Imagine if COJ focused on Hemming the way that NAI Hallmark is doing with Unity Plaza?
QuoteFirst of all, make sure you read all the building permits today. It's a very busy week.
Meanwhile, construction continues on 220 Riverside and its developers are taking an interesting approach to the retail space. Alex Coley, principal with NAI Hallmark Partners, said the firm has hired a food and beverage consultant to help them understand the marketplace. (Actually, he called it the "psychographics of the community.")
"We really want to develop a holistic approach to the food and beverages," he said.
He assures us there will be no national chains and, instead, is asking people around town for the best of what they've seen in Jacksonville and elsewhere.
There will be three and perhaps four food/drink spaces in the retail strip, along with some kiosks. The retail will be along the lines of bicycle rentals, newsstands and bookstores, he said.
He also hired music and arts consultants to make recommendations about how best to use the park called Unity Plaza.
Construction on the 294-unit apartment building, retail strip and park has been going on for about nine months. Coley said it will probably take another year.
Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/business/2013-08-11/story/sunday-business-notebook-220-riverside-hiring-food-consultant#ixzz2bknNXcJa