Downtown's Most Endangered Historic Buildings
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/538011368_Qjkrw-M.jpg)
It has been two years since the Jacksonville Historic Society released their list of significant endangered local historical structures. In the meantime, historic buildings continue to fall like dominoes from the Jacksonville urban landscape. The Council has even threatened to eliminate the city's historic preservation commission.
Despite the lip service to the goal of creating a vibrant urban core, these demolitions continue to prove otherwise and are an indication of ignorance on how historic preservation relates to a vibrant city.
Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2009-sep-downtowns-most-endangered-historic-buildings
That's would be sad to lose all that history. I hope that people just have some patience and wait out the recession. To an extent, I cannot fault the vacancy of some of these buildings because I honestly believe that there are not many people who have the capital/ or can get the finances to do something with these buildings. Furthermore, with the great excess of available commercial space, the options for these buildings is likely limited.
I don't believe that the Friendship Fountain will ever get torn down anytime soon.
Let's hope not, jeh1980. One of the best ways to preserve it is to make sure people don't forget about the situation that it is currently in. Which is the reason, its on this list.
Very sad, but I doubt that there is any hope of saving any of these other than the firehouse and friendship fountain
I think we dodged a bullt with the Woolworth building office space. While I would love to see a more active use, office is better than vacant. Right now, that corner is so depressing, especially considering that 90 years ago it was one of jacksonville's busiest pedestrian intersections
Friendship fountain WILL be torn down soon. It's already in the works and has been for quite some time. They'll pull typical bait and switch of politics: while we're concerned about some other problem they'll quietly get crews out there to tear it down and pave over it.
With regards to our future as a city and as a vibrant urban core: I think it will take a small group of concerned, like-minded investors to buy these properties, shore them up and soon develop them to avoid the wrecking ball. The city WILL NOT preserve these buildings, as can plainly be seen. It will take private enterprise to save them. We can do all the screaming at city hall we want, but in the end it's going to be up to a brave few investors to put their stake on Downtown to save it. If the money were there, you'd see my face on the front page tomorrow to buy up these buildings and convert them back to storefronts and apartments and lofts and furniture stores and grocers and all the things that a functioning core needs. Unfortunately I'm not independently wealthy. Anyone want to loan me the money, call. ;-)
I'd like to share your optimism, Stephen.
Demonstrating is not something I have done before, but I would certainly lend my carcass to bolster a head count of a vocal and visible protest/demonstration campaign to save and restore some of our heritage and identity. When and where? How can we get in the news? Every channel, and the TU as well as the indie rags. Multiple times. Let us be the squeaky wheel that gets the oil.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0yucFw3qCQ
Tried to find the "Now lead dammit.... Teamsmanship" scene to no avail. This will have to do.
archiphreak, you got a source or something to back up those claims?
Quote from: archiphreak on September 16, 2009, 08:56:13 AM
Friendship fountain WILL be torn down soon. It's already in the works and has been for quite some time.
I have a call in to the Deputy Director of Parks and Rec for COJ and will let you all know what he or she tells me.
Okay I have talked with the Deputy Director for Parks and Councilman Warren Jones office and neither one knows anything about bulldozing of Friendship Fountain and paving it over. And Councilman Jones office stressed that they certainly would be aware of this if it were true. They did say there have been discussions about repairs and maintenance of the pumps and the fountain and I had heard that same thing several years ago myself.
So unless someone has better info or has seen the project plans, I hope this rumor is put to rest.
This is from 2006, so the plan might be dead now.
(http://www.metrojacksonville.com/images/friendship_fountain/BobJohnsondocument.jpg)
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2006-sep-friendship-fountain-the-truth-beneath-the-lies
Stephendare is on to something. I think we can all raise awareness by telling people about MJ.
How about some bumper stickers with all proceeds going to the historic society?
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2498/3926658359_69fea97a0b.jpg)
Or something simple:
(http://a1.twimg.com/profile_images/248213634/550001026_nZJek-O_bigger.png)
Cool. BTW, what ever happened with the T-shirt idea Ock had a while back?
T-shirts are a cool idea.
Don't make it bumper sticker, make it a clingy window one.
I like the smaller logo, Stephen. I will "represent".
I like the smaller better as well. I tend toward understated. (no bumper stickers on my car) However, MJ means nothing mor than Michael Jordan to someone who doesn't already know. IRLs Sells.
I like your bumper sticker mock up. Make sure it references the website.
