Barnett And Laura Street Trio Site Plan September 2014
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/648675240_5vFiP-M.jpg)
Metrojacksonville has obtained a copy of the site plan proposed for the development of the Barnett Bank and Laura Street Trio. Check it out after the jump.
Read More: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2014-sep-barnett-and-laura-street-trio-site-plan-september-2014
Was the area on Forsyth included before? I thought before the garage would be in area between Forsyth and Adams now showing a motor court entry?
That's what I remember as well. I hope they have more than those 19 parking spaces planned...
According to the jacksonville.com story linked on the other thread the garage is multi story and would have 70 to 80 spaces per floor. Assuming g subsequent floors would also be above what is marked as retail on the plan so why more spaces for the floors above ground level. Per the story the height of the garage has not yet been determined.
That's a very impressive plan, but it's hard to see the mayor making a functional commitment to the incentives it would need.
I like it. It activates roughly three blocks in the middle of the Northbank. I definitely love the shifting of the garage to the city owned surface lot on Forsyth Street.
Quote from: Tacachale on September 23, 2014, 07:46:35 PM
That's a very impressive plan, but it's hard to see the mayor making a functional commitment to the incentives it would need.
DIA could use the money they already have...keeps some of the politics out of the decision
Does the DIA budget have enough for this?
Quote from: thelakelander on September 23, 2014, 07:59:07 PM
I like it. It activates roughly three blocks in the middle of the Northbank. I definitely love the shifting of the garage to the city owned surface lot on Forsyth Street.
And yes, this is a very strong plan all around, and that's a big factor.
Quote from: Tacachale on September 23, 2014, 08:26:47 PM
Does the DIA budget have enough for this?
I don't believe so. But if you start playing around with tax abatement deals and such, we may not be talking about them having to hand over $8 million in upfront cash.
Seeing a site plan gives me much more confidence in the plan, I like it! So good to see some real movement downtown lately, even though it takes time every little bit helps. I had thought 20 West Adams was being converted into residences (fall through?). If not, I'm sure this will improve the value of that structure now.
I believe it was Stephendare (not positive though so please don't quote me on that, I didn't search) a few months ago who stated something along the lines of eventually the need to redevelop downtown will overpower the council's ineptitude to get development done. I'm thinking we may be approaching that time. With stuff like this being in the media every few weeks, and the community at large taking notice, both the mayor and city council will have to start showing progress as well if they wish to remain.
And an MJ Content aside: Is there a reason for making us jump just to view a picture? Just seems like a needless step when it could have been in place of the historic picture or in addition to.
This looks very promising! But as if the one-way streets aren't enough of a challenge for Jacksonville drivers, the drive-on-the-left arrows in the garage have me rolling...
Quote from: JayBird on September 23, 2014, 09:19:33 PMAnd an MJ Content aside: Is there a reason for making us jump just to view a picture? Just seems like a needless step when it could have been in place of the historic picture or in addition to.
It's set up as a front page article, which automatically creates a forum thread while also being more accessible to our lurkers. Outside of our core discussion board members, material in our threads can get lost real quick if you're not an everyday participant. As more information comes in, we'll probably add to the article.
Quote from: JayBird on September 23, 2014, 09:19:33 PM
And an MJ Content aside: Is there a reason for making us jump just to view a picture? Just seems like a needless step when it could have been in place of the historic picture or in addition to.
You know how this works. They got a picture of the site plans for you. The least you could do is give them one lousy click for site traffic ;D
I just don't get it? Why does everyone think we need to do anything with these buildings? I think they are perfect just like they are!
Sign me
I-10 W
LOL!
It appears the architecture of the proposed addition has changed as well:
(http://jacksonville.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/fslider-homepage2014/promo_LauraStreetRendering0914.jpg)
http://members.jacksonville.com/news/metro/2014-09-23/story/developer-announces-major-plans-revamp-laura-street-trio-area-downtown
These are some of my absolute favorite structures in Jacksonville. I just don't understand why the atkins group thinks the city will fork over that kind of money after all of the other proposals they basically have shot down. I hope it gets going though it will truly be a benefit to that area no doubt.
