This is a reply to the death of the Springfield resurgence. Springfield isn't for everyone. It takes someone who has vision and can see past the urban blight. Riverside had it's fair share of this in the past. They have a Publix and plentiful resturants now. Along with this come a high per square foot cost of buying a home. Main St. is under construction and looks like a war zone. It will be completed in a year and will offer underground utility lines, landscaped medians, historic lighting and sidewalks. Also under construction is Third and Main. This project will have a grocery store and street level dining with apartments on the second and third floors. Mr Hionedes bought a significant amount of real estate here in the past and is asking an unreasonable amount for current market rates. Looking on the positive side these properties will be developed sometime in the future. If he continues to ask the current prices the only type of development that will be feasible is something similar to Third and Main which has ground level retail and residential/office/hotel space on the upper floors. This will add to the unique urban character of the neighborhood.
Check out www.srghomes.com. They are a builder of historically acurate homes in the Springfield area.
The old Epicurean is vacant and available. The old Main Street Bakery is vacant also. What's the holdup on Uncommon Grounds? Road construction? market? price?
There is an access point to Epicurean's parking lot. I use it to cut across to the alley from time to time.
The concern about what would happen to springfield in Stephendare's post is exactly what my husband was worried about in moving to Springfield. Either it will be great growth or return to blighted because no one can afford to continue the revitalization effort. I obviously do not live there yet, but from what I have been reading, it seems that a lot of very passionate people are very invested in Springfield. It seems hard to imagine after all the tremendous effort that has been put into Springfield so far that it would become blighted again. JMHO from an outsider :)
Michelle
Well it is what it is, a construction zone. That section side of the street should be completed in a few months. I don't think you can blame anyone at SPAR for Main being a construction zone or that side of the street being ripped up. Its common practice with road reconstruction projects.
Quote from: michelle on October 06, 2008, 12:10:52 PM
The concern about what would happen to springfield in Stephendare's post is exactly what my husband was worried about in moving to Springfield. Either it will be great growth or return to blighted because no one can afford to continue the revitalization effort. I obviously do not live there yet, but from what I have been reading, it seems that a lot of very passionate people are very invested in Springfield. It seems hard to imagine after all the tremendous effort that has been put into Springfield so far that it would become blighted again. JMHO from an outsider :)
Michelle
I don't share the same concern. Although commercial redevelopment has been slow to happen, Springfield has turned the corner, imo. We would have to work hard to completely screw it up for it not to continue on a path back to life. Like downtown, there are some things we can do to make the revitalization process happen faster, but even now progress is taking place. This is the area where we need to focus on. Overall, I'd be more worried about the Southside's future.
Why would you be worried about the southside? And, are you talking about San Marco, Riverside/Avondale?
The Southside is suburban Jacksonville on the east side of the river. This area contains the city's largest malls, corporate office parks, tons of strip shopping centers, chain restaurants and the University of North Florida. Unfortunately, this area lacks a sense of place. A sense of place is something neighborhoods need to maintain long term viability. San Marco, Riverside/Avondale, Springfield, Old Mandarin, San Jose, Oretga, etc. all have special elements that make them unique.
On the other hand, the Southside is anyplace USA with cookie-cutter apartments/condos and cul-de-sac gated communities catering to office parks that are sure to see a lose in employment, due to the recent financial mergers. With the economy going down the tubes, many of the chain big box stores are destined to close. Higher gas prices and congestion will also have a negative effect, plus suburbs tend to struggle when the newness wears off.
michelle, you are correct in your assessment of those already invested here. many are from other cities, and have seen this type of revitalization happen first-hand. we are determined, and tho we may come down on opposite sides of some issues, we are all focused on the community's continued safe, clean, livable/walkable trajectory...
My fiancée and I are seriously considering Springfield once she finishes school early next year. We actually spent about 3 hours driving about and stopped by Three Layers yesterday (what a great place!).
My fiancée is in love with the area. I am on the fence. I'm not completely sure it's going to make it as much as I want to believe. The prices are certainly right for some beautiful homes.
jtwestside I moved here from Baymeadows in June. It is a great place to live. My main objection to moving here was the lack of retail and some lingering urban blight. I don't regret my decision. The progress is very evident here even though it is slow on Main and 8th so far. The residents of Springfield are awesome. We have met so many new friends here. Main St. will be complete in about a year. There is progress with the urban market going in at Third and Main. A new Middle Eastern restaurant is opening soon. The Pearl is the best bar in Jax in my opinion. Constant parties and social events.
Oh Yeah I ride my bike to work now. Love it!!
Good Mourning Springfield,
Springfield has the most potential in this city. What this community needs is amenities
a draw for all the community to enjoy. Springfield the Heart of Jacksonville plan is to do this, it takes time, money and interest to do. Their is a lot of behind the closed door meetings going on and a lot of rumors of things to come,I must admit some are mine. I would rather talk openly about these items and show and discuss them, however at this time I have to be carefull. Item to talk about or get input a movie theater in the district. I have a vision for Springfield but it is not mine alone.
ok?
Quoteok?
is right. smallwood has been awfully coy in his posts. A movie theater would be nice but...
details.
Quote from: Deuce on April 24, 2009, 09:00:28 AM
Quoteok?
is right. smallwood has been awfully coy in his posts. A movie theater would be nice but...
details.
And the "Mourning" thing is freaking me out.
Coming soon...
The Seminole Tribe proudly presents...
Ye Olde Historic Springfield Gambling Emporium and Burlesque House... :D :o
A traditional movie theater in Springfield is about as likely as snow in Springfield, in May. An independent/foreign theater might have a shot, but I'll believe it when I see it.
movie theater is great. I imagine most people would go with the artistic, independent movie type. Dare I propose an 360 degree immersion IMAX? It will really bring in the crowd. When I use to live in Boston, some big furniture store (I forgot its name) has an IMAX in it. I do not remember how many over priced furniture I brought because I was "just walking around" before and after the movies.
IMAX might not sound as cool to the elder generation but it is definitely THE THING for the young. While we are at it, let's get some vending machines that sells iphone accessories. ;)
don't get your hopes up for a traditional movie theater people....
I'm not getting my hopes for anything. Maybe except another fast food joint or gas station makeover.
Movie schmovie...when was the last time that anything less than a giant megaplex was built anywhere? I love the old art houses but San Marco and Five Points have that niche filled for now.
A projector and a old sheet in Klutho Park would do me just fine. Meanwhile, one house/one small business at a time.