This website has so much information. If it cannot make the sale to prospective members / activists, then nothing will.
I feel I know as much about Jacksnoville, as I do about San Diego.
With regards to the warehouses, you have another piece on San Diego's ballpark district. Initially, the developer was going to clear the entire area, but a lawsuit by Save Our Heritage stopped the project and lead to negotiations that saved all but one building in the proposed warehouse historic district. Now, the area is interwoven with new and old and is a delight, even in its adolescent state to tour. The ballpark itself is technically an addition to the much smaller, National Register listed Western Metals building. In the early years of re-development here, heritage buildings were knocked down, or replicated leading to some rather low quality development in Centre City. Now, the City advocates multiple buildings on a block, preferably of different ages, because that type of development has provided better bottom line (read:$$$$$) results.
Demolition of any building over 45-years old anywhere in the City of San Diego is automatically subject to historic review, although illegal demolitions have occurred in the past.
You seem to have many motivated people, but from reading what is happening and has happened there, I am alarmed and urge you to get cracking! Good luck!
I agree that the url is necessary. I'd also suggest using different color fonts for 'metro' and 'jacksonville' to enhance readability. Perhaps a controversial slogan that also grabs attention like "Your leaders are jackasses." Grab attention.
of course city officials are going to say "there is no current plan to demolish the fountain", or "we've had many discussions on repairing the fountain", and etc. THEY'RE POLITICIANS! My "rumor" comes from conversations that I've had with city officials and other architects in the city about proposed projects and "ideas" that have been floated over the last couple of years. As far as civic action, Stephen, hellz yeah. I'm all for it. We do have elections coming up and I can't wait for them. My only concern is, what happens if, like the last mayoral election, there is no candidate more qualified than our current "leader"? At some point, if there are no viable candidates for office, we need to become those candidates. My own two cents.
Quote from: untarded on September 17, 2009, 02:10:20 AM
I agree that the url is necessary. I'd also suggest using different color fonts for 'metro' and 'jacksonville' to enhance readability. Perhaps a controversial slogan that also grabs attention like "Your leaders are jackasses." Grab attention.
On another local site I have seen the term "Boy King" bandied about.
Fitting, but perhaps too direct and potentially offensive. I suppose it is better to recruit allies than enemies.
In Springfield we just say "oops...I was trying to fix it when it just fell over...my bad."
I need a bumper sticker to cover my "Bob Barr '08" sticker.
Quote from: thelakelander on September 16, 2009, 09:39:51 PM
Cool. BTW, what ever happened with the T-shirt idea Ock had a while back?
I'm still here Lake... Just a bit bruised and battered, hee hee! I want to create maybe 5 designs that speak to Commuter Rail, Streetcar, Skyway and maybe Amtrak/Jacksonville Terminal.
"CATCH THE SPARK!" STREETCARS JACKSONVILLE
"SAINT ELMOS FIRE!" JACKSONVILLE TRACTION
Anyone else? Jump on in... Can't wait for stjr's entry for the Skyway! I would use the funds as a war chest so more public pressure could be brought to zero in on our targets at City Hall. OCKLAWAHA
Quote from: untarded on September 17, 2009, 02:10:20 AM
I agree that the url is necessary. I'd also suggest using different color fonts for 'metro' and 'jacksonville' to enhance readability. Perhaps a controversial slogan that also grabs attention like "Your leaders are jackasses." Grab attention.
I think your onto something. Saying, "Do you love Jacksonville? Help Save it!" gives a visitor a foredrawn conclusion that somehow this city is going straight to hell. FACT: We're NOT, in fact we are being quite successful in spite of our lackluster leaders.
I would suggest some catchy single or two to three word teases:
"Florida's Global Port" MJ
"We Financed Miami" MJ
"Streetcars NOW Jacksonville" MJ
"Expand Our Monorail" MJ
"Commute By Rail" MJ
"American Bottoms Everywhere!" MJ
I think then we show up at the Fairs, booths, etc... and sell, sell, sell the future!
Petitions, Tee Shirts, MJ Stickers... YES WE CAN!OCKLAWAHA
American Bottoms Everywhere? It is catchy, but I don't quite understand.
:D :D :D
QuoteI need a bumper sticker to cover my "Bob Barr '08" sticker.
