Urban Construction Update - April 2014
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Major construction projects have returned to the landscape of Jacksonville's urban core. Find out where (and more) as we take a brief look at the status of various developments under construction in and around Downtown Jacksonville during the month of April.
Read More: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2014-apr-urban-construction-update-april-2014
Correction: Pulp in Avondale is officially open. Praise be! Kinda sad though it won't be the running joke anymore on here. ;) https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=756945147658314&id=205165212836313&set=pb.205165212836313.-2207520000.1398843994.&source=42
Glad for the projects in Springfield. Always loved that Jacobs building. Was afraid it was gonna fall into total disrepair. The yoga studio in the old Pearl building & old service station on 8th/Liberty is good news as well. I heard from a couple people who lived around it that it was always being squatted in. Lord knows for what.
Nice Update. On the Southbank Riverwalk at the 4/2/14 Noticed meeting on new Docking Rules it was pointed out that the new yet to be built floating dock on the Southbank will have a 10 year no compete clause for one vendor. At this same meeting a handout is also being circulated that violations in the new DIA zone as well as other areas can result in the seizure of your watercraft by various governmental agencies. Councilman Redman feel free to jump in here at any time with that fact. Visit Jacksonville!
The entire city council needs to be applauded for 2014-190 that is the legislation for the completed financing of the Southbank Riverwalk to the Duval County Public School building.
There is a CRA/DIA meeting today and the DIA Board along with the city council should immediately correct this concern about the new floating docks on the Southbank Riverwalk. Councilman Jim Love Dist. 14 had another brilliant compromise in looking at the Submerged Sovereign Land Lease and how this could be a positive tool for not only this project but other potential economic tactical nodes that would provide a spark for infill organic clusters of waterfront activity that would lead to higher residential density to these coveted Public Access points.
Ennis hope your laughing.
Good to see that those apartment buildings in springfield are being renovated.
Has anyone seen a rendering of the First Citizens's Bank building?
Quote from: acme54321 on April 30, 2014, 06:51:56 AM
Good to see that those apartment buildings in springfield are being renovated.
There's more than what was highlighted.
A larger list of renovations, including two other apartment renovation plans, can be found here: http://www.myspringfield.org/news/business-and-development/77-under-construction-spring-2014
No update on the Panera project in San Marco?
No. Has construction in the second half started yet? I didn't notice anything different during my drive last week.
The developers of the Lydia Street houses said they plan on building on the other side of the block and are going to be putting soccer fields in the middle. There is also work being done (slowly) next to Snap Fitness on Oak. They are currently working on two storefronts in the strip.
Great updates and really pumped about all that is happening in Springfield.
Quote from: thelakelander on April 30, 2014, 09:11:06 AM
No. Has construction in the second half started yet? I didn't notice anything different during my drive last week.
I don't think so.
Quote from: Bill Hoff on April 30, 2014, 08:16:43 AM
Quote from: acme54321 on April 30, 2014, 06:51:56 AM
Good to see that those apartment buildings in springfield are being renovated.
There's more than what was highlighted.
A larger list of renovations, including two other apartment renovation plans, can be found here: http://www.myspringfield.org/news/business-and-development/77-under-construction-spring-2014
Springfield is really moving along. It's so good to see!
Thanks for this website, much detail.
I looked into the NY steam laundry building and it has great potential following the proposed usage. I really am anxious to see this one pan out. I have been considering a restaurant for a while, but every time I push it forward people (staff to run) bail out on me. I hope it thrives as it is in a pretty decent spot.
I like seeing all the work in the Springfield-Main Street area. As Main St. goes, so goes the neighborhood.
5. The J&J Bar and Judge & Jury- Is this one still a go? It just seems like nothing has really happened since it was included in these updates.
I was told by a member of the masonic lodge that there are still some permitting issues with the building. I assume that may be the hold up on the plans for the restaurant and their plans to build out office space in the building.
