Downtown Construction Update - July 2008
(http://www.metrojacksonville.com/photos/thumbs/lrg-5629-p1110801.JPG)
A look at the progress of various downtown projects under construction during the month of July.
Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/content/view/846
Miles/ Hallmark in Brooklyn?
The Mexican Fan Palms they've planted at The Peninsula look pretty jacked up. I know trees, and wow, they look sad.
I liked the original Prado Walk layout, but at least something is now going on that empty lot.
Oh, and concerning Brooklyn Park, it isn't on the list for that reason, WHAT CONSTRUCTION?!
Also, just to point out, MODIS losing it's antennas should've been on here. It was a significant change, even if not technically construction.
Anyone know what the latest is with Berkman 2? When will the construction resume?
Churchwell Lofts is looking awesome.
BP2 is getting very close to resuming. Demolition is finished on the garage and a statement from the developer will be released very soon as well. Project is moving forward and will be finished. I met the new developers of Churchwell "trevett & Mock" the other day and toured the lofts. Amazing inside. They've decorated all the common area hall ways with framed 24 x 26 inch historic black and white photos and the lofts themselves are coming along nice. Very unique property. I am going to tour them again tomorrow and will ask the developers if I can take some photos to post.
Quote from: Basstacular on July 16, 2008, 10:47:23 AM
BP2 is getting very close to resuming. Demolition is finished on the garage and a statement from the developer will be released very soon as well. Project is moving forward and will be finished. I met the new developers of Churchwell "trevett & Mock" the other day and toured the lofts. Amazing inside. They've decorated all the common area hall ways with framed 24 x 26 inch historic black and white photos and the lofts themselves are coming along nice. Very unique property. I am going to tour them again tomorrow and will ask the developers if I can take some photos to post.
I cannot wait to see the photos! Post any other details you can gather... how many units, size, rent/cost, ameneties, etc...
They have closed on 5 or 6 of them and have residents living there (21 total lofts). Prices are aound the $350 - $400 a square foot range. The 5 large three bedroom / two level lofts on the top floor with terrace are amazing. These new developers are not messing around and really want to finish this building off and sell out. Also said they were trying to get an art gallery in some of the first floor retail space. They have 4500 sq. ft. of commercial.
Amenities are pretty scarce. Summer kitchen on the roof is about it.
What is being shown in the picture titled "unacceptable layout for the downtown core" ?
Does anyone have any renderings of what the Premier Pharmacy on 8th is going to look like?
Anyone know of any potential retail in the building?
With the Peninsula almost finished, Berkman2 about to start up again, Churchwell lofts now selling...it is time to really start promotion for downtown living. A number of apartments are also available in various buildings on the North and South Banks. There are many options for people of various income levels.
The "unacceptable" is on the fringe of LaVilla, between State and Union Streets, between the Ritz and ?Jefferson?. It is some sort of medical offices. Blank wall against the sidewalk on State Street (with the downspouts spouting across the sidewalk, instead of going into pipes beneath), and parking on the other three sides, so the front door is not on the street.
Although I know it is not in the urban core, but why arent any pictures about the construction at JIA on here?
QuoteAlthough I know it is not in the urban core, but why arent any pictures about the construction at JIA on here?
If anyone has some post away.
"Amenities are pretty scarce. Summer kitchen on the roof is about it. "
I think Churchwell's biggest "amenity" is its location - who cares if it doesn't have a fitness center, pool and other traditional amenities. It is within walking distance of just about everything downtown. Proximity to those things is basically why people move downtown anyways.
I also have toured the property and homes - they are spectacular and for the size/location, I think reasonably priced. Hopefully a restaurant or store moves into the ground floor.
I'm going to be flying out tomorrow so I'll try to snap some shots. It may be a few days before I can post them though.
Quote from: john stark on July 22, 2008, 05:27:48 PM
I'm going to be flying out tomorrow so I'll try to snap some shots. It may be a few days before I can post them though.
Thanks John. Actually Ill be flying into Jax tomorrow so I will also try, but my camera is broken :(
Quote from: WhatsUpJacksonville on July 22, 2008, 05:19:21 PM
"Amenities are pretty scarce. Summer kitchen on the roof is about it. "
I think Churchwell's biggest "amenity" is its location - who cares if it doesn't have a fitness center, pool and other traditional amenities.
I dont "care".... I was interested in what was in or included in the building...
