Chicago Pizza will be a nice addition to downtown and the Landing.
Quote• Look for a third Jacksonville Chicago Pizza location to open at the Landing in mid-September in the former Ruby Tuesday space. Landing spokesperson Rachel Nudge said the owner signed the contract Thursday, paid extra to open by Sept. 15 and started work Friday. The restaurant has 5,500 square feet with 2,000 of that outside. There will be plasma TVs and two outside bars.
http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/citynotes.php
That will be a very nice addition to the Landing...They have some great Chicago style pizza
QuoteThey have some great Chicago style pizza
- But our guests are visiting Jacksonville! :D
Well Jacksonvilly style pizza is crappy!
btw..how long has the Ruby Tuesdays been vacant?
Decent food. The one on Baymeadows/Phillips has TVs at every booth. They charge on soda/tea refills which I thought was weird.
Quote from: 77danj7 on July 20, 2009, 12:22:08 PM
btw..how long has the Ruby Tuesdays been vacant?
Since spring of '06.
Excellent news. With that said, I'd like to see Sleiman and and City invest in the Landing properly (parking with validation, open it up to Laura St, etc).
^Does anyone think that the $26 million being set aside for Metropolitan Park/Kids Kampus, would be better spent opening up the Landing's courtyard to Laura Street (falls in line with the city's upcoming streetscape project) and funding that proposed park between the Landing and the Performing Arts Center?
I do! I do! Maybe there would even be a little left to install a pond pump/spray head across the river @ the fountain, too.
I think the money would be much better spent on the Landing!
Definatley spend it on the Landing. Noo when working out at the gym I can smell pizza and be tempted to totally negate my workout...haha
sure the money is better spent on upgrades to The Landing...but just one problem...
The City may own the land but Sleiman owns the building...I can just imagine the complaints that would be raised about government "subsidizing a private development".
FYI....there will be a charette during the APA Florida Conference in September on ways to re-invigorate The Landing. The folks at Sleiman have been very supportive of the idea (and the conference as a whole) and we hope to come up with some really good ideas.
Maybe the answer is a public/private partnership? As for the space between the Landing and the Performing Arts Center, who owns it? The city or Sleiman?
The City owns it.
Here is my thing: People don't want to sell the riverfront land. Here is the problem - no bank is going to give you financing if you don't own the land (in this econony, they might not give financing anyway, but that's a side discussion). So, just sell the land underneath the building only (leave the courtyard in the middle as city land, and just sell from the building out to the street). Better yet, don't sell the land under the portion of the landing that they want to cut out, and have the city pay for the cutting open of the landing (this could be the public-private partnership).
I bet you Chicago Pizza will open up before Fuddruckers.
It seems like there should be options to how you can deal with such a situation. Anyway, in the end, an open courtyard, combined with a revitalized Laura Street, would really do wonders for the heart of the Northbank. I can't say the same for Metropolitan Park, strictly because of its isolation.
Quote from: David on July 20, 2009, 02:19:01 PM
I bet you Chicago Pizza will open up before Fuddruckers.
A better bet would be if Fuddruckers ever opens or not. Btw, does anyone have an update on Peterbrooke? Where are they going inside of the Landing?
Funny how this thread, takes us back to the birth of MetroJacksonville.....ahhhh memories!
Oh, and BTW, my plan would get some Riverfront land back on the tax rolls, and assuming they sold the land for market rate, would get some upfront money as well.
Seems like a good idea in this economy.
It really shows how the Landing is kind of a microcosm of Downtown, and Jacksonville for that matter: Stuck in 2nd Gear
Quote from: David on July 20, 2009, 02:19:01 PM
I bet you Chicago Pizza will open up before Fuddruckers.
IKEA will probably open at the Landing before Fuddruckers.
Fuddruckers...I thought them opening was a conversation from a past life it's been in the works for so long.
I've eaten at the Chicago pizza off of Baymeadows a few times and it was pretty good. It will be nice to have one Downtown.
BTW, does this mean that of the restaraunt spaces in the Landing, the old Copper Cellar is the only one that is still vacant, correct?
You know, opening this thing up would make such a difference. That has to happen.
I have spoken to several people at The Landing over the past several weeks....I had heard about Chicago Pizza and the new sports store that is open as well as discussion about one or two other restaurants.....Fuddruckers is once again stuck in neutral and there is no word on Peterbrooke.
FYI...Karlene's was closed on Saturday afternoon...not be a good sign for them.
Quote from: Steve on July 20, 2009, 03:05:57 PM
BTW, does this mean that of the restaraunt spaces in the Landing, the old Copper Cellar is the only one that is still vacant, correct?
You know, opening this thing up would make such a difference. That has to happen.
Yes, all of the waterfront spaces will be filled except for Copper Cellar and the Deep Blue space above it. My guess is thats where Peterbrooke will end up, assuming other retail spaces aren't shifted.