:D :D :D
Quote from: Ocklawaha on September 18, 2009, 02:03:21 AM
Quote from: untarded on September 17, 2009, 02:10:20 AM
I agree that the url is necessary. I'd also suggest using different color fonts for 'metro' and 'jacksonville' to enhance readability. Perhaps a controversial slogan that also grabs attention like "Your leaders are jackasses." Grab attention.
I think your onto something. Saying, "Do you love Jacksonville? Help Save Restore and Rebuid it!" gives a visitor a foredrawn conclusion that somehow this city is going straight to hell. FACT: We're NOT, in fact we are being quite successful in spite of our lackluster leaders.
I would suggest some catchy single or two to three word teases:
"Florida's Global Port" MJ
"We Financed Miami" MJ
"Streetcars NOW Jacksonville" MJ
"Expand Our Monorail" MJ
"Commute By Rail" MJ
"American Bottoms Everywhere!" MJ
I think then we show up at the Fairs, booths, etc... and sell, sell, sell the future!
Petitions, Tee Shirts, MJ Stickers... YES WE CAN!
OCKLAWAHA
One small change.
Save the "_________" will fall upon deaf ears. "Rebuild" sounds like money to be made.
How about this
Metro Jacksonville:
If the people lead, the leaders will follow.
I like it Vic! Add the URL at the bottom.
I agree! Best one so far!
Peraps a shortened version for the quick read:
When People Lead; Leaders Follow
Next up... any graphics designers out there? C'mon folks!
This is so upsetting. What can be done, besides bumperstickers, be done to help save these pieces of history?
(Not that the stickers aren't awesome, of course.)
Quote from: sheclown on September 18, 2009, 06:07:41 AM
American Bottoms Everywhere? It is catchy, but I don't quite understand.
It's an inside plug for our Port growth. "Bottom" is the shipping term for the home nation of a cargo ship. It's not unusual to see signs pushing this or that bottom around international ports. We could go with "Oriental Bottoms" but since we only have about 2 cargo ships left in the USA, I thought well what the heck.OCKLAWAHA
Quote from: stephendare on September 25, 2009, 04:12:18 PM
hmm. I dare you to run around announcing that your an american bottom in riverside, ock.
Well, I couldn't be an American Bottom, but my ship sure as hell could... IF I had one... The sad part for me is, in this booming future leading port, nobody knew WTF??OCKLAWAHA
Sorry but I beg to differ on this topic. All things that are old are not historical. What is historical is what they were and not what they are today. Only a very few of the Jacksonville Historic Society list of historical structures downtown are of any actual historical significance.
Without getting into the definition of what a historical building is, it can be said that an underground walkway is not. Abandoned dilapidated warehouses are not. An old assembly plant is not. The office building with no architectural distinction at 218 W. Church Street is just that, an office building. Hogan's Creek should be repaired for functional reasons alone. If you want to be accosted or worse, then by all means, make Hogan's Creek aesthetically pleasing. Etc...
On the other hand there are several buildings in and around downtown that are being overlooked because they are not on somebody's agenda.
Quote from: GENTRY on November 12, 2009, 09:15:20 AM
Sorry but I beg to differ on this topic. All things that are old are not historical. What is historical is what they were and not what they are today. Only a very few of the Jacksonville Historic Society list of historical structures downtown are of any actual historical significance.
Without getting into the definition of what a historical building is, it can be said that an underground walkway is not. Abandoned dilapidated warehouses are not. An old assembly plant is not. The office building with no architectural distinction at 218 W. Church Street is just that, an office building. Hogan's Creek should be repaired for functional reasons alone. If you want to be accosted or worse, then by all means, make Hogan's Creek aesthetically pleasing. Etc...
On the other hand there are several buildings in and around downtown that are being overlooked because they are not on somebody's agenda.
Oooooh you've done it now
218 is worth preserving IMO. Locally significant architect and I like it. I love the approach lets not discuss the definition of a historical building I will just tell you what's what.
Quote from: civil42806 on November 12, 2009, 09:23:11 AM
Oooooh you've done it now
Sometimes, the effort to respond is not even worth it. For me, this is one of those times. Either you get it or you don't.
Quote from: thelakelander on November 12, 2009, 09:48:11 AM
Quote from: civil42806 on November 12, 2009, 09:23:11 AM
Oooooh you've done it now
Sometimes, the effort to respond is not even worth it. For me, this is one of those times. Either you get it or you don't.
OUCH!!!!!!!