IMO, this is so much more important than the Landing. The Landing is usable at this point, this is literally TRANSFORMING the heart of DT and preserving some of our most treasured buildings/our history. This is especially true if the Barnett Building will still include UNF classes and residential as last planned. There is 5 million in the Historic Preservation fund and 4 million in the DT Fund. The Landing will probably be the first thing investors are interested in if the DT Jax momentum really picks up, however, the Trio is something I truly believe will provide Jax with a real vibrant city feel at least for a few blocks which is a start.
Maybe a small Publix goes in here too?
http://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/blog/morning-edition/2014/05/publix-quietly-working-on-smaller-prototype-store.html
I can't imagine not finding a way, any way to get this project started. I may be naive but it's hard to imagine any city would allow one of their most historically significant structures to lay in such sad disrepair. The Bisbee Building has been called one of the most historically important buildings in the South because it was the first reinforced concrete highrise anywhere in the South. The time is now to make sure this group of buildings receive the respect and care they need and deserve. I agree with For_F-L-O-R-I-D-A, this is much more of a priority than the Landing.
Only in Jax do we pick and choose and eventually end up with nothing. It shouldn't have to be that way. We should get them both done. It would be a huge boost for the heart of the downtown core.
I wonder if there is an app out there called 'Balancing the Budget' that could replace all of these council members? It would be nice to get them off the payroll and free up some money for projects like this.
So, will The Loop finally open up next door then? In all seriousness, that Loop building would seem to be primed for something if these plans come to fruition.
Yes, that would be fantastic if this also spills over to finally reviving 20 West Adams.
Quote from: Dapperdan on September 24, 2014, 09:00:30 AM
So, will The Loop finally open up next door then? In all seriousness, that Loop building would seem to be primed for something if these plans come to fruition.
I heard the Loop and the Fuddruckers at the Landing will be having their grand opening on the same day! Cameron Kuhn will be flying in on his helicopter for the ceremonies. It will be perched across the street from the Landing, on top of Riverwatch Tower ;)
I had the pleasure of touring these buildings to learn about this proposal a few weeks ago and the plans are very impressive. I think the impact on downtown is going to be incredible. There are plans for a high end restaurant, apartments, retail and cafe space, overall its exactly the kind of coordinated effort needed to jump start more growth.
Quote from: For_F-L-O-R-I-D-A on September 24, 2014, 02:48:09 AM
IMO, this is so much more important than the Landing. The Landing is usable at this point, this is literally TRANSFORMING the heart of DT and preserving some of our most treasured buildings/our history. This is especially true if the Barnett Building will still include UNF classes and residential as last planned. There is 5 million in the Historic Preservation fund and 4 million in the DT Fund. The Landing will probably be the first thing investors are interested in if the DT Jax momentum really picks up, however, the Trio is something I truly believe will provide Jax with a real vibrant city feel at least for a few blocks which is a start.
Could not agree more. One way or another, we need to make this happen with the Trio. The few million that we would need to pony up as a city to finally restore and activate the Trio would almost certainly do more to spark downtown redevelopment than the $16 million that Brown proposed for renovating the Landing and demolishing the old Courthouse. If Atkins gets the Trio up and running, Sleiman is a big winner, even with the existing Landing design. Opportunities like this don't come around every day, and if we don't jump at it when the private financing is in place, it could be a decade or more before the opportunity comes around again.
Does anyone have an email contact for these guys? PM me if so.
So I am assuming the city money he wants is just for the Laura St Trio? He had stated back in April he had the financing in place for the Barnett and would not need any city incentives for that restoration. So I guess he can go ahead and start that portion now. Yea right.
