Metro Jacksonville

Post information and news relevent to the St. Johns Town Center here....

(http://www.metrojacksonville.com/photos/thumbs/lrg-129-pic_aerial_current.jpg)

(http://www.metrojacksonville.com/photos/thumbs/lrg-127-dcp_9598.JPG)

Phase II Statistics:

Developers: Simon Property Group and Ben Carter Properties
Architect: Dorsky Hodgson Parrish Yue (Cleveland)
Contractor: Hardin Construction Co, LLC.

Leasable retail space: 228,000 square feet

Estimated number of shops: 40 upscale retailers and four restaurants, most of which will be new to the Jacksonville market.

Estimated total construction costs: $20 million.

(http://www.metrojacksonville.com/photos/thumbs/lrg-132-pic_siteplan_820_2.jpg)
The development will extend River City Drive (past Dillard's, Swoozie's, and Artsy Abode) south toward Butler Boulevard by about 40 boutiques and galleries. The end of the street will be capped by a park and four "white-linen" restaurants with "higher price points than what we already have now," Carter said.

(http://www.metrojacksonville.com/photos/thumbs/lrg-130-pic_rendering2.jpg)
A rendering of the River City Drive extension


Phase II Tenants
Restaurants:
Nan Thai Fine Dining
Bricktop by Joe Ledbetter
Mitchell's Fish Market - www.cameronmitchell.com
The Capital Grille - www.thecapitalgrille.com
J.Alexander's - www.jalexanders.com
Cantina Laredo


Retail stores:
Urban Outfitters
Cole Haan
PUMA
Brooks Brothers
BCBG
Drexel Heritage Fine Furniture
Metro Park
West Elm
Coach
Mayors
Lacoste
Talbots
Tommy Bahama
Louis Vuitton
Crate & Barrel
Pottery Barn

Suspected Anchors - Phase III (Not a part of Phase II):
Macy's
Nordstrom
Neiman Marcus

For more information:
http://www.stjohnsphase2.com/

4/21/07 construction pictures

(http://www.metrojacksonville.com/photos/thumbs/lrg-125-dcp_9595.JPG)

(http://www.metrojacksonville.com/photos/thumbs/lrg-126-dcp_9597.JPG)

(http://www.metrojacksonville.com/photos/thumbs/lrg-122-dcp_9591.JPG)

(http://www.metrojacksonville.com/photos/thumbs/lrg-123-dcp_9592.JPG)

(http://www.metrojacksonville.com/photos/thumbs/lrg-124-dcp_9593.JPG)

(http://www.metrojacksonville.com/photos/thumbs/lrg-121-dcp_9587.JPG)

I actually like the Town Center. It has helped bring shops and restaurants to Jax we would not have otherwise had.

I hear ya...I go to the Apple Store there all the time.

;D

More upscale tenants have been announced for Phase II:

Quote- Aldo, a trendy shoe store for men and women

- Abercrombie, the kids offshoot of teen retailer Abercrombie & Fitch

- Bakers Footwear, a shoe shop for women

- Betsey Johnson, a funky clothier

- MAC Cosmetics, a standalone store devoted to the company's cosmetic counter staples

- Sole Mio, a sunglasses store

- The Walking Company, comfortable shoes designed to keep feet blister-free

http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/060607/bus_175140443.shtml

Does anyone know if there are plans to create a new exit off Butler for the Town Center? Seems like it would go a long way in easing congesting off Gate.

No plans and not possible without spending millions to squeeze in a network of flyovers between the Gate and 9A interchanges.

The traffic situation on Gate Pkwy/Town Center Pkwy is nothing short of a disaster. A disaster NOBODY is talking about. I have not seen one thing about it on TV, radio or in the paper. And looking at the hundreds of undeveloped acres of the SJTC, it makes me cringe thinking about how much worse it will get. If more people used the 9A exit, it would be better. And maybe more will once the interchange is finished.

Here is the list of Phase II that we have so far:

**Updates in Red**


STORES
West Elm
Metropark USA
Louis Vuitton
Lacoste
Mayors Jewelry
BGBG MAXAZRIA
Cole Haan
Tommy Bahama
Talbots
Puma
Urban Outfitters
Coach
Brooks Brothers
Crate & Barrel
Pottery Barn
abercrombie
Aldo
Baker’s
Betsey Johnson
Brooks Brothers
M*A*C Cosmetics
Sole Mio
The Walking Company
Arden B.
Guess
Marciano
BeBe Sport
Swarovski
Lululemon
bluemercury
True Religion
Juicy Couture
Ballard Designs

RESTAURANTS
Cantina Laredo
Capital Grille
Mitchell’s Fish Market
J. Alexander’s

OUTPARCELS
Drexel Heritage
Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar

CONDOS
Toscana

OTHER MISC
Fresh Grocer on lot between Phase II and Costco
Upscale Hotel

"The traffic situation on Gate Pkwy/Town Center Pkwy is nothing short of a disaster", I beg to differ, The traffic situation on Gate Pkwy/Town Center Pkwy is nothing but success if you want people wasting gas in traffic.  gezz

More retailers slated for St. John Town Center announced

By DIANA MIDDLETON, The Times-Union

New details of chic retailers coming to the St. Johns Town Center's second phase keep dribbling out, and the latest batch includes a cosmetics shop and a European trove of crystal jewelry.

New additions to the line-up include:

- Ballard Design - Everything from elaborate, crystal-laden chandeliers and antique-styled armoires are available at this home furnishing emporium.

- Bare Escentuals - This cosmetics company is famous for mineral-based powder makeup. Part of its expansion strategy includes more standalone stores.

- Clarks - Expect comfortable everyday shoes from this shoe store aimed at both men and women.

- Mori Luggage - Sells a luggage ranging from basic backpacks to luxe, leather Hartman luggage.

- Swarovski Crystal - A sparkling bastion of Austrian crystal figurines and jewelry.

The second phase of the St. Johns Town Center is expected to open Oct. 26.

diana.middleton@jacksonville.com,

This is a terrific development here in Jax. It reminds me of an outdoor, spread out Mall at Millenia in a sense. Even if your not going to shop, its cool to just walk around and window shop and people watch. It's funny that this is that worn out line "lifestyle center" , but it actually is one, considering they're throwing up condos and more hotels out there. I wonder what they have in store for the land opposite of it across Town Center PKWY. This mall has serious potential of landing more luxury retailers, just look at the list of retailers in Mall at Millenia and/or Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square in Atlanta. Hating to say this, but it actually is about the only thing that brought luxury retailers here, other than the demographics of the Beaches and Ponte Vedra/Sawgrass/Palm Valley.

What? No Ikea?

(http://www.derethconservancy.org/images/oscars/trolley.jpg)
BTW, what a place for a small "Historic" reproduction Streetcar line.This one is in a "town center" type mall in California.

Ocklawaha

now that's freakn cool!

St. Johns Town Center Trolley? If anyone at the developer is interested, send me a message and I'll put it together for you.

BTW, any REAL word on Sak's? or the other big high end stores?    

Ocklawaha

(http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/9517/today011ia4.jpg)

(http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/8677/today012fp9.jpg)

(http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/7061/today013ca5.jpg)

With 10 days to go it still looks like there is lots to be finished.

it looks like they are working pretty long days. When I pass going to work at 6:45 am , they are working. I left the Town Center after shopping at about 9:15 pm and they were still working, but on interrior stuff.

Don't miss the grand opening tomorrow. I passed by there tonight, and the place looks awesome. It is gorgeous. I was able to see The Capital Grille, Mitchell's Fish Market, Louis Vuitton, West Elm, Urban Outfitters, Puma, and Swarovski. There was also a  huge site clearing of the lot that is next to Costco at the Gate Pkwy / Town Center Dr intersection. I wonder what that is for? Anyway, I went to Simon's website under events, and saw that there will be a Margarita machine infront of Tommy Bahamma tomorrow, so ummmm... I will definately be there during my lunch break.

There are also a few promotions for opening week here:
http://www.simon.com/mall/event_details.aspx?ID=857&EID=68830 (http://www.simon.com/mall/event_details.aspx?ID=857&EID=68830)


(http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/7931/towncenterdinner008sq0.jpg)

(http://img452.imageshack.us/img452/4353/towncenterdinner009vp2.jpg)

Thanks for the update.  I passed by on JTB tonight and it looks like they'll be pulling an all nighter to get prepared for tomorrow.

Capitol Grill is looking great.  Can't wit to try them out.

Can't wait for Urban Outfitters. It will certainly be packed this weekend.

Yeah, they've done a nice job and it looks great...although I won't go for the grand opening...it's certainly somewhere to go

I just got back from my lunch break... and it was great! The restaurants are still underconstruction, and Lacoste & True Religion are not open yet. The place was extremely packed, despite the rain. I will post photos when I get home this afternoon. GOOD JOB JACKSONVILLE!

(http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/1272/sjtcphase2001lh1.jpg)


(http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/962/sjtcphase2002nl9.jpg)


(http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/7960/sjtcphase2003wy4.jpg)


(http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/2299/sjtcphase2004mp3.jpg)


(http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/5986/sjtcphase2005za0.jpg)


(http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/2387/sjtcphase2006yq8.jpg)


(http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/4325/sjtcphase2007rg3.jpg)


(http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/8932/sjtcphase2008tv7.jpg)


(http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/7176/sjtcphase2009he3.jpg)


(http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/8537/sjtcphase2010dm3.jpg)


(http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/989/sjtcphase2011ju7.jpg)


(http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/9213/sjtcphase2012ea8.jpg)


(http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/7544/sjtcphase2013tn2.jpg)


(http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/7518/sjtcphase2014ul2.jpg)


(http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/2820/sjtcphase2015dk2.jpg)


(http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/6508/sjtcphase2016vk2.jpg)


(http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/9425/sjtcphase2017tr2.jpg)


(http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/2584/sjtcphase2018pg2.jpg)


(http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/2349/sjtcphase2019lg5.jpg)


(http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/6605/sjtcphase2021mc6.jpg)


(http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/8365/sjtcphase2022wf5.jpg)


(http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/8199/sjtcphase2023ca7.jpg)


(http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/975/sjtcphase2024vm6.jpg)


(http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/1033/sjtcphase2025ph4.jpg)


(http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/7420/sjtcphase2026pv5.jpg)


(http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/2739/sjtcphase2027iw4.jpg)


(http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/6874/sjtcphase2028mb6.jpg)


(http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/3244/sjtcphase2029ei3.jpg)


(http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/7707/sjtcphase2030ia8.jpg)


(http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/2830/sjtcphase2031nr5.jpg)

THANKS GRADCO!

I had no idea it turned out so nice!  Congratulations Jacksonville your wait for luxury retail is finally over.  Bring on Phase 3!

Phase 2 just finished, and already something new is about to start coming out of the ground. Balfour Beatty Construction has just cleared that large lot across from Costco... at the intersection of Gate & Town Center Pkwy. Maybe someone with the know-how can do some digging to find out what it is.

