Riverside Arts Market Opens
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/507103694_HEoDL-M.jpg)
After decades of planning, the long awaited Riverside Arts Market (RAM) opened on Saturday, April 4, 2009. According to various sources, nearly 40,000 visitors took part in the festivities. Here are a number of photos from the big day.
Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/content/view/1055
Great Photos guys! This was a huge success on many different levels...
Congratulations to all that were responsible for pulling this off. This will do more long-term for the vitality of DT, than hosting the Super Bowl ever did, all without the multi-million dollar price tag. Sometimes the best ideas aren't the most expensive and flashy ones.
It's a shame it took so long to implement. Maybe if the opening occurred two years ago, Beaver St could have seen the potential of a Downtown annex to their current operation. Maybe they still will.
One big indicator of the success of this will be the impact on existing businesses (ie The Landing). Does anyone know if their business on Saturday was improved from the norm? I'm for anything that brings people DT, but if people drive in and drive out, the impact will be less than if there are reasons to extend their visit.
Now that a good use has been found for what would typically be dead space, let's see if we can't do the same thing with the space under the bridge over Hogan's Creek between the St. John's River and Church St.
I don't believe there was a significant impact on existing DT businesses like The Landing. While the riverwalk is a great link between the two, the distance limits their connectivity. During my walk, it seemed like most of the traffic along the riverwalk thinned out, once we passed the surface lot behind the YMCA. This would tend to suggest that, at least on the north end, most drove to the surface lots, went to the market, returned to their cars and went on their way. I'm not sure about the impact on Five Points.
It seems someone did not like the amount of bikes on the riverwalk this past Saturday.
QuoteRants & Raves: For a safer Riverwalk, bicyclists need rules
The debut of the arts market at the Riverside end of the Riverwalk last Saturday shows a need for some control of bicycle riders on the walkway. Zooming into and around large crowds of pedestrians enjoying the Riverwalk with child-ren and entire families with baby strollers, wheelchairs etc., there were numerous near-misses caused by high-speed [riders] without warning signals of any kind. It would seem that bicyclists should not be allowed to use the walkway on Saturdays, when this great marketplace will operate in the future. On other days, bicyclists should be required by an enforced city ordinance to have signal devices to avoid strollers on the boardwalk being struck by the speeding bike riders. The city should also designate a special bicycle path by a solid yellow and clearly marked inside area of the walkway before a serious accident and huge lawsuits might occur.
http://www.jacksonville.com/news/metro/2009-04-07/story/for_a_safer_riverwalk_bicyclists_need_rules
Very nice photos. Glad to see such a great turn out.
Quotehe city should also designate a special bicycle path by a solid yellow and clearly marked inside area of the walkway before a serious accident and huge lawsuits might occur
This is the only logical portion of this rant. The rest of that writer's comment is absurd, and is representative of the closed-mindedness of much of Jacksonville's populace (though not all). If the Riverside Arts Market proves anything, it's that Jacksonville will have the greatest success becoming a world-class place by looking at the creativity and successes of other cities (Riverside Arts Market idea came from Portland, OR - no surprise there). Rant-writer's comment re: designated "peds" lane on the Riverwalk is what L.A. has had on it's Strand for decades - and it works.
It also proves that whatever Jax's media gets behind and promotes can be successful. Rather than the inciteful, irresponsible journalism the T-U normally publishes (see this a.m.'s article on how riots should happen after the next police shooting), they should look for other community-building events like RAM to promote and help succeed.
The bicycles versus walkers on the Riverwalk is an issue that eventually will need to get addressed. Monday through Friday it is seldom an issue but with the amount of traffic on the riverwalk Saturday the bikers seemed really annoyed that their path was blocked by all the people walking. They were on both sides as people were coming and going... there were many small children, older people, dogs on leashes, and people stopped along the way talking and admiring the view. Toss in a couple bikes trying to move at twice to three times the speed of the walkers, weaving in and out between walkers and you can see where there may be a problem...
On the contrary, the members of some walking group who had walked in from the Omni hotel promised us (Bikejax Bike Valet) that they would ride their bikes on the Riverwalk next Saturday.
Bikejax has a post about such riders here: http://www.bikejax.org/2009/03/riverwalk-isn-speedway.html
Quote from: vicupstate on April 07, 2009, 07:46:36 AM
One big indicator of the success of this will be the impact on existing businesses (ie The Landing). Does anyone know if their business on Saturday was improved from the norm? I'm for anything that brings people DT, but if people drive in and drive out, the impact will be less than if there are reasons to extend their visit.
I don't have any numbers for you, but I left the market around 12:30, then rode over to the Beaver St. Farmers Market and then to Burrito Gallery and it didnt' seem like many people were out. I rode right by the landing and it seemed pretty dead.
It would help if other downtown businesses coordinated w/ the market. Also, with time people may wander more towards downtown. I love being downtown, but I'm not sure I would make the walk from the market to downtown since there isn't much open on the weekends.
Good question about whether or not The Landing was affected. Speaking of Hogan's Creek between the St. John's River and Church St., wouldn't trying to make a second RAM type project take away from the novelty and customer/patron base of the fledgling RAM? Wouldn't the best idea be to establish a tradition with RAM before spreading? ???
I am seriously jealous. Wish I were there...if for no other reason then to keep some of these bad-bikers in check. At least they're not as bad as the Dallas cyclists who ride 3 and 4 abreast on roads with no bike lane and NEVER file into a single line even when there is a car behind them. I've also seen fully spandex-clad, $3000 bike riding guys riding AGAINST traffic on roads. It's no wonder that Bicycling magazine named Dallas one of the worst places for cyclists. They get hit all the time because they have no sense.
Someone there (BikeJax?) teach these guys the rules of the road (or walkway as it may be) before the anti-cyclists in Jax get their way and outlaw bikes on the riverwalk.
