Florence Court Apartments: The Power of Paint
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/489937191_JY5FK-M.jpg)
Klutho's Florence Court building, in Springfield, is enjoying a new look, thanks to an exterior paint job.
Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/content/view/1034
Who owns this building at present?
Is it oocupied?
Section 8?
Duke Properties out of Winter Park, FL -- thanks for painting the building! It is subsidized housing. Compared to others in the area, they seem to manage to the rules well.
I would suggest a third color to accent architectural features more.
When I walked through and around the building last fall, I think I remember counting 48 electrical meters?
would love to see the canpoy's added back to the building and those large windows opened up again. Hopefully, sometime in the future.
A new paint job is nice and all but how about converting the building back to 8 units and adding commercial back to the bottom!
Are the units currently occupied?
Well it KINDA looks better.
I agree that the accents should be another color.
I think I'll drive by at lunch and take pics of the meters for you - I'm curious just how many units it's chopped down to now.
I don't think the pictures do the improvement justice. Good article was not excited about it on front page but it worked.
I've always loved that building. I wish the fountain at the entrance was operational and they would convert it to more of an upscale condo building, but that may be too much to expect.
Getting retail on the first floor again would be great.
This is how observant I am. I work in the area and often go to the eatery establishments (KFC, Cap D's) off Main. I noticed the building last week and thought to myself, "when did they build those"? It looks completely different but very nice. It goes well with the lofts being built a few blocks down.
well, it could use more improvement but any improvement is good. Some times it is amazing how much difference a little paint can make.
Maybe it is just me, but the building still looks like crap even after the paint job. They really need to bring back the first floor retail and the original look of the building.
It will probably be a while before the building's owner spends millions bringing retail back at the expense of the number of units they've squeezed in the first floor. Given the market conditions, its probably unfeasible to completely renovate and change the scope of its use at this time.
To hell with the paint and the building... I want those STREETCAR TRACKS back!
Uh, it does look somewhat improved... sort of like spray painting a 1962 era Kitchen Stove. Until the day when it goes back to the original prints, it's the Kluthlo equal of the PCT Trolley's by default.
OCKLAWAHA
Quoteit's the Kluthlo equal of the PCT Trolley's by default
So what? People will still live there, just like people will still ride the Trolley even though you think it looks like a PCT.
Sorry but I just don't think you get it. What they've done to this building (and most of the rest of the historic fabric) is an abomination. Klutho would roll over in his grave if he could see the butcher job. 30+ apartments from in a building designed for 8 apartments and 4 small shops.
I'm sick to death of my favorite city and it's citizens settling for the copy, the fake, second best, almost, could have been, should have been, blown up, torn down, bull dozed, plastic, stucco covered crap.
And YES JTA knows that's also what I feel about the "PCT Trolleys". Why should Tampa have real ones and we don't? Did you know that I was the person that brought the heritage streetcar into our City before there was a single new LRT line finished in this country? We would have been first. Today there are 70+ systems and growing... And we have PCT's. BULL SHIT!
Not that I give a damn what anyone thinks about me or my opinion, take it or leave it.
We have the most beautiful Skyline on earth and as much potential as any other great city, but we have never raised the bar for ourselves. For example, Florence Court would be a fully restored Destination and apartment complex. It would be brick, with 4 nice shops. Main street would be lined with them. Streetcars would be rolling down the grassy landscaped median, turning on 8Th and meeting Commuter Rail and BRT over on Boulevard. People would ride them to see the Southern Fried Music Hall of Fame, Negro League Hall of Fame and to watch our all pro African American Volunteer Players dressed out as THE JACKSONVILLE RED CAPS and drafted from around the majors, play a historic game with the Yankees and Dodgers. We'd have a Randolph Museum, Aquarium, Maritime Museum, Finished Skyway, Fantastic Fountains, and a walk score of 99.9. We wouldn't need to beg people to come into Springfield and restore homes, they'd be knocking us over to get at them. That Riverwalk would have lifesize Bronze Statues from Babe Hardy, Ray Charles to Lynyrd and the gang. The great fire monument wouldn't be 20 feet high, but seen from Georgia... and your PCT's would be contributing to our ecology as artificial reefs off our coast.
