Downtown Construction Update - June 2009
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/564524747_82FSV-M.jpg)
A look at the status of various projects under construction in and around Downtown Jacksonville during the month of June.
Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2009-jun-downtown-construction-update-june-2009
Sports Mania- why no pic of the Jags. Anyway with the way things are in the USA. Good to see some action, although I wish some projects like the St. Johns and Brooklyn were included.
Let's keep our fingers crossed that this summer might be the turning point for commercial construction. I know a lot of people don't like the courthouse, but hopefully that will spur on lots of other projects...
The June update looks waaaaaaaaaay better.
For awhile the construction updates were depressing since there wasn't much to report.
Where is SportsMania going in at ?
Is anyone else underwhelmed by the signage and overall outward presentation of Oral Explosions? I fear greatly that this place might fail due in part to the fact that it's so nondescript.
Otherwise, I agree with David - it's nice to see some tangible action happening!
The signage at Oral Explosions, along with the name in general, is horrible! However, glad there are new eateries. Both the 2111 Liberty and Berkman II projects have homeless squatters living in them, so property owners/investors may want to clean out the bldgs and do a better job of securing the sites.
I think Oral Explosions looks like a place with generic eateries that you would find in a video game or on the Simpsons. Some of them seem like knock-offs of popular restaurants.
I noticed this today "In The Pipeline" -in the TU - not sure if that's an update or not, however.
Urban Core
Construction and demolition
Peterbrooke Chocolatier
Business Name: Jacksonville Landing
Business Type: Commercial
Project Address: 2 Independent Drive
Entry Date: 5/29/2009
File Date: 5/1/2009
Real Estate ID Number: 074457-1001
Value: $600,000
Contractor: Oakwell Companies, Orange Park
Contractor Phone: (904) 955-9455
Architect: Thomas Duke Architect
Architect Phone: (904) 356-3335
Owner: Sleiman Enterprises
Owner Phone: (9040 353-1188
http://cgi.jacksonville.com/cgi-bin/newsroom/recent.cgi?Planning_District=1.+Urban+Core
Unfortunately, I don't think Berkman Plaza construction is going anywhere. Although OSHA dropped the negligence claim, there are still civial action law suits pending against the builders. Additionally, I'm no engineer, but I'm not sure that construction can be continued with the damage done to the side of the building from the parking garage collapsing. There is damage concrete with internal rebar exposed to the elements. Also, I haven't seen a construction worker there in months and it seems that even the trailer that the foreman uses has been moved...
I saw that in the pipeline as well. However, at the Landing I have seen no signs or anything announcing Peterbrooke.
yep the signage is kinda suckee but i hope the indian food is good. that will save the day!
Of course you wouldn't, they want to keep it under wraps, and I don't blame them. They're going to build an awesome facility and probably want to do it that way to have a grand reopening. Of course, it is still in preliminary stages, Peterbrooke still runs in San Marco, but have started removing things, such as their infamous pink neon signage.
Hmm, anyone else that Ray's Pizza has been replaced with Royal Pizza? Either they realized the sign is almost a copy of Al's or Al's said something.
Reed, I just noticed the change. I am certain that Al's threatened to take legal action. It was an obvious knock-off. It reminded me of McDowell's from Coming to America.
Oral Explosions does look rather bland an UNattractive from the outside.......NOT a good thing if you want to get people in. Kind of an eyesore actaully....what the heck were they thinking?
*** Also, a quick update on 3rd & Main:
1) City Kidz neighborhood icecream cafe will be opening July1st. It will be a family friendly cafe that will serve premium ice creams & smoothies, health foods, and lunch-type items. The cafe itself will feature a flat screen wall mounted tv, wifi, a marble slab to make the ice cream, and family friendly seating. The owners are really into helping out disadvantaged youth, so they will also have an outreach program focused on finanical literacy as well. Pretty interesting, huh.