The market looks fantastic and appears to have had a great turn-out. The weather looks nice too. It was 30 degrees when I went to work this morning and freeze-warnings in effect for another hour:-(
Cyclist should keep their speeds down on the riverwalk, but pedestrians need to do their part as well to share the walkway. You've got people strolling 4-5 wide, looking up, not paying attention to where they're walking.
You shouldn't have to dodge 20 mph bicylist, but they shouldn't have to flip over their handlebars because you walked out in front of them at the last minute either.
I agree. Any creative suggestions as to how to get walkers and bikers to co exist on what is basically a sidewalk? Signage and icons stenciled on the walkway itself is all I have... :)
That's a good start.
I haven't experienced the riverwalk myself on Saturdays yet. I'm sure it's a bit more hectic than usual.
As someone who bikes to work, I believe the onus to avoid pedestrians lies with the biker. At the same time, people do need to pay attention to where they are going. That being said, there's no reason that peds and bikers can't coexist peacefully on the same path. The idea of creating markings sounds like a good one.
Fantastic ideas about coordinating this event with other downtown businesses. With crowds this large, we need to seize on this. Perhaps when someone buys a work from an artist, they get a coupon for a restaurant downtown or riverside that's redeemable for only that day (or a week). This would help bring cash to the artisans and the downtown businesses.
Overall I was both happy and sad to see this. Happy that it's such a success and is bringing more people downtown and sad that we can't have event of this size in Sfield yet.
Quote from: 5PointsGuy on April 07, 2009, 08:56:51 AM
Good question about whether or not The Landing was affected. Speaking of Hogan's Creek between the St. John's River and Church St., wouldn't trying to make a second RAM type project take away from the novelty and customer/patron base of the fledgling RAM? Wouldn't the best idea be to establish a tradition with RAM before spreading? ???
I wasn't advocating a second RAM, but some other draw that would allow good use of what is currently an eyesore.
Maybe on Saturdays someone can use spray chalk to create bike lanes.
(http://dailybiz.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/5.jpg)
(http://richmondva.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/bike-lanes.jpg)
I rode my bike to the RAM from Avondale via Riverside. After some time at the RAM I headed Downtown for a bit (which was dead as usual). On the ride back (around 5) two friends and myself decided to take the Riverwalk. It didn't seem that much more crowded then usual.
I agree that some cyclists may be a bit reckless on the Riverwalk, but then again so are some walkers. All parties need to be aware of there surroundings. The easiest solution for now would be to have some signs throughout informing users of the Riverwalk that it’s for walkers, joggers, and cyclists and that the slower should stay to the right.
I did see something interesting though, some workers were assembling a sculpture between the YMCA and Haskell building. Although the aesthetic of the sculpture isn't up my ally, I am glad to see more art in public spaces.
That was the Tillie Fowler sculpture... :)
QuoteThat was the Tillie Fowler sculpture...
Anyone have any shots of that yet?
A bike like as part of the riverwalk is badly needed. I wonder what kind of logistics it takes to implement is it just paint?
Quote from: blizz01 on April 07, 2009, 10:38:50 AM
QuoteThat was the Tillie Fowler sculpture...
Anyone have any shots of that yet?
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/505199398_Rzy4d-M.jpg)
I see both sides, but I think it's important to recognize what I actually witnessed. There was a small child, maybe 2 years old walking with her family and a biker went by and whipped around them at a high speed. Though, I don't think he came extremely close, all that needed to happen was that little girl to move a bit to her right and she'd have been clipped. Which as any parent of a toddler knows is highly possible and can be done very quickly. Something to think about before we blame the pedestrians. These are little children that we are talking about. Both bikers & walkers can share the Riverwalk, but go at a slow pace when riding with the pedestrians and for crying out loud, give some thought when riding near a small child like that.
There were plenty of dogs on leashes also... they have a tendancy to dart in random directions. I have also wondered about joggers with headphones... the biker cannot warn them he his coming from behind...
One problem with a bike lane is you would need to make it wide enough for at least 2 cyclists coming at opposite directions to pass safely, or two lanes on each side. either options would take up a few feet or the Riverwalk which isn't that wide to begin with.
I think this issue goes back to the cities lack of forward thinking. When it was built, a separate bike lane should have been made. Now with more people using it, especially with RAM the flaws are showing.
QuoteThis will do more long-term for the vitality of DT, than hosting the Super Bowl ever did, all without the multi-million dollar price tag. Sometimes the best ideas aren't the most expensive and flashy ones.
Yeah couldn't believe all the fortune 500 companies that flew in and sponsored the RAM event + the national stage it put the city on.... wait a minute ::)
Quote from: Shwaz on April 07, 2009, 01:33:17 PM
QuoteThis will do more long-term for the vitality of DT, than hosting the Super Bowl ever did, all without the multi-million dollar price tag. Sometimes the best ideas aren't the most expensive and flashy ones.
Yeah couldn't believe all the fortune 500 companies that flew in and sponsored the RAM event + the national stage it put the city on.... wait a minute ::)
The Super Bowl and Fortune 500 companies are great ways to infuse the local area with money and talented people. But in the long run, they are fickle and will not be as dedicated to the community as the local sponsors. Look at major metro areas in the north and you'll see the carcasses of many of those major corporations that one day decided it was cheaper to relocate, killing local communities. Events like this, and community groups like RAP are invested in the local area, both economically and socially. They help build community, establishing relationships that nuture social networks, strengthening all of our support structures.
Is this a once a year event or is this ongoing annually? Did this take the place of the Riverside Arts Festival that used to take place in the park near Five Points? Someone please answer this post and educate me. Thanks.
Heights Unknown
Weekly... every saturday.