I agree on the location, However an amenity is not the location in my opinion and when I was trying to sell one of these lofts to a gentleman from Orlando last week he could not commit because of the lack of amenities and price. Currently the 2 / 2 's, which are 1300 square feet are in the $430,000 range and the 860 sq. ft. 1 / 1 's that sit staring directly at a building on the north side are $280,000. This buyer simply said I cannot commit to this high of a price with current market conditions. We are talking about $330 / sq. ft, which I do not find unreasonable for this unique of a property in such an ideal spot IF Bay Street continues to improve and become the "Entertainment District" and WHEN the courthouse finnally moves. But currently the market doesn't support such high prices, as in the case of this one potential buyer.
With around 16 left to sell, I would like to see some of them reduced to fill the building up a little with residents, then go for the prices they are seeking in 6 to 8 months.
I purchased a studio at BP2 for $260 / sq. ft. A major reason was the amenities and being a new project, but the main reason being the price ($260 / sq. ft.). I am 26 and a pool(s), work-out facility and concierge were extremely important to me.
Beautiful work, nice to see some post-modern going back up in the city. BTW, send me a PM with your contact information.
OCKLAWAHA
Great work. I'll been meaning to get into Churchwell to get some images for a front page article, but I've been pretty busy lately. Thanks for posting.
Thanx for the photos...
The pics of Churchwell look great. Very charming and very unique. I would consider it, but the prices do seem high for a Northbank location with little to no view. It could be a great location if downtown finally develops, but the revitalization of downtown is something I have been hearing about for 10+ years. At this rate of development (especially with the downturn) it will be a long time before a Northbank location becomes "highly desirable" unless you want to be near the homeless or a jail.
I live on the Southbank because the Northbank looks better from a distance. For Churchwell prices you can get a Southbank condo with a view of the river and downtown. Plus a balcony to enjoy it from.
Those lofts look FANTASTIC! What are the prices?
#406 - 859 sq. ft. - 1 BR - $279,175
#407 - 881 sq. ft. - 1 BR - $286,325
#202 - 1314 sq. ft. - 2 BR - $433,620
#204 - 1306 sq. ft. - 2 BR - $430,980
#302 - 1323 sq. ft. - 2 BR - $436,590
#305 - 1210 sq. ft. - 2 BR - $399,300
#402 - 2102 sq. ft. - 3 BR - $840,000
#404 - 2003 sq. ft. - 3 BR - $801,200
You can see the floor plans at www.churchwelllofts.net
Ludicrous costs for the churchill lofts. I can get a loft in downtown savannah for the upper end of that price range. Where would you rather live downtown jax or downtown savannah. Property prices downtown are inflated, you would think if the property is really that valuable, development would be springing up everywhere.
Does seem a bit high... ???
I tend to agree also, we're talking around $330 / sq. ft., which wouldn't be way off base in 2004 before the market hit rough times. It is truly the most unique for sale property in the core in my opinion and there are only 21 total. As a potential buyer, one would have to take into account that one day the courthouse will be gone and if exciting new private development replaces it and Bay Street continues to become the "entertainment district" then there is some great investment opportunities, long term at Churchwell.
The scary part is putting big money down on assumptions. 30 years ago, JTA assumed we would have a rail system operating all over town by now. Ten years ago, we all assumed the courthouse would be operating in LaVilla and that Downtown would be approaching 10,000 residents in 2008. A few years ago, we all assumed the Landing would have been renovated by now with the courtyard open to Laura Street, Bay Street would be a bonefide vibrant nightlife district and the Shipyards would be well into its second and third phases by now.
I absolutely agree. If these lofts were in the mid to high $200's a square ft. I would be much more enticed. Just to high to commit with so many uncertainties.
Lake that last post was depressing. Just think how much better off we would be if all of that hype became real. As it is we've got a torn up river bank where the shipyards should be, a 40 acre empty field at the JEA property, a prairie downtown where the courthouse should be, and The Landing is just business (or lack thereof) as usual.
To add salt to the wound, a Skyway study back in 1987 also stated we would have 130,000 employees Downtown! and to see what we have today is depressing. So, things do change and sometimes not for the better.
Hello everyone. I work at Churchwell Lofts and it's great to see that there is a buzz around whats going on downtown. If any of you have questions that I can answer or want to come check out the lofts, feel free to do so. We have a full staff on site now that construction is complete. I can see that there has been some discussion pertaining to our prices. If you haven't personally toured the building, I encourage you to do so. Also, don't forget that our list prices aren't set in stone and the developers will consider any fair offers. Again, feel free to ask me any questions you have.