2) The apartments are tentatively set to open July 15th. As every knows they perfer to rent them to Proton patients, if they can't keep them full then they'll rent to others. The property will feature an exercise room, meeting room, business center, elevator, outdoor grill, gated parking, balconies, W/D's, fully equipped kitchens, and nice appliances and tv's in each room.
3) Uptown Market (i think that's what they're calling it) is set to open sometime between August 1 & 15th. It will be open for breakfast & lunch with seperate menus for each and seating. The deli will be open for lunch as well and will serve ready made foods to take home. Imported beers & wines will be sold as well as seasonal produce and other grocery and household items. Outdoor seating as well, I beleive.
Thanks for the update on 3rd and Main. I can't wait.
Seeing tower cranes at the Courthouse and Wolfson's sites will be a huge positive for downtown.
Quote from: Doctor_K on June 17, 2009, 08:36:48 AM
Is anyone else underwhelmed by the signage and overall outward presentation of Oral Explosions? I fear greatly that this place might fail due in part to the fact that it's so nondescript.
For a few days, Oral Explosions had an attention-grabbing electronic sign over the entry door (facing north on San Marco Blvd.) operating that flashed, a few seconds at a time, in full color, the logos of 4 of the 5 restaurants having permanent signgage on the building. Now the sign is turned off.
Has anyone looked in the windows? Are they still doing interior work? Once the signs went up, I figured they were ready to open. But, now its been awhile.
As of Monday, they were still working on the interior at Oral Explosions.
It's about time they get the Courthouse area in a "under construction" mode; we've been waiting forever.
Heights Unknown
Is it just me, or does "Oral Explosions" sound like a sex act?
Also, regarding Peterbrooke, I spoke with a rep in their corporate purchasing department a week or so ago and she told me that they weren't moving to the Landing...not sure if she was feeding me a line for some reason or if that project has been put on hold.
Regarding the electronic sign at Oral Explosions.....they probably got cited for violating one of Jax's great sign ordinances.
Quote from: TREE4309 on June 17, 2009, 01:59:22 PM
Is it just me, or does "Oral Explosions" sound like a sex act?
it's just you.
Quote from: stjr on June 17, 2009, 12:20:37 PM
For a few days, Oral Explosions had an attention-grabbing electronic sign over the entry door (facing north on San Marco Blvd.) operating that flashed, a few seconds at a time, in full color, the logos of 4 of the 5 restaurants having permanent signgage on the building. Now the sign is turned off.
That sign was insanely bright. I thought it might not be a bad thing since that part of San Marco could use a lil more light, but it was borderline obnoxious.
Quote from: TREE4309 on June 17, 2009, 01:59:22 PM
Is it just me, or does "Oral Explosions" sound like a sex act?
That's sooooo 4 months ago.
Quote from: TREE4309 on June 17, 2009, 02:00:33 PM
Also, regarding Peterbrooke, I spoke with a rep in their corporate purchasing department a week or so ago and she told me that they weren't moving to the Landing...not sure if she was feeding me a line for some reason or if that project has been put on hold.
They were likely feeding you a line because they haven't got it set in stone, or are not ready to make an anouncement public. The latter just sounds like a regular business practice, which is fine with me. Make it a special announcement, but the T-U piece sure appears to be that is where they're going.
I wonder where Peterbrooke will be going into the Landing? Given they need at least 13,000 sf, my guess is the old South End Brewery/Deep Blue space.
Good for Peterbrooke...I'm enjoying the suspense. I also am eagerly awaiting City Kidz and Uptown Market. Now lets get the main street road construction finished and we can finally begin to move on to more revitalization in Springfield. I feel like the roadwork is holding us back a bit.
I heard on the news that the Shipyards project is dead; I know that I'm probably not surprising anyone.
The Main Street Lofts look very UN-Jacksonville....I'm impressed. What is the Bay Street thing? More bars/places to eat?