By the way, after spending a few days in the Inner Harbor, I've come to the conclusion that their Rouse center is no better than ours. Like the Landing, it looks dated, has quite a few vacant interior retail spots and is definately not the reason people flock down there. However, the central courtyard area does open up to the rest of downtown. I think people under estimate how huge it would be for Northbank to open up the Landing's courtyard with the rest of downtown.
Baltimore's Inner Harbor and Rouse complex
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/592129427_VXVdf-M.jpg)
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/592129569_QMCYL-M.jpg)
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/587120885_Q3M4V-M.jpg)
well the Harborplace complex is almost 30 years old!
except, they got a boat, they got a boat. everybody look at them cause their sailing on a boat...
Yep - that's The Bounty - It looked pretty nice moored in downtown Jax last month.
Quote from: blizz01 on July 20, 2009, 04:46:59 PM
Yep - that's The Bounty - It looked pretty nice moored in downtown Jax last month.
wrong....that would be the USS Constellation
Quote from: tufsu1 on July 20, 2009, 04:14:08 PM
well the Harborplace complex is almost 30 years old!
True. However, the Landing is no spring chicken. Isn't it already drinking age?
Quote from: hanjin1 on July 20, 2009, 04:44:18 PM
except, they got a boat, they got a boat. everybody look at them cause their sailing on a boat...
Urban connectivity is a beautiful thing. They have a couple of ships. An aquarium, modern visitors center, a mall, an observation deck, light rail and an entertainment complex too.
All of these things are laid out in a fashion that causes them to be a "district" (see this thread: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/forum/index.php/topic,5522.msg86480.html#msg86480) and major destination in their own right. Opening the Landing's courtyard to Laura Street is one of several things we could do (with what we already have in place) to have our own vibrant district in heart of downtown.
Quotewrong....that would be the USS Constellation
Oops - what a goof - Let's keep that between us, since I'm pretty sure that I told my daughter it was the same boat she saw in Baltimore. ;)
The Bounty still looked pretty sweet downtown, though......
This is good news. Their pizza is awesome, HOWEVER, skip buying a drink since they charge for refills! :o
Chicago Pizza is a nice addition to the landing, but I still perfer the pizza at Al's or Moon River in Murray Hill.
I had a friend that worked at the Chicago Pizza on Baymeadows/Philips for a while. She said that they charge for refills because during football season people would literally sit at their tables for hours watching the games and drinking free refills on soda.
Also I don't if all Chicago Pizza Locations are like this but the one on Baymeadows is a big Steelers hang out. Blah! >:(
Who charges for refills outside of NYC and Europe? WTF? I like chicago-style pizza but don't expect me to go there. And do we have Jax-style pizza? Moon river? Pizza palace?
^I don't think Jacksonville has a specific pizza style. However, Chicago Pizza is a local chain. The owners just happen to be from Chicago.
Tonino's Trattoria has the best cheese pizza and stromboli in town. Nero's is not too bad either. They are both in Arlington. NYC/JAX style. hehe.
Quote from: A-Finnius on July 20, 2009, 11:05:39 PM
I had a friend that worked at the Chicago Pizza on Baymeadows/Philips for a while. She said that they charge for refills because during football season people would literally sit at their tables for hours watching the games and drinking free refills on soda.
I understand charging for refills during games but on a weeknight? Weak.
Just order beer instead of soda then, they always charge for refills on that.
Quote from: copperfiend on July 20, 2009, 02:35:51 PM
Quote from: David on July 20, 2009, 02:19:01 PM
I bet you Chicago Pizza will open up before Fuddruckers.
IKEA will probably open at the Landing before Fuddruckers.
Don't even tease like that. The fact that one opened in Atlanta was an absolute God-send for me. A 6 hour drive in a u-haul was much more economical then mail-order. Now that I'm here in Dallas/Ft. Worth, there is one only 30 minutes away and wouldn't you know that my husband and I inherited a bunch of western stuff from my mother-in-law so it's worthless to me now ~hmph~.
Oh, and the pizza my step-son got from Chicago's was deep-dish but it wasn't the Chicago style I remember. I grew up in Michigan and the Chicago style I remember having when going through Illinois, was a deep-dish with all the toppings under a second thin crust and then all the cheese on top of that so it was actually like a pie.
Quote from: second_pancake on July 21, 2009, 08:51:35 AM
Oh, and the pizza my step-son got from Chicago's was deep-dish but it wasn't the Chicago style I remember. I grew up in Michigan and the Chicago style I remember having when going through Illinois, was a deep-dish with all the toppings under a second thin crust and then all the cheese on top of that so it was actually like a pie.
I have had that version before. It is baked. The ingrediants (sausage, tomatoes) are usually uncooked so it takes a while to make. The pizza at Chicago Pizza and Uno's isn't exactly the same probably so they cook more quickly.