(http://www.island-rhode.com/images/ripta_trolley.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2052/2418283362_8848b63767.jpg)
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a4/HCRY-Peter-Witt-TTC-2984.jpg/800px-HCRY-Peter-Witt-TTC-2984.jpg)
At some point we have to wonder which vehicle looks more like a Potato Chip Truck?
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3171/2286184619_b8446971c3.jpg)
BTW my friends... THIS IS A TROLLEY!
Time to belly up to the bar and quit our wimpy, "We have trolleys even if you don't like them..." line of thought. Buddy if any of those PCT's are trolleys, then I must be a Big Mac.
OCKLAWAHA
To give the current owner credit, they restored half the exterior about two decades ago. The tile roofs and the courtyard were removed in 1929. I have a picture somewhere. If you think its bad now, its a vast improvement over what it was in the 70s and around the time Klutho died.
QuoteOriginally the storefronts had suspended metal and glass canopies over the sidewalk in front. In 1929 these canopies were removed, as were the tile pent roofs above the upper balconies facing Main Street. At this time the courtyard was enclosed. A few years later Florence Court was converted into a hotel, but the building continued to decline and was partially vacant for many years.
In 1984 the building was remodeled into apartments once again. Crowned by Klutho’s Prairie-style cross motifs atop two towering stucco piers, the courtyard was reopened and has once again become the focal point of the facade. This long-awaited restoration of the courtyard was devalued by the awkward enclosing of the storefront openings. The “remuddling†was made even more unsympathetic by covering the exterior with modern textured stucco and by packing thirty-six apartment units into this single building.
The color is horrendous. The building still looks dead. :(
Yeah Lake, I've got a photo too (somewhere) showing the building in (color Tint?) red brick with a streetcar on the corner.
But like I said on my first post in this thread, what they did is sweep the dirt - not fix the floor! Void of the 4 little shops and shop windows, balconys and other features it is Void of Life and looks like a prison compound. I'm just sick of second rate projects around here.
OCKLAWAHA
No, its one with a bad stucco job and all boarded up and abandoned from the 1970s. The guys in there now restored it in the 1980s halfway by bringing back the courtyard and the tile roof. Unfortunately, this was done at the expense of stuffing 36 apartment units into it. On one hand we can look down on this but on the other, them using it is probably the only reason it has not been torn down like most of the vacant buildings along Main Street from that area (ex. all the surface parking lots today once had commercial buildings on them). Given the market and their line of business, I doubt the retail will be coming back, unless an outside party purchases it from them. Perhaps they could be encourage to bring back the canopies to enhance the look but I seriously doubt they'll ever restore it 100% to what it was between 1919 and 1929. Hopefully, one day the use will change when the market is strong enough to make a true conversion feasible.
Quote from: thelakelander on March 19, 2009, 07:42:12 PM
Perhaps they could be encourage to bring back the canopies to enhance the look but I seriously doubt they'll ever restore it 100% to what it was between 1919 and 1929. Hopefully, one day the use will change when the market is strong enough to make a true conversion feasible.
AMEN and AMEN!OCKLAWAHA
QuoteTime to belly up to the bar and quit our wimpy, "We have trolleys even if you don't like them..." line of thought. Buddy if any of those PCT's are trolleys, then I must be a Big Mac.
Regardless of what you think they are, people still ride them- that was my point
QuoteSorry but I just don't think you get it. What they've done to this building (and most of the rest of the historic fabric) is an abomination. Klutho would roll over in his grave if he could see the butcher job. 30+ apartments from in a building designed for 8 apartments and 4 small shops.
