Hendricks Avenue: The Next Hot Urban District
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/2675431245_SPXC3Qj-M.jpg)
San Marco's Hendricks Avenue continues to emerge as Jacksonville's latest nightlife and dining district. Metro Jacksonville's Major Stephenson provides us with a closer look.
Read More: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2014-jan-hendricks-avenue-the-next-hot-urban-district
Very Positive.
What about the new bar across from Aardwolf: The Sidecar?
My first time hearing of it. Please do tell more? Will this bar be located in the building next to the new Panera or on the block with Green Erth?
Quote from: thelakelander on January 30, 2014, 07:21:32 AM
My first time hearing of it. Please do tell more? Will this bar be located in the building next to the new Panera or on the block with Green Erth?
This is all they have up so far. I believe it'll be associated w/ (or attached to) Veloce pizza. Not 100% sure yet. More info to come (it's not my project, but I know the guy whose doing it)
Good article. Like seeing all the things happening there and in San Marco with the redesign of San Marco Blvd and Balis Park.
What's funny though is my mindset about walkability. From Aardwolf to Balis Park is about half a mile. Just a ten minute walk. Just a little bit further than Salty Fig to Lola's. I think a lot has to do with the buffer from the street. On King St. parking spots buffer you from traffic on the road so it doesn't feel like you're walking so close to traffic and vulnerable.
I don't know, maybe it's just me.
As a long time patron of San Marco restaurants, stores & movie theater & of course Theater Jacksonville, I'm so happy that they expanded neighborhood is becoming more walkable & urban.
Aardwolf is cool but why such an early last call? 11pm on a Saturday night?
Though, even with all of this extra retail space, soon the residents of San Marco will grow cranky at the parking issue and eventual run out of retail space, I do hope that people will another look at Edgewood Avenue in Murray Hill!
Quote from: pierre on January 30, 2014, 08:59:06 AM
Aardwolf is cool but why such an early last call? 11pm on a Saturday night?
For San Marco residents who work the evening shift the only option is Sherwoods, which is cool and all but can be too smoky for many.
Cool picture from the Green Lion Festival. Love it.
Quote from: BoldBoyOfTheSouth on January 30, 2014, 09:00:03 AM
Though, even with all of this extra retail space, soon the residents of San Marco will grow cranky at the parking issue and eventual run out of retail space, I do hope that people will another look at Edgewood Avenue in Murray Hill!
There's enough room for all of Jax's older commercial districts to fill up with businesses once again. The main reason most have fallen is because the urban core's population and density have dropped 50% since 1950. If we can get more of our established neighborhoods to stabilize their population decline and begin to see growth, many storefronts on streets like Main, McDuff, Phoenix, Kings, Myrtle, Edison, Philip Randolph, Moncrief, Edgewood, etc. will naturally see higher occupancy rates, regardless of what takes place in the suburbs and surrounding counties.
Quote from: Bridges on January 30, 2014, 08:04:53 AM
Good article. Like seeing all the things happening there and in San Marco with the redesign of San Marco Blvd and Balis Park.
What's funny though is my mindset about walkability. From Aardwolf to Balis Park is about half a mile. Just a ten minute walk. Just a little bit further than Salty Fig to Lola's. I think a lot has to do with the buffer from the street. On King St. parking spots buffer you from traffic on the road so it doesn't feel like you're walking so close to traffic and vulnerable.
I don't know, maybe it's just me.
They illustrate the importance of context sensitive street design, the mobility fee's priority projects, bike/ped safety and highlight why our roadway design standards should be revamped. Hendricks is definitely a street where the continuous 12' wide center turn lane should have been omitted in the roadway's reconfiguration nearly 10 years ago. Without that center turn lane, there would have been room for wider sidewalks (outdoor dining opportunities) and more parking. Anyway, even now, it's not too late. It can still be "right-sized" by restriping. However, that means we'd have to be willing to give up a lane for cars in favor of the bike and pedestrian experience.
Y'all know the exit ramp from I-95 south to Hendricks Ave is going away with the Overland Bridge Project.
