Existing arts non-profits joining forces to open an arts & cultural hub in the city-owned historic Armory building.
This sounds promising:
http://myspringfield.org/people-places/the-artery-at-the-armory
IF the city is going to practically give the space away, this is the type of thing it should be for. Very cool.
Hope this works out.
Have the Sons of Confederacy abandoned their plans for this structure? Whatever happened to the ordinance that Kim Daniels sponsored? Because of the surrounding sprawly context, it most likely would not have the same impact as the Torpedo Factory in Virginia but it's an interesting proposal to consider.
The fact that their own promo video cites the ability to complete the repairs in "phases" leaves me concerned about their ability to execute.
It sounds like a great idea but if they can't get the $$ together for the necessary repairs, is their proposal really better than a group that can?
Again, good idea to consider.
BRAVO !
icarus,
There's no proposal on the table that would have the cash to complete all the work at once. COJ estimated millions in needed repairs for building.
From looking at the DIA/Downtown CRA plan website, it seems some coordination is needed...
QuoteWhat could the DIA do to help establish a formal Arts District along the Laura Street Corridor (see attached map)?
(http://content.mindmixer.com/Live/Projects/cityofjacksonvillefl/files/101693/Supersites_Laura.jpg?635194813975100000)
The City has invested money in recent years to beautiful the streetscape along Laura Street. Hemming Plaza and the Jacksonville Landing, ground zero for large special events anchor the corridor. MOCA and the T-U Performing Arts Center are tremendous cultural centers located on each end of the corridor. The Spark District is being promoted west of the corridor. What specific investments and initiatives can the DIA pursue that would help solidify this area as Downtown's Arts District and compliment the Spark District?
link: http://imaginedtjax.mindmixer.com/promoting-the-arts
I met, and had a conversation with, one of the guys behind this.
The idea (and why they need such a large space) is because they want to house some of the larger equipment artists need. (Large printing machines, kilns, stuff like that) When you are in a privately owned building, that is being rented to the artists while it is on the market- you cannot move in and install large machines, because if the building sells you have to move them.
Moving a several ton printing press is no joke, and in some cases I can imagine the installation of VERY large machines, coinciding with certain renovations so they can actually get those machines inside.
This is why they want a COJ owned building, and such a large one.
Also, who better to put in labor, but the artists? Crafts-people?
As an example- My (basically) Father in Law, is a metal sculptor- formerly a master fabricator- he could do ANYTHING that that building needed that was related to metalwork. Structural or decorative.
I think the artists are the best shot for this building to be saved.
Is this proposal essentially what CoRK and the warehouses surrounding it have been turning into?
I am not sure.
I don't know if CoRK is meant to be as "permanent" as what these guys are trying to build.
The Gentleman I spoke to used the example of a person who went to art school for something like screen printing.
Where would someone go to practice their craft?
They would have to own their own machines, and keep them somewhere.
The idea behind this space is to have a place where someone who doesn't own their own equipment could come and have access.
Thanks, I get it. So something like Jax Hax (http://blarg.jaxhax.org/) in the old Union Terminal Warehouse near Old City Cemetery, CoRK and King Street Studios all rolled up into one.
I like this idea so much better than a war museum, no matter who runs it. It could jumpstart Springfield as another arts hub in the City. Maybe jump start what could be very cool lofts, etc. in the warehouse district, just 10 blocks north. LOVE IT. Let's support it 110%. Let's see what we can do to help.
I have my doubts that there's enough readily available building fabric in place to jump start a bonefide arts hub/district outside of this particular site. It certainly wouldn't spill over to the warehouse district on 14th Street. This doesn't mean this isn't a good use for the site but we should temper our expectations, given the context and that fact that complementing facilities are somewhat scattered across the urban core.
Nevertheless, there's an opportunity to utilize this site as an destination anchor for the Hogans Creek Greenway. The idea also strengthens the thought of right sizing Liberty Street to include a separated cycle track connecting the greenway to the riverwalk.
I think I'm going to have to agree with Lakelander on this one. The Armory is such a large space that its hard for me to believe that it would have much spill over effect. Plus, its location at State and Market isn't exactly the most pedestrian friendly.
I do have issue with the fact that the City operated the Parks Department out of the building until 2010 and yet made no real effort to remediate the decay or to address the deferred maintenance issues.
Also, I would like to see someone clean up the haphazard parking lot and restore some greenspace along the creek similar to what is between Newnan and Market street (every little bit of green helps).