I'm sick to death of my favorite city and it's citizens settling for the copy, the fake, second best, almost, could have been, should have been, blown up, torn down, bull dozed, plastic, stucco covered crap.
No, I get. But perhaps maybe you should "belly up to the bar" and contact the owner and offer your own funds and truly restore it to what it once was. That sort of thing costs money and lots of it. We are in a recession right now. I'm not saying that this is an ideal restoration project, but it looks a whole lot better than it did before and it comes at a time when many developers and property owners are doing nothing.
Quote from: cline on March 19, 2009, 10:56:13 PM
Regardless of what you think they are, people still ride them- that was my point
It's a point well taken, they ride them because over the last 30 years our beloved city hasn't done a single stellar original thing in the way of Transit or Public Amenity's. I don't think we even have a single original and recent statue downtown. My point is to get them off the pot and TOGETHER lets recreate the city. QuoteNo, I get. But perhaps maybe you should "belly up to the bar" and contact the owner and offer your own funds and truly restore it to what it once was. That sort of thing costs money and lots of it. We are in a recession right now. I'm not saying that this is an ideal restoration project, but it looks a whole lot better than it did before and it comes at a time when many developers and property owners are doing nothing.
I'm certainly not into being a slum lord, and that's exactly what these guys have done in their "restoration" from 8 to 30+ apartments. My God, the closet in my master bedroom must be bigger then some of those cells. My point is, while it's nice to see fresh paint on North Main Street, and on a historic building at that, overall the whole use of this place is wrong. Sure it's a recession, sure the markets are tanking and nobody is doing a thing, but a quick paint job is hardly news worthy. Until we crack the whip on the slum lords; 30+ apartments with painted dirt walls will remain the norm in Jacksonville . Lakelander said it best recently - Lipstick on a Pig. Until they fix that building the way it deserves to be preserved (as a city treasure) then it's a pig.
Ya know, maybe we're not that far apart in opinion afterall. OCKLAWAHA
Quotethey ride them because over the last 30 years our beloved city hasn't done a single stellar original thing in the way of Transit or Public Amenity's. I don't think we even have a single original and recent statue downtown. My point is to get them off the pot and TOGETHER lets recreate the city.
That is a great point. What I am trying to say is that it is a good first step. Granted, they definitely are not as cool as real streetcars, but they do function and they do seem to get people moderately excited about the potential of this type of transit. Most importantly, it shows JTA that the citizens of Jax would indeed utilize this sort of transit and gives them a reason to investigate something better- such as streetcars. You're right though, it seems that the past administrations have given up on getting people off the pot, or status quo, and have basically given up. We need to show our leaders that we are ready and hungry for something different. That's why I am really excited about the Riverside Art Market that is coming up. This will be a great event to get people downtown and show our leadership that people really are excited about the potential that downtown has. This is the sort of thing that can cause a recreation of the city.
By the way, I don't work for JTA and I haven't agreed with many of their past decisions, but I do applaud them for their recent efforts to begin to think about studying other means of transportation- such as the commuter rail study. No doubt these have been spurred on by some of the posts and efforts by those on this message board.
QuoteYa know, maybe we're not that far apart in opinion afterall.
I don't think we are. I want this city to be the best it can be as much as you do.
Windows in the front (retail?) and something similar to those original awnings and that building would look awesome. And of course a cable car line to get me there ...
Currently it still looks drab, bland and uninviting at least it's a little cleaner!
I have to say...if I were an 'urban artist' those four front squares look very inviting 8)
^ Actually not a bad idea. One of said "urban artists" could paint a detailed mural resembling an outside-looking-in view of the storefront that once resided there. It would at least add some interest and the appearance of activity.
that would be like putting whip cream on shit.
Which would you rather look at?
I'm sorry you feel that way - but we took a vote with the tenants and this is what we came up with - I manage the property and feel we do a good job for the tenants and the community. We are a small company in Jacksonville and I have managed it for 9+ years now and have some of the best tenants anyone can ask for.
