inspire a whole new generation of musicians, and to applaud the lifetime work of geniuses.   It is an identity which is under-appreciated by a city in desperate need of self-respect.

Rock on Jax.

Quote from: hughsimpson on October 24, 2012, 12:23:12 PM
1000 parking spaces do not have to be located at facility. Just need to be convenient to it. Are any of the proposed buildings on the monorail circuit?

Hugh, I wish you success with this. Going forward will be all these options of connectivity and regional outreach. Imagine the Pub Crawl bus outreach for any future concert. Fernandina, Orange Park, St. Augustine, the beaches, the talent and motivation with this forum and it's members will Make It Happen. A street car line will eventually happen.

The cycle lot if you ride your bike. The mold issue can and should be immediately addressed. As for the flood zone. Oh well. Other than that keep sharing your vision. It's exciting!

One of the projects we had considered with Southern Music Hall of Fame was a traveling exhibit using a 42 foot diameter dome that I learned to build with my friend Rob. I studied with the right man to Bucky Fuller. Rob builds the dodecahedron dome which is the strongest dome structure. He just told me he can create a 42 footer that is totally portable and knocks down for $16,000. That would also include he and I delivering it to Jacksonville and teaching a team how to take it up and down. The canvas cover could be done in Jacksonville or we could get it supplied.

I spoke to Simon Malls in Atlanta and they were very interested in having us spend a weekend promoting SMHF when we first considered this. I learned that Jacksonville has 2 Simon malls.

Your local talented creatives could develop a video that could be projected on the wall of the dome along with 8-10 kiosks. Also have a gift shop area.

Our new Southern Music Association could give directionto these creatives.

Hugh

What is Bostwick Building?

Thanks!

Hugh

The Millennial Generation probably doesn't know much about the Southern Rock movement but it certainly was based in JACKSONVILLE.

Here is one of my Youtube Torrents to help you through your studies:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8zTefUMhbI&list=PL1D108F9ABB2A3DF7&feature=mh_lolz

Quote from: hughsimpson on October 26, 2012, 01:29:21 PM
What is Bostwick Building?

Thanks!

Hugh

http://www.metrojacksonville.com/forum/index.php/topic,14721.0.html

Molly Hatchet "Gator Country"

QuoteI've been to Alabama, people ain't a whole lot to see;
Skynyrd says it's a real sweet home but it ain't nothing to me.
Charlie Daniels will tell you the good Lord lives in Tenessee, ha!
But I'm going back to gator country where the wine and the women are free.

Chorus:
There's a gator in the bushes, he's calling my name,
And a saying come on boy, you better make it back home again.
There's many roads I've travelled but they all kind of look the same.
There's a gator in the bushes, Lord, he calling my name.

Old Richard Betts will tell ya Lord he was born a Ramblin' Man.
Well he can ramble back to Georgia but I won't give a damn.
Elvin Bishop out struttin his stuff with little Miss Slick Titty Boom.
But I'm going back to gator country to get me some elbow room.

There's a gator in the bushes he's calling my name.
[| From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/m/molly-hatchet-lyrics/gator-country-lyrics.html |]
and saying come on boy, you better make it back home again.
There's many roads I've travelled but they all kinda look the same.
There's a gator in the bushes, Lord, he calling my name. Yep.

There's Marshall Tucker riding a rainbow searching for a pot of gold.
Well they can take the highway, baby, and they can take all they can hold.
The Outlaws down in Tampa town it's a mighty fine place to be.
They got green grass and got high tides and sure looks good to me.

Chorus:
There's a gator in the bushes, he's calling my name.
Saying come on boy, you better make it back home again.
There's so many roads I've travelled but they all kinda look the same.
There's a gator in the bushes , Lord, he's calling my name.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSa8IWWXX5k

So sad nothing was done with this buikding before it deteriorated so badly.

Hugh

You are so right, Gloria! Gotta love Gator Country even from  a Nole:-)

Just getting my juices going:-)

You need to have a MetroJacksonville sponsored logo contest for Southern Music Hall of Fame.

Hugh

Quote from: hughsimpson on October 26, 2012, 02:34:38 PM
So sad nothing was done with this buikding before it deteriorated so badly.