Heights Unknown
We've razed and torn asunder numerous jewels, diamonds and gold studs over the years which were historic gems not only downtown but around the City and County; it's got to stop, so, let's preserve what's left and not bulldoze and wreck ball every old structure for the sake of parking lots or because no one wants it right away. There are ways to save these structures.
Demolition, wrecking balls and bulldozers should be an absolute last resort and only if the structure is unsavable, in a condemnation mode, or a tremendous and new development which will greatly benefit that area and the city is due to be built in its place.
Heights Unknown
Some people rescue dogs and cats from shelters. Some people go to exclusive breeders to put down a deposit for the newest designer dog.
Personally, all of my dogs and cats are rescues and I have gotten enormous satisfaction from rehabilitating, re-purposing and rehabilitating old buildings. I have also gotten tremendous satisfaction from designing and building a new building in an industrial park.
What I would object too with all my might is having my rescue animals put down in order for someone to order a designer dog. So don't tear down a building with life left in it in order to put up a new one or a parking lot. Build your new building somewhere else and I will find a creative use for the old building left behind.
Dog - both our our cats are strays, and we feed and love the rest in the neighborhood. My wife even tells me to slow down in a neighborhood, not my own, because someone's pet lives here and might be out in front of you.
I applaud Perdue and their efforts downtown, but from what I hear, it was a mess. Imaging a building that has not had AC operating for years, what that does to the walls and how technology has changed since they had tenants in there. They were without access to their data network for 10 days. I think I could not have made it!
Quote from: stephendare on November 12, 2009, 09:33:23 AM
um. I think the entire point of the historical movement is to celebrate what things were---not just what they are. To build in the best memories of where we come from socially and historically with new uses as we go forward.
One wonders what your definition of historic would be in the first place?
It would be nice to celebrate what was but that's not always going to be the reality. Where money is involved, history doesn't always matter. Talk to our prior city officials or any of the countless contractors who bailed on countless projects. I would love to see parts of downtown preserved and renovated but emotions aside, do you really think the abandoned Ford plant is historical? How about the subterranean walkway? If you or anyone does think so, I have a pet rock to sell you.
The ford plant is certainly a big part of our history in light of the role it played in destroying our streetcar system.
You do not need to tell people in Jax that sometimes money causes historical buildings not to be preserved. We have seen the destruction more than we should.
Quote from: thelakelander on November 12, 2009, 09:48:11 AM
Quote from: civil42806 on November 12, 2009, 09:23:11 AM
Oooooh you've done it now
Sometimes, the effort to respond is not even worth it. For me, this is one of those times. Either you get it or you don't.
Yes thelakelander, you're correct. You either get it or you don't. Apparently you don't. You've been around long enough and have been writing as long. You might need reminding of how many contractors and principals have approached the city over the last 25 years regarding restoring and/or renovating historical landmarks and buildings. How many times has the Ambassador Hotel been on the verge of being renovated only to have the project fall through the cracks? I know you know or have an idea.
How about the Trio as it's known? You have a clue how many contractors and principals have had great visions for these three buildings? You must know, you talk up a great storm.
Okay how about the Barnett National Bank building? Got any idea the amount of defunct projects it's gone through? I remember the day the clock went black over the building. How about you?
Let's see what you know about the Jones Bros. Furniture building or perhaps the Guaranty Trust and Savings Bank. Well okay we know the latter has a jaguar caged within it's walls. But do you care to take a guess how many deals have gone South regarding these buildings?
Shall I go on? Emotionally I would love to see many of these and other buildings and landmarks restored or renovated. But where you don't get it is when it comes to business and money the owners and contractors don't give a damn about emotion or history.
Yes I get it. Now I know you don't.
Quote from: JeffreyS on November 16, 2009, 09:10:48 PM
The ford plant is certainly a big part of our history in light of the role it played in destroying our streetcar system.
You do not need to tell people in Jax that sometimes money causes historical buildings not to be preserved. We have seen the destruction more than we should.
At least you understand that money is King. That's the language of politicians, contractors and owners. Emotions is the language of preservation societies. We who think of it emotionally don't have much to say when it pertains to what the wrecking ball will ravage.
What I don't understand is why people think fondly of a defunct Ford plant that, as you say, brought about the end of Jacksonville's streetcar days? What should we do with this empty giant? Have Ford open it again? Make it a huge night club? Perhaps one immense loft. The best anyone can hope for on this parcel of land is another industrial enterprise that might create some much needed jobs.
Like I've said here and other places. Some things are historical and some things are just old.