True Chicago pizza is a thing of great beauty. The deep dish version at Chicago Pizza is somewhat similar but definitely not the same.
I hope they carry UFC fights, Going to the Hooters in the Landing is getting a bit old.
I actually found a pic from my Chicago trip last year. This was a slice of mushroom pizza from Giordano's.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CL_APIXH8qs/SmXG-EwiXWI/AAAAAAAAAro/GO7YeQDAa7M/l_94bd1f0c02869f3a427c4d17d7aa1c94.jpg
Giordano's has locations in Florida. I haven't eaten at any of them so I cannot guarantee they are as good as the Chicago locations.
Quote from: TPC on July 21, 2009, 09:49:19 AM
I actually found a pic from my Chicago trip last year. This was a slice of mushroom pizza from Giordano's.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CL_APIXH8qs/SmXG-EwiXWI/AAAAAAAAAro/GO7YeQDAa7M/l_94bd1f0c02869f3a427c4d17d7aa1c94.jpg
Droooooooooooool.
And yeah, I'd love it if I could catch a UFC fight at Chicago Pizza the landing. I'm not a fan of Hooters and their outdated ugly shorts, so that really leaves me with no options for downtown. I usually have to drive over to Baymeadows road for some decent sportsbar action.
drive to the Northside & go to Boston's. Good TVs and great pizzas.
Oh the one out by the airport, boston's gourmet pizza right?
Yup. Best crust in town.
Quote from: gmpalmer on July 21, 2009, 12:35:22 AM
Who charges for refills outside of NYC and Europe? WTF? I like chicago-style pizza but don't expect me to go there. And do we have Jax-style pizza? Moon river? Pizza palace?
they rarely charge for refills....its just a disclaimer on the menu but most of the servers don't enforce it.
Man, I remember staring at that lone glass of Coke throughout dinner because my parents were sticklers - "Make it last" - It would be so watered down by the end of my meal - sweat beads all over the glass.....How times change - now servers won't let you out the door without a "to go" cup.
Next time just ask for a Coke with no ice. This way it won't get watered down.
Quote from: copperfiend on July 21, 2009, 10:03:13 AM
Giordano's has locations in Florida. I haven't eaten at any of them so I cannot guarantee they are as good as the Chicago locations.
I've eaten at 2 Giordanos in Chicago (Downtown & Wrigleyville) and 1 in Orlando. All three were the exact same. I had a good feeling in Orlando when after 45 minutes our pizza was still in the oven :D
Good to hear. I am spending a few days in Orlando in September and will check it out.
It's been a couple years since I was there... believe it was actually in Kissimmee.
For your convenience...here they are:
ORLANDO
(407) 377-0022
6203 W. SAND LAKE RD.
LAKE BUENA VISTA
(407) 239-8900
12151 S. APOPKA VINELAND RD.
KISSIMMEE
(407) 397-0044
7866 W. IRLO BRONSON HWY.
Quote from: Steve on July 20, 2009, 02:23:23 PM
Oh, and BTW, my plan would get some Riverfront land back on the tax rolls, and assuming they sold the land for market rate, would get some upfront money as well.
Seems like a good idea in this economy.
Or the taxes could raise rental square foot cost, which would hurt the businesses at the Landing, which would eventually hurt the Landing . . . or possible bankrupt it.
QuoteI'm not a fan of Hooters and their outdated ugly shorts
Oh yeah, their work uniforms are horrendous.
Not a big Chicago Pizza Fan...but should work well for The Landing. I've been hearing that a D&B may come downtown...?? anybody?
Quote from: thelakelander on July 20, 2009, 03:24:03 PM
Quote from: Steve on July 20, 2009, 03:05:57 PM
BTW, does this mean that of the restaraunt spaces in the Landing, the old Copper Cellar is the only one that is still vacant, correct?
You know, opening this thing up would make such a difference. That has to happen.
Yes, all of the waterfront spaces will be filled except for Copper Cellar and the Deep Blue space above it. My guess is thats where Peterbrooke will end up, assuming other retail spaces aren't shifted.
By the way, after spending a few days in the Inner Harbor, I've come to the conclusion that their Rouse center is no better than ours. Like the Landing, it looks dated, has quite a few vacant interior retail spots and is definately not the reason people flock down there. However, the central courtyard area does open up to the rest of downtown. I think people under estimate how huge it would be for Northbank to open up the Landing's courtyard with the rest of downtown.
Baltimore's Inner Harbor and Rouse complex
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/592129427_VXVdf-M.jpg)
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/592129569_QMCYL-M.jpg)
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/587120885_Q3M4V-M.jpg)
During Orioles and Ravens home games the place gets packed; not to mention the Inner Harbour does have other places of destination around it (within walking distance) that really help it, such as the aquarium and thriving city neighborhoods. If I remember correctly the convention center is next door.