I have noticed that the phrase "we are not seeking city incentives" is a general term meaning "not at this moment, but I am sure there will be unforeseen circumstances that will require us seeking a substantial incentive in order to start our project."
On another note there actually may be something to the story we don't know. Such as they had an investor they were banking on and then financing fell through or the firm looked towards other options instead of focusing financing on this project. I am assuming it is something we will never know.
I want odds...What do you think the odds are that this actually happens and is functional by 2018?
Laura St. Trio is back $25,726.61 on taxes. The Barnett is back $27,733.73. Not sure why they let that happen but if that is any indication into the funding they have then it don't look good. Hopefully they are actually going to get it together. I have seen many buildings lost this way.
Ref
Laura St. Trio LLC - Account # 073676-0000
Barnett Tower LLC - Account # 073742-0000
Quote from: pears045 on September 25, 2014, 09:15:57 AM
I want odds...What do you think the odds are that this actually happens and is functional by 2018?
I would agree with a 90% success estimate by 2018. In fact, I think the entire Laura Street and core downtown area is on the edge of revitalization. There's so many individual efforts from different groups that I believe the critical mass has been reached at last.
I met with the SouthEast Group's marketing director yesterday for a private tour and she gave me the low down. I'd say I'm in the 90/10 group after that. They seem very confident that everything will workout. Apparently the secret NYC investor is a name we'd all a recognize. Take that as you will.
A few things make me nervous:
1) Why hasn't the investor unveiled if he's such a big deal? Wouldn't that push the Council to make a decision? Apparently, Aundra Wallace knows. That's it.
2) The restauranteur for the Marble Bank is local and from Fernandina. The contract is not officially signed. Refined Southern cuisine is going to be the style of the joint. The fact this isn't finalized makes me nervous, however.
3) Asking our City Council for $7mil is a lot. But SE Group feels that there are funds already set aside for this and it would not be coming from the budget/general fund (someone can enlighten me, but apparently there are monies set aside specifically for this project)
4) The other aspects of the proposal (my favorite pieces) will take A LOT of negotiating - for instance, it is asking Regions to turn their parking lot into a park (great idea!). It is asking the City to build a new garage where they have a (cheap) preexisting surface lot. This garage would accommodate both Regions, the current users of the lot, the Barnett, and the Laura St buildings, it would also have retail space along the first floors.... seems like a lot of *extra* money and political moves to get this part of the plan to happen.
I am in the camp that this is by far the most important project in DT Jax's history. It MUST be done if DT is to thrive. I hope it happens and that the Council believes in this vision. I was assured that many on City Council do. However, I'll believe it when I see it.
Quote from: BoldCityRealist on September 25, 2014, 02:29:29 PM
I met with the SouthEast Group's marketing director yesterday for a private tour and she gave me the low down. I'd say I'm in the 90/10 group after that. They seem very confident that everything will workout. Apparently the secret NYC investor is a name we'd all a recognize. Take that as you will.
A few things make me nervous:
1) Why hasn't the investor unveiled if he's such a big deal? Wouldn't that push the Council to make a decision? Apparently, Aundra Wallace knows. That's it.
2) The restauranteur for the Marble Bank is local and from Fernandina. The contract is not officially signed. Refined Southern cuisine is going to be the style of the joint. The fact this isn't finalized makes me nervous, however.
3) Asking our City Council for $7mil is a lot. But SE Group feels that there are funds already set aside for this and it would not be coming from the budget/general fund (someone can enlighten me, but apparently there are monies set aside specifically for this project)
4) The other aspects of the proposal (my favorite pieces) will take A LOT of negotiating - for instance, it is asking Regions to turn their parking lot into a park (great idea!). It is asking the City to build a new garage where they have a (cheap) preexisting surface lot. This garage would accommodate both Regions, the current users of the lot, the Barnett, and the Laura St buildings, it would also have retail space along the first floors.... seems like a lot of *extra* money and political moves to get this part of the plan to happen.