QuoteThe Super Bowl and Fortune 500 companies are great ways to infuse the local area with money and talented people. But in the long run, they are fickle and will not be as dedicated to the community as the local sponsors. Look at major metro areas in the north and you'll see the carcasses of many of those major corporations that one day decided it was cheaper to relocate, killing local communities. Events like this, and community groups like RAP are invested in the local area, both economically and socially. They help build community, establishing relationships that nuture social networks, strengthening all of our support structures.
I agree RAP and RAM are great for the area... but the big companies bring employee's. They can add to our skyline and downtown residency. What would Riverside Ave. look like without Fidelity?
Companies come & go... and when they do you better hope your city has a lot more of them or you'll be relocating too - Art Market or not.
FYI, the RAM we saw this past weekend, would not have been possible without Fidelity. I believe they are the ones that paid for the paving of the parking lot under the bridge.
Not only that, noting said that they had to let RAM use their parking lot. There are plenty of companies that would say no to this, whether or not they were using it.
Quote from: Shwaz on April 07, 2009, 04:24:17 PM
QuoteThe Super Bowl and Fortune 500 companies are great ways to infuse the local area with money and talented people. But in the long run, they are fickle and will not be as dedicated to the community as the local sponsors. Look at major metro areas in the north and you'll see the carcasses of many of those major corporations that one day decided it was cheaper to relocate, killing local communities. Events like this, and community groups like RAP are invested in the local area, both economically and socially. They help build community, establishing relationships that nuture social networks, strengthening all of our support structures.
I agree RAP and RAM are great for the area... but the big companies bring employee's. They can add to our skyline and downtown residency. What would Riverside Ave. look like without Fidelity?
Companies come & go... and when they do you better hope your city has a lot more of them or you'll be relocating too - Art Market or not.
Quality of Life attracts good companies and business. RAM will, hopefully, be one of many elements of Jacksonville's culture which supports and adds to the quality of life.
Strong business and companies are a byproduct of a good quality of life, not what defines it. And, both should go hand-in-hand.
Quote from: Shwaz on April 07, 2009, 01:33:17 PM
QuoteThis will do more long-term for the vitality of DT, than hosting the Super Bowl ever did, all without the multi-million dollar price tag. Sometimes the best ideas aren't the most expensive and flashy ones.
Yeah couldn't believe all the fortune 500 companies that flew in and sponsored the RAM event + the national stage it put the city on.... wait a minute ::)
Name ONE of those Fortune 500 companies that invested in Jacksonville, post-Super Bowl? That's my point. A
one time surge of visitors at a hefty price does not compare to a weekly surge of visitors for comparitively no expense.
Not to mention many businesses actually LOST business from the Super Bowl due to the fact that the locals didn't want ot venture out.
Quote from: vicupstate on April 07, 2009, 08:15:53 PM
Quote from: Shwaz on April 07, 2009, 01:33:17 PM
QuoteThis will do more long-term for the vitality of DT, than hosting the Super Bowl ever did, all without the multi-million dollar price tag. Sometimes the best ideas aren't the most expensive and flashy ones.
Yeah couldn't believe all the fortune 500 companies that flew in and sponsored the RAM event + the national stage it put the city on.... wait a minute ::)
Name ONE of those Fortune 500 companies that invested in Jacksonville, post-Super Bowl? That's my point. A one time surge of visitors at a hefty price does not compare to a weekly surge of visitors for comparitively no expense.
You're talking about two very different things. The one time surge of visitors came from out of town to pump millions of dollars into the local economy. The weekly surge of visitors are almost entirely local.
In any case, both offer huge benefits.
Great pictures! As always, a terrific photo essay. As for whether surrounding areas saw any benefit, I can't speak for the Landing, but Fox 30 did a piece on the "green" effect of the market, saying that the Five Points merchants interviewed all attested to an increase in traffic through their stores.
Loved the chalk art bike lane!
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on April 07, 2009, 08:58:25 PM
Quote from: vicupstate on April 07, 2009, 08:15:53 PM
Quote from: Shwaz on April 07, 2009, 01:33:17 PM
QuoteThis will do more long-term for the vitality of DT, than hosting the Super Bowl ever did, all without the multi-million dollar price tag. Sometimes the best ideas aren't the most expensive and flashy ones.
Yeah couldn't believe all the fortune 500 companies that flew in and sponsored the RAM event + the national stage it put the city on.... wait a minute ::)
Name ONE of those Fortune 500 companies that invested in Jacksonville, post-Super Bowl? That's my point. A one time surge of visitors at a hefty price does not compare to a weekly surge of visitors for comparitively no expense.
You're talking about two very different things. The one time surge of visitors came from out of town to pump millions of dollars into the local economy. The weekly surge of visitors are almost entirely local.
In any case, both offer huge benefits.
While there was some benefit to the SB, the funds spent on it could have been spent on something permanent that would have had a more lasting effect. The RAM cost virtually nothing by comparison, and potentially could have a positve effect for decades to come.
That was my point.
To give the city its due, preparing the space under the bridge for RAM wasn't exactly free. I think about $4 million dollars went into infrastructure improvements to extend the Riverwalk to the site, design and construct the bathroom facilities and stage area, port electricity to multiple bridge columns for vendor use, and add pavers, etc. Fidelity helped with some of the cost, to my understanding, but various administrations had to buy into the idea and sustain it. Councilman Corrigan deserves a lot of credit for staying on top of the project, and, happily, Peyton has come around to understanding its potential impact as well. RAMROD shouldered a huge part of the burden, but the market wouldn't have happened without support from the city, DOT, JEA, etc.
Hey, thanks for the kind words about RAP! RAP's job now is to make sure that folks understand that it's RAP that's putting on RAM, and get folks to translate their enthusiasm for the market into membership and volunteer support for RAP's other community endeavors.
QuoteName ONE of those Fortune 500 companies that invested in Jacksonville, post-Super Bowl?
How about the cruise ships and the ports?
QuoteMore than a dozen cruise line and shipping executives have been invited to the Super Bowl in hopes of showing them what the city offers. In addition, port officials hope the thousands of visitors staying on cruise ships in the port will like what they see and perhaps think about moving their businesses here.
