Petra's Rich Trendel Brings Nightlife Downtown!
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In downtown, at least one landowner seems to have gotten the right idea about creating street traffic, and excitement through density, and that is Chris Hionides' Petra Management Company.
Directed by his dynamic son in law, Rich Trendel, Petra has made a landmark contribution to the nightlife of the downtown by supporting and helping to develop such entertainment based institutions as London Bridge for years, but in the past year Trendel seems to have found some momentum.
Join us as we briefly examine the exciting new projects that Rich has landed and brought to the Downtown.
Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2009-nov-petras-rich-trendel-brings-nightlife-downtown
Its great to see what many on these forums (including my self at one point) thought was DT and Springfield's largest slumlord turn out to be completely different. Over the last few months, outside of the courthouse, nearly every single new project in the DT core has involved Petra management. With the amount of property they own, lets hope the urban community attempts to work more with them to help secure tenants for their vacant properties.
Appears that he is becoming the "Master Cylinder" for Pubs, Bars and Restaurants in downtown Jacksonville. Being that it appears that he is becoming a magnate in that area, I see him opening other venues around the Jax Metro, that's what it appears is happening with him; Slum Lord no more! Great Job Rich; keep up the good work in Downtown Jax, Jax Metro and the First Coast!
Heights Unknown
Do we have a map of Chris Hionides owned properties in the core?
In fairness Lake, it wasnt until Rich was brought on board that things changed. Rich was a welcome change from the less-than-helpful woman that held his position for many years before him (Mary something-or-other). He has been easy to communicate with, he shares ideas, things that he is working on, hopeful projects, and is generally speaking a very good person to work with. Its easy to root for him, as he tried to make something out of his father-in-laws real estate empire.
The accusations about a "war" with Hionides are overblown, and based on comments on this and other forums before Rich was the man running Petra.
Maybe it was the media's tongue lashing over the past couple years (MetroJax included) that inspired him to make changes? Nonetheless, he has quite the resume of properties and seemingly the leverage to make some bold moves for the benefit of the urban core and Springfield.
Kudos to all involved with making this a reality.
Agreed.
Rich is a nice (very busy) guy. Though he lives out at the beach, he's in Springfield regualrly. He's fixing up the red-brick apartments on 4th & Silver and took part in the local parks improvment project as well.
I've only met Hionedes once, had lunch with him, and he's very "godfather-like". He's a major player in the Tapestry Park "urban" complex on the SS too.
That said, his philopsophy for keeping property without improvments for a long period of time has been a negative as well.
Wow. Why the hell is metrojacksonville lauding Petra for finally leasing out a small percentage of their properties? They are commercial property managers. That's what they're supposed to do. This doesn't change the fact that Hionides' original business plan was to buy up property, leave it vacant and deteriorating, and flip it without investing anything in the buildings or neighborhood.
I mean, congrats to Rich Trendel for being a good leasing agent. If I ever meet him, I'll give him my sincere kudos (seriously). Commercial property can be a rough business and he sounds like a nice guy.
But his father-in-law's original business plan has been absolutely toxic to Jacksonville's redevelopment. Yeah, now that the market has crashed, they actually HAVE to lease out their space to cover costs, instead of just being absentee investors. But don't give them a medal for it.
Good for Rich for providing some sanity to Petra, but let's not ignore the objective damage that's been done (and is still happening) because of Hionides' absentee investor strategy.
I agree with Joe. Hionedes is and always will be a slum lord. Is Rich doing something good with an almost unlimited supply of vacant/empty property in the Core? Sure. Could he fill/develop all of those properties in his lifetime? Probably not. He is one small cog in a very big wheel. I for one would LOVE to see a map overlaying the properties that they own showing what is leased/occupied and what is vacant and for how long. That would be very telling on just what kind of model they are running over there.
That is great news to hear, Stephen. And if Petra makes good on that sentiment, then I only wish them well. But, we are going by a pretty dark history here. Here's hoping.
Quote from: Joe on November 11, 2009, 10:41:05 AM
Wow. Why the hell is metrojacksonville lauding Petra for finally leasing out a small percentage of their properties?
I think you answered your own question. Previously, they weren't doing anything, so even if they lease out a percentage of their buildings, it's helping to spur other things (i.e. the new club on Ocean that a thread was just started on).
Everyone who I've talked to about the situation seems to think that a big part of the issue was Mary Farwell, the previous properly manager for Petra. If that was the case, then perhaps we are seeing a change in the tide. This is a good step in that direction, and it is having a positive impact on our downtown. For that, Petra deserves mention.