Quote from: Overstreet on January 30, 2014, 09:20:25 AM
Y'all know the exit ramp from I-95 south to Hendricks Ave is going away with the Overland Bridge Project.
yes...starting next week
Hmm, that's going to make getting from Springfield/Downtown to San Marco more difficult.
^One solution would be to extend the Skyway a short distance (less than a half mile) on either end, making it a pretty useful urban core transit line. However, that would involve actually investing in transit, which is a four letter word to many locally.
Hmm. Like a mobility fee credit adjustment or TIF district.
Indeed, only real issue that I have with the San Marco district is there lack of safe bike lanes.
^That's an easy fix. San Marco has a grid, so it already has a number of safer parallel routes a block or so away from major corridors. Also, with a simple change in the city's roadway design standards, right-sizing the main streets can be done quickly. The major issue San Marco's streets face are the same faced by other neighborhoods. Change eventually has to be implemented through City Hall for some of these things to become reality.
Quote from: Overstreet on January 30, 2014, 09:20:25 AM
Y'all know the exit ramp from I-95 south to Hendricks Ave is going away with the Overland Bridge Project.
On my commute home yesterday I noticed that they are starting to build up the wall for the roadway just west of Hendricks. It's about 50 yards south of the current traffic lanes. Will I-95 really be that wide when the project is finished?? That's like 120 yards of roadway.
In response to Bridges comment, I agree that A-wolf feels much farther from the square than it is. It wasn't until I started doing the weekly run at the brewery that I realized how easy that walk is. I blame lighting, the lack of a continuous sight line, and the higher speed of traffic for why the walk seems longer. While running along Hendricks, I have almost been hit by 2 cars who weren't looking for pedestrians. Both times I had the right of way.
Quote from: Captain Zissou on January 30, 2014, 10:32:03 AM
Quote from: Overstreet on January 30, 2014, 09:20:25 AM
Y'all know the exit ramp from I-95 south to Hendricks Ave is going away with the Overland Bridge Project.
On my commute home yesterday I noticed that they are starting to build up the wall for the roadway just west of Hendricks. It's about 50 yards south of the current traffic lanes. Will I-95 really be that wide when the project is finished?? That's like 120 yards of roadway.
In response to Bridges comment, I agree that A-wolf feels much farther from the square than it is. It wasn't until I started doing the weekly run at the brewery that I realized how easy that walk is. I blame lighting, the lack of a continuous sight line, and the higher speed of traffic for why the walk seems longer. While running along Hendricks, I have almost been hit by 2 cars who weren't looking for pedestrians. Both times I had the right of way.
I noticed this too, and the answer is yes. It is going to be 15 lanes wide through that part.
As a Jax native who lives in Atl, I have always said this road(area) should become an urban district. It could connect San Marco with the Southbank and downtown.
No mention of Jack Rabbits? While the interior of that place kills me they have had have some of the hands down best underground shows in Jacksonville.
Quote from: Captain Zissou on January 30, 2014, 10:32:03 AM
Quote from: Overstreet on January 30, 2014, 09:20:25 AM
Y'all know the exit ramp from I-95 south to Hendricks Ave is going away with the Overland Bridge Project.
On my commute home yesterday I noticed that they are starting to build up the wall for the roadway just west of Hendricks. It's about 50 yards south of the current traffic lanes. Will I-95 really be that wide when the project is finished?? That's like 120 yards of roadway.
that's nothing compared with the widening on I-275 through the Westshore part of Tampa right now...or for that matter, the reconstruction of I-4 through Orlando that will get started next year
Its great if you like a place that's nothing but restaurants & bars, but it needs more of a human feel (like a park, general places to chill, etc). Right now it feels like a suburban/urban mishmash. Most of San Marco has always struck me as that.
Quote from: Captain Zissou on January 30, 2014, 10:32:03 AM
Quote from: Overstreet on January 30, 2014, 09:20:25 AM
Y'all know the exit ramp from I-95 south to Hendricks Ave is going away with the Overland Bridge Project.