I live in the community. If you've got as many tenants in that building as people are claiming on this forum, then I don't think you are doing anything good for the community. But hey, that's just my opinion.
Quote from: JaxNative68 on March 24, 2009, 01:23:53 PM
that would be like putting whip cream on shit.
I'm laughing so hard I'm crying!
This place looks like a nuclear bunker.
Quote from: Deuce on March 25, 2009, 02:33:03 PM
I live in the community. If you've got as many tenants in that building as people are claiming on this forum, then I don't think you are doing anything good for the community. But hey, that's just my opinion.
Dress it up. On that corner - retail would be ideal. Tenants above are fine - no complaints. Just do something on the ground level!
QuoteIf you've got as many tenants in that building as people are claiming on this forum, then I don't think you are doing anything good for the community. But hey, that's just my opinion.
Well, if the tenants are happy and this is what they wanted then the management is doing something good for the community that lives in the building.
We have 49 units in the building (you don't have to count the meters) and if you don't think we are doing anything to help the community - think again - the tenants are on the Moderate Rehab program through Jax Housing - they are people with disabilities, mentally challenged, homeless and looking to keep their independence and / or some their families want nothing to do with them - we give them a safe, clean environment to live in. The building is inspected by housing at least twice a year and the fire marshal and our insurance company - also, the city keeps an eye on us to make sure every thing fine. This building does not generate a lot of money - but we did spend $28,000 to paint it, $15,000 for a new fence and gates, we also spent $5,000 to re-pave the alley behind the building (which is city owned) because of the potholes, for our tenants who are handicapped and in wheelchairs or those scooters, and next week the parking lot will be re-paved. Ask the tenants if we are slum landlords and I think you will be surprised at the answers you get. We treat everyone fairly, there are no drugs or prostitutes in our building. I've managed the apartments for 9+ years and am proud of the building and the tenants. We are located in Jacksonville and I am only 3 minutes away if there are any problems. Also, as for making the building back into 8 apartments - what would happen to the people that call this building home? As for putting in stores - it is not an option - most of the businesses that come in are gone within a couple years. As for looking like crap or a prison - look at some of the other apartments in the area - look at all the boarded up buildings - we have a whole row of them on the other side of our parking lot - that looks like crap. All the apartments are occupied and I have a waiting list of people who want to move there. As for Klutho - the current owner is an architect and kept many of Klutho's designs - inside the lobby my boss had all the tiles on the walls put in one at time by hand in the Klutho's pattern, the wooden staircase inside the lobby is still intact and so on. As for the fountain - we had to fill that in last year and we made it a planter (it did work up until then) because the street people would (believe it or not) wash their clothes in it or take a bath in it - we had the only fountain with a bathtub ring and it was constant maintenance. As for urban artists - we get enough graffiti without you giving anyone anymore ideas and again this is constant maintenance - I agree if you want to donate funds for the maintenance of the building we will gladly accept. Please feel free to contact me - I will answer your questions - and let you know how proud I am of working for a company who will help people who are down and out and no place else to go. We have had a lot of success stories of people going back to school - start working part-time and then going full time and eventually making more money so that they can move on with their lives and not be stagnant like some other people are. We are not a handout to them - they pay rent and Housing makes up the difference. Our rent is controlled by Housing - they tell us how much the tenant pays and how much they will pay - so now you know we are not taking advantage of the tenants. I very proudly and honestly love my job and the difference we make in some people's lives. I work downtown and see quite a homeless people that are there by choice - my tenant's are not walking the streets aimlessly - they have a quest in life.
patfaulk, welcome to the forum and thanks for the insight.
Welcome to the forum Pat... :) Thank you for the post... I learned alot that I was not aware of. Do not be surprised if you hear from some of the folks on this site. There is historical interest in the building and there are many people who take a personal interest in the area...