Can't say that for the landing.
Quote from: coredumped on July 20, 2009, 10:40:56 PM
This is good news. Their pizza is awesome, HOWEVER, skip buying a drink since they charge for refills! :o
their beer is cheap, drink that, and you already expect to pay to get it refilled.
Quote from: Deuce on July 21, 2009, 05:11:09 PM
QuoteI'm not a fan of Hooters and their outdated ugly shorts
Oh yeah, their work uniforms are horrendous.
i thought the idea was to look at what was holding up the uniform rather than the uniform itself.
To each their own...bottom line is that Hooters does quite well (one of the top grossing in the chain)....now maybe that says something about th people that are attracted to the Landing...or maybe about people ikn Jax. in general.
As for Dave & Busters downtown, don't hold your breath!
Meh, just go to Wackos if you want hoo-wores serving your food. None of this half-assesedness business (no pun!)
Trranslation: Chicago Pizza will be a nice alternative.
Quote from: JaxNative68 on July 21, 2009, 05:15:42 PM
During Orioles and Ravens home games the place gets packed; not to mention the Inner Harbour does have other places of destination around it (within walking distance) that really help it, such as the aquarium and thriving city neighborhoods. If I remember correctly the convention center is next door.
Can't say that for the landing.
True, however the Inner Harbor's courtyard does open up to downtown and serves as the central gathering spot for the entire area. Just goes to show what can happen when you embrace density, clustering and connectivity. We can have the same here with a little smart planning and implementation.
Lets not forget that the Landing's courtyard could and should be already opened to downtown, but we all know what happen what that plan. I would imagine that will never come to be. I am just glad that the Landing has been able to draw new tenants in despite losing some along the way.
Another reason for improving the area around the Landing and why opening its courtyard up to downtown should be considered again.
The Jacksonville Landing remains a multi-shop stopQuoteNudge said recent data confirms that the Landing is Jacksonville's most heavily-visited single place for out-of-towners. A Visit Jacksonville report released in April noted that the Landing was by far the most common attraction for visitors - 39 percent of respondents said they went there in 2007 and 43 percent said the same in 2008. Visit Jacksonville conducts its visitor profile surveys at hotels and "other high volume tourism locations" in Duval County, according to the April report.
link to article: http://www.jacksonville.com/business/2009-07-22/story/the_jacksonville_landing_remains_a_multi_shop_stop
Hopefully he is not holding his breath for those extra 800 parking spots.
QuoteSleiman said he hopes someday the city will be able to make good on a 24-year-old promise made to the Landing's original developer, Rouse Co., for 800 spaces. The parking has nearly come several times, but the Landing still has a 240-space parking lot to its east, which Sleiman owns.
I seriously doubt Sleiman is going to spend millions of dollars on that property when the city continues to own the land. (quote 24 year old promise)-- yeah thats right, that sound like the city of Jacksonville thats how they operate here in decades. Of course the landing would be the most visted place in DT Jax. Nice views of the river and bridges, riverwalk, places to eat/drink and maybe shop. Also the Landing is near two major hotels Omni/Hyatt and a short walk to the Baystreet area. I've never been to Chicago's Pizza so I will have to try them out once they open.
The City's 24-year old promise relates to providing parking....not some reneged upon land deal....and to their defense, plans fromn several developers of the land across the street (which would have inclued the rquisite parking) have not panned out.
Another point...Baltimore's Harborplace, Boston's Fanueil Hall, and New York's South Street SDeaport don't have on-site parking.....has it hurt them?
FYI....in order to provide the parking, the City would need to buy that parcel of land and then construct a garage that would cost at least $15 million to build.
Where should that money come from?
Imo, we should not blow off the Landing's parking situation so fast. Its hard to compare the Landing's situation to Fanueil Hall and South Street Seaport. Both are located in dense compact districts with pedestrian traffic Jacksonville never had even in its best days. Also, both areas are served by subway systems that have been established for nearly a century. If the Northbank had Boston's or New York's density and efficient mass transit that connected it with the rest of the city, the Landing's parking issues would not be the problem it is today.
As for Harborplace, there are a number of well identified public parking garages surrounding it, including one under the Gallery (which is also a part of the Harborplace complex). You can't drive within a block of it without seeing a big "P" either across the street or on a side street.
http://www.baltimore.to/Parking/index.html
If the Landing were surrounded by well identified public parking garages that were visibly connected to the center (with a set of spaces set aside for the Landing), perhaps the parking situation would not be what it is today.
QuoteFYI....in order to provide the parking, the City would need to buy that parcel of land and then construct a garage that would cost at least $15 million to build.
Where should that money come from?
Could selling the land underneath the Landing work? I wonder how many years would it take to recoup $15 million from the sale and annual property taxes? However, from what I hear, the garage across the street still maybe a go.