On my commute home yesterday I noticed that they are starting to build up the wall for the roadway just west of Hendricks. It's about 50 yards south of the current traffic lanes. Will I-95 really be that wide when the project is finished?? That's like 120 yards of roadway.
In response to Bridges comment, I agree that A-wolf feels much farther from the square than it is. It wasn't until I started doing the weekly run at the brewery that I realized how easy that walk is. I blame lighting, the lack of a continuous sight line, and the higher speed of traffic for why the walk seems longer. While running along Hendricks, I have almost been hit by 2 cars who weren't looking for pedestrians. Both times I had the right of way.
I think another thing that contributes to this is that Hendricks feels disconnected from the square. North of Atlantic, it's really not until you get to the Landon intersection that there's any more street-facing storefronts, and that's nearly a quarter mile away. I think some of the upcoming projects (East San Marco, the building across the street, and the planned building at 1917 Hendricks) will do a lot to change that. There will probably also be more demand for street parking, too, which may give some incentive for restriping.
^ But if they make mass-transit work well there'd be little need for extra parking. But the really difficult thing would be convincing the general populous that they're not too good to ride it.
On another note, does Hurricanes still do the 50 cent wings on Mondays? They have a great variety of flavors. I really like the rasberry glazed wings, such a weird flavor to think of, but really excellent taste!
Quote from: urbaknight on February 01, 2014, 11:18:39 AM
On another note, does Hurricanes still do the 50 cent wings on Mondays? They have a great variety of flavors. I really like the rasberry glazed wings, such a weird flavor to think of, but really excellent taste!
yes
Quote from: BoldBoyOfTheSouth on January 30, 2014, 09:00:03 AM
........ I do hope that people will another look at Edgewood Avenue in Murray Hill!
Maybe some day San Marco folk will be drawn to Murray Hill
That's why parking is so important
Quote from: jaxlore on January 31, 2014, 12:44:09 PM
No mention of Jack Rabbits? While the interior of that place kills me they have had have some of the hands down best underground shows in Jacksonville.
Don't know when you were in there last, but they've done a pretty solid job revamping and updating it. No smoking inside anymore either....I think. Either way, heads and tails about where it started.
QuoteIf we can get more of our established neighborhoods to stabilize their population decline and begin to see growth, many storefronts on streets like Main, McDuff, Phoenix, Kings, Myrtle, Edison, Philip Randolph, Moncrief, Edgewood, etc. will naturally see higher occupancy rates, regardless of what takes place in the suburbs and surrounding counties.
Need to slow the traffic down, like they have done on San Marco Blvd with the roundabout and general feel of a slower area. Hendricks is a straight road for the most part from Prudential Drive to Balis Park, sure there are some lights but most people don't really have to pay attention to curves in the road along this path. It feels like its a speedway compared to San Marco Blvd. If you can slow down the cars, I think you can accomplish what you are trying to do in the quote above.
Quote from: RockStar on February 02, 2014, 01:29:47 PM
Quote from: jaxlore on January 31, 2014, 12:44:09 PM
No mention of Jack Rabbits? While the interior of that place kills me they have had have some of the hands down best underground shows in Jacksonville.
Don't know when you were in there last, but they've done a pretty solid job revamping and updating it. No smoking inside anymore either....I think. Either way, heads and tails about where it started.
I think the impression that most people get who haven't been in there is based on the exterior. Not exactly awe-inspiring
QuoteI think the impression that most people get who haven't been in there is based on the exterior. Not exactly awe-inspiring
Neither was the old Shell Station in Historic Avondale, but somehow they found a way to tear it down. San Marco not a historic district, that whole row of businesses, including the rabbit, could be torn down without so much as a protest.
I am aware that the old Morton's Steakhouse near The Peninsula is under contract to physicians. They will be converting it into medical offices. Closing should be pretty soon.
Quote from: MusicMan on May 24, 2018, 12:04:55 PM
I am aware that the old Morton's Steakhouse near The Peninsula is under contract to physicians. They will be converting it into medical offices. Closing should be pretty soon.