Quotethe Super Bowl gives locals the opportunity to sell thousands of visiting executives on the idea that Jacksonville is a grand place to do business.
I'm sure the local business's didn't miss the local customer...
QuoteIn the past five years, Super Bowls have brought an average of $181 million in direct spending and a total economic impact of $338 million to their host cities. That type of munificence is huge for Jacksonville because, with 1.2 million residents in the metro area, it’s the smallest city ever to host a Super Bowl.
Is it possible to say the SB catapulted Bay St. night life to what it is today?
QuoteLong-neglected brick buildings along downtown’s Bay Street have been spruced up and will be converted into nightclubs and party space during the Super Bowl, the first step toward creating a downtown entertainment district after the fans go home.
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/6872013/from/RL.5/ (http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/6872013/from/RL.5/)
QuoteThe impact won't be felt immediately, but after the Super Bowl, more expanding companies should at least put Jacksonville on their consideration list, which will eventually translate into more moves. That won't come immediately, Mallot said: More companies will consider the area over the next year or two, with an increase in relocations showing up in 2007 or 2008.
The down turn in the economy may have held off some of the companies planning to move here.
Don't forget the average fan that came down here for Super Bowl
QuoteEven Porter, the South Florida economist, agrees that growth in some industries -- tourism and conventions, particularly -- might be sparked by the Super Bowl. "You can build an economy around sporting events," he said. "What you have to have for economic impact is a steady stream of activity."
Quote from: grimss on April 08, 2009, 09:50:28 AM
To give the city its due, preparing the space under the bridge for RAM wasn't exactly free. I think about $4 million dollars went into infrastructure improvements to extend the Riverwalk to the site, design and construct the bathroom facilities and stage area, port electricity to multiple bridge columns for vendor use, and add pavers, etc. Fidelity helped with some of the cost, to my understanding, but various administrations had to buy into the idea and sustain it. Councilman Corrigan deserves a lot of credit for staying on top of the project, and, happily, Peyton has come around to understanding its potential impact as well. RAMROD shouldered a huge part of the burden, but the market wouldn't have happened without support from the city, DOT, JEA, etc.
Hey, thanks for the kind words about RAP! RAP's job now is to make sure that folks understand that it's RAP that's putting on RAM, and get folks to translate their enthusiasm for the market into membership and volunteer support for RAP's other community endeavors.
The Riverwalk extention to the bridge itself was not built for RAM. The under bridge area was designed as it was to accomodate events including RAM, but there will be many other events that will also take advantage of it. Restrooms were already needed to support it's primary purpose of passive leisure.
The decision to extend the Riverwalk was a good one, but it was done on it's own merits, to create an amenity and showcase the river, it was not built solely as a venue for RAM like events.
I applaud everyone involved, but I merely pointed out that the most useful ideas aren't necessarily grandiose and costly.
Quote from: Shwaz on April 08, 2009, 09:54:03 AM
QuoteName ONE of those Fortune 500 companies that invested in Jacksonville, post-Super Bowl?
How about the cruise ships and the ports?
QuoteMore than a dozen cruise line and shipping executives have been invited to the Super Bowl in hopes of showing them what the city offers. In addition, port officials hope the thousands of visitors staying on cruise ships in the port will like what they see and perhaps think about moving their businesses here.
Quotethe Super Bowl gives locals the opportunity to sell thousands of visiting executives on the idea that Jacksonville is a grand place to do business.
I'm sure the local business's didn't miss the local customer...
QuoteIn the past five years, Super Bowls have brought an average of $181 million in direct spending and a total economic impact of $338 million to their host cities. That type of munificence is huge for Jacksonville because, with 1.2 million residents in the metro area, it’s the smallest city ever to host a Super Bowl.
Is it possible to say the SB catapulted Bay St. night life to what it is today?
QuoteLong-neglected brick buildings along downtown’s Bay Street have been spruced up and will be converted into nightclubs and party space during the Super Bowl, the first step toward creating a downtown entertainment district after the fans go home.
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/6872013/from/RL.5/ (http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/6872013/from/RL.5/)
QuoteThe impact won't be felt immediately, but after the Super Bowl, more expanding companies should at least put Jacksonville on their consideration list, which will eventually translate into more moves. That won't come immediately, Mallot said: More companies will consider the area over the next year or two, with an increase in relocations showing up in 2007 or 2008.
The down turn in the economy may have held off some of the companies planning to move here.
Don't forget the average fan that came down here for Super Bowl
QuoteEven Porter, the South Florida economist, agrees that growth in some industries -- tourism and conventions, particularly -- might be sparked by the Super Bowl. "You can build an economy around sporting events," he said. "What you have to have for economic impact is a steady stream of activity."
Many restaurants stocked up on food only throw it away because the locals did not want to get out. They were not happy at all. For them the event cost them money, that wouldn't make anyone happy.
If memory serves, Carnival was already at the port before the SB was held. While the SB was an opportunity to wine and dine, there is no evidence that new business resulted from it. If there was, you can bet the city and the Cof C would have boasted of it.
The widening of the Panama Canal, increasing imports from China,etc. and the city's location are the reasons the ports have added business. Savannah's port is booming too and it did not host a comparable event.
I will credit the renovation work that occurred on Bay St. to the SB, but putting a similiar amount into a revolving historic renovation fund would have accomplished the same thing, and the money would be returned to continue with more.
I just don't think Jax got it's money's worth because the momentum it created seemed to immediately disipate.
QuoteMany restaurants stocked up on food only throw it away because the locals did not want to get out. They were not happy at all. For them the event cost them money, that wouldn't make anyone happy.
I'm not saying every single business in Jax got rich on the Superbowl... but c'mon $338 million was spent in 1 week and you're telling me that local business on a whole lost money.