QuoteI very proudly and honestly love my job and the difference we make in some people's lives.
Thanks Pat! :)
Hello Pat, nice post and welcome. Since I'm the one that doused this with sarcasm in the first place, I should now speak to the subject.
I'm very happy that y'all are working with people that need a hand up rather then a hand out. It's good to know that Housing is involved and that they have a caring manager.
My argument won't change, but thanks to your post, I will redirect it, at both the city and the owner. In my book you and your tenants deserve better housing then 40+ units in a building built for 8 apartments. I would gladly tax myself a bit more to provide for those with a real need, in a clean, modern, climate controlled building in a nice secure area of town. I think that City Hall and the building owners, as well as any other like buildings in Springfield, do the City a disservice. By "City" I'm talking about you, me and anyone else that lives in Jacksonville.
Again, I ask, why must we take a property with significant history, one that should be fully restored and make a special home out of it? Why don't we take care of our treasures, which in this case include you and your tenants, and one of the handful of Klutho Buildings that haven't been razed. I just don't get the attitude of maintaining the status quot.
OCKLAWAHA ::)
Not good enough. It still looks bad.
Now it's a 5 instead of 10 on the horrible-o-meter, that's all.
And i seriosuly, seriously, seriously, doubt that you can speak to the moral character and personal lives of those 40+ people.
I beg to differ - I can tell you all you want to know about my tenants - I can name them all - tell you their casemanagers if they have one - know their families - the ones that have family - we have monthly meetings and I am there on a daily basis and on call 24/7 - don't tell me what I know about my tenants - you need to take responsibility for what you say - ask any of my tenants and they will tell you they can call on me anytime to talk. This is not just some fly by night company - we take our responsibility very seriously - since we are local (3 minutes away) we can get to know our people not like some apartment complexes that don't know your first name or even if you live there. Take a good hard look at Springfield - look at all the abandoned buildings - look at the other apartments in the area - they are not full and do not have waiting lists - if you can prove I don't know what I'm talking about - DO IT! I spend a lot of my personal time with my tenants and at the property because I care - do you care about the disabled, elderly, mentally challanged, homeless - I don't see your name in lights helping people.
This is for Oklawaha, these apartments are the same as any average size apartment - living room, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom - they are one bedrooms because under our contract with housing they are for single adults only - it's not like that person who wrote that his closet is bigger than their apartments - people don't realize how big that building really is inside. The tenants are comfortable - we take care of all their maintenance needs - keep the building in good shape and sometime we take care of their emotional needs. And sorry - I do not live in Jacksonville - but even so I take responsibility for my tenants and the company and other homeless people who need a hand to get back on their feet.
What do I do with the tenants - throw them out?
As I said - we are a small company - the cost to restore that building would be astronomical - and what of the tenants? They deserve a roof over their heads also, their are not enough shelters or places for them to go especially with all the cutbacks. I will challenge anyone that what we are doing is good for community - whoever differs then you have never walked in their shoes - I have.
Have you ever been down and out with no place to go? They appreciate a safe and clean place to call home.
What are you doing for people who are down and out - are you giving them a helping hand to get back on their feet - take them into your home? feed them? clothe them? We have done these things - these people have been to my house - we have clothing drives - we lend them money - do you?
I don't appreciate being called a slum landlord - a lot of my tenants come from places they rented that were full of rats, roaches, mold, mildew - we don't have anything like that - slum landlords take peoples money and don't give back - some of the place I spoke about have since been condemned - and left people with no place to go - giving them only hours to pack up and leave - ever been in that position? Slum landlords don't care as long as they get their money. City inspectors have come to me to help them find housing for some of these people - we are a respected company in this community - ask the police, housing inspectors (who say our building is a Taj Mahjal compared to other places they have to go to), city inspectors, anyone at Jax Housing, MHRC, Sulzbacher, Liberty Center, Trinity, City welfare. We treat our tenants no matter what kind of circumstances that they came from with respect and with that you get respect back - do you get respect with your sarcasm?