It's easy to be frustrated at plans falling through for restorations and new construction, but I don't understand the hostility at talking about restoration.
Here and around the country there have been plenty of "loving" restorations where owners and contractors cared about emotion and history as they restored their building.
I'd rather a defunct restoration project that leaves a building there for the next person than a defunct knock-it-down-to-replace it which leaves a vacant lot.
Quote from: GENTRY on November 16, 2009, 09:36:13 PM
Quote from: thelakelander on November 12, 2009, 09:48:11 AM
Quote from: civil42806 on November 12, 2009, 09:23:11 AM
Oooooh you've done it now
Sometimes, the effort to respond is not even worth it. For me, this is one of those times. Either you get it or you don't.
Yes thelakelander, you're correct. You either get it or you don't. Apparently you don't. You've been around long enough and have been writing as long. You might need reminding of how many contractors and principals have approached the city over the last 25 years regarding restoring and/or renovating historical landmarks and buildings. How many times has the Ambassador Hotel been on the verge of being renovated only to have the project fall through the cracks? I know you know or have an idea.
How about the Trio as it's known? You have a clue how many contractors and principals have had great visions for these three buildings? You must know, you talk up a great storm.
Okay how about the Barnett National Bank building? Got any idea the amount of defunct projects it's gone through? I remember the day the clock went black over the building. How about you?
Let's see what you know about the Jones Bros. Furniture building or perhaps the Guaranty Trust and Savings Bank. Well okay we know the latter has a jaguar caged within it's walls. But do you care to take a guess how many deals have gone South regarding these buildings?
Shall I go on? Emotionally I would love to see many of these and other buildings and landmarks restored or renovated. But where you don't get it is when it comes to business and money the owners and contractors don't give a damn about emotion or history.
Yes I get it. Now I know you don't.
I've been in the industry long enough to know that it takes some projects longer than others for renovation to happen. For many, it also takes a combination of local and federal grants and tax breaks to make preservation feasible. However, as long as they are structurally sound, just because some investment group's projects fall through is not enough reason to demo them, imo.
I've seen several highrise projects (I don't really consider the Ambassador "highrise") sit abandoned and in worse condition than the Ambassador, end up finally being renovated after decades of failed attempts. I've seen others that did not make it. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, so I'm not going to knock your belief but I'm not drinking your kool aid.
The history of the the Terrace Hotel's path to restoration sounds pretty similar to the path older buildings face in Jacksonville. The key will be to see if they can make it past the call for demolition by those who can't see the feasibility or reason to preserve them. Judging from the rest of country, some will make it, some won't. In Lakeland, the Terrace is one of the buildings that made it after years of calls for demolition and failed renovation attempts. Since 1999, its become a central anchor in DT Lakeland, which happens to be more vibrant than DT Jax now.
(http://images.travelnow.com/hotels/LAL_TERR-foods-1.jpg)
(http://www.flheritage.com/services/magazine/02winter/images/incentives_title.jpg)
QuoteThe city finally ordered the Terrace closed for building code violations in late 1986. It remained closed for 12 years, looming like some dark presence over Lakeland's downtown. Many proposals were made, and rejected, for its renovation and reuse over the years. More than one city official called for its demolition.
Finally, in 1996, Houston developer and Lakeland native Rob Scharar purchased the Terrace for $150,000 from the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority. His plan was to restore the Terrace to its former grandeur as a first class hotel. Nearly three years and $7 million later that dream was realized, as the beautifully restored Lakeland Terrace Hotel reopened on February 26, 1999.
http://www.lakelandgov.net/library/oldspeccoll/hotels/terrace.htm
About 20 miles east of Lakeland, the old Palm Crest Hotel in Haines City followed a similar path. It sat empty for decades before being restored into college dorms for Landmark Baptist College in 1997.
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b6/Haines_City_Polk_Hotel01.jpg/450px-Haines_City_Polk_Hotel01.jpg)
With projects like this, you normally have to get creative in thinking about new uses. Not everything has to be an apartment, condo or office complex. Sometimes the numbers can work with mixed uses or uncommon uses (ex. the Palm Crest restoration in Haines City).
They also require public/private partnerships to make them feasible, unless they are located in vibrant areas of vibrant cities. For example, in the mid 1990s, Lakeland offered Publix a $1/year lease, for 20 years, for an abandoned JCPenney store in the heart of DT.