BTW... the new phase is everything I imagined it to be. Lacoste, True Religion, Balfour Design, and Pottery Barn are some of the stores that I noticed were not open. The restaurants were not open yet either. Clearly, people were waiting for certain stores to come, Urban Outfitters, PUMA, and Louis Vuitton had the most traffic from what I observed.

nice pics, thanks for posting them.

does anyone know exactly what's going to be included in phase 3 and where it'll go?

well i would like to say phase three is on top of phase two.  but these open air malls dont tend to do multi-levels of retail like indoor malls.  but hopefully phase three will put some residential above or least some office space.

phase two looks good

"Morris said this weekend represents the second phase's soft opening. The official grand opening is set for 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10 and will include fireworks, a tree-lighting ceremony and music by American Idol alumnus George Huff."

http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/102707/bus_212468702.shtml

This is for you shoppers out there:

From this week's Jax Business Journal - As in Atlanta, Carter making a mark in Jacksonville

QuoteCarter, an Atlanta developer who is embarking on a legacy project there, is also building a shopping destination in what may be his future home of Jacksonville. St. Johns Town Center has been his most successful project in sales per square foot since the first phase opened in 2005.

Already, 53-year-old Carter is planning for a third phase of the town center to start construction next year that could include three more department stores -- maybe Nordstrom's or Neiman Marcus -- and another 150,000 square feet of specialty shops.

http://jacksonville.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/stories/2007/11/12/focus2.html

thanks lake, any idea on where it would go?  that lot is pretty big but it looks like squeezing another 3 department stores + 150,000 sf of retail (plus parking) could be tough

(http://www.metrojacksonville.com/photos/thumbs/lrg-132-pic_siteplan_820_2.jpg)

Phase III will be attached to Phase II in what currently is being used as surface parking and green space.  The future expansion areas are dashed in this plan.

My favorite part about phase three is the parking structure!!!! Death to the surface lots!

So where is the LRT line and Terminal? Rapid Transit Anyone? Hello? Atlanta?

Ocklawaha

Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar:

Under Construction

*Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought that they would not be building until 2009?

(http://img451.imageshack.us/img451/6761/restaurant014ns2.jpg)

(http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/8388/restaurant015ky8.jpg)

(http://img455.imageshack.us/img455/8146/restaurant017sp5.jpg)

(http://img359.imageshack.us/img359/2808/restaurant016zd3.jpg)

does anyone know what happened with the proposed Crate & Barrel?

I assume that it is still coming. They just started airing commercials on BRAVO during Project Runway about 2 weeks ago. There is still an empty lot across from Louis Vuitton that shows as a building on their map. Just no tennant. It looks big enough to be the Crate&Barrel.

Ground work has started on the empty lot across from Louis Vuitton, and across the street from Kate Spade. I don't know if it will be the anticipated Crate & Barrel that was supposed to occupy the lot, or something else. They havn't posted any tenant signs. I guess we'll see. I'll keep you updated.

J.Alexander's maybe?

That would make sense. It's hard to tell though because the parcel is so large. I wish I knew if it was going to be one building, or a divided building.

If anyone has had Cantina Laredo, how was it. Looks good, and actually reasonable to an extent. I've noticed that SJTC has quite a few stores that Orlando doesn't, even people there are actually starting to come here to shop, or at the least, look around at SJTC. I think its sad to say, right now, its probably JAX's biggest tourist spot in a way, besides The Landing. I like it though, I really enjoy the music in the hidden speakers they play, feels somewhat like Michigan Avenueish.

Quoteits probably JAX's biggest tourist spot in a way, besides The Landing.

Its sad that this is probably true.  Hopefully, we can focus on promoting things that sets Jacksonville a part from other communities to improve our tourism element in the future.

Quote from: thelakelander on March 28, 2008, 12:35:57 AM
J.Alexander's maybe?

I found out last night that the new building will not be J.Alexander's. J.Alexanders, will go in the cluster with the other restaurants. There is still an empty parcel for them there.

A few pics I snapped with my Blackberry last night:

(http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/3550/lacosteqe3.png)

(http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/7783/true2hq7.png)

(http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/4167/yogaberry2lg5.png)


... Someone posted on the City-Data Jacksonville Forum that the new building under construction  across from Louis Vuitton will house Tiffany & Co, Calvin Klein, and one other unnamed tennant. I don't know how much truth there is to that.  I personally have not seen any news of that, but I guess we'll see?

The space in front of Louis Vuitton is expected to house a 2 story Crate & Barrel.  It will probably not be built until Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus fully commit to being built.

Quote from: chipwich on April 06, 2008, 08:24:27 PM
The space in front of Louis Vuitton is expected to house a 2 story Crate & Barrel.  It will probably not be built until Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus fully commit to being built.

Ummmm? .... the building is already under construction. The slab is about to go down with no word on confirmed tenant(s)... :)

Well the Markets at Town Center site maps do indicate the exact locations of Neiman Marcus and Nordstroms.  Maybe they did ink something the local press hasn't picked up on.

Crate & Barrel was scheduled to go in that space as of last year's site plan.  Certainly things may have changed.  Heck, the phase III site plan has changed like five times until it arrived at its latest adaptation which is now being built.

So I guess its anyone's guess as to what is going up on that slab.  If I had to go on what I have seen, then I would say it is a full Crate & Barrel dept. store (not an abridged in mall store).  I just imagine a store like C&B would most likely want Neiman and Nordstrom co-tenancy before they push into a new market and vice versa.

The developer would do much better in attracting huge big box retailers if they woud ante up for a in-house transit system. This is just one more location in Jacksonville where an historic trolley would stay busy all week long. Imagine shopping there over this past weekend? How about mid August? Sizzle, steam, squish, splash... I'm sorry folks but I'll take those limited dollars to something indoors, or at least where I can get from one end to the other without looking like I took a bath, while fully clothed.

(http://www.railwaypreservation.com/vintagetrolley/Famers_Market_e_sm.JPG)
Farm Market Mall, Los Angeles

What was Judy Garland doing on that trolley in St. Louis? To recount the events she said, "I spent a jolly, hour on the trolley..." She was cruising the main street on the trolley, window shopping. THINK PEOPLE! What would this do for a place like Town Center?

"Clang, Clang, Clang, went the trolley..."

Ocklawaha

Has anyone heard anything definite about the new building in front of Louis Vuitton?  So far, I've heard everything from Crate and Barrel to Tiffany & Co. to Calvin Klein... 

DON'T SHOP AT THE TOWN CENTER. support your local economy and local businesses.

Haven't heard anything yet Duke.  Keep checking in.  When the news breaks, it will most definitely be posted here.

QuoteDON'T SHOP AT THE TOWN CENTER

Good luck with that protest. The place is packed from open till close almost every day.

Quote from: Eazy E on July 21, 2008, 08:43:15 AM
DON'T SHOP AT THE TOWN CENTER. support your local economy and local businesses.

You can do whatever you want to do with your money; Just don't tell me what to do with mine.  For the record, I dine at The Fox, Harpoon Louis', and Mossfire Grill just as often as I do at PF Changs and Cantina Laredo. 

Quote from: thebrokenforum on July 21, 2008, 09:45:48 AM

QuoteDON'T SHOP AT THE TOWN CENTER

Good luck with that protest. The place is packed from open till close almost every day.

I dont... but I am pretty sure it IS local.

Quote from: BridgeTroll on July 21, 2008, 10:01:58 AM

Quote from: thebrokenforum on July 21, 2008, 09:45:48 AM

QuoteDON'T SHOP AT THE TOWN CENTER

Good luck with that protest. The place is packed from open till close almost every day.

I dont... but I am pretty sure it IS local.

It is not local in that the profits go up to a national chain, and do not stay in your community. I belive the Resident did, or is doing, a story on this, where it shows that shopping locally (read: locally OWNED) businesses, even when the products cost a bit more, save you money in the long run because of how that money is the re-invested into the community.

Quote from: Duke on July 21, 2008, 10:01:30 AM

Quote from: Eazy E on July 21, 2008, 08:43:15 AM
DON'T SHOP AT THE TOWN CENTER. support your local economy and local businesses.

You can do whatever you want to do with your money; Just don't tell me what to do with mine.  For the record, I dine at The Fox, Harpoon Louis', and Mossfire Grill just as often as I do at PF Changs and Cantina Laredo. 

That is truly awesome. I am not trying to TELL you what to do with your money, just send up the general rallying cry.

Quote from: Eazy E on July 21, 2008, 10:07:23 AM

Quote from: BridgeTroll on July 21, 2008, 10:01:58 AM

Quote from: thebrokenforum on July 21, 2008, 09:45:48 AM

QuoteDON'T SHOP AT THE TOWN CENTER

Good luck with that protest. The place is packed from open till close almost every day.

I dont... but I am pretty sure it IS local.

It is not local in that the profits go up to a national chain, and do not stay in your community. I belive the Resident did, or is doing, a story on this, where it shows that shopping locally (read: locally OWNED) businesses, even when the products cost a bit more, save you money in the long run because of how that money is the re-invested into the community.

Quote from: Duke on July 21, 2008, 10:01:30 AM

Quote from: Eazy E on July 21, 2008, 08:43:15 AM
DON'T SHOP AT THE TOWN CENTER. support your local economy and local businesses.

You can do whatever you want to do with your money; Just don't tell me what to do with mine.  For the record, I dine at The Fox, Harpoon Louis', and Mossfire Grill just as often as I do at PF Changs and Cantina Laredo. 

That is truly awesome. I am not trying to TELL you what to do with your money, just send up the general rallying cry.

It surely employs many people... directly and indirectly.

J. ALEXANDER'S put out their "coming soon" sign.  their signature monicker-lit roof is taking shape.  kate spade is underway.

Quote from: nicktooch on October 03, 2008, 06:45:58 PM
J. ALEXANDER'S put out their "coming soon" sign.  their signature monicker-lit roof is taking shape.  kate spade is underway.

J Alexanders is awesome!

anyone heard of "U-ROCK"? i just found the SJTC site plan online and that's what's supposedly going between juicy couture and true religion jeans.  i googled it and nothing came up but an ebay link....

Quote from: tufsu1 on October 03, 2008, 09:01:30 PM

Quote from: nicktooch on October 03, 2008, 06:45:58 PM
J. ALEXANDER'S put out their "coming soon" sign.  their signature monicker-lit roof is taking shape.  kate spade is underway.

J Alexanders is awesome!

Drools all over the desk. :P

Designs of the Interiors closed...er moved?  Everything is outta there but the spray painted "MOVING SALE" on the windows.  their stuff was way overpriced and "extravagant".  Let's see how long it takes Simon to fill that hole.

With this being a very susccessful development, with high sales per sq. foot, it shouldn't take long. It is a highly visible, highly desireable location in an apparently underserved market. As in underserved, I'm pooling all the upscale retailers in the SJTC as a whole. Of course, not all will make it, and with West Elm there, this store had stiff competition.