True, the building may not look beautiful (of which, it's all subject to interpretation anyway) but it's freshly painted and maintained. That's a hell of a lot better than half of the crap holes you see along Main street. I personally see nothing wrong with how the building is maintained and who occupies it. I can't recall any threads of complaints in regards to the building or occupants. As a long time Springfield resident, I'm thrilled to see the new coat of paint on the old building.
Thanks, I needed some encouragement - some people were so nice with their comments and others were just so down on what we are trying to accomplish - I don't understand it, when so many buildings in this area are from the dregs of ____--!! They also don't take into consideration that we have to pay taxes, insurance, and of course maintenance and we even pay for the water for the whole building - the tenants don't pay for it - only electric. Thanks again.
Quote from: patfaulk on March 27, 2009, 07:52:03 AM
This is for Oklawaha, these apartments are the same as any average size apartment - living room, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom - they are one bedrooms because under our contract with housing they are for single adults only - it's not like that person who wrote that his closet is bigger than their apartments - people don't realize how big that building really is inside. The tenants are comfortable - we take care of all their maintenance needs - keep the building in good shape and sometime we take care of their emotional needs. And sorry - I do not live in Jacksonville - but even so I take responsibility for my tenants and the company and other homeless people who need a hand to get back on their feet.
Pat, you misunderstand me and my shoot from the hip comments. The way I see it, if this were Cairo Egypt, rather then Jacksonville, Florida, and your property owner did the exact same thing in the Great Pyramid of Giza...30 apartments, good paint, nice tenants, great management etc... JUST THE WRONG PLACE. I see the city's dwindling inventory of history every day, and wish to God that someone in Housing, had the nerve to stand up and fight for new apartments for you and your tenants. Meanwhile that Great Pyramid, which in our case is one of the rare Klutho Buildings, should be captured by either a historic renovation developer OR by the City itself and turned into a fully restored treasure. It's like how many architectural students and tourists would the Pyramid get if it had 40 apartments in it? What if they were nice and it was painted gray and white? I think we'd all agree that it's a misuse of a historic resource.
BUT that misuse in no way should reflect on you, your tenants or your mission. I wish I could build that new building for you, and frankly the city should hear that idea.
I did my time on the streets of Hollywood, Haight-Ashbury, Daytona, and Yosemite... So I DO understand. PEACE AND LOVE!OCKLAWAHA
(resident old hippie)
To be fair, when this building was renovated in the mid 1980s, it had been vacant and boarded up for a while and Springfield was in pretty bad shape. The last thing on the city's mind at that time, was saving Klutho buildings. While many may not agree with its use, this group's use of the building most likely saved it from demolition in a tear down happy city. Without them, this structure would have probably been in the same picture books with historic structures that died from the wrecking ball and this discussion would be mute.
ok, now i believe that you know your tenants.
This is for Ocklawaha - the problem with placing these people in a different neighborhood is that the people of those communities don't want "Those" people in their neighborhood. How many times have you seen on the news or newspaper about the meetings and protests of having "Those kind" in their neighborhood? Many times I'm sure. Nobody wants to give others a chance to survive - I could see if we weren't the kind of management company that we are and our place was full of gangs, drugs, and prostitutes - then I could sympathize with the people - but because they are retarded, homeless, disabled they are labeled for life.