I am in the camp that this is by far the most important project in DT Jax's history. It MUST be done if DT is to thrive. I hope it happens and that the Council believes in this vision. I was assured that many on City Council do. However, I'll believe it when I see it.
Thanks so much, this is some great info.
Completely agree on this project's importance to DT Jax.
Lot of hoops to jump through, but hearing both you and Stephen calling it 90/10 is pretty exciting.
Quote from: BoldCityRealist on September 25, 2014, 02:29:29 PM
I met with the SouthEast Group's marketing director yesterday for a private tour and she gave me the low down. I'd say I'm in the 90/10 group after that. They seem very confident that everything will workout. Apparently the secret NYC investor is a name we'd all a recognize. Take that as you will.
A few things make me nervous:
1) Why hasn't the investor unveiled if he's such a big deal? Wouldn't that push the Council to make a decision? Apparently, Aundra Wallace knows. That's it.
2) The restauranteur for the Marble Bank is local and from Fernandina. The contract is not officially signed. Refined Southern cuisine is going to be the style of the joint. The fact this isn't finalized makes me nervous, however.
3) Asking our City Council for $7mil is a lot. But SE Group feels that there are funds already set aside for this and it would not be coming from the budget/general fund (someone can enlighten me, but apparently there are monies set aside specifically for this project)
4) The other aspects of the proposal (my favorite pieces) will take A LOT of negotiating - for instance, it is asking Regions to turn their parking lot into a park (great idea!). It is asking the City to build a new garage where they have a (cheap) preexisting surface lot. This garage would accommodate both Regions, the current users of the lot, the Barnett, and the Laura St buildings, it would also have retail space along the first floors.... seems like a lot of *extra* money and political moves to get this part of the plan to happen.
I am in the camp that this is by far the most important project in DT Jax's history. It MUST be done if DT is to thrive. I hope it happens and that the Council believes in this vision. I was assured that many on City Council do. However, I'll believe it when I see it.
So they are expecting the city to a) give them the property to build the garage or b) actually build the garage??? If either of these, this city incentive would be in addition to the $7 million??
and I am not sure regions even owns that parking lot. They are just a tenant in a building for sale. So I am fairly certain asking them to do something is going to do not good unless they have purchased the lot themselves, but I am not certain that is the case though I could be wrong.
Quote from: AuditoreEnterprise on September 25, 2014, 03:34:20 PM
and I am not sure regions even owns that parking lot. They are just a tenant in a building for sale.
Regions Bank is the owner of the building (at Laura and Bay) and the lot behind it at corner of Laura & Forsyth. COJ owns the larger lot on Forsyth to Main.
EDIT: Here is the link
http://apps.coj.net/PAO_PropertySearch/Basic/Detail.aspx?RE=0736690000
Quote from: stephendare on September 25, 2014, 03:33:12 PM
Quote from: BoldCityRealist on September 25, 2014, 02:29:29 PM
I met with the SouthEast Group's marketing director yesterday for a private tour and she gave me the low down. I'd say I'm in the 90/10 group after that. They seem very confident that everything will workout. Apparently the secret NYC investor is a name we'd all a recognize. Take that as you will.
A few things make me nervous:
1) Why hasn't the investor unveiled if he's such a big deal? Wouldn't that push the Council to make a decision? Apparently, Aundra Wallace knows. That's it.
2) The restauranteur for the Marble Bank is local and from Fernandina. The contract is not officially signed. Refined Southern cuisine is going to be the style of the joint. The fact this isn't finalized makes me nervous, however.
3) Asking our City Council for $7mil is a lot. But SE Group feels that there are funds already set aside for this and it would not be coming from the budget/general fund (someone can enlighten me, but apparently there are monies set aside specifically for this project)
4) The other aspects of the proposal (my favorite pieces) will take A LOT of negotiating - for instance, it is asking Regions to turn their parking lot into a park (great idea!). It is asking the City to build a new garage where they have a (cheap) preexisting surface lot. This garage would accommodate both Regions, the current users of the lot, the Barnett, and the Laura St buildings, it would also have retail space along the first floors.... seems like a lot of *extra* money and political moves to get this part of the plan to happen.