Can someone tell me where exactly the chicago pizza is going in? Cant remember where ruby tuesday was
Ruby Tues was located underneath where Gold's Gym is now. 1st floor, on the river and first location on the west side.
Quote from: Shwaz on July 22, 2009, 11:01:03 AM
Ruby Tues was located underneath where Gold's Gym is now. 1st floor, on the river and first location on the west side.
The dead zone.
seriously, they must have got that space for cheap!
there really isn't that bad of a parking problem at the landing. the real problem is that the residents of jacksonville are strip mall crazy and are accustom to having boat loads of free parking, so they feel that they shouldn't have to pay for parking when go to the landing. maybe if the landing started a parking validation for the restaurant users, the parking would be such an issue.
Quote from: copperfiend on July 22, 2009, 11:18:30 AM
Quote from: Shwaz on July 22, 2009, 11:01:03 AM
Ruby Tues was located underneath where Gold's Gym is now. 1st floor, on the river and first location on the west side.
The dead zone.
I wouldn't call this a dead zone anymore. Hooters, Cinco de Mayo, Gold's Gym and now Chicago Pizza? That seems like plenty of activity to me. Granted, the past few times I have been to the Landing, it has been when a road race finished between the Landing and the TU center, so most of the activity was on this side.
Quote from: JaxNative68 on July 22, 2009, 11:31:20 AM
there really isn't that bad of a parking problem at the landing. the real problem is that the residents of jacksonville are strip mall crazy and are accustom to having boat loads of free parking, so they feel that they shouldn't have to pay for parking when go to the landing. maybe if the landing started a parking validation for the restaurant users, the parking would be such an issue.
The parking problem is associated with leasing to first tier commercial tenants. Many chains require a certain number of parking spaces to be set aside before committing to that property or commercial site. With less than 300 current dedicated parking spaces, this is the parking issue the Landing must overcome.
the are plenty of garages within a couple of blocks of the landing that could be utilized if only people would realize that it is not the end of the world to walk a couple of blocks rather than being able to park within 60 feet of the front door. When at the landing, I have actually heard people complain about how far away the parking lot is and that they can't believe they have to pay to park there. Wake up people and welcome to every other metropolitain city. It's called get off your wallet (actually change purse, jax parking is very cheat) and get off you fat ass and use your feet a little bit.
i agree with "jax parking is very cheat"
Its not the people, its the national chains that require dedicated parking. Jax has tons of garages, but they don't dedicate their spaces to the Landing. Unless, you're NYC, San Francisco, etc. Cheesecake Factory (using them as an example) isn't coming if they don't have "x" amount of spaces set aside for their employees and patrons. The same typically goes for chains like CVS, Best Buy, Office Depot, etc. Having the necessary dedicated parking to land first tier chains is what the Landing's parking issue is about, since Sleiman wants to attract a few as anchors. Not the attitude of the local population.
cheat would mean our parking is expensive, lets change that word to cheap. ;)
maybe sleiman needs to get off his wallet and approach these garages with the idea of leasing spaces from them, possibly even vallet style, so the lazy patrons don't have to walk. I'm sure he could pass it along in the retail lease agreement. Where there is a will, there is a way. Maybe sleiman likes the tax write off for business loses when it comes to the landing.
Perhaps that is what the city can do to fulfill their 24 year old obligation for the additional 800 spots? Unless the new garage is built, the closest one is the Daniel Building's, which was given to the Hyatt.
If the city would invest in a streetcar line, they could probably get away with setting aside a certain number at the Water Street garage, assuming streetcars could serve as the connector.
that too would help, but I must admit that I have never seen the landing's parking lot at full capacity, unless an event was happening.
Land a decent anchor and that could change. However, economic issues aside, the anchor typically wants dedicated parking in place before committing to open. So unfortunately, its not about being at full capacity. Its an issue that deals with sealing negotiations bring national chains to the center.
Anyone too cheap to pay for parking is probably too cheap to tip a valet.
^Potentially, however there are those folks who don't mind paying for parking, but get confused as to where they can park. Let's face it - our signage sucks big time downtown, and coming from the Main St bridge, if you appreach the landing parking lot, and it's full, you've now completely comfused some people.
On site parking with validation is the best option. Sneakers at the beach is now doing it on weekends ($10 to park, and get a $10 gift certificate valid for anything - including drinks - that must be used that day). Not a bad deal.
Of course we aren't going to pay for parking -- it's not normal behavior down here. People keep trying to half-assedly build a downtown when there are few people in Jax who know how to live in & operate in a working downtown. The businesses at the landing (or the landing owner) need to fork over some serious $$$ for a parking garage -- if it's right there and people know there's space, maybe they'll park there for money.