Quote from: nicktooch on October 17, 2008, 09:43:17 PM
Designs of the Interiors closed...er moved?  Everything is outta there but the spray painted "MOVING SALE" on the windows.  their stuff was way overpriced and "extravagant".  Let's see how long it takes Simon to fill that hole.

I only have one thing to say to you nicktooch...it is comments like "their stuff was way overpriced and "extravagant" that gives Jacksonville and our residents the label of a "WalMart town with WalMart shoppers." Although Designs of the Interiors was not my taste, it was only pricier if your taste runs for the likes of Ashley or Rooms-to-Go. I'm not sure what you meant by extravagant, but you need to get out more.   And you might try the RAP Tour of Homes or the Symphony Showhouse to have a point of reference.

According to their website Designs of the Interior's corporate office is located in Ponte Vedra and they have a retail store there.

Quote from: avonjax on October 18, 2008, 12:41:36 AM

Quote from: nicktooch on October 17, 2008, 09:43:17 PM
Designs of the Interiors closed...er moved?  Everything is outta there but the spray painted "MOVING SALE" on the windows.  their stuff was way overpriced and "extravagant".  Let's see how long it takes Simon to fill that hole.

I only have one thing to say to you nicktooch...it is comments like "their stuff was way overpriced and "extravagant" that gives Jacksonville and our residents the label of a "WalMart town with WalMart shoppers." Although Designs of the Interiors was not my taste, it was only pricier if your taste runs for the likes of Ashley or Rooms-to-Go. I'm not sure what you meant by extravagant, but you need to get out more.   And you might try the RAP Tour of Homes or the Symphony Showhouse to have a point of reference.

by "extravagant" i meant that it wasn't, but they thought it was, hence the overpricing.  plus, there are other Jax shoppers out there: Target shoppers.  ;D

Quote from: Ocklawaha on April 07, 2008, 09:48:42 AM
The developer would do much better in attracting huge big box retailers if they woud ante up for a in-house transit system. This is just one more location in Jacksonville where an historic trolley would stay busy all week long. Imagine shopping there over this past weekend? How about mid August? Sizzle, steam, squish, splash... I'm sorry folks but I'll take those limited dollars to something indoors, or at least where I can get from one end to the other without looking like I took a bath, while fully clothed.

(http://www.railwaypreservation.com/vintagetrolley/Famers_Market_e_sm.JPG)
Farm Market Mall, Los Angeles

What was Judy Garland doing on that trolley in St. Louis? To recount the events she said, "I spent a jolly, hour on the trolley..." She was cruising the main street on the trolley, window shopping. THINK PEOPLE! What would this do for a place like Town Center?

"Clang, Clang, Clang, went the trolley..."

Ocklawaha

Amen Ocklawaha.  I went to Prime Outlet - San Marocs Texas last week.  It is a cluster you-know-what getting in, out and around the place.  All I wanted was a cup of bold using my Starbucks card and in the closest starbucks was in the mall.  I thought I could get in and get out in 5 or 10 minutes.  NOPE.  It took forever to get into the location, find a parking spot, and get out.  I hated it...I will not go back untill they fix the problem.  The little trolley thingy would do it.

for those of u playing at home:
kate spade open... calendar club (formerly in space where aeropostale is now) open in former spirit halloween (which was former sharper image). ::)

From my simon.com email:
Take a look at what is coming to St. Johns Town Center!
J. Alexander’s is a contemporary American restaurant placing a special emphasis on food quality and professional service. We feature an interesting array of in-house chef prepared products.

Opening Date: Monday, December 8, 2008

Has anyone been yet? I have been to 2 of their Nashville locations, the West End Ave.(Midtown) and Franklin(Cool Springs Galleria) and they have excellent food and service. I highly recommend for anyone to go.

I'm going to try them out within the next hour or so.  I had lunch in one of their South Florida locations about six years ago and remember them being pretty decent.

How was your J. Alexanders experience, Lake?

Pretty cool.  Relaxing atmosphere with great service in a contemporary setting.  I stopped by for lunch yesterday.  All we ended up ordering was an Old fashioned Cheeseburger with Tillamook Cheddar and a White Chocolate Cheesecake served with Raspberry Sauce.  A guy sitting in the booth next to us ordered Rotisserie Chicken and Smashed Potatoes.  That looked pretty good as well.  If you're ever out on that side of town, I'd recommend trying them at least once.

menu and price list: http://www.jalexanders.com/locations/menu/jacksonville.pdf

I just rec'd a project lead indicating the there is going to be a Bahama Breeze coming in on River Coast Drive.

Quote from: blizz01 on March 03, 2009, 02:37:35 PM
I just rec'd a project lead indicating the there is going to be a Bahama Breeze coming in on River Coast Drive.

Is that next to Mimi's?

Think so - it's the 2nd right into SJTC off of Town Center Parkway.

Quote from: blizz01 on March 03, 2009, 03:32:39 PM
Think so - it's the 2nd right into SJTC off of Town Center Parkway.

There was originally a Ruby Tuesday planned for that parcel but obviously it never got built. I think a Bahama Breeze would be ideal for the SJTC.

Bahama Breeze over Ruby Tuesday anyday!

that should do well at the SJTC

Quote from: copperfiend on March 05, 2009, 11:06:46 AM
There was originally a Ruby Tuesday planned for that parcel but obviously it never got built. I think a Bahama Breeze would be ideal for the SJTC.

A few years ago, I ate at the Bahama Breeze's flagship store on International Drive in Orlando (they are owned by Orlando based Darden Restaurants, also owners of Red Lobster and Olive Garden).  I have eaten at native restaurants in the Bahamas and this is not a Bahamian restaurant.  The menu is, if anything, more Jamaican.  I spoke with the restaurant manager there at the time and he said the reference to the Bahamas was to convey the atmosphere, not the menu.  Go figure.  I thought the concept poorly executed and have no desire to return to it.

I would love to find a restaurant in Jax with authentic Caribbean/Bahamian food because its good stuff, but I don't see it coming from a national chain.

What about Pusser's?

Saw a set of drawings rolled up at one of the printshops for the SJTC Bahama Breeze today...

Quote from: JoeMerchant on March 05, 2009, 02:33:47 PM
Saw a set of drawings rolled up at one of the printshops for the SJTC Bahama Breeze today...

lol it's like detective work, i love it.

they've begun work on the store between juicy couture and true religion jeans.  from the site plans i saw it's a boutique for a female british designer specializing in clothing handbags and shoes... the name escapes me... but in the SJTC world this doesnt mean much, that it will even be the "proposed" or when built if it will even survive!

Quote from: JoeMerchant on March 05, 2009, 02:33:47 PM
Saw a set of drawings rolled up at one of the printshops for the SJTC Bahama Breeze today...

I hope that actually goes through. I love Bahama Breeze.

I like it too - It's not like "The Outback" is Australian food.... ;)

Quote from: nicktooch on March 05, 2009, 06:55:00 PM
they've begun work on the store between juicy couture and true religion jeans.  from the site plans i saw it's a boutique for a female british designer specializing in clothing handbags and shoes... the name escapes me... but in the SJTC world this doesnt mean much, that it will even be the "proposed" or when built if it will even survive!

The SJTC page of the Simon Malls website states that the name of this store is "Rock Star."  Never heard of it. 

Quote from: stjr on March 05, 2009, 12:32:32 PM
A few years ago, I ate at the Bahama Breeze's flagship store on International Drive in Orlando (they are owned by Orlando based Darden Restaurants, also owners of Red Lobster and Olive Garden).  I have eaten at native restaurants in the Bahamas and this is not a Bahamian restaurant.  The menu is, if anything, more Jamaican.  I spoke with the restaurant manager there at the time and he said the reference to the Bahamas was to convey the atmosphere, not the menu.  Go figure.  I thought the concept poorly executed and have no desire to return to it.

I would love to find a restaurant in Jax with authentic Caribbean/Bahamian food because its good stuff, but I don't see it coming from a national chain.

Here is the dinner menu sampler from Bahama Breezes web site:
http://www.bahamabreeze.com/menus/dinner/dinner_samplers.asp

Let's see.... Jamaican, West Indies, Cuban, Creole, St. Thomas, miscellaneous.... not one Bahamian dish.  The only thing I could find was under soup and salads:  Bahamian Conch Chowder.  It's not the real thing and you need a microscope to find the conch.

No Bahamian style shrimp, conch soup, conch fritters, conch salad, grouper, snapper, other indigenous seafood, cole slaw, macaroni, creamed spinach, sweet corn bread, etc.  Not one bit!  And no reference to Junkanoo either:

Quote
Junkanoo is a street parade with music, which occurs in many towns across The Bahamas every Boxing Day (December 26), New Year's Day and, more recently, in the summer on the island of Grand Bahama. The largest Junkanoo parade happens in Nassau, the capital.

Junkanoo was celebrated in various parts of the Americas, and variants of the word's orthography may be found in each place - Jonkonnu or John Canoe in Jamaica; John Kuner in North Carolina; and John Canoe in Belize. In The Bahamas, newspaper accounts of Junkanoo in Nassau between 1849 and 1950 referred to the parade alternately as the Christmas Masquerade, Christmas Carnival, and John Canoe. By the mid-1950's the terms John Canoe and Junkanoo were used interchangeably, and by 1970 Junkanoo became the parade's standard nomenclature. Junkanoo groups "rush" from midnight until shortly after dawn, to the music of cowbells, in costumes made from cardboard covered in tiny shreds of colourful crepe paper, competing for cash prizes.

Modern Bahamian Junkanoo is a parade: a showcase for Bahamian goombay music and new Junkanoo costumes. It is also an event during which unorganized groups of Bahamians celebrate, perhaps unintentionally, themselves, their freedom and, for some, their past. It is the most visible and continually experimental artistic realm of Bahamian culture.

Parades in Nassau are judged in various catergories; A (or Major) Category, the B Category, Individual costume, and fun groups. The A catergory groups involved in the Nassau Junkanoo include The Saxons, The Valley Boys, The Music Makers, Roots, One Family and The Prodigal Sons (New). Groups of the past include, The Vikings and Chippie and the Boys. In the B category groups include One Love Soldiers, Clico Colours, Fancy Dancers, Fox Hill Congos, and Conquerors for Christ. Fun groups include The Pigs, Sting and Barabbas & The Tribe. The Tribe's debut was as an "A" category group, however, after years of bringing innovative techniques in music and costuming to Bay Street, they have returned to the spirit of Junkanoo, and are bringing the fun with a flair.

A Junkanoo parade is featured in sequences of the James Bond film Thunderball that occur in Nassau. The celebration was staged specifically for the movie since it was filmed at the wrong time of year, but local residents were enthusiastic, creating elaborate floats and costumes and involving hundreds of people. The parade was also featured in After the Sunset and Jaws The Revenge.

Junkanoo is also a fruit-flavored soda produced by Pepsi-Co and is only available in The Bahamas, and also a modernized style of music sung by Bahamian band Baha Men.

