Ambassador Hotel Rehabilitation Plans Revealed
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/520660794_YMqYq-M.jpg)
The Historic Rehabilitation of the Ambassador Hotel presentation for the Downtown Development Review Board's August 27, 2009 meeting.
Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2009-sep-ambassador-hotel-rehabilitation-plans-revealed
I hope that the project happens. Additionally, I hope that the project it part of a series of projects in the area. This project will not be able to survive on its own.
So, is it just an exterior renovation? I'm guessing the interior is in terrible shape... I figured they would be gutting the interior and bringing the building up to code?
Quote from: Hurricane on September 09, 2009, 07:50:16 AM
So, is it just an exterior renovation? I'm guessing the interior is in terrible shape... I figured they would be gutting the interior and bringing the building up to code?
last time I was in there was in 1995 getting my uncle out of there. It was in terrible condition then, can't imagine what its like now. The project looks good and hope its a success.
The plan indicates they intend to lease 50 1 and 2 bedroom apartments along with ground level business tenants. This is just their exterior zoning request.
Is the small store next to the Ambassador, that is planned to be torn down for the courtyard, historic? If so, I would rather they try to keep it if possible. Looks like it could be a nice sandwich shop or something.
That's an old image. That building was torn down years ago.
oh ok
It's about time. I guess the building of the Courthouse is going to spur other development in that area and corridor of downtown. Hope the old Independent Life/JEA Bulding's proposed development is revived as well.
Heights Unknown
Exciting news!
I wish them the best of luck. There have been plans to renovate the ambassador for over ten years. Hopefully these people will be the ones to do it.
The Metropolitan and Citiplace prove that there is a market for market-rate apartment units in that sector of downtown. It would be great to see one more option.
They have 46 off street parking spaces for 50 units. That will be a problem to over come. Most folks will want their own space whether they use it or not.
I suspect this is still in the preliminary stages.
There will be some interior demo to convert old apartments to lofts. A building that old will probably have asbestos unless it was previously remediated.
Planning to redevelop it for over ten years?? Sounds like they were waiting on the courthouse. As was mentioned earlier, I hope the courthouse spurs those pending projects to get out of the ground.
Can't wait for this month's construction update!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't think this one had much to do with the courthouse. There had been at least two plans that fell through by 2002-2003. I think it was because they didn't receive enough development subsidies. Remember, until about 2005, no one was attempting to do large scale downtown residential projects without massive government subsidy.
I hope this comes to fruition. Speaking of downtown residential development projects, what is going on with the old Barnett Bank Building? They put in the new windows and now it just seems to be sitting there.
I have walked by the building many times, and it is one that I would certaily be interested in refurbishing if I had the resources. It's good to know someone is willing to try.
I need to stop fantasizing and take action. Construction is my business, and historic architecture has always fascinated me. Making the old and unloved regain its former glory, while adding modern functionality is a passion I have long neglected.
I made money contributing to sprawl, because it was easier. Time to focus on what is right. Keeping historicals alive while enhancing urban renewal.
sorry about the confessional... shhh!
Quote from: GideonGlib on September 09, 2009, 11:00:55 AM
I hope this comes to fruition. Speaking of downtown residential development projects, what is going on with the old Barnett Bank Building? They put in the new windows and now it just seems to be sitting there.
I heard that was bought for 6 million clams.
Am I wrong to see that as a steal? Could we form a PAC, Non Profit, Co-Op, or other such entity and gain public loans/funding for downtown renewal?
The Ambassador though very rough on the inside probably has the some of the best architectural potential of our aged buildings downtown. Im very excited about this one. Im going to cross my fingers and hope that Jax has enought sense to get something like this done in decent amount of time.
Quote from: buckethead on September 09, 2009, 11:06:52 AM
Quote from: GideonGlib on September 09, 2009, 11:00:55 AM
I hope this comes to fruition. Speaking of downtown residential development projects, what is going on with the old Barnett Bank Building? They put in the new windows and now it just seems to be sitting there.
I heard that was bought for 6 million clams.
Am I wrong to see that as a steal? Could we form a PAC, Non Profit, Co-Op, or other such entity and gain public loans/funding for downtown renewal?
That would be a cool idea. Start the metrojax nonprofit for downtown revival. something like the savannah historic foundation
Fabulous... this is a block away from my condos ;D
Quote from: buckethead on September 09, 2009, 11:04:13 AM
I need to stop fantasizing and take action. Construction is my business, and historic architecture has always fascinated me. Making the old and unloved regain its former glory, while adding modern functionality is a passion I have long neglected.
I wanna help! I'll quit my job and start tomorrow! HAHA ;D
904Scars,
That is a fantastic photo in your avatar.
Quote from: Wacca Pilatka on September 09, 2009, 12:10:58 PM
904Scars,
That is a fantastic photo in your avatar.
Indeed. Can we see a bigger version. You could make that an icon for the city.
Quote from: buckethead on September 09, 2009, 11:04:13 AM
I have walked by the building many times, and it is one that I would certaily be interested in refurbishing if I had the resources. It's good to know someone is willing to try.
I need to stop fantasizing and take action. Construction is my business, and historic architecture has always fascinated me. Making the old and unloved regain its former glory, while adding modern functionality is a passion I have long neglected.
I made money contributing to sprawl, because it was easier. Time to focus on what is right. Keeping historicals alive while enhancing urban renewal.
sorry about the confessional... shhh!
We need to have a "like" button like facebook incorporates for post like this one.
(http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/904cafe/6deb3a49.jpg)
hope this works I had to do it on my phone. Work blocks photobucket.
Thanks.
It's such a shame we don't build things with the kind of detail that the St. James building has anymore.
Looks cool