I always thought the old Claude Nolan building at First and Main Street would be a great arts and education center. It would be nice if the two could play off one another somehow because they're so close, but just this idea by itself looks like a ideal use for the building.
^ I think a lot of people have looked at that site for artists lofts, music/entertainment venues and similar types of things. I think spillover would be more likely to occur there, along the park, and in the surrounding area, than the warehouse district in the short term at least.
I agree with Icarus that the City should have kept the building up over the years they were in it. Isn't that what they expect of everyone else? As for spillover not being practical, whatever. It can't hurt to have an arts hub there, for sure. Still a great use of the building, and so much better than a war museum.
I see Jacksonville as the art center of the south.
Looks like there will be competition for use of the historic Armory building.
http://bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2013/11/21/arts-groups-sons-of-confederate-vets.html?r=full
The Sons of the Confederacy seeks to use it as a Southern military museum, via bill sponsored by Kimberly Daniels.
Others in city council prefer the arts coalition proposal.
A public meeting between Kimberly Daniels and Council President Bill Gulliford to discuss the conflicting plans has been scheduled for Tuesday, Nov 26th @ 2:30pm (4th floor, Conference Room B), and those interested in seeing the arts hub come to fruition are encouraged to attend in a show of support.
If you cannot attend, please take a moment to send an email to our City Council:
Clay@coj.net
WBishop@coj.net
RClark@coj.net
Redman@coj.net
LBoyer@coj.net
MattS@coj.net
Gaffney@coj.net
EDLee@coj.net
WAJones@coj.net
RBrown@coj.net
Holt@coj.net
Doylec@coj.net
Gulliford@coj.net
JimLove@coj.net
KimDaniels@coj.net
JRC@coj.net
Joost@coj.net
GAnderson@coj.net
RLumb@coj.net
I see an arts center as a great thing, however that being said I would question what they'll bring to the table. This Sons of Confederacy appears to be willing to pay for the expenses associated with rehabbing the property. Because it sounds like it will be very expensive, can this Artist Coalition provide the same? Sons of Confederacy has a paper trail of their intentions leading back 3 years from what I could quickly find on Google, whereas the Artist Coalition seems to have materialized this idea within the last 2-3 months. Perhaps, it would be better to allow this Sons group to take responsibility and implement their plan while the Coalition focuses on areas such as Springfield Warehouse District, Claude Nolan/Orange Avenue site or the DIA Art District attempt. The community will benefit immensely from an integrated arts district, but in my opinion in this case I think the Sons will bring more value to this property in the long run. Just my opinion, what do others think? Do we have anyone in the artist community that has viewed some of these sites?
Perhaps the city should issue an RFP for the building since there appears to be multiple parties interested in it.
Quote from: JayBird on November 21, 2013, 06:40:28 PM
I see an arts center as a great thing, however that being said I would question what they'll bring to the table. This Sons of Confederacy appears to be willing to pay for the expenses associated with rehabbing the property. Because it sounds like it will be very expensive, can this Artist Coalition provide the same? Sons of Confederacy has a paper trail of their intentions leading back 3 years from what I could quickly find on Google, whereas the Artist Coalition seems to have materialized this idea within the last 2-3 months. Perhaps, it would be better to allow this Sons group to take responsibility and implement their plan while the Coalition focuses on areas such as Springfield Warehouse District, Claude Nolan/Orange Avenue site or the DIA Art District attempt. The community will benefit immensely from an integrated arts district, but in my opinion in this case I think the Sons will bring more value to this property in the long run. Just my opinion, what do others think? Do we have anyone in the artist community that has viewed some of these sites?
To be honest, I think this arts concept works better in a place that allows for more spill over effect. Some place like the CoRK area or the Union Terminal warehouse complex, where similar uses are already operating and other underutilized spaces are in close proximity. However, you also need the right type of space for what's proposed and that type of space may not be available in those areas. Overall, while I think the arts concept is a better use, I share the same concerns as you. It may be best to issue an RFP for the property instead of outright moving forward with either group's concept.
Quote from: CityLife on November 19, 2013, 05:15:54 PM
^ I think a lot of people have looked at that site for artists lofts, music/entertainment venues and similar types of things. I think spillover would be more likely to occur there, along the park, and in the surrounding area, than the warehouse district in the short term at least.
The Armory is next to the park, within sight of The Claude Nolan building, not in the warehouse district.
I think the last thing we need is a confederate war museum. Anywhere, really.
Can we please stop paying homage to past intolerance? Jebus Cryyyst.
If they really want a confederate war museum, why not use/fix the EH Thompson building, next to confederate park?