Hugh

hate to see that building to be demolished.

Quote from: Ocklawaha on October 26, 2012, 02:18:08 PM
The Millennial Generation probably doesn't know much about the Southern Rock movement but it certainly was based in JACKSONVILLE.

Here is one of my Youtube Torrents to help you through your studies:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8zTefUMhbI&list=PL1D108F9ABB2A3DF7&feature=mh_lolz

Well, Jacksonville was a principle city.

Quote from: hughsimpson on October 26, 2012, 02:34:38 PM
So sad nothing was done with this buikding before it deteriorated so badly.

Hugh

unfortunately it is the norm not the exception

Quote from: sheclown on October 26, 2012, 02:58:33 PM

Quote from: hughsimpson on October 26, 2012, 02:34:38 PM
So sad nothing was done with this buikding before it deteriorated so badly.

Hugh

unfortunately it is the norm not the exception

In this situation it was the owner that let it fall in despair though. Either way, sad situation.

Quote from: duvaldude08 on October 26, 2012, 03:18:50 PM

Quote from: sheclown on October 26, 2012, 02:58:33 PM

Quote from: hughsimpson on October 26, 2012, 02:34:38 PM
So sad nothing was done with this buikding before it deteriorated so badly.

Hugh

unfortunately it is the norm not the exception

In this situation it was the owner that let it fall in despair though. Either way, sad situation.

It is one of many allowed to fall into that degree of disrepair.   Myself and volunteers are trying to turn the course on the Annie Lytle, one of the listed endangered buildings..an appx 45,000 square foot Schoolhouse.  Over the last 4 months , an awesome group of volunteers have gone to great lengths to clean up the exterior of the School's yard and we are beginning to address the interior.  So while I don't think this building would be a consideration for the Southern Music Hall of fame,  we are doing these efforts with the hope that we can bring the building to a state where someone , like a group like yours,  or some purpose , such as Diane has suggested,  an Inn and restaurant, Ock's proposal of a TOD / mixed use development,  a private School or College, or whatever we can come up with will have a building that is ready for the remedial work to put back in use. We are getting rid of the debris and decay.

I hope this proposal, wherever it is decided, becomes a reality.  It would be such a great destination venue for Jacksonville.

I would think that the most important thing now is to settle on the BEST location that offers the least amount of renovation and has the least negatives. It would seem to two most viable ones would be the Snyder Memorial Church or the Armory. Would that be a correct assumption? Which one between these two is most viable?

Hugh

I think the Snyder Church would be the better choice since it's located right in the middle of downtown.

The Snyder or space within the Florida Theatre building would probably be more move in ready. However, the armory offers more space and on-site free parking.

I think we need to get inside and take photos, check it out, begin dialogue with the city. 

This is going to be a long process.

As an initial response, I think the armory is best suited for this.  We can tie into the Main Street Cruise.  But any historic structure downtown could work. 

I agree with Gloria and yes it could take awhile; however if there was a traveling exhibit as I have suggested that could get great advance publicity for the Southern Music Hall of Fame.

Hugh

As Stephen suggested I will let you all work on best site selection and I will just be avail for any questions you may have:-)

Hugh

By the way my email is hughmsimpson@gmail.com and cell is 404-561-0865.

Thanks!

Hugh

While at Chamblins this morning, I noticed a wedding party taking pictures in front of Snyder Memorial.

(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/Other/mi/i-nPnZRHM/0/M/P1600075-M.jpg)

(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/Other/mi/i-LDvCb46/0/M/P1600076-M.jpg)

Snyder and Hemming Plaza during the Jazz Festival

(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/1313149592_cq6jz84-M.jpg)

(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/544183044_ubWzL-M.jpg)

(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/1313149681_jhtz9zp-M.jpg)

(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/882974870_EuiqE-M.jpg)

I have some interior images of the Florida Theatre that I'll have to find but I've never been inside Old Stanton or the Armory.

Thanks for these photos!  8)

Hugh

Info on the Armory:

(http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab165/sheclown/armory001.jpg)

Still waiting to get inside for some photos.

Just from own non expert point of view this amount seems pretty large at the current stage of SMHF. Think renovation of Synder would be considerably less?

