Quote(https://photos.moderncities.com/Cities/Jacksonville/Development/Hyatt-Place-Downtown/i-ggKk6TT/0/5e2ac806/L/Presentation1-1-L.jpg)
The first true tower crane to rise over the Northbank in more than a decade appears to be on its way. Last week, a building permit application was filed by Fort Lauderdale-based Mainstreet CV76 S Laura Street LLC. with the Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) to begin construction on a nine-story Hyatt Place Hotel across the street from the Jacksonville Landing. Situated on a 0.27-acre site at the intersection of Independent Drive and Hogan Street, the 128-guest room hotel may be one of downtown's most interesting projects in recent years, being that it is the direct result of public engagement on the conceptual planning process.
Read More: https://www.thejaxsonmag.com/article/hyatt-place-tower-preparing-to-break-ground-in-downtown/
I am confused by the location reference in the article, "across the street from the Jacksonville Landing" ... what is this "Landing" of which you speak?
[/sarcasm font]
Speaking of Landing Park......
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Cities/Pensacola-May-2019/i-qBSXK4N/0/8ae9b7ad/L/20190518_131308-L.jpg)
Can you feel the excitement of open space along the river? #winning
Quote from: thelakelander on May 19, 2019, 04:34:07 PM
Speaking of Landing Park......
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Cities/Pensacola-May-2019/i-qBSXK4N/0/8ae9b7ad/L/20190518_131308-L.jpg)
Can you feel the excitement of open space along the river? #winning
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL........
I'll take it without grumbling, complaining, etc.; it's better than nothing. Probably won't see another crane for new construction downtown for another 10 to 20 years so I'd better enjoy watching this 9 story commercial hotel peek over the tree line.
I do like the architect of it though, kind of like something out of South Beach.
"Can you feel the excitement of open space along the river?"
Lake I don't think you got Lori Boyer's memo:
"Ultimately, the goal is to give you some breathing room and not have a solid wall of something tall along the river that blocks off the public's view and access to the waterfront, recognizing that the riverfront is probably the greatest asset of all in Downtown and making sure it is a publicly available asset and helps lift values of everything adjacent to it," Boyer said.
I read this and wonder when was the last time LB and her colleagues at City Council left their offices and actually walked along the Northbank riverfront.
Lol, there is no wall. Just a lot of dead and unactivated space. We still have riverfront surface parking lots. I hope she meant that in a future sense after a few generations of infill development.
Quote from: MusicMan on May 20, 2019, 09:03:25 AM
"Ultimately, the goal is to give you some breathing room and not have a solid wall of something tall along the river that blocks off the public's view and access to the waterfront" Boyer said.
So we're calling 2 stories "tall" these days? There are already height restrictions along the river. I agree with some public space, but not the 100+ undeveloped acres we now have between the stadium and the TUPAC.
About bloody time
I'm just curious, where will the aforementioned crane be positioned? The build site is one quarter of an acre, so not much room left for a crane.
Quote from: MusicMan on May 20, 2019, 09:20:07 PM
I'm just curious, where will the aforementioned crane be positioned? The build site is one quarter of an acre, so not much room left for a crane.
The crane takes up about 16 sq feet.
4 ft by 4 ft.
That's not much of a crane....
Tower crane
https://www.cranerental.com/how-tower-cranes-work/
or
https://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/engines-equipment/tower-crane.htm
Thanks, In the picture it's bigger than 16 sq feet.
So the base of the crane sits close to, but not on top of the buildings foundation? The point I'm making is that in a .27 acre parcel, it does not leave much room for the base of the crane. I guess within a few months we will see exactly where the base of the crane is to be placed.
(https://photos.moderncities.com/Cities/Jacksonville/Development/Hyatt-Place-Downtown/i-hG39BVh/0/d2940b43/L/Hyatt%20Place-title%20combine-L.jpg)
Since there's no Landing, you could stick it in Independent Drive. There's also space between the proposed building site and VyStar Tower.
My guess is that it ends up right at the front of the building where the pool deck is along Independent drive. They may also be able to work a deal to put it behind the building between Hogan St and the Garage. Can't be close to other structures (Suntrust) because of the counterweight overhang.
I feel like there's plenty of room. I'm not sure of the exact measurements and it might be larger than 4'x4' but to Kerry's point (not sure the last time I said that) it isn't very big. A quick Google search said 10'x10'. I'm 6' tall so that's basically me and a midget laying end to end - not that much in the scheme of things.
There's a reason they're the crane of choice for high-rise construction in urban areas.