The bay street is a "streetscape" project. according to the city:
http://www.coj.net/Departments/Public+Works/Construction+Projects/Streetscape+Projects.htm
QuoteStreetscape projects are typically not as intensive as road widening projects. Generally, target areas are enhanced with features such as landscaping, brick or paver sidewalks and accents, specialized crosswalks or historic light fixtures, though drainage or utility improvements may also be included in the scope of work.
Thanks for the construction update. They're my favorite part of reading metrojacksonville.com :D
The two Hilton-brand hotels at Kings Ave Station have their soft opening June 29. Took a tour a couple weeks ago. Both hotels are very nice. There is a pice on the June edition of the JTA Making Moves TV show online (near the end) that shows off the rooms of each. Dark wood furniture. Granite countertops, Stainless appliances.
Quote from: copperfiend on June 17, 2009, 08:35:30 AM
Where is SportsMania going in at ?
across from Hooters...where the Edgewater Treasures shop was
I think the Bay Street project also includes extending the 2-way part another block west, so you can turn east (toward the stadium) onto Bay from the Main Street Bridge ramp to Ocean Street.
QuoteThe two Hilton-brand hotels at Kings Ave Station have their soft opening June 29.
Come to Jacksonville, Stay 2 blocks of the river with a nice view of I-95, we do know how to sell shinola!
Yup, Bay will be turned into a 2-way road between Main and Ocean, which would allow people to immediately turn onto Bay from Main.
Quote from: mtraininjax on June 17, 2009, 10:45:40 PM
QuoteThe two Hilton-brand hotels at Kings Ave Station have their soft opening June 29.
Come to Jacksonville, Stay 2 blocks of the river with a nice view of I-95, we do know how to sell shinola!
Dude, your negativity has gotten old, it was old yesterday.
For a hotel of it's size and brand, it couldn't afford to be built on the river and the number of rooms would've been rediculously low. These two brands from Hilton cater mainly to business travelers, and the last thing on their minds is probably the view from the room. I think it fills a little bit of the niche that doesn't really exist in the downtown area. Now, if we could do something with the two suburban looking hotels closer to the river and replace the Wyndham with something nicer, it'd be better.
"Good for Peterbrooke...I'm enjoying the suspense. I also am eagerly awaiting City Kidz and Uptown Market. Now lets get the main street road construction finished and we can finally begin to move on to more revitalization in Springfield. I feel like the roadwork is holding us back a bit." - brainstormer
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Substantial construction completion is due to end in October. They will make small corrections or changes for a month after, but all the major work will be done in Oct.
Quote from: TREE4309 on June 17, 2009, 01:59:22 PM
Is it just me, or does "Oral Explosions" sound like a sex act?
It doesn't necessarily sound like a sex act to me, however, it isn't a good name for a restaurant.
What's in a name? In my opinion a name can make or break a business, especially a restaurant.
Quote from: mtraininjax on June 17, 2009, 10:45:40 PM
QuoteThe two Hilton-brand hotels at Kings Ave Station have their soft opening June 29.
Come to Jacksonville, Stay 2 blocks of the river with a nice view of I-95, we do know how to sell shinola!
yeah but you have locals right across the street, who could ask for anything more. I will say this will probably put the kabosh on endo exo doing outside concerts/events.
Quote from: jaxlore on June 19, 2009, 08:30:47 AM
yeah but you have locals right across the street, who could ask for anything more. I will say this will probably put the kabosh on endo exo doing outside concerts/events.
And you also have tons of local restaurants and shops within walking distance that will gladly welcome new business. Easy access to the Skyway will allow someone just visiting Jacksonville to head to the Landing downtown. The two hotels are a great addition to the area and a prime example of quality infill.
^But these are the only hotels in the nation that overlook an interstate right? ::)
Quote from: jason_contentdg on June 19, 2009, 10:26:57 AM
^But these are the only hotels in the nation that overlook an interstate right? ::)
I know, the nerve of this! It's a travesty!
The Best Western in Abeline, Texas, has a view of the freeway that ends in downtown. Yet it manages to be a convention center, GARDEN OF EDEN, indoor gardens with a flowing creek, plus waterfalls. Oh and by the way MTrain, Who cares that there is a freeway outside?