The city spent a ton of money on improvements
to the city. Those improvement were all on the BJP for the most part and are permanent upgrades to the city.
Like I said RAM / RAP are great for the area but RAM is visited by local residents. Out of the 40,000 visitors, the ones that spent money essentially took that away from other business's in other neighborhoods around Jax.
Quote from: grimss on April 08, 2009, 09:50:28 AM
To give the city its due, preparing the space under the bridge for RAM wasn't exactly free. I think about $4 million dollars went into infrastructure improvements to extend the Riverwalk to the site, design and construct the bathroom facilities and stage area, port electricity to multiple bridge columns for vendor use, and add pavers, etc. Fidelity helped with some of the cost, to my understanding, but various administrations had to buy into the idea and sustain it. Councilman Corrigan deserves a lot of credit for staying on top of the project, and, happily, Peyton has come around to understanding its potential impact as well. RAMROD shouldered a huge part of the burden, but the market wouldn't have happened without support from the city, DOT, JEA, etc.
Hey, thanks for the kind words about RAP! RAP's job now is to make sure that folks understand that it's RAP that's putting on RAM, and get folks to translate their enthusiasm for the market into membership and volunteer support for RAP's other community endeavors.
I hope the RAM is a "point of pride" for the entire Jacksonville community, and becomes a draw to a wider audience/region as it evolves, much in the way Portland's Saturday Market is to the entire Portland/Vancouver metro area. While RAP has been critical to start it (couldn't/wouldn't have happened), and the event brings positive awareness to the Riverside-Avondale neighborhood, I hope that RAP understands the greater potential and need the RAM brings to the entire area.
It seems that the commentary is getting away from the fact that the arts/farmers market was a huge success last weekend and should be a catalyst for more "sustainable" activities in the urban core. The Super Bowl was a fantastic success and introduced visitors and residents alike to a vibrant downtown that many didn't think was possible. I believe the re-investment from the Super Bowl inspired a renewed interest in downtown as an economic engine for doubters who didn't see the potential.
The Arts Market infrastructure was a joint effort by the FDOT, City of Jacksonville, FDEP, JEA, and Fidelity National Financial... all contributing in some fashion to the construction of the Market site. FDOT used funds that would have been used to build a retention pond, fencing, and some landscaping; COJ used funding in place for the Riverwalk to build the restrooms and entertainment pavilion and terrace; Fidelity needed parking so contributed funds for paving; and so on. The net additional cost to the city and state governments was not large, so in effect, by good cooperative planning by all the parties, the city got the finest public market site in the United States.
The initial idea was contributed by Dr. Wayne Wood, founder of RAP, who had visited the Portland Saturday Market and on returning to Jacksonville, learned that FDOT was designing a new Fuller Warren Bridge and contacted FDOT with the suggestion of duplicating what Portland had done. The good fortune is that COJ was in the design process for the Northbank Riverwalk and architect Melody Bishop (a former RAP executive director) enthusiastically supported the vision and designed a superb market. The other extremely fortunate things were (a) the bridge is adjacent to corporate offices which have largely vacant parking lots on Saturdays and were willing to allow Market visitors to use them, and (b) RAP will willing to utilize their extensive volunteer base and event management knowledge (home tour, Riverside Arts Festival, Lumenaria, Station Celebration) to organize and develop the Market. An alignment of the planets that is quite remarkable, and wonderful for Jacksonville.
QuoteAn alignment of the planets that is quite remarkable, and wonderful for Jacksonville.
This sort of alignment does not seem to happen often enough but the success of RAM should grease the skids for future alignments in Jacksonville. :)
Sorry, I just have to post this (charming) "Ode to the Riverside Market," pulled off the TU:
Here's what you can expect to find at the new Riverside Arts Market, which is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday under the Fuller Warren Bridge at Riverside Avenue.
Necklaces, bracelets, baubles and rings,
People carrying bags full of things,
Tomatoes, peppers, teas and honey,
Plenty of ways to spend your money,
Drummers and singers and improv groups,
A lady dancing with Hula-Hoops,
Kettle corn, candy and chicken pie,
A cute little onesie in tie-dye,
Labs, Dalmatians, spaniels, Scotties,
Real restrooms (no Porta Potties),
Paintings and sculptures, teas and cheese,
Lots of shade and a river breeze,
Orchids, eggs, pecans and candles,
Pickles, pots and flip-flop sandals,
Bird feeders, beads, a huge silk rose,
Bows for your hair, rings for your toes,
Scores of artists, each under a tent,
A fine Saturday, very well spent.
javascript:void(0);
Quote from: vicupstate on April 08, 2009, 11:16:29 AM
Many restaurants stocked up on food only throw it away because the locals did not want to get out. They were not happy at all. For them the event cost them money, that wouldn't make anyone happy.
If memory serves, Carnival was already at the port before the SB was held. While the SB was an opportunity to wine and dine, there is no evidence that new business resulted from it. If there was, you can bet the city and the Cof C would have boasted of it.
The widening of the Panama Canal, increasing imports from China,etc. and the city's location are the reasons the ports have added business. Savannah's port is booming too and it did not host a comparable event.
I will credit the renovation work that occurred on Bay St. to the SB, but putting a similiar amount into a revolving historic renovation fund would have accomplished the same thing, and the money would be returned to continue with more.
I just don't think Jax got it's money's worth because the momentum it created seemed to immediately disipate.
The main reason why Jacksonville didn't get its money's worth is because this administration doesn't seem to understand a good opportunity when it slaps them in the face. Think of revitalization as a crew shell. Delaney was rowing with about full force. When Peyton came in, he stopped rowing. Now, the natural moment kept us going for a little while, then the Super Bowl came. This was like a gust of wind. It wasn't going to make or break anything, it was just going to give us a little push. We had to pick up the oars, and we simply didn't do that.