And walking a few blocks in downtown jax != walking a few blocks in NYC. NYC is full of interesting things to see and do -- hell, you can have a great and full few days just wandering around a block or two. Jacksonville blocks might as well be ghost towns. If they're full of people, they're full of crazy homeless people or the spare business person shuffling to their latest meeting.
Wanna fix Jax? Knock down the empty buildings, shoot the homeless and crazy (or ship them to clay county), and build light rail & parking. If we're not going to do this, we're just going to stay the same.
Knock down the buildings? We've been implementing that strategy since 1950 and all its led to is what we have today. Maybe its time to keep and reuse unique old buildings as a part of a revitalization plan.
We have? Then why is arlington full of empty stores? Downtown? North Shore? the Southside? Springfield?
I don't mean one or two, I mean rent every caterpillar within 300 miles and bulldoze every inch of blight. This weekend if possible.
Quote from: gmpalmer on July 23, 2009, 02:38:52 PM
We have? Then why is arlington full of empty stores? Downtown? North Shore? the Southside? Springfield?
I don't mean one or two, I mean rent every caterpillar within 300 miles and bulldoze every inch of blight. This weekend if possible.
So you'd rather have empty dirt lots than empty buildings?
wow...I'm really confused as to what knocking down all the empty buildings would change. I would think that, as lakelander suggested, that we re-use our old buildings and get some activity in them.
This is what knocking down buildings, just to knock them down, gets you.
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/599777983_3KwuJ-M.jpg)
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/599777795_qoB2y-M.jpg)
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/599778017_Fpexe-M.jpg)
Imagine how better places like Savannah and Manhattan would be if they invested in dynamite Jacksonville-style? This strategy has been in use all over downtown for over 50 years. If its so successful, where are all of the people and new structures that were supposed to replace them?
By the way, those empty lots/building foundations now used for parking (images), were once a part of vibrant early Jacksonville Orthodox Jewish district (a future Metro Jacksonville story in the works).
I see these desolate lots every day and it's depressing. There is a lot of history in downtown Jacksonville that we can't get back. The hope is we make downtown fixable, the hope is that around the corner will one day be a revitalized, bustling Jacksonville Terminal to make us all proud.
i think i said knock them down, cart away the concrete, and plant gardens.
and not just downtown
the whole idea is to eliminate sprawl.
Quote from: gmpalmer on July 23, 2009, 05:11:08 PM
i think i said knock them down, cart away the concrete, and plant gardens.
and not just downtown
the whole idea is to eliminate sprawl.
I think you missed the point. You asked for light rail to bring people downtown again.. but for what... to visit the gardens?
and once you tear down buildings (leaving empty space) almost any development beyond the gardens could be construed as sprawl too.
Please name me one major metro that has used this approach, and found it to be successful.
Quote from: Steve on July 23, 2009, 11:37:50 PM
Please name me one major metro that has used this approach, and found it to be successful.
Jacksonville.... oh wait....nevermind
Quote from: gmpalmer on July 23, 2009, 05:11:08 PM
i think i said knock them down, cart away the concrete, and plant gardens.
and not just downtown
the whole idea is to eliminate sprawl.
How do you eliminate sprawl by tearing down buildings in your core?
Having a restaurant like Chicago Pizza @ the Landing would bring a recognizable name around town and it's patron's to the landing. I think it would be a great relationship. However, parking will be a problem for those who make it a problem. Be gracious with your money and it'll come back to you in folds....
Quote from: gmpalmer on July 23, 2009, 05:11:08 PM
i think i said knock them down, cart away the concrete, and plant gardens.
and not just downtown
the whole idea is to eliminate sprawl.
This would create a sweet post-apocalyptic, I Am Legend type landscape with deer and foxes running down Main Street with homeless people in hot pursuit. Maybe we could become a hot spot for movie sets.....????
Prax: Nice seamless transition back to the original topic. I have heard a lot of good things about Chicago Pizza. The one in Jax Beach is also a successful nightlife spot.
well, i hope this restaurant last longer than a year there.
Jacksonville Landing boasts 2 newcomers just in time for Florida-Georgia
Chicago Pizza, Village Bread Cafe ready for big weekend
The thousands of Florida-Georgia fans expected at The Jacksonville Landing this weekend will have two new restaurant choices at which they can eat, drink and watch college football.
Two local restaurant chains, Chicago Pizza and Village Bread Cafe, are opening new locations at the Landing. Chicago Pizza is scheduled to open today and Village Bread Cafe opened Wednesday.
Village Bread Cafe opened its first retail restaurant in March at 5215 Philips Highway, and General Manager Jim Anderson said business there has been so good, it’s prompted an expansion to the Landing as well as a Mandarin location, on San Jose Boulevard, which is to open in December.
Anderson said the restaurant will expand its offerings this weekend to include beer, burgers, wings and sandwiches not usually included on its menu.
