QuoteTwo Doors Down seeks new site
Two Doors Down Restaurant is on the move. Literally.
The Brooklyn restaurant popular with elected officials, business executives, construction workers and neighborhood residents, needs to relocate because Norman Abraham leases the site and the block is slated to be sold.
His lease will be terminated Dec. 29, but he could move sooner if he finds a site.
And he's looking. "We have our own equipment. We are willing to move it, and that helps," he said.
Abraham wants a site in Brooklyn, LaVilla or Riverside that can accommodate a 5,000-square-foot restaurant that can seat 125 diners, along with plenty of parking, at least 40 spaces.
"Parking is the main thing," Abraham said.
Wherever he lands, there probably will be a downtime of 30-40 days for the move.
Ware Family Realty LLC owns the 400 block of Park Street, where Two Doors Down leases a building. Abraham officially was notified Monday he will need to move, although he has been aware that the decision was possible.
More at: http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=545724
It looks like the sale is already in process, so hopefully this is another good thing for Brooklyn. If the parking lot space is included, this is a pretty big piece of property. It obviously has great access and could be a nice new commercial structure.
Sometimes it is bittersweet to see private businesses have to move, but that location is prime in my opinion. I truly hope a big development occurs on that block to compliment the other new housing and retail development in Brooklyn.
Maybe Two Doors Down could move two streets down and convert the old firehouse into a neat restaurant. There is parking available there if the owners were open to an agreement. There also have to be a number of ground level spaces downtown that could potentially work.
Any idea what is going to be built on this lot in the future at Forest & Park?
I've heard from a reliable source that it will be a gas station. I'm not pleased.
Quote from: Captain Zissou on July 02, 2015, 09:08:30 AM
I've heard from a reliable source that it will be a gas station. I'm not pleased.
If that's true the DDRB could hold them to a more urban type design. But they wont.
Quote from: Captain Zissou on July 02, 2015, 09:08:30 AM
I've heard from a reliable source that it will be a gas station. I'm not pleased.
Can it be a WaWa? The one on Dale Mabry in Tampa has become a ritual stopping ground of mine, when I'm down there.
Quote from: acme54321 on July 02, 2015, 09:20:08 AM
Quote from: Captain Zissou on July 02, 2015, 09:08:30 AM
I've heard from a reliable source that it will be a gas station. I'm not pleased.
If that's true the DDRB could hold them to a more urban type design. But they wont.
Based on the size of the lot, I'm thinking it will be pretty sprawled out. I think the best we can hope for is that it has a Blimpies subs inside.
Quote from: Captain Zissou on July 02, 2015, 09:08:30 AM
I've heard from a reliable source that it will be a gas station. I'm not pleased.
Way to burst a bubble in the morning, capt. :(
Lakelander, I hear you. My wife and I travel to WV, MD, VA area several times a year. There are a couple Sheetz's that have become a ritual stop for us. Either would not be a bad thing for that location. They provide inexpensive made to order food 24 hours a day and are very well stocked. This can be the anytime stopping place/supply house for all the new housing in the area. This would increase activity in the area 24 hours a day. If the planned hotel is built near by this will help.
Quote from: Captain Zissou on July 02, 2015, 09:08:30 AM
I've heard from a reliable source that it will be a gas station. I'm not pleased.
Well maybe they can keep it small. I can see a need for a gas station. In Five Points you have just the Shell Station if it's still there.
The crummy Shell station is still there. There was talk for while that it was going to be rebuilt, converted to a Dailey's and have a cafe with rooftop dining on it. That plan seems to have been discarded and nothing has been done.
Daily's is building in San Marco. We'll see how that one turns out.
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on July 02, 2015, 01:48:53 PM
Daily's is building in San Marco. We'll see how that one turns out.
Have they started on the building or just cleared the lot? Phillips is going to be converted to two way up to Atlantic/Kings Ave this weekend. I'm guessing Daily's might be planning to build/open the store about the time when the major construction around that intersection is complete (I think like 6 months)
Quote from: Captain Zissou on July 02, 2015, 09:08:30 AM
I've heard from a reliable source that it will be a gas station. I'm not pleased.
Ugh. Horrible. If both Two Doors Down and the printing place have been asked to move, then that is a fairly large parcel for just a gas station. I would think that a developer would want to capitalize on the area and do something more than just pumps and a store. There are a couple hundred residents moving in a few blocks away, and the area has a good deal of office workers. Perhaps Captain, you can share with your reliable source the following two pictures.
This development is in Milwaukee.
(http://www.rochestersubway.com/images/photos/milwaukee_new_urban_gas_station.jpg)
This is one in Washington DC.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LumOYGxo_bA/T9otiYWZH7I/AAAAAAAABRc/41twhYOGCA4/s1600/Green+roof+exxon.jpg)
I just want something different in that area to compliment the new and existing establishments. At least include a Dunkin' Donuts or something.