BIG cudos to Dr. Wayne Wood who in addition to concieving and pushing for RAM has done tremendous work documenting and promoting local history and architecture.
Damn fine optometrist, too.
Does anyone realize that 40,000 people is half the Jaguar stadium, when filled? That is a helluva lot of people in that small area.
Quote from: mtraininjax on April 11, 2009, 02:38:30 AM
Does anyone realize that 40,000 people is half the Jaguar stadium, when filled? That is a helluva lot of people in that small area.
LOL. yes, they estimated about 10,000 people at any given time. 40,000 was the total for the day.
http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=4443482&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1
Riverside Arts Market (http://vimeo.com/4443482) from Michael Walter (http://vimeo.com/user933095) on Vimeo (http://vimeo.com).
Nice video, however, if that shows 10,000 people, then we have 3 million people living in Duval County.
Correction, that looked more like a one thousand, maybe, more like an average crowd for the San Marco Artists festival. Every crowd starts big, the real test will be when its 99 outside and it feels like 120 this summer, how many will stay and how many will, well, wilt. To keep the crowds, IMO, they need to have it both Saturday and Sunday with different vendors for both days. There are already more vendors than spots.
Dude... Clearly... obviously... 10,000 do not show up at one time. It is not a concert or a baseball game. It is an all day market. People come and go... ALL DAY LONG. Most stay for an hour or two. Over the course of the day an average of 10,000 people show up at RAM.
QuoteThere are already more vendors than spots.
This is a good thing... as it ensures variety over the course of time.
Quote99 outside and it feels like 120 this summer, how many will stay and how many will, well, wilt.
That is some of the draw that it's under the Fuller Warren Bridge. It's also not 120 at sun up or in the evening. If people are willing to come out to RAM in a nor'easter with nothing but rain people will come out in the summer.
Quote from: mtraininjax on May 29, 2009, 12:11:14 AM
Nice video, however, if that shows 10,000 people, then we have 3 million people living in Duval County.
Correction, that looked more like a one thousand, maybe, more like an average crowd for the San Marco Artists festival. Every crowd starts big, the real test will be when its 99 outside and it feels like 120 this summer, how many will stay and how many will, well, wilt. To keep the crowds, IMO, they need to have it both Saturday and Sunday with different vendors for both days. There are already more vendors than spots.
I don't know how you took a head count in this video which is shot at artsy angles and doesn't spot light the crowd at all.
I don't think the heat is going to be a big factor for RAM. We live in FL what else should we expect? It's not like people just stay in doors June-Sept.
I've been when it has opened and when it's about to close. And it always has a lot of people there at all times, so I can see where 10,000 will have shown up for that day. I do wish that there was a Sunday Arts Market as well, just in case for the people that have to be doing something on Saturday. Of course if there was an Arts Market in Springfield one day, maybe they could do it on a Sunday.
If mtrain is right, then I guess no one goes to the zoo in the summer as well or Disney World or outside period. I think for an hour or 2 of walking around, summer heat especially in the shade will be tolerable.
QuoteIf mtrain is right, then I guess no one goes to the zoo in the summer as well or Disney World or outside period. I think for an hour or 2 of walking around, summer heat especially in the shade will be tolerable.
Excellent point... :D
Hi All,
Just wanted to let you know that I attended RAM this past Saturday and wrote all about it in "Out and About in Jax", a blog all about events and places to go in Jacksonville. It has pieces about all the events I go to plus links to local event websites and calendars. Check it out at www.outandaboutinjax.blogspot.com
Erica
We went today & it seemed every bit as crowded as day one between 11am & 1pm. A lot of that probably had to do with the talent that was booked (Justin Roberts), however, I cannot grow tired of spending a Saturday afternoon there. Seriously, this is really something that everyone in JAX can be proud of.
I see that they've started pedicab rides to Five Points & the Trolley has a stop there too - what ever happened to the River Taxi?
The River Taxi wanted something like $1000 per Saturday to run, and it wasn't in the market's budget. I think it will be reconsidered for the next market year.
I have continuously gone and remained excited about the amount of people coming into the Riverside / 5 Points area because of the market. I hope we can take this idea and run with it, creating more monthly or weekly events that are similar. Art Walk seems to be a continued success as well and there are also First Fridays in 5 Points... that being the least popular of the mentioned events. But all in all each one is a sign of progress.
This is a good start and I pray we don't let a good thing slip between are fingers! And in the future I also hope that the R.A.M. could be open on Sundays for the people who have to work on Saturday :)
What gives with this poll/vote? While still fresh & new, RAM comes in at a respectable 34th; but take a look at the Fernandina Farmer's Market - 4th! I smell some home cookin' - this thing seems more fixed than an American Idol result. I suspect that you could vote more than once. Given that, I plan to pay a visit to our friends on Amelia Island very soon to drink the Kool-Aid. As nice as it may be, I simply cannot imagine anything superior to RAM in North Florida to date.
http://www.care2.com/farmersmarket/top_markets
Quote from: blizz01 on September 01, 2009, 12:22:33 AM
What gives with this poll/vote? While still fresh & new, RAM comes in at a respectable 34th; but take a look at the Fernandina Farmer's Market - 4th! I smell some home cookin' - this thing seems more fixed than an American Idol result. I suspect that you could vote more than once. Given that, I plan to pay a visit to our friends on Amelia Island very soon to drink the Kool-Aid while as nice as it may be, I simply cannot imagine anything superior to RAM in North Florida to date.
http://www.care2.com/farmersmarket/top_markets
As you note, this poll seems to be more akin to American Idol - who can spike the ballot box most.
Most of these markets appear to be single day or weekend markets, likely open only a few weeks of the year. Comparing them to real farmers markets like the Jacksonville Farmers Market on West Beaver Street is apples to oranges (a little "industry" humor there!). Maybe they should have had multiple classes for types and sizes of markets.
In the end, polls like this are likely to promote the hosting sponsor more than the markets being "polled".