“I think we’ll be ready,†he said. “We’ve got enough expertise.â€
The restaurant’s breakfast and lunch fare centers on baked goods. He said the restaurant’s Philips Highway staff will be brought in this weekend to help with the Florida-Georgia crowd.
Anderson said expanding despite a bad economy will position the company for a bright future.
“We’re confident there will be a recovery, and by positioning ourselves at this location and in Mandarin, we’ll be in better shape when the recovery comes,†he said.
Chicago Pizza, which specializes in thick “Chicago-style†pizzas , will offer fans a lot to eat and drink and plenty to watch, co-owner Vic Comastro said.
The restaurant’s staff is ready for the crowds this weekend, he said â€" with one bar on the Landing’s central sidewalk, five in a patio facing the river and the restaurant’s bar inside.
Patrons also will be greeted by $250,000 in televisions of varying size, covering the restaurant’s walls and posted at many of its tables.
In all, he said, its owners have put about $1 million into the location to get it opened, Comastro said.
And five projection televisions are being brought in for the game, he said. He’s also hired 45 people beyond the restaurant’s 25 to handle the additional vending.
Comastro said local chains appear to be weathering the battered economy better than national chains because they are more tuned into their markets.
“I guess we understand the market,†he said. “For every one of us, business is down. But you have to compensate being down with deals. And we’ve lowered all our prices.â€
Comastro, whose new staff will begin at one of the Landing’s busiest times , said they’re ready.
“You’ve got to make sure you’ve got enough product, enough staff, and deal with the frustrations,†he said. “You’re going to have meltdowns.â€
Chicago Pizza’s other locations are at 8206 Philips Highway and 320 N. First St. in Jacksonville Beach.
http://jacksonville.com/business/2009-10-29/story/jacksonville_landing_boasts_2_newcomers_just_in_time_for_florida_georgia
Perfect fit for the Landing.
Agreed.
At least they have nice, bright colors and lighted signs, it looks like that place will be well lit up. Hope the are able to succeed.
Quote from: gmpalmer on July 23, 2009, 05:11:08 PM
i think i said knock them down, cart away the concrete, and plant gardens.
and not just downtown
the whole idea is to eliminate sprawl.
'Surrender Dorthy' I think they've enclosed the circled wagons.
the scariest thing is they didn't lie this time...they have over 80 TVs!
Holy cow! Why is that scary though!?
^^ Is it common to lie about the number of tvs you have?? I'll probably be there tonight, so I'll do my best to notice the interior.
How are they going to keep the exterior ones from being stolen or vandalized by the Jacksonville Downtown Nomadic Society?
Quote from: Jason on October 30, 2009, 11:59:48 AM
Holy cow! Why is that scary though!?
because they claimed that the first store (baymeadows/Philips) would have over 60 TVs....there's more like 40 or 45
Quote from: downtownjag on October 30, 2009, 12:50:00 PM
How are they going to keep the exterior ones from being stolen or vandalized by the Jacksonville Downtown Nomadic Society?
Landing security? Its kind of hard to steal and walk around with a flat screen tv without being noticed.
Quote from: downtownjag on October 30, 2009, 12:50:00 PM
How are they going to keep the exterior ones from being stolen or vandalized by the Jacksonville Downtown Nomadic Society?
good question...but the outside ones have been up for more than a week (with the restaurant not even open) and they're all still there!
JDNS will get to them, unless they can be removed and brought inside at night. I live down here so I only mean it lightly, but sometimes it's beautiful, vibrant Jax by day and "I am Legend"ish by night :-)
*** Not that other cities aren't like that as well. *** I am thinking vigilante justice next time I hear someone trying to knock a parking meter off its rocker to get the quarters out at night.
I wish I could be there to see what everything looks like. When will they take the Tv's down? I wont be back til Sunday.
Quote from: downtownjag on October 30, 2009, 12:56:30 PM
but sometimes it's beautiful, vibrant Jax by day and "I am Legend"ish by night :-)
The truth. I could not stop laughing when I read it.
Quote from: Keith-N-Jax on October 30, 2009, 08:58:03 PM
I wish I could be there to see what everything looks like. When will they take the Tv's down? I wont be back til Sunday.
they aren't temporary
OK,,good anybody been taking any pics to post.
Did anyone pay the newbie restaraunts a visit? How were they?
Went by Chicago Pizza yesterday afternoon, it was beautiful weather to watch some NFL, grab a pizza and watch the river flow...
went on thurs night and the food was just as good as their southside location.
Anyone else see this, it really hurt Chicago Pizza and other vendors at the Landing and all they can say is there was a breakdown in communication?
QuoteJACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Florida and Georgia fans wanted inside, and the businesses wanted them there as well, but officials at the Jacksonville Landing said some crowd confusion at the start of the weekend is proving costly.
Some people were stuck outside the Landing on Friday night because there were too many people inside.
The problem is even when people left, no one else got in.