It is so great to see positive things being written about our city and it's urban potential. Unfortunately some of the comments that have followed clearly have not been positive and have seemingly broken the rules of conduct for this forum (ie: derogatory remarks). I am profoundly disappointed to see the author of this well intended article, defame his own potential as a journalist, by contributing to the delinquency of this forum in what appears to be a personal attack against the previous management of the Petra Realestate Company. I have a keen interest in real estate and know from personal experience that a property manager is only allowed to carry out the directive of his property-owner/employer. Shame on you Mr. Stephen Dare for potentially undermining an otherwise well deserved story with harmful and derogatory personal remarks about an individual, who was likely only doing her job to the capacity allowed by her superiors. It is my opinion that you most certainly owe Ms. Farwell a sincere apology. Shame be on Metro Jacksonville publishers as well for allowing such defamatory comments to remain.
Quote from: Johnt on November 11, 2009, 03:16:13 PM
It is so great to see positive things being written about our city and it's urban potential. Unfortunately some of the comments that have followed clearly have not been positive and have seemingly broken the rules of conduct for this forum (ie: derogatory remarks). I am profoundly disappointed to see the author of this well intended article, defame his own potential as a journalist, by contributing to the delinquency of this forum in what appears to be a personal attack against the previous management of the Petra Realestate Company. I have a keen interest in real estate and know from personal experience that a property manager is only allowed to carry out the directive of his property-owner/employer. Shame on you Mr. Stephen Dare for potentially undermining an otherwise well deserved story with harmful and derogatory personal remarks about an individual, who was likely only doing her job to the capacity allowed by her superiors. It is my opinion that you most certainly owe Ms. Farwell a sincere apology. Shame be on Metro Jacksonville publishers as well for allowing such defamatory comments to remain.
Johnt - first of all, welcome to the forum.
Second, before you blast others on the forum for their remarks regarding Ms. Farwell, I might suggest a email or PM to the folks that made the comments you object to. Perhaps they may be able to respond to your issue.
Mr Dare,
My intent is not to defame you. You wrote a good article and with your name signed as author you published it, positioning yourself for any and all feedback. Ms. Farwell, however, didn't have the privilege to make that choice. In addition, you offered up comments to further cement your perspective. All seems well and good until you offer negative and derogatory remarks against a named private citizen whom like most of us, is only trying to earn an honest living and offer a positive contribution to mankind. My point is simply this: You wrote a good article, but you followed it up with irresponsible comments that have the potential to damage an individual's credibility, a deed which should not be tolerated by you or any other contributing writer or publisher of this magazine. That, my friend, discredits good journalism.
Steve,
Thanks for the welcome. I'm usually only an observer, however this seemed an appropriate time to weigh in. But I must say, that Wow, you guys come across as really prickly and defensive around here. I do have a question regarding your comment that I should have sent a private message or email rather than posting my comments publicly. Did you or any others send your comments, regarding Ms. Farwell, to her in a PM or email before offering them as a banquet for the masses? If not, and I'm assuming that is the case, then why would you suggest that I should have? Perhaps my original comment might apply to one of your posts, and if so, I'm sure it stings mildly. Instead of getting worked up and personally offended, which was not the intent, I hope you will reflect on the implications of your remarks and possibly man-up and accept responsibility for those comments with the understanding that Ms. Farwell is due an apology. If for no other reason than just the printing of her full name, keeping in mind that she was an employee of the realestate company, not owner. My best to you.
Regards.
JT
Wow! This is beginning to feel like I stepped into a love triangle here. Best wishes to you all! Peace out.
JT
OK, I have stayed quiet long enough. This is MARY FARWELL and this may be the only time I will ever involve myself in such journalism. First of all, I trained Rich during his first year at Petra and am so very proud of his successes. I set some ground work but he came through with the tenants at the right time. Second and most importantly, Mr. Stephen Dare has a personal grudge against me because I did not feel he was a qualified tenant a number of years ago and refused to lease to him (eviction tally, anyone?). Please be advised that I have never spoke with Mr. Dare about my business philosophies or leasing strategies. I have hundreds of past clients that feel that I have done a wonderful job on their behalf and my future energies will continue to go to those people and not to the likes of Mr. Dare. I worked with Mr. Hionides for 13 years building out inventory in Springfield (at the expense of millions of dollars) and have proven that we believe in Springfield. Certain properties may set vacant until several are purchased to form parcels large enough to bring the large tenants (like grocery stores) to the area. Thank you 'Johnt' for your support....your words finally spurred me to defend myself. Last word on the subject....Good Work Rich, I'm proud of you!
oh boy, here we go.. this thread might get as good as the CARE one going on right now.
It’s always kind of sad when someone demands an apology for a remark made in a forum.
Back to the topic at hand, does anyone know what’s next on Mr. Trendel’s plate yet after Dos Gatos?