I for one can't wait for this to start back up in several weeks - I'd say that we were able to do about 30% of our holiday shopping there as we were able to grab some unique finds....Certainly one of Jax's bright spots for '09.
QuoteYear-End Report for RAM
RAM has had a spectacular first year. Since its Grand Opening on Saturday, April 4, 2009, the Riverside Arts Market has become one of Jacksonville's most popular free weekend family outings. RAM is a Jacksonville phenomenon and has had a major impact on the city:
» It took 16 years of planning
» For something that did not even exist a year ago, it has made a major change in Jacksonville.
» Economic impact = several million dollars. (The market has had over $1 million in on-site sales, and add to this the salaries, purchase cost of artists' and vendor's raw materials, hotel rooms, sales tax, advertising, printing, stimulus of local businesses, etc., and the three-fold recycling of money in the local economy, RAM has had well over $4 million in local economic impact.
» Over 700 different artists have exhibited at RAM.
» Nearly a half million visitors have attended RAM. (38 weeks x 15,000 avg. per week. RAM is the largest drawing event in the city.)
» The average price of item sold at RAM is $30 to $50, but some artists have sold work in the thousands of dollars
» RAM has over 150 volunteers that have participated at RAM. 30 of those are semi-regular weekly participants. (38 weeks x 12 volunteers per week x 4 hour shifts per week = 1, 824 volunteer hours). Plus RAM’s steering committee “RAMROD†has put in well over 8,000 hours, pushing RAM volunteers into over 10,000 hours.
» Over 250 different entertainers have performed at RAM.
» Over 100 non-profit organizations have received free exposure at RAM.
» RAM has become one of the top twenty community markets in the U.S. in its first year, and RAM was recognized in USA Today as Top 10 River City Destinations.
» RAM is the largest weekly free outdoor arts and entertainment venue in Florida.
» RAM has become one of the most spectacular public spaces in Jacksonville, if not Florida. RAM has a devoted following of weekly local visitors, and out-of-town visitors have begun choosing RAM as a destination for their vacations (not just a stop on the way to Disney).
» In a harsh economic environment, RAM has provided:
° free entertainment for thousands of people, close to home.
° employment and income for hundreds, if not thousands, of people.
° low-cost storefronts for local entrepreneurs to start, grow, and promote their businesses.
» Exposure at RAM has stimulated hundreds of business opportunities outside of RAM for its artists, vendors, entertainers, and staff members.
» RAM has promoted environmental friendly public activities, including biking and walking to shop, shortened driving distances for shopping and entertainment, recycling, home-grown produce, etc.
» RAM’s success has spun off a growing number of other local markets.
» RAM has stimulated the arts; it has stimulated awareness of the importance to buy hand-made locally-produced products; it has promoted riverfront activities.
» RAM has had dozens of newspaper and magazine articles, hundreds of blog and social media impressions, several national media attentions, and a documentary film.
» RAM has over 1,000 free parking spaces available.
I wonder, as 2010 will be an election year, what the RAM position will be on booths for candidates or issues on the ballot? Or, just general politicking - wandering around, handing out flyers and such?
Quote from: CrysG on May 29, 2009, 08:23:20 AM
Quote99 outside and it feels like 120 this summer, how many will stay and how many will, well, wilt.
That is some of the draw that it's under the Fuller Warren Bridge. It's also not 120 at sun up or in the evening. If people are willing to come out to RAM in a nor'easter with nothing but rain people will come out in the summer.
I've had offices under the bridges. That area is usually cooler than outside the bridge. But high heat will be a good market for ice water and those gel filled bandanas.
Just a couple of weeks until this is back into full swing! Promising article today in the TU regarding the River Taxi(s):
Water taxi stop expected for RiversideQuoteThe mayor proposes adding a floating dock to ferry people to and from the North Riverbank.
The water taxis that ferry customers across the St. Johns River soon may add a new stop to their route: the Riverside Arts Market.
Mayor John Peyton wants to spend $395,000 on a 210-foot-long floating dock and 60-foot gangway near the popular Saturday destination under the Fuller Warren Bridge. Eleven of 19 Jacksonville City Council members have signed on to co-sponsor Peyton's bill, which will be introduced at Tuesday's council meeting.
Once built, water taxi passengers and boaters will have direct access from the St. Johns River to the market on the Northbank Riverwalk.
The proposal is the latest in a series of downtown improvements the mayor's office has launched. The council recently approved $23 million for renovations to Friendship Fountain, the Southbank Riverwalk and Metropolitan Park. Construction to make Laura Street more pedestrian-friendly, costing $2.7 million, is already under way.
The money for the floating dock will come from the Northbank Tax Increment District Fund - property tax dollars that are set aside specifically for improvements to the area.
Sherry Hall, the mayor's liaison to the council, said the project will help support the relatively new market that gained popularity in 2009, its inaugural year. According to its Web site, the market averaged about 15,000 visitors per week.
"We are looking at ways to continue to improve and expand upon the successes of the Arts Market," Hall said.
Council President Richard Clark, who is listed as one of the bill's co-sponsors, said he believes the floating dock will help connect the river, which he considers the city's greatest natural asset, with the 2-acre property.
"Riverside Arts Market has been more successful than any of us hoped," Clark said.
The market will be open every Saturday starting on March 6, ending its season in December. Director Tony Allegretti said providing direct access to the river would be a natural progression.
"I think it's going to be huge for us in terms of opening us up and giving us an even deeper and better sense of place," he said.
The decision to bring river access to the Arts Market is not due to parking problems that initially plagued the event, Allegretti said.
He said businesses along Riverside Avenue have opened their lots to alleviate most of these problems, but he does like the idea of having a public transportation link to the space via the water taxis, with one-way fares at usually $3 to $5.