At one of the city's biggest events, no one expected the party to be over for hundreds who were stopped at the gates just before 10 p.m.
"It was sad and unfortunate," said Rachel Nudge, the spokeswoman for the Landing.
The fire marshal was worried about crowding in the courtyard and refused to let anyone else in, causing thousands of dollars for the businesses who were looking to cash in.
"We had upset merchants who were expressing decrease in their sales anywhere between 35 and 50 percent for this event," Nudge said. "And we have a lot of people, especially those from out of town, expressing how angry and upset they were about what happened."
The owners of Chicago Pizza even raced to open their doors in time for the big game, only to have an empty restaurant for one of the biggest weekends of the year.
Case after case of alcohol still sits in front of the restaurant untouched.
"It's extremely frustrating, but we take it in stride," said Jimmy Demarco, the restaurant's owner. "We're going to hopefully be here a long time. Lessons learned."
Nudge said they had a lot of angry phone calls from people who were confused and didn't understand what was happening, which ultimately affected business on Saturday as well.
"I heard specific things like, 'My friends always tell me to go to the Landing and I made the wrong decision,'" Nudge said. "I really do feel that could've impacted our Saturday night as well. We were getting phone calls over our public phone line with questions like, 'Is the Landing closed?' That kind of damage went into the rest of the weekend for sure."
Wow that sucks.
That's terrible. Did they close the Riverwalk portion also?
The entire Landing area (including the Riverwalk) was closed off and admission was $10.
Remember that this was done as a request from the UF President to the Mayor...from what I hear, the extra carefulnss was done by the City in order to make sure the future-year agreement gets signed....once it is signed for 6 more years, it will be business as usual.
That does suck. I hope it doesn't effect the merchants long term. The Landing needs help getting business not extra road blocks.
Is this Riverwalk portion considered private property? I wonder who profited.
none of it is private proerty...the land of the whole complex is owned by the City
Yeah, I was in the Landing Friday night when they decided to close it. It was almost a disaster. Thanks to the whinning UF President! I think they need to rethink this for next year. Maybe close only the courtyard.
well you know fsujax....they do have to keep the crowd under control...that way nobody gets their eyes gouged by a football player :-)
Channel 4 did say that the areas in the front where the riverwalk was located, were open. Did not mention that it was 10 bucks to be there. I did see also where an improptu street party was started on Hogan at Water. The courtyard and the paths leading to the courtyard were shut down. I've never seen the fire marshall care enough to shut down the Landing. There could have been 20 stampedes of people during the Super Bowl, but the Fire Marshall could care less.
City needs more, the Landing cant always be the focus. Major events like that we need another place were people can gather.
QuoteCity needs more, the Landing cant always be the focus. Major events like that we need another place were people can gather.
In all fairness Friday night, there was the AC/DC concert. There was also RV City. A concert at Met Park would have been nice as well. Sad, but there really isn't enough space on the Southside for an event, unless the old JEA facility could be turned into something for the students as well. Shoulda, coulda, woulda....
I guess everybody like to funnel in the Landing because its on the river and has food, drinks etc,,
The students are sheep. Its all they ever did the year before, and year before that. You are right, we need more events, downtown!
"City needs more, the Landing cant always be the focus. Major events like that we need another place were people can gather."
- a Steven Seagal appearance was planned, but was cancelled last minute. does that count?
I went to Chicago Pizza today because of this thread. I wanted to patronize them due to their issue during the FL/GA game. I may add a review in the dining area, but I'll mention it here....
The pizza was excellent and I love the location and design of the restaurant. Will be a great place to catch a game, they must have over 60 TV's (and i'm not exaggerating)! Also, it really made a difference to me at least having pizza with a view of the river. I was however disappointed with the beer selection, both bottle & tap. The small selection they list in their menu on tap isn't even available. They had 4 or 5 beers on tap and all were very poor choices, IMO. They would do well to incorporate Bold City and some other American craft beers. They do serve liquor though, which can make up for it, but it's nice to have a beer with pizza. I ended up having a coke instead :( The service wasn't the greatest, but other servers seemed to be a little more on it than ours (she disappeared for long periods of time). The food and atmosphere was good enough to make up for the downers though and we will continue to visit this location in the future, just hope they correct the 2 issues.
I'm going tomorrow to check them out.I have visited many places because of metrojax.
I would bet that you will be surprised with the number of TV's... lol
There are over 80 TVs
Just got back,,and wow never ever seen that many tv's maybe cept from a retail store.They should do very well there. That should be the place to go and hang out and watch sporting events.
Conservatively, 80 TV's running 12 hours a day will use about 7000 kWh a month. It's going to get expensive.
Went there last night. The pizza was awesome as usual. The waitress was attentive. Great views of the river. Eating the leftovers tonight. Great addition to The Landing. Wish them much success.