That's too bad. I was sort of hoping that lot could be "urbanized." The old Morton's structure looks as though it belongs in Baymeadows and not downtown. Such prime property in the core would ideally have a much more intense use, and a far more pedestrian accessible design. More apartments with physicians' offices on the ground floor.
It sat FOR SALE for 6 years. First contract to make it through due diligence.....
Anyway, down the road it is zoned for a 5 or 6 story tower there, so you may some day get your wish.
Quote from: sanmarcomatt on May 24, 2018, 12:32:52 PM
Quote from: jaxnyc79 on May 24, 2018, 12:19:26 PM
Quote from: MusicMan on May 24, 2018, 12:04:55 PM
I am aware that the old Morton's Steakhouse near The Peninsula is under contract to physicians. They will be converting it into medical offices. Closing should be pretty soon.
That's too bad. I was sort of hoping that lot could be "urbanized." The old Morton's structure looks as though it belongs in Baymeadows and not downtown. Such prime property in the core would ideally have a much more intense use, and a far more pedestrian accessible design. More apartments with physicians' offices on the ground floor.
Love the thinking but let me tell you a story.
There once was a magical place called East San Marco......
Is it not a story the Jedi would tell?
Astute observation about the "quality of the walk" improving on Hendricks. As Southbank residents, my better half routinely thinks we live in San Marco and not Downtown... as we walk quite a bit up and down Hendricks/San Marco Square. If we go to the Northbank for dinner, its by car... as the 'quality of walk' is not particularly desirable.
Just for fun, now would be a good time to revisit some of these articles to get a sense of how much Hendricks Ave, San Marco Blvd and Balis Park have changed over the past 13 years.
Hendricks:
https://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2006-nov-hendricks-avenue-streetscape-photo-tour
https://www.thejaxsonmag.com/article/additional-development-proposed-for-san-marco-station/
https://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2012-apr-the-aardwolf-is-coming/page/
San Marco Boulevard / Balis Park:
https://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2009-nov-a-new-look-for-san-marco-boulevard
https://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2011-jun-san-marco-boulevard-before-after
https://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2013-aug-before-after-san-marco-squares-balis-park
https://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2012-nov-a-public-square-for-san-marco
Quote from: fieldafm on November 15, 2019, 10:19:22 AM
Astute observation about the "quality of the walk" improving on Hendricks. As Southbank residents, my better half routinely thinks we live in San Marco and not Downtown... as we walk quite a bit up and down Hendricks/San Marco Square. If we go to the Northbank for dinner, its by car... as the 'quality of walk' is not particularly desirable.
Just for fun, now would be a good time to revisit some of these articles to get a sense of how much Hendricks Ave, San Marco Blvd and Balis Park have changed over the past 13 years.
Hendricks:
https://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2006-nov-hendricks-avenue-streetscape-photo-tour
https://www.thejaxsonmag.com/article/additional-development-proposed-for-san-marco-station/
https://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2012-apr-the-aardwolf-is-coming/page/
San Marco Boulevard / Balis Park:
https://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2009-nov-a-new-look-for-san-marco-boulevard
https://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2011-jun-san-marco-boulevard-before-after
https://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2013-aug-before-after-san-marco-squares-balis-park
https://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2012-nov-a-public-square-for-san-marco
That sounds like an article.
Re: Hendricks Ave across from Reddi Arts' current location - with all the apartments etc. going up over there and one planned to take Reddi Arts' place, I'd like to know where in the heck the handicapped parking will be for those of us wishing to go to Tidbits or Fifi's? There is absolutely none available now. I know there is additional parking way in the back of Tb/Fifi's, or across the street alongside RA, but the key word here is handicapped. I'm not willing to take my life in my own hands for chicken salad, no matter how good it is. I know there's another location, but driving to Baymeadows may have to just be the only answer - for me, anyway. I would think the business owners would want to accommodate folks and be vocal about this somewhere along the line.
There are handicap spaces across the street underneath the expressway.
Right. Baymeadows it is. (Handicapped parking is usually closest to a business, thus ensuring a shorter, safer distance for those unable to physically dodge traffic speeding through the clearly marked crosswalks).