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junkanoo

.............keep the Kalik on ice & I'll be just fine.  Seriously - I'm happy to see something new in town, chain or not, in this economy.  I wouldn't expect many upstarts or "mom & pops" to test the waters at SJTC based on lease rates alone.  I may be the only one with this opinion, but I used to LOVE the Caribbean fair at Da Real Ting.  Get the jerk chicken & plantains.............maybe Eddie Bahama's or Caribee Key at the beach (before the speakers crank late night!).

Bahama Breeze is to bahamian food what Olive Garden is to italian food.

Quote from: Duke on March 05, 2009, 10:26:16 PM

Quote from: nicktooch on March 05, 2009, 06:55:00 PM
they've begun work on the store between juicy couture and true religion jeans.  from the site plans i saw it's a boutique for a female british designer specializing in clothing handbags and shoes... the name escapes me... but in the SJTC world this doesnt mean much, that it will even be the "proposed" or when built if it will even survive!

The SJTC page of the Simon Malls website states that the name of this store is "Rock Star."  Never heard of it. 

yeh i had seen a site plan and it was labeled "U-Rock", so goes the evolving mysteries of the SJTC.

Quote from: copperfiend on March 06, 2009, 08:29:41 AM
Bahama Breeze is to bahamian food what Olive Garden is to italian food.

ha! i second and third that!  My fave commercial from the olive garden: "uncle (insert italian name) came in from Sicily to visit... so we took him to the Olive Garden!"  to that i say: NO u didn't bc i know if i ever tried to take any of my Italian family to Olive Garden they would beat me within an inch of my life lol.

Maybe they don't like that uncle?

haha maybe... but i'm sure his cooking was a lot better

Until this mall gets real department stores, it is a glorified strip mall basically. Someone really needs to get it together and make this strip mall a mall.

Still, I love it though. :)

I thought I saw on here that someone heard they were building a Blue Martini at the SJTC. Anyone else heard anything about that?

Why oh Why did they have to completely strip all the native trees out of there.
Oh..I forgot,Maintenance of the trees isn't in the budget.

Were there really any native trees there to begin with?  I believe that there were timber (southern) pines (rows & rows) that had been planted, harvested, & replanted through the years - this is evident at the intersection just short of the large lake.  Certainly not a virgin forest, though.

Yeah, that was all tree farms (the majority of North Florida's rural land is) so there was nothing native about it.

It wouldn't kill them to plant something other than palm trees though. We haven't had a BIG freeze since the 80s. Eventually a lot of those fancy palms are going to bite the dust.

I used to go on two hour runs back in the woods where the Town Center now sits.  There was a little bit of variety in the vegetation, but not much.  When I say used to, it was only about 5 years ago.  That area has changed so much so quickly.

Zissou, I know what you mean. When I was at UNF during the summer of 2002, I remember going down St Johns Bluff and there was nothing at the traffic light in front of campus. When I came back in 2005, I could not believe how much had been done.

Quote from: blizz01 on March 17, 2009, 11:56:45 AM
Were there really any native trees there to begin with?  I believe that there were timber (southern) pines (rows & rows) that had been planted, harvested, & replanted through the years - this is evident at the intersection just short of the large lake.  Certainly not a virgin forest, though.

That is actually Slash Pine, which is native to Florida. It is excellent for lumber and pulp because it is fast growing and readily available. The other usual tree farms are of Longleaf Pine, which is superb for lumber and power poles.

On another note, my partner and I ate at Cantina Laredo this past Friday. I had chicken fajitas, he had the Beef Quesadillas. OMFGHS were those quesadillas awesome, the fajitas were good as well. Definetly a nice hint of lime juice in the chicken, however, La Nopalera beats them in original. Marqaritas are good and strong as well.

Anybody know what was supposed to go into the built, but still vacant store front across from Louis Vitton and Mayor's?

I still don't quite understand the excitement about just another mall.  Maybe I'm missing something, but where is the town in this town center? To visit a real town center, Jacksonville has several nice examples such as 5 Points, Shops of Avondale, San Marco square or, heaven forbid, actual Downtown.

I remember speaking with a Realtor selling those "town center" condos behind the Italian restaurant and he made the contention that the St. Johns town center is Jax's new downtown.  I just about fell over but did manage to recover in time to ask him where the symphony plays or where I might attend a concert or watch a ballgame in this area.  He didn't continue with his metaphor.

Also, regarding the pine conversation.  Most of this area originally would have been upland longleaf pine stands with an open understory and a very diverse mix of wildflowers, saw palmetto and wiregrass (see a nice example @ UNF, even if it could use some fire very badly).  However, much of this area had been converted to pasture (ie-Skinner's Dairy) and then planted in slash pine before being forever altered with pavement & malls.  Its tough to restore an ecosystem once a management prescription of asphalt & concrete has been applied.  But, in Jacksonville, that's considered progress.

Quote from: floridaforester on April 06, 2009, 10:00:26 PM
I still don't quite understand the excitement about just another mall.  Maybe I'm missing something, but where is the town in this town center?

It is frustrating that the whole theme of the town center is to seem like a mixed-use development with retail on the ground and then office/residential space above, only the office/retail space is just fake windows.  If it's such a draw, why not just build it that way?!?!?

Ebay works just fine for me, and there is no food at SJTC that I just can't find close to home. The City planners get an F for the road system as well. Might as well put in a roundabout there at the light to Gate Parkway and same at Costco.

Quote from: reednavy on April 06, 2009, 07:51:21 PM
Anybody know what was supposed to go into the built, but still vacant store front across from Louis Vitton and Mayor's?

between that building and the vacant slot between Mayor's and LV, still "proposed" are Tiffany's, Calvin Klein, and Allen Edmonds.  They should've stuck with Crate & Barrel...or take a look at the various shops in Orlando's plethora of malls.  It's a recession, we should have an H&M or Armani Exchange to get the most bang for our buck... but those stores are way too trendy for Jax.

Quote from: mtraininjax on April 07, 2009, 01:30:35 AM
Ebay works just fine for me, and there is no food at SJTC that I just can't find close to home. The City planners get an F for the road system as well. Might as well put in a roundabout there at the light to Gate Parkway and same at Costco.

one of my favorite things to do is to be behind someone turning right from Gate on to Town Center that has absolutely no idea that they have a TURN LANE ALL TO THEMSELVES... yet they stay paused, yeidling to find a spot in... so i just LAY ON MY HORN... because ignorance deserves a good honk every once in a while... now i find myself hoping someone is stopped just so i can honk at them... i have a problem lol

Stop honking at me!!!  Ignorance is bliss.

just wait til they put a GAS STATION there!!!! wait either i won't hold my breath or we're all better off without one...

I think that if there was to be a gas station going in, it'd be over by the 9A interchange instead of along the strip of the Town Center proper.

nicktooch, I do that at every intersection where there is no yield sign.  I think I even broke my horn, once.  Occasionally, I even go around the concrete divider from that turn lane and make the right turn from there to bypass all the lemmings...

Quote from: CMG22 on April 27, 2009, 01:36:34 PM
I even go around the concrete divider from that turn lane and make the right turn from there to bypass all the lemmings...

Thats a good solution.   ::)

While probably illegal, and while definitely adding to the whole "oh, there goes one of *those* people" appearance, it does indeed work. ;)

Especially since people are too lazy to drive up to the 9A interchange, going 9A to UNF, then coming in the "back way" to the SJTC.

To the best of my knowledge, there's no sign depicting "NO RIGHT TURN" (I'll continue to do it until I get a hand slap).

Quote from: Doctor_K on April 27, 2009, 04:48:10 PM
While probably illegal, and while definitely adding to the whole "oh, there goes one of *those* people" appearance, it does indeed work. ;)

One of those people...  Indeed.  I'm a damn yankee that learned to drive in New York :-D

i'm a damn yankee that learned to drive in jax so if i can drive anyone can lol!  power to the "pass the right turn lane" drivers!

Anyways, back on topic.

Found this plan for the Bahama Breeze at the SJTC:

http://www.ldiline.com/showpdf.cfm?proj=8426&file=170ELE_E3.0.pdf&dir=ELE

Yay Bahama Breeze fake Caribbean!  I love that place.

sooo we're assuming this is going in the space where Ruby Tuesdays was said to be?  River Coast Dr is the address so either next to Mimi's (RT spot), or there's space near Wasabi/American Backyard.

One day, we'll get a high end dept store on a bit of that lot, or the field behind J. Alexander's.

Rock Star opens May 31st. Prepare for t-shirts emblazened with "party like a rock star" all Ed Hardy style... isn't that phrase like so 2 yrs ago (insert appropriate airhead accent)?? anyways, oceanology is open in old sharper image space... clothes look like a bad attempt at tommy bahama for a walmart crowd.  i think it's a local boutique bc the couldnt spring for signage above the store, just a few on the actual awnings.  oh and the most jax-esque update of all... Dick's Wings to be coming soon to the space next to Yogaberry... woohoo (not)... let's go buy some louis vuitton and then get a basket of wings and a beer!  this place is a lost cause...

Quote from: nicktooch on May 26, 2009, 03:31:02 PM
oh and the most jax-esque update of all... Dick's Wings to be coming soon to the space next to Yogaberry... woohoo (not)... let's go buy some louis vuitton and then get a basket of wings and a beer!  this place is a lost cause...

You have got to be kidding me!!  Dick's Wing's?!?!?!  REALLY?!?!?!  Why don't they put a 7-Eleven in the space next to the Louis Vuitton store while they're at it... 

Quotethis place is a lost cause...

While Dick's seems a bit odd for that section of the layout, I'd hardly agree that SJTC is a lost cause.  By all accounts, they've been extremely successful & continue to expand in spite of today's economy.

Quote from: Duke on May 26, 2009, 04:19:15 PM
Why don't they put a 7-Eleven in the space next to the Louis Vuitton store while they're at it... 

'Cause Gate p0wnz this town.  When's the last time you saw a 7-11 around here? :D

I do think that a Dick's Wings seems a little out-of-place in the rich-man's section, but hey - I just shop there. 

(BTW, what was DOTI doing in the poor-man's section anyway?)

I can't believe some are getting so worked up over this. Some that shop there may not feel like dining at J. A's, Cantina, or TCF, so it is another option. Besides, it fills up more vacant space, which looks better, and I doubt this will be the normally designed Dick's.

Where the hell did my previous post go?

Quotethis place is a lost cause...

Yeah... parking lots and stores filled to the brim with shoppers is most definately a place I avoid.   :D

Are they really putting in a Dick's Wings? I'd of preferred a California Pizza Kitchen there.

Quote from: BridgeTroll on May 27, 2009, 07:13:52 AM

Quotethis place is a lost cause...