The floating docks will provide a direct link with other downtown destinations, especially during busy special events weekends, Allegretti said. He is working with the St. Johns Riverkeeper to providing programming during the Arts Market dates that bring more people to the river.
Hall said the city is working with the owners of S.S. Marine Taxi to ensure the Arts Market is added to its list of stops, which currently include Friendship Fountain, The Jacksonville Landing and Metro Park.
http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2010-02-22/story/water_taxi_stop_expected_for_riverside
One more item to add to the wish list - Wouldn't it be nice to have some signage nearby to create additional awareness & nostalgia.......Something that could be see while crossing the Fuller Warren -
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/49/179854892_1f0e4fb958.jpg)
(http://www.hickerphoto.com/data/media/24/kensington-market-sign_36802.jpg)
(http://www.platypuscomix.net/fpo/survival/market1.jpg)
REMINDER! RAM is back tomorrow!
I think RAM needs to erect some really cool signage and lighting, like the pics above.
Agree. It would definitely help give it a sense of place and make it that much more of a destination.
Question - do downtown signage laws prevent this? Or is this something that has even yet to be looked at by the promoters?
They are also having a small parade at about 9:30am from the intersection of Post and Riverside to the RAM site. See riversideartsmarket.com.
Real excited about the boat access!
Don't they have to build a $300k dock before that happens?
I didn't mean tomorrow... And the 300k is tax revenue from the immediate area... What's wrong with that?
I didn't mean there was anything wrong with it. Just thought you meant tomorrow.
The band marched right into the market... Huge crowd this morning! Kudos to RAM! :)
The band was AWESOME
After some minor snafus right at the market's open (band's bus had problems and was 25 minutes late), the rest of the day was terrific. A really great turn out, and I think there was a fresh and better mix of vendors. A lot less jewelry, more art, more food. One of the gals from Visit JAX brought a bunch of convention planners and travel writers to the market, and she said they were all very impressed. Good job, Tony et al! I'm going to plant my free trees tomorrow
I didn't get a chance to stop by RAM today but I did spend a couple of hours taking a historic tour of Riverside/Avondale with e2ride bike tours (www.e2ride.com) today. The area really feels much more exciting with the number of people walking along Riverside Avenue between RAM and Memorial Park/Five Points. Hopefully, the market's popularity will continue to grow.
Leah does a great job with the bike tours...
She does. We plan to run an article about her tours in the next week or so. We also encouraged her to consider expanding the tours to one day include Springfield.
Speaking of which, Spar Council will probably be working with her to provide bike tours during the Spring Home & Garden Tour in May.
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/40/97746481_ab6d0c873e.jpg)
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/169/471950393_f9861c1adc.jpg)
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/132/377916019_d5862616d9.jpg)
We are a national leader in lighting our highways, why not go for WORLD STATUS?
Splash Neon all around, and light the hell out of the vending area... Keep it open until 9 pm on Fridays and Saturday evenings and advertise along the interstate southbound in locations north of the city. Arrange a really cool and funky neon sign to be visible in time to exit the super slab, or seek a public information (blue) sign over I-95 pointing out the Forest Street and Park Street Exits for travelers.
Decorate the underpasses on Riverside and Park, with neon, a totally unique 5-points look.
At night travelers would see the lights and halo and after the WTF? We'd catch many of them and help them jettison some Yankee Cash.
OCKLAWAHA
I like that idea,looks cool and inviting.
Leigh has tremendous enthusiasm for Riverside Avondale and all the urban core neighborhoods. If you've got a chance to take her tours, you definitely should. She was a leader in the R/A tours for Luminaria, and they were a success because of her participation.
Well - looks like the dock could be in place as early as this summer! -
QuoteWaterways OKs floating dock for arts market
by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
The proposed 210-foot floating dock that would make the Riverside Arts Market accessible by boat is one step closer to final approval.
On Thursday, the Jacksonville Waterways Commission voted 7-0 in favor of the City-built, City-owned dock that would be constructed next to the Northbank Riverwalk property owned by Fidelity National Financial.
“We are very excited about this project,†said Jacksonville Economic Development Commission Executive Director Ron Barton.
According to the legislation, which was sponsored by 11 City Council member, the L-shaped concrete dock will cost just under $400,000 and have a 60-foot aluminum gangway that connects the dock to the Riverwalk.
While the City will build and pay for the dock, Barton explained the money isn’t coming out of the general fund. Instead, funds from the Downtown Tax Increment District will be used.
“This is a revenue stream paid into by Downtown property owners to be invested back into Downtown,†he said. “It’s Downtown-centric, Downtown-paid and the funds go back to Downtown.â€
The Riverside Arts Market started its second year this past weekend. It’s set up under the Fuller Warren Bridge and, by all accounts, enjoyed a successful first year.
“I think it’s a wonderful idea you are proposing,†said Waterways member Ed Grey, who also suggested signage alerting boaters the dock is for temporary use. “You don’t want one boater to ruin it for everyone. You don’t want them tied up for a week.â€
Barton said the floating dock would help fulfill one of the JEDC’s 19 points in its master plan for Downtown. Creating more access to the St. Johns River, both for boaters and those who don’t own or use a boat, is the last of the points in the official plan, but also one of the most important since it has the potential to benefit everyone.
“It’s our desire to create a better linkage to the St. Johns River and make it an economic driver,†said Barton. “It’s imperative over time to link all the citizens to the river.â€
Waterways and Council member John Crescimbeni asked about the impact Barton expects the dock to have on the arts market, which runs through December. Barton said to predict the impact would be conjecture.
“As a boater, I think it’s exciting,†he said. “I can’t believe anything other than it would be wildly successful.â€
Barton said the permits for the dock were submitted this week and he expects the process to take about three months. Once permitted, he said the project would move quickly and the dock could be functional in June or July.
http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=530477
Taking the whole family to this tomorrow!
They better tie down their tents, gusts 40-50mph will be quite possible tomorrow.