Too bad society has come to this. Prejudice is not dead. You can't judge someone because of they way they are made - it could be your son, daughter, niece, nephew or someother relative - but for the grace of God they are the way they are and someone needs to understand their wants and needs. You think even the shelters care? The give them food and send them on their way to find someplace to eat the food - most end up on our wall in front of the office or between our building and the parking lot. A lot of places charge these people to stay in the shelters - if you're on a fixed income how do you get on your feet. Case managers - once their clients are placed in living quarters - drop their clients and then they are someone else's problem - a few still care and I can still call them when I have to. We do all we can to improve their quality of life - if they can't or aren't able to clean their apartment - we do it for them. What other managers do you know will do that? My tenants are like family - all colors, races, religions, different backgrounds. Don't think too badly of me because I also manage another complex (30 units) and it is the same kind of people (different area) and again I know them and am there for them. I hope everyone can understand what we do and if we could put the Klutho building back to the way it was and still maintain these people - we would. But in reality - look at Springfield - the drugs, prostitutes, the street people - damaging buildings, breaking into buildings - they don't want the help - they want to bring everyone down to their level. No business stays long because of this - the City needs to clean up the area - not take 60 minutes when you have to call the police for them to come. By then that person is gone and the damage is done. What a shame - when I first came to Jacksonville it wasn't like this.
patfaulk - keep up the good work and the care and concern for everyone in your building. I commend you for doing the work most people would rather turn a blind eye to.
I want to thank you for the compliment - there is so much negativity out there - so many don't want to see that there are people striving to do better for themselves and not all are deadbeats - we try very hard to help people no matter what their circumstances are. Again, thanks
Quote from: thelakelander on March 27, 2009, 04:41:29 PM
To be fair, when this building was renovated in the mid 1980s, it had been vacant and boarded up for a while and Springfield was in pretty bad shape. The last thing on the city's mind at that time, was saving Klutho buildings. While many may not agree with its use, this group's use of the building most likely saved it from demolition in a tear down happy city. Without them, this structure would have probably been in the same picture books with historic structures that died from the wrecking ball and this discussion would be mute.
While looking for another image, I came across this one. This is what the Florence Court looked like in the late 1970s, before the current owners came in.
(http://www.metrojacksonville.com/photos/thumbs/lrg-8108-springfield_florence_court.jpg)
I pass this building at least 3 times a day for years, and I've seen the progress. Like any other low income rental building, it has its issues...but I'm glad it's stayed occupied. Its a great building, and i think it will be a great addition upon completion of Main St. The only complaint i have about the building is the number of people who "hang out" in the front, don't know if they're tenants of just locals....but that will most likely change when Main st. is finished. Wonder if the owners ever thought of targeting a different demographic, there are lots of people who would love to live in the building.
Quote from: patfaulk on April 10, 2009, 11:41:49 AM
But in reality - look at Springfield - the drugs, prostitutes, the street people - damaging buildings, breaking into buildings - they don't want the help - they want to bring everyone down to their level. No business stays long because of this - the City needs to clean up the area - not take 60 minutes when you have to call the police for them to come. By then that person is gone and the damage is done. What a shame - when I first came to Jacksonville it wasn't like this.
...and another quote from Pat Faulk, "there is so much negativity out there"
Pat, I would say your above post regarding Springfield is pretty negative regarding my neighborhood.
I've lived in Springfield for years and the problems and negativity I see in the neighborhood stems from places like yours and the residents living there. You talk about housing homeless people and others with "problems" then complain that like people hang out around your building and bathe and wash clothes in your fountain. The reason the street people you talk about are here are because of places like yours. I have a fountain in my non fenced yard and no one bathes or washes clothes in it. I do not have drug dealers, prostitutes or street people hanging around my house and I have never had to call the cops about anyone on my property. I am curious to know if there is a manager at the apartments 24/7 since it seems that would be warranted with 49 residences filled with special needs tenants.
Haven't said much about this topic in the past, but I'll add a little something now.
QuoteThe only complaint i have
That's the only complaint you have! (See post above mine and others) S-girl is right. That's a weak excuse to cover over the fountain. How about hiring private security, or calling the cops every time it happens, or encouraging the residents to chase off the homeless.