Most likely.  Snyder is 12,000 square feet and is occasionally used for special events now.  In the event of a music festival, Hemming Plaza, which also has an area for a stage, is directly across Monroe Street.

Is there more to Snyder than the performance space and the adjacent room, that opens into it?  Is that 12,000 square feet?

According to the property appraiser, Snyder's gross floor area is 12,337 square feet.  12,047 square feet of that total is heated.

http://apps.coj.net/PAO_PropertySearch/Basic/Detail.aspx?RE=0737500000

I still like the Sax Restaurant as a location for almost any tourist dependent offering. While it's square footage might be smaller then Snyder, it would be an easy location to sell to tour groups. Within a couple of blocks of I-95, with entrance and exit ramps a stones throw away. The interior is unfurnished but complete, and the entire place is brand-new.
Pave the parking lot and do some landscape and signage and this would be an attractive building. The total square footage is between 6,030 and 7,764 depending on how it was finished out.

Thanks. I know there is a tiny kitchen, I think in the NW corner - having done some soup kitchen work when it was still a church.  Still seems small for a museum.

As to Ock's Sax site - it does offer good expansion opportuinites.

I would love to save an old structure and reuse it.

Hugh, what fills the space? 

We definitely need a "Jacksonville Heritage" portion --

Quote from: Charles Hunter on October 28, 2012, 05:00:17 PM
Thanks. I know there is a tiny kitchen, I think in the NW corner - having done some soup kitchen work when it was still a church.  Still seems small for a museum.

As to Ock's Sax site - it does offer good expansion opportuinites.

(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/Other/mi/i-nGSzzkx/0/XL/Snyder-XL.jpg)
Snyder Memorial

I'm not a fan of Sax.  That's one building and uncompleted parking lot, I'd like to see taken out and replaced by something more grand.  I may be a biased urbanist but it's too isolated from everything else (other than an interstate exit) for my liking.  Also, I can't imagine what amounts to a TGI Friday's stucco box becoming anything that attracts a large amount of people.  Seems like it would be something you visit once and never go back to again.

Part of me looks for spin off economic activities and synergy with things like this.  A Snyder has a Hemming Plaza/skyway station, surrounding businesses, etc. one can play and get innovative with.  The Armory has the chain of parks lining Hogans Creek and even Annie Lytle ties directly with Riverside Park and Five Points.  I also like Sheclown's position of utilizing an available or underutilized historic structure when possible.  Lord knows we have enough of them playing musical chairs with the city's demolition trigger finger.  The longer they sit, the better the chance that they'll go the way of the dinosaur.

These locations aside, two others I'd suggest would be the Florida Theatre and Seminole Club.  The Florida Theatre has like six or seven floors of space that can be gutted and better utilized.  Also, if the Snyder is too small at 12,000 square feet, the Seminole Club on the other side of Hemming offers 22,000 square feet of space with a fairly new elevator.

(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/875178010_sqd8P-M.jpg)

The Florida Theater seems a good option, too.  Lots of space above a beautiful theater.  The Seminole Club is an interesting option, although, if the HOF wants to serve alcohol, proximity to FBC would be a hindrance.

I was thinking, but didn't type, "one good thing" about the Sax site.  I agree, it would do nothing for downtown.  :)

Yes I saw the photos supplied and even right now you could easily install the double sided DVD kiosks in that space creating what I call the Yellow Brick Road intertwining the history of the eight genres of music that originated in the South.

That being said I want to make it abundantly clear that my co-creator, Ron Rich, and I have past on the future vision and direction of the SMHF to Jacksonville. We created a concept and now it is time for the creatives of my hometown to bring it to completion!

I will certainly be there to share ideas that I have developed but the CREATION MUST OUTLIVE THE CREATORS!

Just to clarify I was referring to interior shots of church and had not seen those of Sax, Florida Theater and Seminole Club. I understand that Florida Theater would not have ground level space. Do you think that would be mandatory in any scenario?

It could.  The Florida Theater has a ground level lobby with two elevators and a "grand stairwell", that is separate from the theater's main entrance.  There are also a couple of underutilized ground level storefronts adjacent to it.  You can see the entrance (behind the tree) in the image below:

(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/Other/mi/i-XpcwcQK/0/M/Florida-Theatre-M.jpg)

You can't see much in this shot, but this was taken inside of it last year.