Quote from: Steve on May 21, 2019, 11:13:16 AMA quick Google search said 10'x10'. I'm 6' tall so that's basically me and a midget laying end to end.
MAKE IT HAPPEN, STEVE.
Quote from: MusicMan on May 21, 2019, 07:43:56 AM
Thanks, In the picture it's bigger than 16 sq feet.
So the base of the crane sits close to, but not on top of the buildings foundation? The point I'm making is that in a .27 acre parcel, it does not leave much room for the base of the crane. I guess within a few months we will see exactly where the base of the crane is to be placed.
Some cranes can be on the building itself and rise with it.
Quote from: MusicMan on May 20, 2019, 09:03:25 AM
"Can you feel the excitement of open space along the river?"
Lake I don't think you got Lori Boyer's memo:
"Ultimately, the goal is to give you some breathing room and not have a solid wall of something tall along the river that blocks off the public's view and access to the waterfront, recognizing that the riverfront is probably the greatest asset of all in Downtown and making sure it is a publicly available asset and helps lift values of everything adjacent to it," Boyer said.
I read this and wonder when was the last time LB and her colleagues at City Council left their offices and actually walked along the Northbank riverfront.
MusicMan and Lake - I am a newbie. Between the photo and the quote from and comment about LB, I am trying to figure out whether she has a vision for development in the Urban Core or not. In recent weeks I read some of the brief summaries of the three finalists for the position she landed as she rotates off City Council. The other final candidates would have brought a fresh perspective, as I believe they were both from other cities. When I read about the deciding factors in her selection accounts mentioned how she knows the players and understands the "unique" narrative and background with Jacksonville. I worried we might get stuck with development in spite of those charged to lead it. Is LB someone who will advance efforts to develop downtown or is she dedicated to more of the same over the last many years? Thanks for any insights giver LB's upcoming role.
I like LB. I have high hopes for her. At the end of the day, her success will boil down to being able to get the little things right. Right now, there are some private sector projects already in the works that some decent momentum can be built if the right moves are made.
Thank you for your perspective. Also, after my post, I noticed the separate thread which provides additional comments about the selection of LB. Again, thanks.
Eric
As part of the Old Guard, LB has as good a reputation as possible. I personally do not know her. However I found her statement regarding downtown riverfront naive, and pretty baseless. I have lived all over Florida, from Tallahassee to Boca Raton, South Beach, Coral Gables, and spent a great deal of time in Naples, Ft Lauderdale and WPB. Downtown Waterfront property pretty much everywhere else but Jacksonville brings a premium. Our riverfront is like mud compared to those other cities. And I'm not sure why. BUT if you walk from the WJCT studios to CSX, tell me what YOU see.
I see COJ owned property. COJ has a historically bad track record in this department. It doesn't have to stomach to program public spaces consistently, avoids activating spaces due to fear of taking on liability and is horrible in maintaining public spaces. The riverfront would have already been developed if it were in private hands. However, you probably would have a wall of development then, including warehouses (I'd actually be fine with maritime related industry there) at the shipyards.
YUP.
I went over to the new build in Brooklyn, VISTA. They are using a crane. I spoke to the worker about it. It is about 12-15 feet square at the base, so at least 144 sq ft. It is attached to a large concrete base, 25 feet by 25 feet and 25 feet deep. Then more concrete poured over that to get to the 400,000 pound number. It is positioned in the courtyard of the building, so the building will rise around it. That won't work at Hyatt Place but you get the picture. It will be disassembled after completion of the building.
Looking at the Hyatt Place site plan, it appears there should be enough space for a crane right in front of the lobby area off Independent Drive. However, the parallel parking and maybe a lane would need to closed during the construction process.
This Hyatt Place hotel is a much welcomed project for downtown and will hopefully lead to similar developments in downtown. But wouldn't it be nice (seems like a no brainer)to have a vibrant Jacksonville Landing, bustling with activity (restaurants, entertainment etc.) right across the street from a new hotel full of visitors looking for something to do, somewhere to go? MY GOD, WAKE UP SLEEPY SOUTHERN TOWN!!!!!!
The skeletal remains of Berkman II have cast a desolate shadow over downtown for the past 12 years. Three Mayors? You are expecting something to change?
Quote from: thelakelander on May 21, 2019, 09:37:29 AM
(https://photos.moderncities.com/Cities/Jacksonville/Development/Hyatt-Place-Downtown/i-hG39BVh/0/d2940b43/L/Hyatt%20Place-title%20combine-L.jpg)
Since there's no Landing, you could stick it in Independent Drive. There's also space between the proposed building site and VyStar Tower.