I am in the camp that this is by far the most important project in DT Jax's history. It MUST be done if DT is to thrive. I hope it happens and that the Council believes in this vision. I was assured that many on City Council do. However, I'll believe it when I see it.
The investor is apparently so credible that if they decide to invest in the Jacksonville Market, its something even SIMMS would approve of. Such a prominent investment group having faith in Jville would send a strong message back to the national investment community.
However if the investor can't make it work with the City, the decision to give the project a pass after announcing interest would send a similarly powerful message: one shaped like a skull and crossbones.
I certainly understand the caution.
Ah, makes perfect sense. Well, fingers crossed. This would be huge.
Quote from: JayBird on September 25, 2014, 03:55:19 PM
Quote from: AuditoreEnterprise on September 25, 2014, 03:34:20 PM
and I am not sure regions even owns that parking lot. They are just a tenant in a building for sale.
Regions Bank is the owner of the building (at Laura and Bay) and the lot behind it at corner of Laura & Forsyth. COJ owns the larger lot on Forsyth to Main.
EDIT: Here is the link
http://apps.coj.net/PAO_PropertySearch/Basic/Detail.aspx?RE=0736690000
They must have been the ones people were talking about making the purchase earlier this year then when the building was for sale. I think it went for a couple million dollars. I know there was a buyer and the agent advertised that regions held a 10 year lease, but I suppose they bought it :)
Per story on JBJ, CenterState Bank has signed a letter of intent to occupy 3000 square feet in the Laura St Trio for a retail banking operation. They would not be the bank that was mentioned for the Barnett Building.
Interesting. I wonder what Space they are looking to utilize.
Assume either the new addition which will have part of the hotel or the separate retail to be built on Forsyth.
I remember something being said about money being put aside for preservation of these buildings. I couldn't find it on the many threads out there on these buildings. How much has been put aside for preservation?
you would need to find the resolution number or whatever they call it in city council. If it was just something they said they were going to do and it was never official, then there's a good chance that money doesn't exist anymore.
I thought I heard that they plan on adding a second bank in the first floor of the Barnett Building. If true, does anyone thing that space, with those high arching windows deserves something other than another bank? I was thinking a white-clothed table-style restaurant (maybe a steakhouse - which is what the previous investors were planning for the Marble Bank building as I recall.
Would be great so eat inside a great space, looking out those windows with all the new activity going on.
Am I missing something?
Good idea but there is going to be that Chop House in the Bostwick building nearby.
www.metrojacksonville.com/forum/index.php?topic=22639.0 (http://www.metrojacksonville.com/forum/index.php?topic=22639.0)
Quote from: exnewsman on September 27, 2014, 02:30:51 PM
I thought I heard that they plan on adding a second bank in the first floor of the Barnett Building. If true, does anyone thing that space, with those high arching windows deserves something other than another bank? I was thinking a white-clothed table-style restaurant (maybe a steakhouse - which is what the previous investors were planning for the Marble Bank building as I recall.
Would be great so eat inside a great space, looking out those windows with all the new activity going on.
Am I missing something?
Maybe rainbows and Unicorns?
Love the idea, but as i have seen and many will see, is that Jacksonville is very hard headed and very cheap.
1. COJ needs to catch up the pension fund for the police and firefighters. That is a must
2. our city council has already said "no" to borrowing any money or issuing bonds
3. there is already talks of cuts to schools,libraries and other civil services because of a 24 million dollar shortfall
4. development money for both the landing and other projects is already at the top of the chopping block
this project would be a big boost for the city, but unless someone swallows their pride i don't see it making it by the city council
Aren't we about due for another big announcement on this project stating more info to follow shortly??