Quote from: IrvAdams on April 30, 2014, 11:43:19 AM
I like seeing all the work in the Springfield-Main Street area. As Main St. goes, so goes the neighborhood.
Not really. Main Street has been more or less stagnant for years, mostly due to the financial position key property holders are in. But the residential has continued to progress year after year. That's happened
despite Main Street, not because of it.
In the past year or so you've seen some small new stuff come in. A vintage clothing store, uniform shop, etc. Feature 23 is temporarily renting out space until their office is renovated in Dowtown Jax, things like that. But nothing that you would deem "significant".
The irony is, is that there is A LOT of demand for decent commercial space in SPR, but little of it.
Off the top of my head, people are looking for the right spot to open an event/arts/after hours space, salon, dog rescue, beer garden, antique warehouse, PR office, home improvement office & warehouse, etc.
But decent space for the right dollar amount is hard to find.
Bill, what are SPAR's plans for redeveloping Main and getting businesses like that set up there? As much progress as we've seen, it's never going to achieve the vibe it could if every business keeps opening up on side streets.
Quote from: Bill Hoff on April 30, 2014, 04:05:55 PM
Quote from: IrvAdams on April 30, 2014, 11:43:19 AM
I like seeing all the work in the Springfield-Main Street area. As Main St. goes, so goes the neighborhood.
Not really. Main Street has been more or less stagnant for years, mostly due to the financial position key property holders are in. But the residential has continued to progress year after year. That's happened despite Main Street, not because of it.
In the past year or so you've seen some small new stuff come in. A vintage clothing store, uniform shop, etc. Feature 23 is temporarily renting out space until their office is renovated in Dowtown Jax, things like that. But nothing that you would deem "significant".
The irony is, is that there is A LOT of demand for decent commercial space in SPR, but little of it.
Off the top of my head, people are looking for the right spot to open an event/arts/after hours space, salon, dog rescue, beer garden, antique warehouse, PR office, home improvement office & warehouse, etc.
But decent space for the right dollar amount is hard to find.
Amen to that theory
Quote from: Tacachale on April 30, 2014, 04:14:46 PM
Bill, what are SPAR's plans for redeveloping Main and getting businesses like that set up there? As much progress as we've seen, it's never going to achieve the vibe it could if every business keeps opening up on side streets.
I agree. That section of main street is sad and I cant figure out why nobody will open there. Is the rent that being asked too much? I drove through and imagine that strip full of life, and just could not understand why it is so dead.
Wow. First let me say thanks for all the work and effort it takes to put these updates together. I find much to be excited about going on in Jacksonville. Some awesome stuff happening. Does anyone know what the cross street is to the Laura Street apts being renovated? Thanks.
Quote from: Tacachale on April 30, 2014, 04:14:46 PM
Bill, what are SPAR's plans for redeveloping Main and getting businesses like that set up there? As much progress as we've seen, it's never going to achieve the vibe it could if every business keeps opening up on side streets.
No firm plans. There are helpful things that can done, but it's a market issue and largely out of any organizations hands.
Quote from: Cheshire Cat on April 30, 2014, 05:41:16 PM
Wow. First let me say thanks for all the work and effort it takes to put these updates together. I find much to be excited about going on in Jacksonville. Some awesome stuff happening. Does anyone know what the cross street is to the Laura Street apts being renovated? Thanks.
Near W. 3rd Street. I had a sneak peek the other day, and they're really nice. The owners have won awards for their other projects in the neighborhood, and I would expect this one to continue that tradition.
Their properties can be found on www.urbanlivingjacksonville.com
Thanks Bill. I think this is a great project. Looking forward to good things. :)
Quote from: jcjohnpaint on April 30, 2014, 09:46:23 AM
The developers of the Lydia Street houses said they plan on building on the other side of the block and are going to be putting soccer fields in the middle. There is also work being done (slowly) next to Snap Fitness on Oak. They are currently working on two storefronts in the strip.