Independent Dr. would make the most sense. Even if the landing is open closing that short stretch of Independent wouldn't be an issue.
Anyone know if the food trucks will be moving? The south end of those seem awfully close to the construction.
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/aerial-easement-for-downtown-hyatt-place-hotel-moves-forward
Anything happening on this?
Quote from: edjax on September 12, 2019, 07:32:04 PM
Anything happening on this?
Rats - saw an update was made to this thread and thought something was happening :)
From a developer perspective, the City closed and is tearing down The Landing and spending $260 million about a mile down the road at Lot J. If it was your money wouldn't you revaluate your project?
Quote from: Kerry on September 13, 2019, 10:53:09 AM
Quote from: edjax on September 12, 2019, 07:32:04 PM
Anything happening on this?
Rats - saw an update was made to this thread and thought something was happening :)
From a developer perspective, the City closed and is tearing down The Landing and spending $260 million about a mile down the road at Lot J. If it was your money wouldn't you revaluate your project?
I agree, but they also have a contractual obligation to build something on that site, so tough noogies.
Quote from: Captain Zissou on September 13, 2019, 11:41:10 AM
Quote from: Kerry on September 13, 2019, 10:53:09 AM
Quote from: edjax on September 12, 2019, 07:32:04 PM
Anything happening on this?
Rats - saw an update was made to this thread and thought something was happening :)
From a developer perspective, the City closed and is tearing down The Landing and spending $260 million about a mile down the road at Lot J. If it was your money wouldn't you revaluate your project?
I agree, but they also have a contractual obligation to build something on that site, so tough noogies.
Might be cheaper to just pay the exit penalty.
Quote from: Kerry on September 13, 2019, 11:57:41 AM
Quote from: Captain Zissou on September 13, 2019, 11:41:10 AM
Quote from: Kerry on September 13, 2019, 10:53:09 AM
Quote from: edjax on September 12, 2019, 07:32:04 PM
Anything happening on this?
Rats - saw an update was made to this thread and thought something was happening :)
From a developer perspective, the City closed and is tearing down The Landing and spending $260 million about a mile down the road at Lot J. If it was your money wouldn't you revaluate your project?
I agree, but they also have a contractual obligation to build something on that site, so tough noogies.
Might be cheaper to just pay the exit penalty.
No one was coming into Jacksonville and getting a hotel to go to the Landing. Now, to have a meeting at an office building? That's a different story. While it certainly will look more depressing without the landing, I'm not sure it changes hotel occupancy numbers, especially since Hyatt Place and Indigo share a price point and the Indigo project was killed with VyStar's purchase of the building.
QuoteNo one was coming into Jacksonville and getting a hotel to go to the Landing.
I don't know about that. Eating at the highest-grossing Hooters in the chain would be on a lot of people's bucket list.
On a serious note, they might have thought they could get a premium on FL-GA. Not hard to believe they would get it. One would think the city would tell them it was going away.
Quote from: vicupstate on September 13, 2019, 12:19:41 PM
QuoteNo one was coming into Jacksonville and getting a hotel to go to the Landing.
I don't know about that. Eating at the highest-grossing Hooters in the chain would be on a lot of people's bucket list.
On a serious note, they might have thought they could get a premium on FL-GA. Not hard to believe they would get it. One would think the city would tell them it was going away.
They still have the Florida-Georgia traffic. Every hotel downtown is jammed full that weekend at any price.
Quote from: Kerry on September 13, 2019, 10:53:09 AM
Quote from: edjax on September 12, 2019, 07:32:04 PM
Anything happening on this?
Rats - saw an update was made to this thread and thought something was happening :)
From a developer perspective, the City closed and is tearing down The Landing and spending $260 million about a mile down the road at Lot J. If it was your money wouldn't you revaluate your project?
No competent hotelier would've been factoring an empty The Landing in their plans. A handful of shops being used to launder money isn't scientifically known as an attraction.
^ source please
Looks like a 6 month delay was requested:
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/downtown-hyatt-place-developer-seeks-an-extension-to-start-construction
Doesn't specifically say why, but I do know the site has been a staging site for the VyStar Tower renovations. Interestingly, the agreed completion date wasn't changed (April 2021). That tells me that either they think they won't need all 6 months, or they aren't going to break ground at all.
I imagine that the Landing demo impacted construction as well. April 2021 is a tight deadline. Let's hope Vystar's renovations are completed by the end of the 1st quarter.