(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/1479023970_rjXSdL4-M.jpg)

Thanks, Lakelander for these photos of the grand old Florida Theater! Brings back wonderful memories:-)

Hugh

What's the overall project budget?

Great question.

What do we want in this project? 

Looking at the info She Clown posted about the Armory, the lead/mold abatement number isn't as large as I thought it would be.  The City is working on a plan for Hogan's Creek now.  I wonder if, to gain an attraction such as this could be, they would throw sufficient incentives in to do the flood control, or do it themselves as they plan to do anyway.  With those two issues taken care of, the Armory would be ideal.  Such a grand building, on the Emerald Necklace, and a short walk to the Skyway. 

The actual budget for renovation will have to be determined by you all in Jacksonville depending on the location. To actually build and equip the kioks and other cool displays could run $100,000 and up.

What about 9th and Main as a starting point?  City owns it and is doing a rather poor job of maintaining it.  We could help in that regard.

Seminole Club is a pretty intriguing idea too.  And the interior seems to be in good shape.

Just checking in to see how things are shaping up.

I know this could be a long process but I am with you as long as you want to pursue it!

We are busy launching http://www.southernmusicassociation.com which will act as a clearing house for information on Southern Music. We already have several top experts joining with us!

Remember I am here for you if you have any questions.

Thanks

Hugh

Depending on what the city council and DIA does with the Bostwick Building it might be the best of all choices, located as it is a simple block from the Landing, future streetcar and the Riverwalk, and but a very short walk from the Skyway. If the Skyway is ever expanded east as it should be, it would be right outside.

As it is the building is but a shell, if the city buys it out it could be a great first project for a DIA renovation project. That ought to allow a virtual custom floor plan in a very historic shell.

I like the idea of the Bostwick Building .  A great adaptive reuse for it.  What to do with the Armory though? ( not to alter the thread)

Who owns the Seminole Club building?

the City.

ck this out!

http://nfmhof.com/

North Florida Music Hall of Fame

This is the first I have heard of it. Sounds like a really cool idea. Too bad it did not work out here in Jax.

I stopped following the story in July when it was made known that the key backers both in general support and funding wanted to be in Atlanta. No surprise here, even though Jacksonville could've been a great spot we didn't necessarily drop the ball as much as we weren't really paying attention until half time.

congrats to Atlanta!

Perhaps someday Jacksonville can do something cool like this.

After 60 plus years living in Jax, which is where I've lived most of those 60 plus years I know nothing like this will EVER happen in Jacksonville. It's shocking we got the Jaguars. I was thrilled we got Nordstrom. Sorry, I guess I'm having another negative day but I'm not surprised this idea was nothing more than an exciting pipe dream. If you wan't to help me get out of my funk please advise me of a great idea that we have seen actually happen in Jax.

Quote from: avonjax on November 21, 2013, 09:42:19 PMplease advise me of a great idea that we have seen actually happen in Jax.

one spark?

Quote from: ProjectMaximus on November 21, 2013, 11:15:53 PM

Quote from: avonjax on November 21, 2013, 09:42:19 PMplease advise me of a great idea that we have seen actually happen in Jax.

one spark?

The Jaguars, new arena, library and baseball park, CORK, 7 breweries in 5 years, and RAM. Tomorrow there's a food truck rally.

Quote from: JayBird on November 21, 2013, 05:02:14 PM
I stopped following the story in July when it was made known that the key backers both in general support and funding wanted to be in Atlanta.

Atlanta has spent much of the last 30 years cultivating a tourism/visitor industry.  It started with Underground Atlanta, the Georgia World Congress Center and the Omni being built....followed by the Olympics, opening of the Georgia Aquarium and relocation of World of Coca Cola, and the soon to open College Football Hall of Fame.

Like many industries, visitor sites like to be near each other....its why having all those "competing" theme parks in Orlando makes each of them more successful.   

^It's also why the USS Adams and an Aquarium probably won't draw tons of people if added to the downtown landscape by themselves.  It's also why a Nordstrom or Macy's would go to SJTC instead of remotely considering DT Jax.