Absolutely - clustering these places together will definitely help Bay Street.
I'd like to know if he has anyone looking at the old Seminole Club across from City Hall - it's a tough spot to fill, but the right tenant could do wonders there.
Are the street level floors of MODIS and the Dyal-Upchurch Buildings the missing link? If a few of their spaces could be occupied by a couple of places that stayed open at night and complemented the nightlife scene, you would have that connection.
The MODIS Tower is right across the street from the Landing. If you can get a few places on the retail level that open up to the street (maybe a couple of restaurants with outdoor dining), you would have something that pulls people from the Landing, up Laura Street and east down Bay. Get something in the Dyal-UpChurch Building at ground level and you then put people on the block between Main and Ocean.
Basically, you reopen the retail floor of MODIS back to the street and take advantage of the outdoor courtyard space that currently exists.
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No thanks needed Ms Farwell. Kudos to you and Mr Trendel for all of your efforts in this historic area. Keep the vision going I always say.
QuoteBasically, you reopen the retail floor of MODIS back to the street
Word on the street is JEDC/DVI has this plan underway to go along with the Laura Street improvements.
Great! I remember including the idea on a presentation I did about Lighting Laura Street a few years ago, while being a part of the DT Action Plan Committee. Glad to see that this element has been included in the JEDC's plans. Without adding any more new businesses, DT would feel completely different if we can get more of the towers to position their interior retail spaces to the street.
Does the Hogans Creek master plan include making that stretch of Laura more of a pedestrian friendly connector to DT? We could really have a nice corridor connecting Springfield and the riverfront together with the Landing and Springfield's parks serving as major anchors.
Work is supposed to start in January and take about a year to complete.
Click here to read more about the project:
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2009-aug-lighting-laura-street-plan-moves-forward
http://jacksonville.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/stories/2009/10/12/daily26.html
Beautiful presentation!
Here are a few photos from the Lighting Laura St. photo shoot back in April 2006.
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Stephen, what intersection (Bay & Main)? None of our intersections are busier or wider than the ones you find in places like Baltimore's Inner Harbor, Chicago or other cities with vibrant downtowns and people still cross the streets.
Simple walkability solutions could include signals that allow pedestrians to see how much time they have to get across the street, better business signage at street level along the Dyal-Upchurch and MODIS buildings, along with adding a little street retail within the parking deck located between Main and Ocean. Long term, an infill project on the parking lot near the Chamber of Commerce would solidify the gap. Anyway, that stretch looks to be no more different than the block wide gap between Newnan and Market.
A well marked crosswalk would be more than enough (brick pavers are overkill). From my experience, people will cross if there is a reason to cross. They do it now on the gap between Newnan and Market. I believe the fact that there are a couple of bars with lighted signage helps in that cause. If there were spaces open in the Dyal Upchurch and MODIS buildings at night and open to the street (with signage), crossing Main would not be a serious obstacle.
Also keep in mind that the two-way project for Independent Drive involves creating a greenway connecting Bay Street and The Landing....using the space where the road alongside the Main St Bridge used to be.
If done well, this could serve as a perfect connection between the areas.
It's not a median, just a walkway.
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2009-aug-downtown-parks-bay-and-ocean-pocket-park
Quote from: stephendare on November 12, 2009, 11:59:40 AM
pardon the missing 'p'.
The last block is particularly forbidding at night. Does anyone have any rendering of the proposed median?
Sure, there is nothing there. Add street retail (ex. outdoor dining, associated lighted signage,etc.) on the MODIS block and the perception of that whole area changes.
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/Development/Walkable-Bay-Street/baystreet9/711242481_EWsN9-O.jpg)
Take a look at this last image. Imagine those storefronts occupied and accessible from the street. Imagine them open at night with outdoor seated dining around the covered entrance to MODIS. Imagine the light from business signage adding to the atmosphere. Then imagine the people patronizing these businesses. If that happens, you form a visual connection and draw to a currently sterile scene without dropping on red cent of public money into sidewalk improvements, etc.
There's no place like metrojacksonville...sort of like a bar fight in a cathedral. classy yet dangerous, and everyone better watch out or we'll end up in HELL.
What happened yesterday, who wins slum-lord of the year, these things trip us up.
What wonderful positive steps for tomorrow.
For safety and convenience, using the new Ocean St pocket park to walk between Bay St and Independent Dr will allow you to walk underneath the Main/Ocean traffic instead of crossing both busy streets. I would think that just the addition of lighting and directional signage would make that path inviting.
Go Rich Trendel and Petra! That is awesome! Sloooowly edging out the good ol' boys in charge and bringing some young talent in. Jacksonville is improving by the day!
thanks mr trendel,downtown is stepping up,looking goooood.