Quote from: JaxAvondale on January 27, 2020, 11:51:49 AM
I imagine that the Landing demo impacted construction as well. April 2021 is a tight deadline. Let's hope Vystar's renovations are completed by the end of the 1st quarter.
I think coming soon here, there will be construction but not to the same magnitude - at one point the Life of the South Building looked like a brick exterior and nothing else.
Once the interior build out is largely complete, the staging area should be much less.
My guess is they want to see what plays out with Lot J, The District, Ford on Bay, Landing replacement, and everything else downtown. Wouldn't blame them one bit for that.
Quote from: CityLife on January 27, 2020, 12:56:47 PM
My guess is they want to see what plays out with Lot J, The District, Ford on Bay, Landing replacement, and everything else downtown. Wouldn't blame them one bit for that.
I'm not sure. It's a business hotel. None of those aside from maybe 1 building in Lot J and possibly part of "Ford" would have an office component.
The office tower market hasn't changed despite all of this.
I can't imagine them being dumb enough to break ground within six months if the business plan is dependent on conceptual dreams like the Ford, Lot J, the District, Landing, etc. All of those are years away from fruition....if they even happen.
The site of the planned hotel has for the last six months been used as the staging area for the renovations to the adjacent Vystar Tower and Life of the South building, in preparation for the relocation of Vystar's headquarters. That work is expected to last through the 2nd quarter of this year, hence the need to modify Main Street's hotel construction timeline. The original purchase contract with the City called for vertical construction to start within a given period (that site has been under contract twice before with the same construction performance). At the time of entering into that agreement, neither Main Street nor the City anticipated that Main Street would sell the former Suntrust Tower and adjacent parking garage to Vystar, nor that Eugene Profitt would sell the Life of the South building to Vystar.
The purchase contract between Vystar and Main Street anticipated that each party would make construction access accommodations for one another.
The point was that the developer (and hotel operator) might be interested to see what mix of hotels could be attached to the other projects Downtown. While the District, Lot J, Ford on Bay are not apples to apples comparisons in terms of location DT, project type, and may not even have comparable operators; there very well could be some market overlap, which would impact their initial demand projections. Just saw the exact same thing happen, where a large national hotel operator backed out of a deal when they saw an area with a lot of demand was being flooded with new hotels.
Good to hear from Mike that it's construction/staging related and not second thoughts.
I can't imagine they'd get this far along and then start worrying about potential hotels at the District, Lot J or City Hall Annex sites either. All three have had hotel talk associated with theme prior to Hyatt Place materializing. Whatever market there is, the projects that get built first will likely be the few of all the proposed that get built before the next recession. Right now, out of the 7 or 8 hotels proposed since 2017/18, only one (Residence Inn) has broken ground.
^ Does the LaQuinta/Ambassador Hotel project count as having broken ground in that interior demo has happened? I know it's waiting on permitting.
Here are the ones I remember:
Residence Inn - Under Construction
Indigo - Now part of VyStar's headquarters
Hyatt Place - I THINK this will happen, just later than planned
Courtyard Marriott (Trio) - I THINK this will happen, assuming Atkins and the city can figure out the money
Ambassador - This one seems sketchy to me. They've moved more than I thought they would with the interior demo, but it just seems like something is missing on this one.
I don't count Lot J or the District as they seem like pen on a cocktail napkin at this point. I know they announced AC for the district but they have to show me something more.
Was that it?
The hotel associated with the convention center RFP...now Ford site.
Quote from: Wacca Pilatka on January 27, 2020, 02:32:34 PM
^ Does the LaQuinta/Ambassador Hotel project count as having broken ground in that interior demo has happened? I know it's waiting on permitting.
I forgot about that one. I'd count it. They broke ground. That's a lot more realistic than conceptual renderings. The developer also doubled down and acquired the old JEA tower across the street.
Quote from: thelakelander on January 27, 2020, 03:04:32 PM
The hotel associated with the convention center RFP...now Ford site.
Also the resort/amusement park at Berkman 2, I guess
Forgot about that one too. It popped up and was quickly submitted to the dead projects file. Big savings for the taxpayers!
Maybe they are considering building on the vacant Landing site and are waiting for a complete vacancy and clearing of the land; just kidding, who knows what's happening. But you never know in "Big Jax!"
Whatever happened to this project? Did the pandemic kill the business case for this?
I haven't heard anything about this one since the pandemic began. I'm not sure if they requested another extension or if the agreement expired.