Yeah... parking lots and stores filled to the brim with shoppers is most definately a place I avoid.   :D

I know! I have to fight the lost cause people EVERYTIME I go

I envision residents of California dreaming for wing places in their local shopping centers whenever a California Pizza Kitchen pops up.  ;)

"lost cause", hardly. There are so many shopping options there that are not available anywhere in JAX. I think that the more high end stores that set up shop which are successful, the longer St. John's will remain a shopping mecca.

The Dick's wings in the Richie Rich section does seem silly but it's better than an empty store front or one of those crap temporary stores like the calendar store that was at the former Sharper Image location for a while. Oceanology is not bad. They carry Nixon watches which I like and they have some attractive store personnel.

Always last to the party....

As a female who loves to shop...I avoid this place like the plague....there would be no amount of money that would get me to go there. I'd rather drive to Orlando or Tampa and get the same stores. Reason? Traffic and congestion. In Orlando those level of stores are spread out over several malls and town centers. Here it's all at one location so every spoiled brat kid with daddies credit card and mommies car can spend a blissful afternoon.  

Blah....I'll order my goods online or make a day trip..

Quote from: CrysG on May 27, 2009, 09:57:29 AM
I'd rather drive to Orlando or Tampa and get the same stores. Reason? Traffic and congestion.

You drive to Orlando to shop because of the traffic here or you drive to Orlando to shop because of the traffic there?

I agree Crys... I "had" to be there the other day and was wondering where the recession was.  "Lost cause" is NOT a good descriptor of SJTC...

Quote from: copperfiend on May 27, 2009, 10:07:04 AM

Quote from: CrysG on May 27, 2009, 09:57:29 AM
I'd rather drive to Orlando or Tampa and get the same stores. Reason? Traffic and congestion.

You drive to Orlando to shop because of the traffic here or you drive to Orlando to shop because of the traffic there?

I drive to Orlando and Tampa to avoid the traffic here in Jax. If I go in the middle of the week during the day to Orlando or Tampa, the area around the malls and town centers are a LOT less congested. As far as I know SJTC only has 2 ways to get to it, with 85% of the people choosing Gate.

Go down St Johns Bluff or 9A and you will find minimal traffic. As for Orlando, anytime I have ever been to the Millenia Mall the traffic is congested.

Quote from: copperfiend on May 27, 2009, 10:36:07 AM
Go down St Johns Bluff or 9A and you will find minimal traffic. As for Orlando, anytime I have ever been to the Millenia Mall the traffic is congested.

I know different routes but why should I bother. And as for Orlando I've never had a problem on my trips, hop off the highway,then I'm in and out and hop on highway and drive home.

Why should you bother? Um, maybe so you don't have to drive 2-4 hours to go shopping.

Quote from: copperfiend on May 27, 2009, 10:49:16 AM
Why should you bother? Um, maybe so you don't have to drive 2-4 hours to go shopping.

Or I can take a nice day trip for shopping. Or stay here and have to deal with snobby, arrogate, stuck-up condescending people.

The last time that I HAD to go to that area was to meet a pregnant friend for Babies-r-us. I was almost run off the road by some 12 year old yapping on her phone while driving a GL-Class.

No thank you.

Quote from: CrysG on May 27, 2009, 10:58:44 AM
Or stay here and have to deal with snobby, arrogate, stuck-up condescending people.

Because you won't have that at upscale stores in Orlando?

The hatred of the St. Johns Town Center and the desire for a better Jacksonville just seem so counter intuitive to me. It's not like 95% of other major cities featured in the "Learning From..." features on this site don't have suburban shopping centers. 

Exactly copperfiend! The clientele at Millenia Mall is no different and it's way more congested.

QuoteIf I go in the middle of the week during the day to Orlando or Tampa, the area around the malls and town centers are a LOT less congested.

I'm sure St. John's isn't so bad during a weekday either, but I wouldn't know.

I enjoy trips to the Millenia Mall as much as the next snob, but if I can get it here, I keep my dollars local. Two hours drive to shop just because you don't want to be bothered by bratty 12 year olds (apparently driving illegally), that sounds a bit excessive not to mention a waste of money and harmful to the environment.

QuoteThe hatred of the St. Johns Town Center and the desire for a better Jacksonville just seem so counter intuitive to me.

Exactly! It may be ersatz, bland, and suburban but there are shopping options there that can be attractants in getting more wealthy people to move here. It didn't stop my decision to move here, but I was seriously let down when I found out Jax didn't have a dept. store nicer than Dillard's. Not even a freaking Nordstrom!

Quote from: copperfiend on May 27, 2009, 11:33:26 AM

Quote from: CrysG on May 27, 2009, 10:58:44 AM
Or stay here and have to deal with snobby, arrogate, stuck-up condescending people.

Because you won't have that at upscale stores in Orlando?

You have them but they aren't as obvious as they are at the SJTC. Just sit and people watch there for like 10 minutes vs. 10 minutes in Orlando. The people in question here like to have people know they buy Kate Spade while driving to and from the Beaches in their Mercedes.

Quote from: CrysG on May 27, 2009, 12:10:58 PM

Quote from: copperfiend on May 27, 2009, 11:33:26 AM

Quote from: CrysG on May 27, 2009, 10:58:44 AM
Or stay here and have to deal with snobby, arrogate, stuck-up condescending people.

Because you won't have that at upscale stores in Orlando?

You have them but they aren't as obvious as they are at the SJTC. Just sit and people watch there for like 10 minutes vs. 10 minutes in Orlando. The people in question here like to have people know they buy Kate Spade while driving to and from the Beaches in their Mercedes.

While I agree there are those people at the SJTC, I also see plenty of them at the Millenia Mall in Orlando and International Mall in Tampa.

QuoteI'm sure St. John's isn't so bad during a weekday either, but I wouldn't know.

I was there on a Tuesday at around 1pm

Quote(apparently driving illegally)

Yes and I literally meant a 12 year old.  ::)

Quote from: copperfiend on May 27, 2009, 12:14:23 PM

Quote from: CrysG on May 27, 2009, 12:10:58 PM

Quote from: copperfiend on May 27, 2009, 11:33:26 AM

Quote from: CrysG on May 27, 2009, 10:58:44 AM
Or stay here and have to deal with snobby, arrogate, stuck-up condescending people.

Because you won't have that at upscale stores in Orlando?

You have them but they aren't as obvious as they are at the SJTC. Just sit and people watch there for like 10 minutes vs. 10 minutes in Orlando. The people in question here like to have people know they buy Kate Spade while driving to and from the Beaches in their Mercedes.

While I agree there are those people at the SJTC, I also see plenty of them at the Millenia Mall in Orlando and International Mall in Tampa.

I guess that is a difference of opinion. I think SJTC is 3 to 1. I've never seen so many snobby people who have no reason to be snobby in one place.

Truth be told, I prefer the Millenia Mall over the SJTC. But my reason is because of the Macy's that is located there.

Quote from: CrysG on May 27, 2009, 12:16:10 PM
I was there on a Tuesday at around 1pm

Well there is a lot of your problem, it is lunchtime. I can understand a day trip, but saying uppity people are worse at SJTC than in Orlando, you have a lot to learn.

Just because more seem to be snobby, doesn't mean they are. I've met many nice people at SJTC, and if you want to be so negative about it, move to Orlando.

Lastly, I don't hear people talking about what they buy, you can see it on the shopping bags. I have really yet to see a valid point in your little rant saying snobs are worse here and more obvious than in Millenia.

Quote from: reednavy on May 27, 2009, 12:44:37 PM

Quote from: CrysG on May 27, 2009, 12:16:10 PM
I was there on a Tuesday at around 1pm

Well there is a lot of your problem, it is lunchtime. I can understand a day trip, but saying uppity people are worse at SJTC than in Orlando, you have a lot to learn.

Just because more seem to be snobby, doesn't mean they are. I've met many nice people at SJTC, and if you want to be so negative about it, move to Orlando.

Lastly, I don't hear people talking about what they buy, you can see it on the shopping bags. I have really yet to see a valid point in your little rant saying snobs are worse here and more obvious than in Millenia.

First I don't have to have a point. It's my opinion.

Oh and I didn't say everyone one was snobby just that more were. And I can live where ever I choose.

And just because YOU don't hear something doesn't mean I don't hear it.

There is something I'm starting to notice on this board over and over again. If one person says something that the majority doesn't agree with the minority person has to defend themselves.

It's called an opinion, it doesn't have to have a point, be valid or even make sense to anyone other than the person who's making it.

Well duh it is your opinion, it's frecking interenet forum.

What's your basis on more snobby people at one mall.

What'd you hear, details please.

I'm just getting sick and f*cking tired of people beating down on this city, it really isn't that bad. It just has gotten old because people are basing it off of some stupid stuff. Hell, go to Whole Foods, that's worse.

Basing snobs off of a time or two at a mall certainly shows you have no clue as to how many there really are in metro Orlando or Tampa.

Whoa......take a chill pill......

I never once bashed the city of Jacksonville. I was talking about one particular place inside of Jacksonville.

It isn't just about what people say, it's how they act and treat other people.

And again just because YOU think something is stupid doesn't mean the rest of the people on this board do.

And maybe I don't know how many rich snobbys are in Orlando and Tampa because they don't show it off or rub it in people's face, which brings us back to my original point.

Main Entry:snob
Pronunciation: \ˈsnäb\
Date:  1781

a: one who tends to rebuff, avoid, or ignore those regarded as inferior b: one who has an offensive air of superiority in matters of knowledge or taste

I can't stand when other people talk badly about "those people" at SJTC.  HELLO!! You're shopping at the same shopping center, probably giving off that snobby vibe you despise so much.  Not to call anyone out by any means, but it's just something to consider.

In other news, I'm glad they put a Dick's Wings into the actual store section.  There are no other casual restaurants in that area of the mall.  Call me lazy, but I never want to walk or drive to an out-parcel to eat while i'm in the middle of a shopping trip.  This gives a much needed option to those who don't want to fork over 13 dollars for a burrito and a coke or deal with the Cheesecake Factory

Quote from: Captain Zissou on May 27, 2009, 01:08:17 PM
Main Entry:snob
Pronunciation: \ˈsnäb\
Date:  1781

a: one who tends to rebuff, avoid, or ignore those regarded as inferior b: one who has an offensive air of superiority in matters of knowledge or taste

I can't stand when other people talk badly about "those people" at SJTC.  HELLO!! You're shopping at the same shopping center, probably giving off that snobby vibe you despise so much.  Not to call anyone out by any means, but it's just something to consider.

Well according to your definition I do non of the things that would make someone a snob. And just because you shop at certain stores doesn't mean anything.

No, I won't chill, you're trying to characterize Jax a snobby place at one location, Orlando and Tampa have a helluva lot more money and nouvo riche people in just their respective counties than our entire metro area. I'm sure a good deal of people on here agree with me on that.

Never bashed the city, well, saying it is full of snobs last time I checked sure as hell sounds like it. Shopping at SJTC or any other upscale retail area for that fact, you better learn to deal with it. SOme people are just that way, so suck it up and kill em with kindness. Is it really that hard or that bad there, damn.

