The most exciting area of DT Jax these days!
QuoteSince 2018, JWB, Augustine Development Group LLC, developer/investors Jim and Ellen Wiss and a Corner Lot Development Group LLC-ACE JAX LLC partnership have been pursuing projects in what they call the North Core.
The four groups have a combined $233.75 million in project investments at some stage of development in the area.
The projects comprise 743 multifamily residential units and more than 85,730 square feet of retail/office space.
Sifakis said the groups are coordinating to build up the neighborhood.
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/photo-gallery/the-north-core-projects-together-they-total-more-than-dollar233-million
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/transforming-downtowns-north-core
Exciting news, but they could have probably left out a couple North Core references.
From the second linked article:
QuoteThe four groups have a combined $233.75 million in project investments at some stage of development in the area.
...
The DIA and City Council have awarded more than $13.1 million in historic preservation grants and forgivable and deferred loans for North Core projects over the past three years. Another $670,000 for JWB's Porter House Mansion renovation is awaiting a Council vote.
The city money is from the Historic Preservation Trust Fund and the Downtown Preservation and Revitalization Program.
More tax dollars could flow into the area in the next two years.
So, even allowing for growth in the roughly $14 million taxpayer dollars committed to this new neighborhood, can anyone explain why certain councilmembers feel tear-down-and-build-new projects are preferable to historic preservation/adaptive reuse? $14 million taxpayer dollars for a $233 million neighborhood investment? Even if the taxpayer investment doubles, the economics to taxpayers on that investment are far superior to Lot J and Riverfront Plaza.
Didn't realise theres a phase 2 160 unit residential building for the Porter House Mansion. Was that announced previously?
It's about time I think. Even in the 80's, in my 30's, (mid to late 80's), I always felt that section of downtown was more sorely rejected and passed by over all others. New lease on life I think and I really believe it will work.
Quote from: landfall on October 01, 2021, 05:22:02 PM
Didn't realise theres a phase 2 160 unit residential building for the Porter House Mansion. Was that announced previously?
Daily record had actually reported on it before but it wasn't widely known.
Quote from: Alex Sifakis on October 01, 2021, 07:15:55 PM
Quote from: landfall on October 01, 2021, 05:22:02 PM
Didn't realise theres a phase 2 160 unit residential building for the Porter House Mansion. Was that announced previously?
Daily record had actually reported on it before but it wasn't widely known.
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/jwb-planning-multifamily-construction-next-to-porter-house-mansion
Yeah see it now thanks!
Despite the city's impotence with the Northbank riverfront, I honestly can't recall ever seeing (and hearing) this much simultaneous work going on in the CBD.
It's really encouraging to see.
Was just walking around, and it feels like there's a really healthy amount of active work going on.
Also feels like some of that 2016/2017 era optimism and momentum is back, and with a lot of these new projects coming on board, it feels like we're starting to see downtown continue to evolve from primarily 9-5 office use into a more diverse, residential-focused district. Hope to see that trend continue.
Some pics:
(https://i.postimg.cc/pThv6wMS/IMG-5376.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/MZBxbJDM/IMG-5383.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/HxqmD6pk/IMG-5386.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/rs5k85mC/IMG-5390.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/6pcB2VhM/IMG-5392.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/nLwZTHg7/IMG-5396.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/KYYxnKqx/IMG-5402.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/zG8JG2TL/IMG-5406.jpg)
Is the trio under construction already? What are those piles of dirt?
Also, what's the story with the old JEA tower next to Sweet Pete?
Quote from: jcjohnpaint on October 11, 2021, 03:33:48 PM
Is the trio under construction already? What are those piles of dirt?
Also, what's the story with the old JEA tower next to Sweet Pete?
Trio is supposed to start construction in November. The tower next to Sweet Pete's is being converted into apartments, restaurant, and grocery store
Quote from: jcjohnpaint on October 11, 2021, 03:33:48 PM
Is the trio under construction already? What are those piles of dirt?
Also, what's the story with the old JEA tower next to Sweet Pete?
The piles of dirt are probably from the garage site across the street. Construction on the Trio hasn't started yet.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Cities/Jacksonville/Development/UCU100321/i-WFJnLMn/0/2aacba04/XL/20211010_105028-XL.jpg)
The Old JEA Tower work is underway too. I have an urban construction update coming this week but here are some pictures of the Old JEA Tower from this weekend.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Cities/Jacksonville/Development/UCU100321/i-TjMv8Mf/0/a22a927a/XL/20210925_141215-XL.jpg)
Quote from: Ken_FSU on October 11, 2021, 03:13:15 PM
Despite the city's impotence with the Northbank riverfront, I honestly can't recall ever seeing (and hearing) this much simultaneous work going on in the CBD.
It's really encouraging to see.
Was just walking around, and it feels like there's a really healthy amount of active work going on.
Also feels like some of that 2016/2017 era optimism and momentum is back, and with a lot of these new projects coming on board, it feels like we're starting to see downtown continue to evolve from primarily 9-5 office use into a more diverse, residential-focused district. Hope to see that trend continue.
This is all the stuff we mentioned was coming down the pipeline last year and that combined, they'd be cheaper and be better for DT than Lot J. The key was the change in the amount of incentives being provided for the adaptive reuse of contributing structures and local historic landmarked buildings within the boundaries of the Downtown Jacksonville National Register Historic District. Not a sexy headline grabbing process like seeing slick Jags renderings, but the element to right a lot of wrongs. My advice to city leaders would be the same as it was a year ago. Cluster as much complementing development within this compact area of the Northbank as possible. Do it now and not 10 years from now. Take that approach and the image of downtown will be completely different in five years.
Quote from: Ken_FSU on October 11, 2021, 03:13:15 PM
Despite the city's impotence with the Northbank riverfront, I honestly can't recall ever seeing (and hearing) this much simultaneous work going on in the CBD.
It's really encouraging to see.
Was just walking around, and it feels like there's a really healthy amount of active work going on.
Also feels like some of that 2016/2017 era optimism and momentum is back, and with a lot of these new projects coming on board, it feels like we're starting to see downtown continue to evolve from primarily 9-5 office use into a more diverse, residential-focused district. Hope to see that trend continue.
Some pics:
(https://i.postimg.cc/pThv6wMS/IMG-5376.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/MZBxbJDM/IMG-5383.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/HxqmD6pk/IMG-5386.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/rs5k85mC/IMG-5390.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/6pcB2VhM/IMG-5392.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/nLwZTHg7/IMG-5396.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/KYYxnKqx/IMG-5402.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/zG8JG2TL/IMG-5406.jpg)
And.....with all of the residential being built and moving in we should see more bars, nightclubs, convenience stores, retail stores, and more; that is the way is NORMALLY works isn't it? I hope this is the way it happens and comes to fruition.
Jones Bros Furniture update.
I love it.
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/photo-gallery/city-review-board-to-consider-new-design-for-jones-bros-building#photo-1
Quote from: Ken_FSU on April 14, 2022, 07:11:20 PM
Jones Bros Furniture update.
I love it.
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/photo-gallery/city-review-board-to-consider-new-design-for-jones-bros-building#photo-1
SO ARE THEY PLANNING ON TAKING DOWN THE SKYWAY?
No the Skyway will stay.
I too love it; not tall enough but I like it. So...they will demolish the adjoining building and build that new one. Is this a sure go now?