I DO think that having something like this in the SPR warehouse district would make more sense in terms of the effect. An Art hub could have impact in that district as a whole (ala CoRK), if its not going to be adjacent to the current art district. It makes more sense to have empty, available space around it for a community to build up and rally around. The armory building would not allow for that.
Quote from: thelakelander on November 21, 2013, 07:34:17 PM
To be honest, I think this arts concept works better in a place that allows for more spill over effect. Some place like the CoRK area or the Union Terminal warehouse complex, where similar uses are already operating and other underutilized spaces are in close proximity. However, you also need the right type of space for what's proposed and that type of space may not be available in those areas. Overall, while I think the arts concept is a better use, I share the same concerns as you. It may be best to issue an RFP for the property instead of outright moving forward with either group's concept.
Agreed, good points. An artist environment certainly would be more community interactive.
Quote from: GoldenEst82 on November 22, 2013, 12:00:12 PM
I think the last thing we need is a confederate war museum. Anywhere, really.
Can we please stop paying homage to past intolerance? Jebus Cryyyst.
If they really want a confederate war museum, why not use/fix the EH Thompson building, next to confederate park?
I DO think that having something like this in the SPR warehouse district would make more sense in terms of the effect. An Art hub could have impact in that district as a whole (ala CoRK), if its not going to be adjacent to the current art district. It makes more sense to have empty, available space around it for a community to build up and rally around. The armory building would not allow for that.
Technically I don't think it can be considered a museum, they want it for their meetings, events and historical exhibits (close to a museum). However, your post brings up a very interesting point. Perhaps we NEED a confederate museum that teaches the truth (whatever that is). As a student from north of the Mason-Dixon Line, I was always taught the Civil War (which is what this groups membership are descendants of, similar to a VFW Hall) was about the northern states trying to take a larger piece of the pie from the rich, agricultural states of the South. That actual slavery-confederates connections didn't become linked in history for hate until the mid-1900's.
Perhaps an institution that educated would be beneficial to the community (and a certain Sgarey forum poster).
Quote from: thelakelander on November 21, 2013, 07:26:35 PM
Perhaps the city should issue an RFP for the building since there appears to be multiple parties interested in it.
I'd like to see the City take a more targeted/strategic approach to the use or disposition of some of its surplus assets rather than the business as usual approach of issuing RFP's that award the assets to the highest bidder (not that you were suggesting that would be the determining factor, but it is the typical approach). Strategically designating assets for uses that will spark activity and thereby raise the value of surrounding assets can create momentum for continued revitalization as well as increase property tax revenue. Takes some vision and leadership by the mayor to sell it to the public though....
Not that I don't disagree but that would require taking a big step back and looking at the entire city and urban core holistically. Unfortunately, I don't see it happening anytime soon.
The city has been considering for over a year an RFP for the purpose of cataloguing all city owned assets (my understanding it that no comprehensive list of COJ real property assets exists) and then determining the highest and best use for the surplus assets. Not sure if that process would produce those kinds of strategic recommendations. More likely would be focused on generating maximum revenue.
True. An RFP can be written to seek proposals that strategically spark activity and thereby raise the value of surrounding assets, creating momentum for additional revitalization. The devil is in the details of writing a good RFP. Getting those details right would involve first taking a step back and looking at your overall city/neighborhood visions holistically.
Vision & leadership needed.
The ARTery Party is this evening, 6-8:30pm at Karpeles Museum (1st & Laura Street).
It's a fundraiser for The ARTery, the proposed arts & cultural hub in the historic Armory building in the Downtown/Springfield area, which would serve the entire city.
Silent auction, many artists, music, food & drink. Tickets are $10. Should be good time for a good cause - I know many people attending the Hob Nob straw poll are going to the party afterwards.
Event & ticket info: https://www.facebook.com/events/695646353837115/
Here we are, about a decade later. Still spinning wheels. Unforseen renovation costs..... who would have thunk?
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/reva-development-city-working-on-new-deal-for-armory-renovation
Securing financing will definitely be a challenge on this one. No matter how much money is put into it, until something is done with Hogans Creek, it's still prone to being flooded at any moment.
Quote from: thelakelander on September 15, 2022, 12:54:36 PM
Securing financing will definitely be a challenge on this one. No matter how much money is put into it, until something is done with Hogans Creek, it's still prone to being flooded at any moment.
This one should just go ice until 2030. By that time, the creek should be done-ish, and the value of the property may be enough to where incentives aren't needed.