I'm not speaking for the whole board either missy, I'm talking directly to you, don't try and dodge it either. Saying traffic is worse, the people rub it in your face more, yadda yadda, bullcrap. Last time I checked, we don't have toll roads period, and almost half the size of each of those city's metro areas.

If you had any common sense what so ever, you'd no better to avoid SJTC during lunchtime and not to use Gate Pkwy, take the extra 5min to use 9A to Town Center Pkwy, even I do that. Hell, I';ve been here only since 2006, and I knew to do that within the first few months I was here.

Quote from: reednavy on May 27, 2009, 01:13:16 PM
No, I won't chill, you're trying to characterize Jax a snobby place at one location, Orlando and Tampa have a helluva lot more money and nouvo riche people in just their respective counties than our entire metro area. I'm sure a good deal of people on here agree with me on that.

Never bashed the city, well, saying it is full of snobs last time I checked sure as hell sounds like it.

I'm not speaking for the whole board either missy, I'm talking directly to you, don't try and dodge it either. Saying traffic is worse, the people rub it in your face more, yadda yadda, bullcrap. Last time I checked, we don't have toll roads period, and almost half the size of each of those city's metro areas.

If you had any common sense what so ever, you'd no better to avoid SJTC during lunchtime and not to use Gate Pkwy, take the extra 5min to use 9A to Town Center Pkwy, even I do that. Hell, I';ve been here only since 2006, and I knew to do that within the first few months I was here.

First off don't call me Missy. You have NO idea how old I am in relationship to you.

Second I didn't call the city of Jacksonvilly snobby. I didn't say anything about the Northside, Westside, Mandarin, Orange Park, Downtown, San Marco or anyplace else. I called the majority of people in a certain area snobby. If YOU think that the SJTC represents the whole city of Jacksonville that it YOUR problem not mine.

And Finally maybe you should check your level of common sense and learn to read. I NEVER said I took Gate and I also said I was meeting a friend who was pregnant and I was therefor trying to accommodate her needs.

Here's something else to consider, too:

All of the 'upscale' stores are new here.  The general populace who shops there (Crys' snob crowd) are still in awe over the novelty and newness of having these options readily available to them.  It's still 'the thing to do' or 'the place to be/be seen.'  It's still some kind of warped status symbol for that particular demographic.

Orlando has had these places for a lot longer than two-bit Jax, so it's not as big a deal.  The novelty is gone and everyone is used to having those options availabe to them.

I dislike the snobby brats on their cell phones in their Mercedes almost as much as Crys does.  But it's par for the course.  Crys' choice not to go to the SJTC because of the minority of the clientele is her business, and I'll respect that.  I just don't believe it'd be the major factor deterring me for going and shopping there as it is for her.  So be it.

Captain Zissou makes a very good point about the incoming Dick's Wings being 'within the mall' rather than on an outparcel or consolidated with Changs/Cheescake or Alexanders/Capital Grille.  It'll be nice to have eating establishments more spread out from one another along the way.

Let Crys have her opinions.  She's entitled.  It's still a semi-free country.  She's not wrong, you're not right.  

I love the SJTC.  That's why I live within stumbling distance (hooray the Grape!)  It's a bland, ersatz, abomination of suburbia filled with snobs and non-snobs alike.  But it's home.  And like it or not, it's still a big freaking deal around town.

How about some civility?

Quote from: CrysG on May 27, 2009, 01:12:24 PM
Well according to your definition I do non of the things that would make someone a snob. And just because you shop at certain stores doesn't mean anything.

Perhaps i misspoke, but you are essentially agreeing with what I was trying to say.  I agree that one is not defined by where they shop.  It seems that a number of people on this forum disagree with that and try to malign people for shopping at SJTC. I was simply trying to show that by judging someone for where they shop, they are more guilty than those who shop there.  I'm sorry I was unclear.

Quote from: CrysG on May 27, 2009, 01:20:19 PM
First off don't call me Missy. You have NO idea how old I am in relationship to you.

Second I didn't call the city of Jacksonvilly snobby. I didn't say anything about the Northside, Westside, Mandarin, Orange Park, Downtown, San Marco or anyplace else. I called the majority of people in a certain area snobby. If YOU think that the SJTC represents the whole city of Jacksonville that it YOUR problem not mine.

And Finally maybe you should check your level of common sense and learn to read. I NEVER said I took Gate and I also said I was meeting a friend who was pregnant and I was therefor trying to accommodate her needs.

Well, let's see, all kinds of people from all parts of the metro shop there, so you're characterizing the populace, not just a certain area.

If you don't use Gate, then why'd you say "why bother" with 9A and SJB?

I agree there are some snobby people there, but that is only a small percentage compared to the majority.

Goodness, don't mess with people's pizza or their town center stereotypes.

Quote from: reednavy on May 27, 2009, 01:24:45 PM

Quote from: CrysG on May 27, 2009, 01:20:19 PM
First off don't call me Missy. You have NO idea how old I am in relationship to you.

Second I didn't call the city of Jacksonville snobby. I didn't say anything about the Northside, Westside, Mandarin, Orange Park, Downtown, San Marco or anyplace else. I called the majority of people in a certain area snobby. If YOU think that the SJTC represents the whole city of Jacksonville that it YOUR problem not mine.

And Finally maybe you should check your level of common sense and learn to read. I NEVER said I took Gate and I also said I was meeting a friend who was pregnant and I was therefor trying to accommodate her needs.

Well, let's see, all kinds of people from all parts of the metro shop there, so you're characterizing the populace, not just a certain area.

If you don't use Gate, then why'd you say "why bother" with 9A and SJB?

Not every person in Jacksonville shops at the SJTC so therefor I'm not characterizing the City of Jacksonville. I am however characterizing the people who I have come across while I've been to the STJC. Prior to phase 2, I used to go there often, after it opened I along with other's noticed a change with the people who shopped there. They are as I've described.

And again why bother....if the roads are jammed and I don't want to deal with the people....again I say....why bother.

I didn't say everyone either, I said people from all parts of town and income brackets shop there, so it does sound like pointing.

Of course, when SJTC 2 opened, more people from ehre that had to travel to MIA, ORL, TPA, or ATL, realized they didn't have to and are now spending their dollars here. However, we don't have all the stores the other cities listed do, and that is fine.

Why bother, probably because I like to support my local tax base and dealing with the crowds is part of life. Having uppity/snobby people is a fact of life, so don't be so quick to judge and such.

Quote from: reednavy on May 27, 2009, 01:43:45 PM

Why bother, probably because I like to support my local tax base and dealing with the crowds is part of life. Having uppity/snobby people is a fact of life, so don't be so quick to judge and such.

Those are the decisions you chose to make. I understand that snobby people are a fact of life, but I don't have to put up with them if I choose not too. Therefor I make the drive.

Certainly seems like a lot of carbon pollution to drive to Orlando to avoid snobs.

Quote from: BridgeTroll on May 27, 2009, 01:53:22 PM
Certainly seems like a lot of carbon pollution to drive to Orlando to avoid snobs.

Not when I originally said I make a day trip of it or I shop online.

I haven't seen a discussion of this calibur since the elections.  :)

Can we please tone it down a bit and stop with the agression and name calling.

Thanks!

Quote from: Jason on May 27, 2009, 02:07:05 PM
I haven't seen a discussion of this calibur since the elections.  :)

Can we please tone it down a bit and stop with the agression and name calling.

Thanks!

He started it...  :-*

Right back atcha  :-*


but I'm not blowing kisses to reednavy.... you just get a  ;)

Quote from: CrysG on May 27, 2009, 01:57:09 PM
Not when I originally said I make a day trip of it or I shop online.

See, now making a day trip makes more sense. Instead of saying trying to avoid snobs, that just doesn't make much sense. IMO, OP Mall is worse.

QuoteSee, now making a day trip makes more sense.

Concur... now... back to Dicks Wings... :D

Can snobby people eat at Dick's too?

They'll get boneless wings and eat them with a fork.  :D

No, it is too messy. We can't mess up our Brooks Brothers suits or Betsey Johnson dresses with men's Louis Vitton wallet or women's oversized handbag.

Is there a source to these Dick's Wings rumors?

<points at Nicktooch>
*he* did it!   ;D

http://www.simon.com/mall/entertainment.aspx?ID=857
The restaurant directory still lists Yogaberry, so...  "idk, my bff Rose?"

Yogaberry isn't going anywhere, jsut next to the space beside it.

Isn't being too good for the "snobs" kinda paradoxial?

Quote from: Shwaz on May 27, 2009, 03:35:31 PM
Isn't being too good for the "snobs" kinda paradoxial?

A snobs snob

When I see snob's I just turn my nose up at them.

What's wrong with showing off our Mercedes.  ???

I'm not against snobs per se. Everything I do to my property I try to appeal to snob tastes, cause they got the most money and one day I hope to sell it to them for an outrageous inflated price (just like snob brands) and retire a rich man!

I shop at Walmart and Sams Club and make fun of the snobs that shop at Target.

Damn the peasantry, I don't do ANYTHING at all, daddy just sends me a check!  

OCKLAWAHA

Quote from: Deuce on May 27, 2009, 04:20:40 PM
What's wrong with showing off our Mercedes.  ???

I'm not against snobs per se. Everything I do to my property I try to appeal to snob tastes, cause they got the most money and one day I hope to sell it to them for an outrageous inflated price (just like snob brands) and retire a rich man!

don't mock the Mercedes!

I never mock the Mercedes! I love the Mercedes!

Everyone knows, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes_Ruehl (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes_Ruehl)

Quote from: CrysG on May 27, 2009, 09:57:29 AM
Always last to the party....

As a female who loves to shop...I avoid this place like the plague....there would be no amount of money that would get me to go there. I'd rather drive to Orlando or Tampa and get the same stores. Reason? Traffic and congestion. In Orlando those level of stores are spread out over several malls and town centers. Here it's all at one location so every spoiled brat kid with daddies credit card and mommies car can spend a blissful afternoon.  

Blah....I'll order my goods online or make a day trip..

This may be the craziest post I have ever read on Metro Jax.  Yes, Gate gets a little backed up (especially coming from the West).  But Orlando?  Really?  I do not think I have EVER been in Orlando without getting dead stopped on 1 of their roads due to a backup.