QuoteThe crummy Shell station is still there.
You call it crummy, but when you are on E in Riverside, its a godsend! Closest option is Gate Station/BP at Stockton and I-95.
WaWa and Sheetz are more than just pump gas. The provide ability for residence to get good, fast and inexpensive hot food 24 hours a day. I have heard more than one person ask that question for the Riverside/Brooklyn area. areas need a variety of service to serve the residents.
Quote from: brainstormer on July 02, 2015, 03:31:26 PM
This is one in Washington DC.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LumOYGxo_bA/T9otiYWZH7I/AAAAAAAABRc/41twhYOGCA4/s1600/Green+roof+exxon.jpg)
The one in DC has a roof garden above the gas station that not only helps with rainwater retention, but also provides a more pleasant view to the building above.
Quote from: The_Choose_1 on July 01, 2015, 11:15:56 PM
Any idea what is going to be built on this lot in the future at Forest & Park?
I heard an Anthropologie / Urban Outfitters / Abercrombie triple store. New concept.
I hate hate hate gas stations when I don't need gas . . . . but this may actually be a good spot for one. Looks like it is tucked far enough away down the street from where the future behive of Brooklyn will be. I don't think it will be that noticeable. I kind of wish it was on the highway side of Park, is that where we are talking about?
Hope they include a level 3 charging station 8)
Quote from: Bill Hoff on July 03, 2015, 06:03:26 PM
Quote from: The_Choose_1 on July 01, 2015, 11:15:56 PM
Any idea what is going to be built on this lot in the future at Forest & Park?
I heard an Anthropologie / Urban Outfitters / Abercrombie triple store. New concept.
And no Gas station?
Quote from: The_Choose_1 on July 03, 2015, 09:04:22 PM
Quote from: Bill Hoff on July 03, 2015, 06:03:26 PM
Quote from: The_Choose_1 on July 01, 2015, 11:15:56 PM
Any idea what is going to be built on this lot in the future at Forest & Park?
I heard an Anthropologie / Urban Outfitters / Abercrombie triple store. New concept.
And no Gas station?
Yes, there will be a gas station, but handcrafted, artisan, organic and small batch gasoline only.
Quote from: Bill Hoff on July 04, 2015, 12:10:10 AM
Quote from: The_Choose_1 on July 03, 2015, 09:04:22 PM
Quote from: Bill Hoff on July 03, 2015, 06:03:26 PM
Quote from: The_Choose_1 on July 01, 2015, 11:15:56 PM
Any idea what is going to be built on this lot in the future at Forest & Park?
I heard an Anthropologie / Urban Outfitters / Abercrombie triple store. New concept.
And no Gas station?
Yes, there will be a gas station, but handcrafted, artisan, organic and small batch gasoline only.
Yes, wouldn't want to throw off the Feng Shui of the neighborhood.
Two Doors Down has decided to close instead of relocating. November 25, 2015 will be their last day of business.
QuoteAbraham looked nearby to relocate the business, but none of the possibilities worked out.
He wanted a site in Brooklyn, Riverside, LaVilla or elsewhere Downtown that could accommodate a 5,000-square-foot restaurant that could seat 125 customers and provide plenty of parking.
He also wanted minimal downtime to prepare a new location so he could keep his team of nine, including him and his business partner and cook Enos "Whitey" White Jr. The hours of operation are important to them, too: Breakfast and lunch, 6 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
The sites presented were too far from his customers, would take too long to build-out or would require night and weekend operations. He considered the unfinished Sax Seafood & Grill building in LaVilla, but among other challenges, it had a lounge and Abraham said he isn't in the lounge business.
"I had to make a decision," Abraham said Monday morning.
Full article: http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=546195
That stinks. I used to love eating there.
Update on Gate's plans for the site:
QuoteProperty owner trustee Chris Ware expects to sell the 400 block of Park Street in Brooklyn, a site best known for housing the popular Two Doors Down restaurant, to Jacksonville-based Gate Petroleum Co. within four or five months.
That opens the gate to Brooklyn, Riverside and Downtown for the company, which operates and supplies fuel for almost 200 locations in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas.
"We do have an agreement with Gate and we expect to continue the next phase of due diligence next week," Ware said Thursday by email.
Full article: http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=546217
I wonder what type of influence with the DIA and DDRB have on the gas station's design? Will it be the same footprint as the rest or will it fit within the desired vision of the surrounding district?
Don't get your hopes up.
Quote from: thelakelander on September 25, 2015, 05:02:50 PM
I wonder what type of influence with the DIA and DDRB have on the gas station's design? Will it be the same footprint as the rest or will it fit within the desired vision of the surrounding district?