Great updates and really pumped about all that is happening in Springfield.
The house on Lydia Street are done, though I'm not sure if they are moved into yet. The house on the Downing St side are under construction. Last I saw earlier in the week, two had foundations and one was going vertical. Doesn't look like they'll be fitting 7 houses in there, though, so I'm not sure if that number is accurate. Looks like 3 on each side, unless they have one going in on the cul-de-sac down Lydia.
What's keeping 9th and Main from being developed?
The City of Jacksonville owns it and won't allow anyone to do anything with it.
Quote from: Bill Hoff on April 30, 2014, 08:02:43 PM
Quote from: Tacachale on April 30, 2014, 04:14:46 PM
Bill, what are SPAR's plans for redeveloping Main and getting businesses like that set up there? As much progress as we've seen, it's never going to achieve the vibe it could if every business keeps opening up on side streets.
No firm plans. There are helpful things that can done, but it's a market issue and largely out of any organizations hands.
I don't mean to criticize, but this is something I just don't get about Springfield. RAP and SMPS put a lot of focus on revitalizing the commercial districts in those neighborhoods. In fact, the efforts of SMPS are one of the main reasons San Marco Square is what it is today and now it's at a point that merchants can fund their own collective projects. Springfield as much as anywhere would really benefit from proactive attention to the commercial districts along those lines.
Quote from: thelakelander on May 01, 2014, 10:55:26 AM
The City of Jacksonville owns it and won't allow anyone to do anything with it.
Why not?
Quote from: Tacachale on May 01, 2014, 12:12:51 PM
Quote from: Bill Hoff on April 30, 2014, 08:02:43 PM
Quote from: Tacachale on April 30, 2014, 04:14:46 PM
Bill, what are SPAR's plans for redeveloping Main and getting businesses like that set up there? As much progress as we've seen, it's never going to achieve the vibe it could if every business keeps opening up on side streets.
No firm plans. There are helpful things that can done, but it's a market issue and largely out of any organizations hands.
Springfield, from the few places I have looked at, are either way too pricey and the owners wont budge or the owners are just sitting on the property.
For example the old ford or chevy place I can't remember exactly what the building was, but it is labeled as a janitorial supply store. They turned down a 600k offer for the property. And on the corner of main and state where the hotel was (it now resembles a parking garage...) they want 2 million for that. it's a little ridiculous honestly, but until the owners get the motivation to sell we will be in a pickle.
I don't mean to criticize, but this is something I just don't get about Springfield. RAP and SMPS put a lot of focus on revitalizing the commercial districts in those neighborhoods. In fact, the efforts of SMPS are one of the main reasons San Marco Square is what it is today and now it's at a point that merchants can fund their own collective projects. Springfield as much as anywhere would really benefit from proactive attention to the commercial districts along those lines.
Quote from: urbanlibertarian on May 01, 2014, 10:51:46 AM
What's keeping 9th and Main from being developed?
is that the building with the brick puzzle pieces looking things on it?
Quote from: Tacachale on May 01, 2014, 12:12:51 PM
Quote from: Bill Hoff on April 30, 2014, 08:02:43 PM
Quote from: Tacachale on April 30, 2014, 04:14:46 PM
Bill, what are SPAR's plans for redeveloping Main and getting businesses like that set up there? As much progress as we've seen, it's never going to achieve the vibe it could if every business keeps opening up on side streets.
No firm plans. There are helpful things that can done, but it's a market issue and largely out of any organizations hands.
I don't mean to criticize, but this is something I just don't get about Springfield. RAP and SMPS put a lot of focus on revitalizing the commercial districts in those neighborhoods. In fact, the efforts of SMPS are one of the main reasons San Marco Square is what it is today and now it's at a point that merchants can fund their own collective projects. Springfield as much as anywhere would really benefit from proactive attention to the commercial districts along those lines.