Quote from: Doctor_K on May 27, 2009, 02:59:38 PM
<points at Nicktooch>
*he* did it!   ;D

haha wow i saw this thread jump from page 8 to 13!
lol sry to cause a fuss when i said "lost cause", i simply meant that the TC has it all wrong.  we compare it to millenia or international but phase 2 only consists of maybe 10 "high-end" stores (please let's not count them).  while we're waiting for them to fill in a space between mayor's and LV with something else actually high-end, they're putting a wing place in an alley... an alley i frequent bc of yogaberry and west elm lol. p.s.: if u drive by the proposed dick's wings there is a DW logo under coming soon.  rumors of calvin klein, tiffany's, crate&barrel, nordstroms, neimen marcus, etc. keep us hopeful that we might actually be able to compete with those other malls.  i will admit to frequent daytrips/long weekends to orlando simply bc the places at the town center are boring and overdone.  at least i can go to orlando and shop at a retail chain that hasnt penetrated jax and it's a little more satisfying than online shopping. 

i've worked at various shops at SJTC since it opened and still do while going to school, and all i can say to those that think it's packed, they must be coming on the weekend between lunch and dinner.  i usually open at a store and it's dead mon thru fri until lunchtime and after 6pm it's nomandsland on weekdays. and i work at a hotel on the pm shift and we used to use the SJTC as our calling card but lately that can't even bring in the business travelers.

so maybe i'll move away for a lil while and come back some day to see if anything has changed....

Not sure if this has been discussed on this thread or not (I didn't really read any of the other pages!)

But have there been any talks about bars (preferably nice ones) at Town Center?  I heard a rumor a while back about a Blue Martini going in, but getting turned down.  How about all of that property across the street on the lake?

Again, sorry if this has already been talked about!!

I noticed that the sign was off one of the stores at the SJTC. American Backyard. Probably hard to get people to throw down some serious cash on a fire pit in the current economic state.

Quote from: copperfiend on August 10, 2009, 10:25:57 AM
I noticed that the sign was off one of the stores at the SJTC. American Backyard. Probably hard to get people to throw down some serious cash on a fire pit in the current economic state.

So that's what that place was? Meh, no love lost here for sure. A place like that sounds like it needs to be located on Philips with all the other tile, brick, etc. places.

One really exciting thing going on at the TC is the addition of Bento, a casual Japanese restaurant.  I know this is probably not very exciting to many of you, but they have at least 3 other locations in the state and they are all Extremely popular.
It started in Gainesville and serves sushi (pretty good, maybe a step below sushi cafe), bento boxes (repetitive name yes, but good food), and rice and noodle bowls (these are the big attraction; 7 bucks for sashimi bowls it's ridiculous).  
Their second location was opened on Archer road in Gainesville and they have one in downtown Orlando  ( I just learned from their website www.bentocafesushi.com that they have a second location in Orlando as well).

They are still doing construction, but once it opens expect this place to be extremely popular.

Quote from: Southbanker on May 28, 2009, 10:44:48 PM

Quote from: CrysG on May 27, 2009, 09:57:29 AM
Always last to the party....

As a female who loves to shop...I avoid this place like the plague....there would be no amount of money that would get me to go there. I'd rather drive to Orlando or Tampa and get the same stores. Reason? Traffic and congestion. In Orlando those level of stores are spread out over several malls and town centers. Here it's all at one location so every spoiled brat kid with daddies credit card and mommies car can spend a blissful afternoon.  

Blah....I'll order my goods online or make a day trip..

This may be the craziest post I have ever read on Metro Jax.  Yes, Gate gets a little backed up (especially coming from the West).  But Orlando?  Really?  I do not think I have EVER been in Orlando without getting dead stopped on 1 of their roads due to a backup.

Agreed! Whoever wrote this one has never experienced the joys of 5 PM on one of Orlandos TWO roads. I once spent 5 hours stuck on a freeway, no exits nearby, in Pomona, California. I never did find out what the cause was, but it really was horrible. Worse still, that stretch from Pomona to East Los Angeles, is NOT the kind of neighborhood one would go cruising through. I've never spent 5 hours on any other freeway but I-4 has come close a few times. With only two arterial roads Orlando can be worse then Los Angeles on a day to day basis.  

OCKLAWAHA

Quote from: Captain Zissou on August 10, 2009, 10:36:38 AM
One really exciting thing going on at the TC is the addition of Bento, a casual Japanese restaurant.  I know this is probably not very exciting to many of you, but they have at least 3 other locations in the state and they are all Extremely popular.
It started in Gainesville and serves sushi (pretty good, maybe a step below sushi cafe), bento boxes (repetitive name yes, but good food), and rice and noodle bowls (these are the big attraction; 7 bucks for sashimi bowls it's ridiculous).  
Their second location was opened on Archer road in Gainesville and they have one in downtown Orlando  ( I just learned from their website www.bentocafesushi.com that they have a second location in Orlando as well).

They are still doing construction, but once it opens expect this place to be extremely popular.

Where will it be located?

Out towards the front. Where Mocki (Mochi.... whatever that place was called) used to be.

I did not read all 13 pages. My apology if this was already discussed. Town Center is not really a  "lifestyle" center. It has no real residential component. A true lifestyle center mixes residential among the retail not around the perimeter.  A true lifestyle center puts some residential on top of the retail spaces.  A true lifestyle center puts a residential building between some of the shops. Kind of like downtown used to be.

Overstreet, that conversation was beaten to death a while ago. It would've been, had Toscana come to fruition, but not so much.

Plus, "lifestyle" is an overused word that malls, new neighborhoods, etc., have worn out. Hell, it was worn out not even 2 years into the " building boom" earlier this decade.

My "lifestyle" is fewer stores and development.  I am heading to a park for my "lifestyle center"  :)

Ok here's the deal. 1st whenever I can I support local stores and malls. Also an opinion is just that, but when it's kinda hateful about where someone lives and shops you must expect people to get defensive. Without a little pride in our area what's the point.
Here's my opinion. I was in Tampa most of last week and in Orlando this weekend and about 3 weeks ago and checked out as many of the shopping malls and urban development as I could find.
My shopping mall/lifestyle center opinions are based on both stores and overall design and look of the structures.
BTW I didn't make it to Citrus Park Mall or Tyrone Square in St Petersburg
From Central Florida to Jacksonville.

1. Mall at Millenia
2. St Johns Town Center
3. International Plaza
4. Florida Mall
5. Avenues
6. Hyde Park Village (Would get a higher ranking but so many stores have moved out)

I realize Florida Mall, International Plaza has more upscale stores and Westshore Plaza has a Saks, but I think SJTC is overall a better looking shopping center.

If we had 2 or 3 upscale large stores like Nordstrom's etc. we would be on par with those areas.
Bottom line is, I would and have ocassionally driven to Orlando for Mall at Millenia for the great high end stores and Bloomingdales, Hugo Boss, Crate & Barrel and Ikea. I wouldn't drive to Tampa to shop.

And we have some very good outlet stores in St Augustine. And if you know your merchandise you can get some really good deals.
NE Florida is not too far behind Orlando and the Tampa Bay area in shopping, but in just about every other way we are at least a decade behind.

Btw dropping Toscana was a HUGE mistake. Another reason we are so far behind. Also STJR then maybe a city the size of Jax is not for you.

BTW CrysG, if you took away all the tourists from Mall at Millenia and looked real hard at the malls in Tampa  you will see the exact same people shopping there as the ones that annoy you at SJTC. Maybe its the fact that you can actually see those "spoiled rich brats" in their Mercedes at SJTC that makes it more obvious, but if you stood in the parking lots in the other cities you would see them get in and out of them.
Sorry, every city has them

So that all of you won't think I'm an ignorant boob, my post about malls should have read, "I realize Florida Mall has a Saks and Nordstroms, and International Plaza has more upscale..........etc."
When I tried to edited I guess I chopped out that part of the sentence.

..........and misspelled occasionally...........

Quote from: avonjax on August 10, 2009, 12:39:30 PM
Also STJR then maybe a city the size of Jax is not for you.

Avon, sounds like you are a serious (too serious?) shop-a-holic /shopping diva.  That's OK but don't diss those who think there is more to life than shopping 'til you drop.  Parks, recreation, and conserved land are more important to some of us than too many stores that often displace such opportunities.  A true cosmopolitan city has people of many interests with a community to support such diversity.  Some here think sports are #1.  Others, museums, the symphony, etc.  Many want higher education opportunities.  Most want a good mix of things as few of us are single dimensional.  If all you want are more stores, then, to bounce back your quote, maybe Jax isn't the city for you.

By the way, you may not think we have enough stores, but we appear to have as much retail square footage per capita as most any city in the country due to our developer friendly environment. abundant land, and cheaper real estate.  IMHO, mix aside, we have been over-retailed in this market.  Recent store closings bear this out to some degree.  At the end of the recession, it will be interesting to see how high the retail vacancy rate gets.

QuoteIn 2003 CoStar calculated the total retail space per capita (shopping centers and everything else) for the top 50 U.S. markets. Those 50 markets had an estimated average of 43.71 square feet of retail space. Portland had the third lowest retail space per capita at 27.95 square feet, trailing Long Island and Charlotte. The market with the most retail space per capita was Southwest Florida at 74 square feet, followed by Richmond, Winston-Salem, Greenville, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Toledo, San Antonio, Jacksonville, and Birmingham.

http://villagesolutionscompany.com/blog/retail-density-apples-to-oranges/

Quote from: stjr on August 10, 2009, 01:13:03 PM

Quote from: avonjax on August 10, 2009, 12:39:30 PM
Also STJR then maybe a city the size of Jax is not for you.

Avon, sounds like you are a serious (too serious?) shop-a-holic /shopping diva.  That's OK but don't diss those who think there is more to life than shopping 'til you drop.  Parks, recreation, and conserved land are more important to some of us than too many stores that often displace such opportunities.  A true cosmopolitan city has people of many interests with a community to support such diversity.  Some here think sports are #1.  Others, museums, the symphony, etc.  Many want higher education opportunities.  Most want a good mix of things as few of us are single dimensional.  If all you want are more stores, then, to bounce back your quote, maybe Jax isn't the city for you.

By the way, you may not think we have enough stores, but we appear to have as much retail square footage per capita as most any city in the country due to our developer friendly environment. abundant land, and cheaper real estate.  IMHO, mix aside, we have been over-retailed in this market.  Recent store closings bear this out to some degree.  At the end of the recession, it will be interesting to see how high the retail vacancy rate gets.

QuoteIn 2003 CoStar calculated the total retail space per capita (shopping centers and everything else) for the top 50 U.S. markets. Those 50 markets had an estimated average of 43.71 square feet of retail space. Portland had the third lowest retail space per capita at 27.95 square feet, trailing Long Island and Charlotte. The market with the most retail space per capita was Southwest Florida at 74 square feet, followed by Richmond, Winston-Salem, Greenville, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Toledo, San Antonio, Jacksonville, and Birmingham.

http://villagesolutionscompany.com/blog/retail-density-apples-to-oranges/

Wow! I’m surprised you took me for a shop-a-holic based on the fact I posted on the SJTC thread.
I have been in retail for the better part of 38 years in department stores and specialty shops. I have been a manager of small local stores, buyer, merchandiser, department manager in national chains and visual merchandising in large local department stores, so malls and lifestyle centers do interest me.  The presences of high end chains like Saks, Neimans and Nordstrom give a perception of what the income and culture of a city is. It may not be fair that some many people the shopping in an area reflects the quality of a city but my many years of dealing with out-of-towners backs up that many unfairly do.
Again I didn’t say we needed more malls or stores just some high end ones like every other major
Florida city.
I didn’t mean to bash you, but you kind of equated that if a person has an appreciation for good retail they probably lack diversity in their lifestyle. And in my opinion only, if you have all the other big city pros and cons then why not have the same retail options. I guess it’s just me. (I want an IKEA.)
I don’t know if you intended for me to misunderstand, but so you will know more about me, I love sports, museums, parks, the beach and so on.
Since photography is my great passion in life, my goal is to visit and photograph every park in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas. As a matter of fact I have literally thousands of photographs of our local parks.
My trip this last week to central Florida was mostly to take pictures. I took about a thousand. My unquestionably favorite place I visited was Hollis Garden in Lakeland. (If you haven’t been there I highly recommend it. The place is gorgeous. And when appropriate I will post some pictures I took there.) And I finally got to go to Cross Creek and take pictures of Marjorie Kennan Rawlings house and surroundings. So I love the natural and historic sites and experiences as much as or more so than the commercial. I just want to be able to buy Armani if I’m in the mood or have the money.
I should have been nicer to you Stjr.