Any chance the other developer stakeholders can apply pressure to create urban design? (Alex Coley/Hallmark) If that's indeed what they want to see happen in the area?
^Doubt it.
Did anyone ever propose moving them into that vacant restaurant site in LaVilla? It's a newer building that has been vacant for several years.
Seems like a perfect fit.
I'm talking about the building near Union and Davis directly across from the LaVilla Museum/Ritz Theater.
I think it mentioned in the article that he looked at it, but it has a lounge, which he has no need for.
He's 74. Sounds like this ended up being a pretty good opportunity to move on with his life.
QuotePlans show the store, on 1.87 acres, would face Park Street, with 20 fueling positions and a canopy in the front. The addresses are 436 and 444 Park St.
A car wash would be on the north side of the property, along Forest Street. The store would feature outdoor seating, air and vacuum stations and 26 parking spaces.
http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=547144 (http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=547144)
Sounds like this will have the worst possible layout. Why not put the store at Forest & Park and the pumps behind along park and the car wash in the back with an exit onto Chelsea? The daily's on Atlantic puts this to shame and has less acreage to work with.
This tells you all you need to know. What's proposed is most likely the typical gas station layout they've been building all over town recently.
QuoteThe application includes a letter requesting approval of deviations from setback, entrances, off-street parking and transparency requirements in the Downtown District Regulations of the city's Zoning Code.
Ugh ugh ugh. This shouldn't happen.
QuotePlans show the store, on 1.87 acres, would face Park Street, with 20 fueling positions and a canopy in the front. The addresses are 436 and 444 Park St.
A car wash would be on the north side of the property, along Forest Street. The store would feature outdoor seating, air and vacuum stations and 26 parking spaces.
A rendering shows it will include a Yobe frozen yogurt shop.
Sounds like the site plan at the new Gate near SJTC and UNF.
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/Development/Southside-Construction-03-2014/i-KXP3MGJ/0/L/P1690630-L.jpg)
Park Street Elevation
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/Development/Southside-Construction-03-2014/i-Z2Vs6CP/0/L/P1690626-L.jpg)
This would looking NW at the property from Park Street. The car wash (in the background) would be along Forest Street.
So it's basically just like every Gate gas station. Since the Peyton family was such a champion of Downtown when John was in office, I'm shocked that the plan looks like shit.
You think the DDB will push back on the design and insist on something at least a little more urban? While the Gate near UNF has a lot of amenities and is nice inside that layout should be nowhere near the urban core.
I agree that this is a wasted opportunity for something more aesthetically pleasing than your typical gas station and I'd rather not be contrarian to those ideals, but given that this is right off a very busy highway interchange the setback deviations would be necessary for the sake of smoother traffic flow? Yes, the idea of having the store be front-facing would be the perfect fit for the area but with a dozen pumps plus the food store and having everyone entering from Park from all directions could create some serious backups.
Plus with all the proposed new retail, Riverside 200, and future proposed hotel in the works this interchange is only going to get busier and busier. I hope something more ammenable could be hammered out.
It's actually the gateway to downtown, Riverside and Brooklyn from I-10. Hopefully, a site plan can be developed that's a little better than the back of an automatic car wash building fronting the main corridor (Forest) into town.
I recently moved to this area and while I am not interested in regulating land-use, I am very interested in place-making and promiting good urban design. What is the approval/review process for this project and how soon can the public get involved?
Absolutely horrible site design. The comment about Peyton wasn't too far off. One would hope that a local grown company would have the decency to respect urban development in our core and not even try to promote something so suburban on such a prime location. There will soon be a nice hotel on that corner and we should demand better design. Since it is a prime location, Gate won't back out. Make them build something decent.
I would hope the DDRB would really question traffic flow in the area. Forest is a divided street, so there should only be a right turn entrance and a right turn exit into and out of Gate. Park Street is not divided, but I would suggest the exit and entrance be as far away from the intersection as possible. With this in mind, it actually makes sense to put the building right up along the sidewalk on the corner with the pumps behind. Why not have a nice cafeteria style seating area inside/outside the building. I honestly think Gate is just being lazy.
Quote from: brainstormer on March 02, 2016, 07:26:05 PMI honestly think Gate is just being lazy.
I agree...but unless the DDRB holds them to the law, then what's the motivation for them to be better? I think we've established that they have no real incentive in being a good corporate citizen.
DDRB workshop tomorrow, March 24 at 10 a.m. Location: City Hall, Renaissance Room on first floor. Open to the public.
Quote from: Kay on March 23, 2016, 11:52:04 AM
DDRB workshop tomorrow, March 24 at 10 a.m. Location: City Hall, Renaissance Room on first floor. Open to the public.
I believe the workshop actually was moved to 2pm
Is this information posted online somewhere? Finding any current DDRB information online seems very difficult. I can't find any recent agendas, minutes, members.