Springfield's commercial districts (at least 8th & Main Streets) need to be their own TIF districts, IMO. That would go a long way to helping generate the funds necessary to turn them around.
Quote from: IrvAdams on May 01, 2014, 12:20:34 PM
Quote from: thelakelander on May 01, 2014, 10:55:26 AM
The City of Jacksonville owns it and won't allow anyone to do anything with it.
Why not?
To be honest, I have no idea why COJ makes many of the decisions it does. I can only assume they want more for the property than what the market is willing to pay for it. Thus, they rather it sit empty.
^Both of those issues sound like something SPAR could have a positive influence on.
Unfortunately, a lot of Main Street's success or failure is tied to Chris Hionedes. He owns a fairly substantial amount of the corridor and bought a lot of lots/properties with the intent of developing or selling them as dense, infill projects similar to 3rd and Main. He's heavily upside down on them and thus has no incentive to rehab them, can't sell them, and the market demand isn't there to do 3rd and Main type projects. I'm sure he was banking on Downtown filling in much more and then spilling over into SPR/Main Street when he bought the properties.
As an example of how his financial situation holds back Main Street, he recently strategically foreclosed on a property that he bought in 2006 for $5.5 million (not in Springfield). It was then bought up before it even went to auction from the bank for $1.1 million and is already entitled for 80 units. It was bought in September of 2013 and was already finished with the PUD process in March of 2014.
If he were to similarly dispose of his Main Street properties, they would be much more likely to be developed if they were purchased at their current market rate.
^ All that said, there are still opportunities on Main and 8th Streets. The idea of a TIF should be further explored like Lake mentioned...and frankly the city should be allocating staff in the planning and/or economic development departments to help facilitate redevelopment.
To be brutally honest, it was not just Hionedes, it was also SPAR Council being in the pocket of Mack Bissette. Everything anyone wanted to do on Main Street was hindered by them if it was something they either did not get a part of or did not like. I know that landlords were told to get high rents but then they blamed the lack of businesses on the greedy landlords. I know that fictitious lists of what was legal and what was not were circulated among real estate management, all in an attempt at making sure only the "right kinds" of businesses came to Main Street. The businesses that were there were often subjected to constant visits by MCCD, complaints often filed by SPAR Council per the inspectors and there were unoffical "boycotts", all to try to move out what some felt were undesirable businesses. To be fair, I do believe that for the most part, that mentality is changing at SPAR Council.
9th and Main, however, is a interesting case in point of both the community and the city trying to have their cake and eat it too. The city really should be selling off property like that to the higher bidder like any other commercial real estate in the city. If it goes for less than invested in it, at least it is being used again and generating tax revenue. Most of us who invested in real estate have had to take our lumps. The city just had to decide to just sell it. However, the city and the community leaders wanted FRP's so that they could also control use. That is the purpose of zoning but by doing RFP"s you can once again make sure only the right kinds of uses are considered. The result is a building sitting and decaying.
And yes, a TIF would be a great start at the city dong something positive.
Quote from: strider on May 01, 2014, 01:39:24 PM
9th and Main, however, is a interesting case in point of both the community and the city trying to have their cake and eat it too. The city really should be selling off property like that to the higher bidder like any other commercial real estate in the city. If it goes for less than invested in it, at least it is being used again and generating tax revenue. Most of us who invested in real estate have had to take our lumps. The city just had to decide to just sell it. However, the city and the community leaders wanted FRP's so that they could also control use. That is the purpose of zoning but by doing RFP"s you can once again make sure only the right kinds of uses are considered. The result is a building sitting and decaying.
+1
Nice update, a lot of nice things going on.
I just posted this in DT forum. The owners of The Super Food Truck will open a restaurant at 11 E. Forsyth.More good news for DT.
anyone know what happened to the Taps location that was supposed to start construction next to Orsay?
Pho fever was quite a surprise for me. Not much to look at, but the yummy egg rolls and relaxing music more than made up for that! Give the little guy a chance.