Oh, just what SJTC needs, ANOTHER sushi/Japanese inspired eatery. Wasabi is nice, and very well presented in it's decor as well. I was shocked to learn they're based out of Knoxville.

QuoteThe market with the most retail space per capita was  Southwest Florida at 74 square feet, followed by  Richmond, Winston-Salem, Greenville, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Toledo, San Antonio, Jacksonville, and Birmingham.

How many of those are Wal-marts? I can attest to the retail space in Greenville, they have a ton of stores. The city is also the shopping destination of a lot of people in the upstate.

reednavy, chill.  I tried to explain earlier how Bento differentiates itself from other Japanese restaurants, but apparently you didn't read that or your bias prevented you from understanding my point.

The Gainesville and O-Town sushi markets are as oversupplied as Jacksonville, but Bento has thrived in both of those markets.  I hope the rest of you consider my positive remarks about it and give it a try. I think you will be pleased.

Quote from: Captain Zissou on August 10, 2009, 04:48:55 PM
reednavy, chill.  I tried to explain earlier how Bento differentiates itself from other Japanese restaurants, but apparently you didn't read that or your bias prevented you from understanding my point.

The Gainesville and O-Town sushi markets are as oversupplied as Jacksonville, but Bento has thrived in both of those markets.  I hope the rest of you consider my positive remarks about it and give it a try. I think you will be pleased.

Well Captain,

until it does open, my opinion won't change. There's no bias when I'm stating a fact, we have enough already. I'll try it, but until it opens and I do, I don't expect anything orally stimulating. So, until this "grand" opening into the market happens, no chill, just harsh fact stating. It's cut and dry here, no lubrication, deal with it.

I thought that we just established (on another thread), that Sumo Sushi was the best in town(?)

Quote from: avonjax on August 10, 2009, 03:14:13 PM

Quote from: stjr on August 10, 2009, 01:13:03 PM

Quote from: avonjax on August 10, 2009, 12:39:30 PM
Also STJR then maybe a city the size of Jax is not for you.

Avon, sounds like you are a serious (too serious?) shop-a-holic /shopping diva.  That's OK but don't diss those who think there is more to life than shopping 'til you drop.  Parks, recreation, and conserved land are more important to some of us than too many stores that often displace such opportunities.  A true cosmopolitan city has people of many interests with a community to support such diversity.  Some here think sports are #1.  Others, museums, the symphony, etc.  Many want higher education opportunities.  Most want a good mix of things as few of us are single dimensional.  If all you want are more stores, then, to bounce back your quote, maybe Jax isn't the city for you.

By the way, you may not think we have enough stores, but we appear to have as much retail square footage per capita as most any city in the country due to our developer friendly environment. abundant land, and cheaper real estate.  IMHO, mix aside, we have been over-retailed in this market.  Recent store closings bear this out to some degree.  At the end of the recession, it will be interesting to see how high the retail vacancy rate gets.

QuoteIn 2003 CoStar calculated the total retail space per capita (shopping centers and everything else) for the top 50 U.S. markets. Those 50 markets had an estimated average of 43.71 square feet of retail space. Portland had the third lowest retail space per capita at 27.95 square feet, trailing Long Island and Charlotte. The market with the most retail space per capita was Southwest Florida at 74 square feet, followed by Richmond, Winston-Salem, Greenville, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Toledo, San Antonio, Jacksonville, and Birmingham.

http://villagesolutionscompany.com/blog/retail-density-apples-to-oranges/

I didn’t mean to bash you, but you kind of equated that if a person has an appreciation for good retail they probably lack diversity in their lifestyle. And in my opinion only, if you have all the other big city pros and cons then why not have the same retail options. I guess it’s just me. (I want an IKEA.)
I don’t know if you intended for me to misunderstand, but so you will know more about me, I love sports, museums, parks, the beach and so on.
Since photography is my great passion in life, my goal is to visit and photograph every park in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas. As a matter of fact I have literally thousands of photographs of our local parks.
My trip this last week to central Florida was mostly to take pictures. I took about a thousand. My unquestionably favorite place I visited was Hollis Garden in Lakeland. (If you haven’t been there I highly recommend it. The place is gorgeous. And when appropriate I will post some pictures I took there.) And I finally got to go to Cross Creek and take pictures of Marjorie Kennan Rawlings house and surroundings. So I love the natural and historic sites and experiences as much as or more so than the commercial. I just want to be able to buy Armani if I’m in the mood or have the money.
I should have been nicer to you Stjr.

OK, Avon, I accept your good graces and we smoke'm peace pipe  ;D

I actually share your love for photography of our parks.  This year, I have had the good fortune to visit quite a few state parks in Northeast Florida that are way under-appreciated by us locals.  That makes them less crowded which increases my pleasure of them but they are nonetheless outstanding jewels that I expect to grow tremendously in appreciation going forward.  Selfishly, I only wish we possessed even more of them.  I plan to start a MJ thread on some of these state parks soon if MJ doesn't beat me to it  :D .

Our city parks and historic sites (not much of this in Duval unfortunately) are also undervalued.  I think that Jax has just been changing too quickly for long timers to realize how fast our green spaces have disappeared and for newcomers, they just haven't ventured about the place much (too much time in the stores?  - just kidding Avon!).

Quote from: Captain Zissou on August 10, 2009, 10:36:38 AM
One really exciting thing going on at the TC is the addition of Bento, a casual Japanese restaurant.

Bento's, sweet! youre hittin me with some serious nostalgia.

Well.........I think that they blew it with not having any Inter Store transportation. This would have given them another leg up by offering something that no other Mall had to offer. Developer did not think outside of the box and blew the chance to offer light rail/trolley! Valet parking my left ham hock!

Was over there on Monday and noticed some ground moving on the spot next to MiMi's...  Is that where Bahama Breeze is going or did that fall through too?

yep bahama breeze banner is on front fencing.
american backyard is a halloween store til nov.
dick's wings opening very soon.
everything but water closed... will be a gymboree.
"rockstar" is working on interior... don't know if it's still going to be aforementioned store.
dollar tree open.
old navy renovated and very nice.

I'm gonna revive this thread because it has the most relevant title concerning SJTC store additions.

The SJTC will be home to the city's first 'fab'rik' store, which is a women's clothing retailer. The SJTC has become a hotbed for women's fashion.

www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2014/05/27/jacksonvilles-first-fabrik-store-coming-to-st.html

www.fabrikstyle.com#

Another case of a store/restaurant hitting up NORTHERN FLORIDA, before Central or Southern FL. Just like Academy, REI, Gander Mtn etc etc etc.

SJTC marches on. Incredible growth in that shopping mecca, it's become a little city out there.

Being near UNF was also a good move.

I hope they don't lose track of walkability, there are a lot of apartments nearby.

meh...

Simon announces Phase III tenants
Simon Property Group issued a news release Wednesday it had leased all of retail spaces in the new Nordstrom wing at St. Johns Town Center that will open Oct. 10.

The wing is Phase III of the Town Center. In addition to Nordstrom, it will include Arhaus Furniture, a Disney Store, Boston Proper, Free People, Model Citizen, Natural Life, Swim 'n Sport and Yankee Candle.

Arhaus, Boston Proper, Free People, Nordstrom and Swim 'n Sport are new to the Jacksonville market.

The Phase III wing is on the southwest end of the property between Louis Vuitton and Brooks Brothers and will feature more than 158,000 square feet of retail space.

St. Johns Town Center visitors also will find almost 600 more parking spaces behind Ethan Allen and Ovinte, along Big Island Drive, and in the east parking lot behind Coach and Michael Kors.

http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=543113

Sports Mania closed.

Bummer.

now that is surprising....that was supposed to be the flagship store...the one at the Landing is still there (albeit very weak)

While I'm honestly surprised that Louis Vuitton has been successful at the Town Center, I'm equally surprised to see that Gucci is adding to the slowly burgeoning luxury retailer landscape in Jacksonville with a new store at the Town Center. 

https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/gucci-identified-for-st-johns-town-center (https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/gucci-identified-for-st-johns-town-center)

^ FYI, the Jags players and their wives provide a strong foundation for these stores based on my walk-bys :).  The fact is, especially with the beaches attracting national move-ins, there seems to be plenty of well-heeled customers nowadays in Jax.

I have also noticed that a lot of working women like to treat themselves to these luxuries as personal rewards.  It's not just boyfriends/husbands picking up gifts.

Quote from: jaxlongtimer on May 26, 2022, 09:54:13 PM
^ FYI, the Jags players and their wives provide a strong foundation for these stores based on my walk-bys :).  The fact is, especially with the beaches attracting national move-ins, there seems to be plenty of well-heeled customers nowadays in Jax.

Not quite LV or Gucci, but I was in Tori Burch before Christmas and one of the employees said her husband played for the Jags.  There seems to be a very symbiotic relationship between the team and the high end retailers of the city.

^It's almost like positive externalities exist from being an NFL city that are hard for a city auditor to quantify.

Quote from: Dolph1975 on May 25, 2022, 11:31:11 PM
While I'm honestly surprised that Louis Vuitton has been successful at the Town Center, I'm equally surprised to see that Gucci is adding to the slowly burgeoning luxury retailer landscape in Jacksonville with a new store at the Town Center. 

https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/gucci-identified-for-st-johns-town-center (https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/gucci-identified-for-st-johns-town-center)

Quote from: jaxlongtimer on May 26, 2022, 09:54:13 PM
^ FYI, the Jags players and their wives provide a strong foundation for these stores based on my walk-bys :).  The fact is, especially with the beaches attracting national move-ins, there seems to be plenty of well-heeled customers nowadays in Jax.

I have also noticed that a lot of working women like to treat themselves to these luxuries as personal rewards.  It's not just boyfriends/husbands picking up gifts.

Me:

(https://c.tenor.com/Kj6sfY0YLNwAAAAC/grumpy-ew.gif)