The Best Western in Dulce, New Mexico, is the heart of the Apache Nation, there are powwow rooms, flute players, drummers, dancers, a narrow gauge railroad right-of-way, no through roads AT ALL, a couple of rotting cattle cars and Holy Moses, a UFO base. Each room comes with instructions on speaking to Native Americans (we don't want anyone on the war path)... Once inside, who cares that the conditions outside (the "Nation") are less then wealthy.
The Best Western at JTB and Southpointe is somewhere beyond excellent, screw the "continental Breakfast" and let's build a complete buffet dining room with ANYTHING the heart desires. Convention space, and a staff that rides the crest of the local business hotels, even with the view of two expressways.
The Best Western at Monterey, California, overlooks the sea on one side and a expressway + railroad on the east side. Fog rolls in during the evening, a distinct chill in the air, the sea is damn cold anytime - Alaska Current, you know... They are working on restoration of the old "DEL MONTE" a long defunct streamliner between the Bay Area and Monterey, killed at the outset of Amtrak by a goofy rule that said no trains under 150 miles. New rules for Amtrak and Rail California will add up to another visit by my family and I.
All this just to say, the Hilton is a beautiful property, the garage will offer some sound protection, and a future Skyway link will bring with it an unheard of novelty. We're not good at selling anything here, if we were we'd have a finished Skyway and a Streetcar System, all tied to feeder BRT. People would flock to our riverwalk, ride our transit, buy goods and services downtown. Just as peace and quiet may sell you on a hotel room in Hooker, Oklahoma, the romantic buzz of the city will sell me one.
OCKLAWAHA
There's a Hilton or Sheraton that straddles the Massachusetts Turnpike. I'd take our new hotels over that one.
QuoteDude, your negativity has gotten old, it was old yesterday.
For a hotel of it's size and brand, it couldn't afford to be built on the river and the number of rooms would've been rediculously low. These two brands from Hilton cater mainly to business travelers, and the last thing on their minds is probably the view from the room. I think it fills a little bit of the niche that doesn't really exist in the downtown area. Now, if we could do something with the two suburban looking hotels closer to the river and replace the Wyndham with something nicer, it'd be better.
Negativity? I stated a fact, not positive or negative. I speak the truth.
When the convention center is built on the river, how many people will enjoy the serenity of the I-95 view compared to those who only see the river view? Of course, you would probably enjoy a nice room at the Park View Inn, since that location fits what you call a "niche" market.
If business travelers, including airline pilots did not care where they stayed, they would all stay along airport road, yet go to the Omni or the Hyatt during the week and you find a number of people who are pilots or who work for the airlines and they make the drive to downtown, and the river, for just the view. Of course, they could have the view of 95 along airport road as well??
Quote from: mtraininjax on June 24, 2009, 04:43:30 PM
Negativity?
I agree with reednavy. Not just in this thread, but in several...your negativity is grating. It goes beyond typical sarcasm (which I welcome, as a matter of fact) to a point where I do nothing except roll my eyes at the majority of what you have to say. It's OK for you to keep your mouth shut every once in a while if you don't have anything constructive or beneficial to share.
QuoteIt's OK for you to keep your mouth shut every once in a while if you don't have anything constructive or beneficial to share.
Thanks, I'll keep it under advisement.
Quote from: mtraininjax on June 24, 2009, 04:43:30 PM
Negativity? I stated a fact, not positive or negative. I speak the truth.
When the convention center is built on the river, how many people will enjoy the serenity of the I-95 view compared to those who only see the river view? Of course, you would probably enjoy a nice room at the Park View Inn, since that location fits what you call a "niche" market.
If business travelers, including airline pilots did not care where they stayed, they would all stay along airport road, yet go to the Omni or the Hyatt during the week and you find a number of people who are pilots or who work for the airlines and they make the drive to downtown, and the river, for just the view. Of course, they could have the view of 95 along airport road as well??