Quoteever thought of targeting a different demographic
That's my biggest complaint. I would rather see it converted into 4 or 8 luxury apts. That helps my property values
(when they are not in a tailspin due to larger economic issue over which I have little control); what's there now, doesn't.
^ Deuce is right, you either make the units nice enough to go after a different, better paying clientele where you need fewer units, or you put the bare minimum amount into it, but you need to rent out 48 units to make the numbers work...
Quote from: thelakelander on May 12, 2009, 12:05:33 PM
While looking for another image, I came across this one. This is what the Florence Court looked like in the late 1970s, before the current owners came in.
(http://www.metrojacksonville.com/photos/thumbs/lrg-8108-springfield_florence_court.jpg)
I agree that they saved the building by hacking 30+ apartments into an 8 apartment complex. But I still stand by my statements that the current layout and current use is just plain wrong. I could think of a half dozen sites, on bus routes, that a proper facility could fit into. The handicapped, mentally ill, or recovering addicts do NOT deserve to be "Warehoused" in a sub standard home. QuoteLove is but a song we sing
fears' the way we die
You can make the mountains ring
or make the angels cry
Though the dove is on the wing
and you may not know why
*Come on people now
smile on your brother
everybody get together
and try to love one another right now
Some may come and some may go
He will surely pass
When the one that left us here
returns for us at last
We are but a moment's sunlight
fading in the grass
*Come on people now
smile on your brother
everybody get together
try to love one another right now
*Come on people now
smile on your brother
everybody get together
try to love one another right now
*Come on people now
smile on your brother
everybody get together
try to love one another right now
If you hear the song I sing
you will understand...listen
You hold the key to love and fear
all in your trembling hand
Just one key unlocks them both
Its there at your command
*Come on people now
smile on your brother
Everybody get together
try to love one another right now
*Come on people now
smile on your brother
Everybody get together
try to love one another right now
I said.....
*Come on people now
smile on your brother
Everybody get together
try to love one another right now
right now
right now
OCKLAWAHA
The thing I don't understand is why all these uses come to Springfield. If you check out the jaxoutloud forums you will see a discussion regarding a cool, old, art deco building formerly owned by the school board over on Liberty. The school board sold it to a church at a reduced price when they had a buyer who was willing to pay a higher amount. Now there is a group in the building that is allegedly recieving funds from the city and possibly Jacksonville Journey to feed, clothe and possibly house ex offenders there. This all happened quietly without informing the surrounding neighbors or neighborhood groups but now that the words out involved parties are bashing Springfield residents and SPAR, even calling out Louise by name. They are painting us as evil haters trying to stop "Gods" work. Many people in Jacksonville figured out a long time ago how to get rich by forming non profits and pimping the system. I would be willing to bet a bundle that we wouldn't see too many of these uses if their only reward was a warm, fuzzy feeling. Back to my first question though, why Springfield? There are many other areas of town that are less expensive and where residents would probably embrace and welcome these uses. The demographics in our area have changed and while we are already bearing the brunt of the social service population, we do not want to, nor should we be expected to support any more. Someone even made the ignorant comment that "they" were here first. I'm sorry to break the news but all the poor, homeless, addicted and criminal element in Jacksonville are not from Springfield, they were not here first and they should not all be wharehoused here. We all know people need help and deserve to get it but why is it expected that Springfield be the only place they recieve it?
Springfield Girl, where is this building located on Liberty Street?
It is right next door to the building that you featured on the constuction update. The one being renovated for lofts. The previous owner put the kibosh on his loft plans due to the HOME church and ministry moving in next door. I am worried that the new homeless/ex offender use will keep the lofts and wharehouse district from moving forward. The day I went by there was a non stop stream of people in and out of the place.
You mean this one?
(http://www.metrojacksonville.com/photos/thumbs/lrg-5561-p1110773.JPG)
Yep, that's it.
I think they sold the back portion to another user.
That's what I understand from reading the jaxoutloud forums. It seems like the two owners are having major issues with each other.