QuoteThis 1996 project consisted of completely removing all interior improvements from a 20 year old, 2-story Department building and transforming it into state of the art Accounting and Information Technology offices totaling 100,000 SF.
http://www.mesgc.com/publix-lakeland.phpThe visionless soul would have questioned a deal like this. However, 15 years later, giving away a building to get some of Publix's headquarter to come to DT Lakeland led to that city swiftly turning around from an abandoned blighted vagrant magnet to a vibrant place with walkable streets lined by retailers, restaurants and bars (They also did the same thing for another company to move their headquarters into the core, in a former Burdines department store building). So the question really becomes, how important is a community's history to that community? Those that value their past, work extra hard and get creative to preserve as much of it as possible. Those that don't, only come up with excuses of why things won't work and fall in love with dynamite.
Quote from: thelakelander on November 16, 2009, 11:25:16 PM
Quote from: GENTRY on November 16, 2009, 09:36:13 PM
Quote from: thelakelander on November 12, 2009, 09:48:11 AM
Quote from: civil42806 on November 12, 2009, 09:23:11 AM
Oooooh you've done it now
Sometimes, the effort to respond is not even worth it. For me, this is one of those times. Either you get it or you don't.
Yes thelakelander, you're correct. You either get it or you don't. Apparently you don't. You've been around long enough and have been writing as long. You might need reminding of how many contractors and principals have approached the city over the last 25 years regarding restoring and/or renovating historical landmarks and buildings. How many times has the Ambassador Hotel been on the verge of being renovated only to have the project fall through the cracks? I know you know or have an idea.
How about the Trio as it's known? You have a clue how many contractors and principals have had great visions for these three buildings? You must know, you talk up a great storm.
Okay how about the Barnett National Bank building? Got any idea the amount of defunct projects it's gone through? I remember the day the clock went black over the building. How about you?
Let's see what you know about the Jones Bros. Furniture building or perhaps the Guaranty Trust and Savings Bank. Well okay we know the latter has a jaguar caged within it's walls. But do you care to take a guess how many deals have gone South regarding these buildings?
Shall I go on? Emotionally I would love to see many of these and other buildings and landmarks restored or renovated. But where you don't get it is when it comes to business and money the owners and contractors don't give a damn about emotion or history.
Yes I get it. Now I know you don't.
I've been in the industry long enough to know that it takes some projects longer than others for renovation to happen. For many, it also takes a combination of local and federal grants and tax breaks to make preservation feasible. However, as long as they are structurally sound, just because some investment group's projects fall through is not enough reason to demo them, imo.
I've seen several highrise projects (I don't really consider the Ambassador "highrise") sit abandoned and in worse condition than the Ambassador, end up finally being renovated after decades of failed attempts. I've seen others that did not make it. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, so I'm not going to knock your belief but I'm not drinking your kool aid.
What industry have you been in, blogging? Read my other posts on urban issues and you "might" pick up on how the industry really works. Once again I'll tell you it would be nice to see many of the downtown historical buildings and landmarks restored/renovated but until greed isn't the driving factor, projects won't get the green light.
You don't quite understand that comparing other cities like Lakeland is irrelevant. Perhaps there's less corruption. Perhaps owners are not as greedy. Perhaps the city government is more willing to work with the principals involved. You obviously don't know the countless factors that are involved in getting these projects off and running. You just blog about it.
Sorry it's strictly water for me, no acid laced Kool-Aid. I'll leave the cloudy mind to bloggers who don't understand business.
QuoteWhat industry have you been in, blogging?
Yes. However, if it really matters, I pay my bills through the architectural and planning industry. Over the years, I've done quite a few projects, ranging from historic restorations and manufacturing facilities to community planning, infill development, marinas and amusement park and even quite a few Jax strip malls. Now I'm taking a stab at integrating land use with transportation planning.
Wow, just wow.
If Eddie Farah wants to renovate the Ambassador I would not bet against it being done.
Eddie may be an ambulance chasing, TV lawyer, but he's OUR ambulance chasing, TV lawyer and we love him. Local boy made good!
Eddie Farah needs to make up for knocking down the Lerner building.
The Ambassador would more than compensate.
Well #2 on the list can be removed now
Yep, sadly the Davis building will be demolished today after an overnight fire fully engulfed it. http://www.news4jax.com/news/downtown-fire-under-investigation/29978546
^The evidence potentially gone in less than 24 hours?
Surveillance cameras for area?