Of course, not all the rooms in either hotel have a river view. Also, apparently they choose those hotels because they are of better quality and provide better services than those along Duval RD. Most of the hotels downtown just provide better services, the rooms are better, and have more to do nearby. A view is probably one of the less important things for a business traveler, instead of services and location.
Quote from: stjr on June 17, 2009, 12:20:37 PM
For a few days, Oral Explosions had an attention-grabbing electronic sign over the entry door (facing north on San Marco Blvd.) operating that flashed, a few seconds at a time, in full color, the logos of 4 of the 5 restaurants having permanent signgage on the building. Now the sign is turned off.
The electronic sign is back on and they had a steady stream of people in and out of there about an hour ago. They stay open until 9:30pm.
now we just need to get some of those urban graffiti artists to go out to the building and make some logos on the side of the building that people will actually notice
QuoteA view is probably one of the less important things for a business traveler, instead of services and location.
That is your opinion, yet, go check out the Hyatt, GO SEE WHO STAYS THERE DURING THE WEEK. Again, why would airline employees stay right on airline road, when they can SEE the river and downtown nightlife? Why would anyone stay on airport road for that matter?
Quote from: mtraininjax on June 25, 2009, 06:57:20 AM
QuoteA view is probably one of the less important things for a business traveler, instead of services and location.
That is your opinion, yet, go check out the Hyatt, GO SEE WHO STAYS THERE DURING THE WEEK. Again, why would airline employees stay right on airline road, when they can SEE the river and downtown nightlife? Why would anyone stay on airport road for that matter?
maybe because they have to get up at 5:00am to catch an early flight....plus, many airline employees fly in at 9:00pm one night and leave the next morning....I doubt they get to see much of the river at night!
Quote from: mtraininjax on June 25, 2009, 06:57:20 AM
That is your opinion, yet, go check out the Hyatt, GO SEE WHO STAYS THERE DURING THE WEEK. Again, why would airline employees stay right on airline road, when they can SEE the river and downtown nightlife? Why would anyone stay on airport road for that matter?
Again, you missed the point. Just because of the clientele that stay there doesn't mean a river view is high on their priority list. As I stated, services, accomodations, and familiarity with those brands keep that group of people coming back. Like I said, they're of better quality than most of the hotels along Duval Road. Besides, it is usually the airlines themselves that say where they can stay and arrange it as such. I just don't understand what your huge gripe is about the view when the new Hilton complex on Kings are made of two brands that cater more directly to the busniess traveler. If you're here for business, you're only using the room to sleep and you have your mettings, dining, and entertainment elsewhere for the most part, chill out.
http://jacksonville.com/video/archive/2009-07-01/video_springfield_revitalization_shot_in_the_arm_with_opening_of_city_kidz_
I'm so excited to go get ice cream, despite jacksonville.com's wacked out heading ::)
yea, not a great heading.
but the cafe is great! Wifi, flat screen tv, sandwiches, ice cream...........good stuff !!!
can't wait for the upscale grocer & deli to open in august !
They've actually changed the heading already....
I went to Hotels.com to see why the Hilton "garden Inn" downtown was such a great place to stay with its impressive view of I-95. Its not there, but the other lovely "garden Inns" are and they are scattered all over town.
I was able though to get rates for a random weekend, end of July for the following:
Wyndham - 105.64
Hyatt - 103.22
Crowne Plaza - 98.95
So for around 120-130, depending on the bed tax, you can stay on the river, as a business traveller is very nice accomodations and oh yeah, have a view of the river, or you can go to the "garden Inn" with its view of I-95 and walk to the river. I travel for business from time to time and I really enjoy the view of a wall or a road when I go to a new city or hotel. I just forgot how much fun that is.
I was downtown this morning around 9:45 and was behind a flatbed semi carrying at least 7 steel moldings for concrete to start the foundation pilings. Just throwing that out there, as it appears they're moving along nicely now.