Well,long time ago I suggested idea of gondola over St.Johns river which might or not be cool idea.
Thats not point of this post but idea that Jacksonville needs some kind of attraction that is unique and unusal that would bring people from all over US and even world to city.
St.Luis got arches,NY City statue of liberty,Orlando Disneyland,Las Vegas casinos,Detroit umm crime,Chicago Sears tower,London Big Ben,Rome Colosseum and so on.
Jakcksonville can do same thing with little imagination,it doesn have to be grande like big cities but big enough to be on world scale.
Create UNIQUE and ORIGINAL attraction but also to be something that brings people again and again.
Idea like that can do more for DT Jax then anything else.
There is no bar,tower or convention center that can do more for city then unique attraction.
I suggested gondolas or skyway type of car going over river in an arch,to give cool view and ride over city.
Might not be best and brightest but its a start.
Good ideas can be implemented cheap and fast.
You don't need hundreds of millions of dollars,but lots of imagination and creativity.
Simple,sometimes cheesy ideas can bring life to city...and tourists.
In southern bosnian city Mostar they came up with idea for erect statue of Bruce Lee.
So they got together and both Mostar and Hong Kong did it.
Cheap,simple idea got city in news and brought tourists.
They can always claim "first" that got statue of Bruce Lee.
No need for millions of dollars.
http://www.mg.co.za/article/2005-11-24-bosnia-to-beat-hong-kong-with-bruce-lee-statue
(http://i49.tinypic.com/20r4g93.jpg)
We could get convention center designed into a Star Track Enterprise.
Sure,it would cost money but man that would bring people ALL over world.It would pay itself in no time.
Crazy,but doable.
(http://i49.tinypic.com/2s8ljzc.jpg)
OK. I've capitulated. I did not want an old war ship downtown--but, if we could get the space shuttle with a battleship, and maybe a B52 or something, and a 3D/IMAX screen, that would get people downtown.
You got to think big.There are cities with ships and 3D screens.
Attraction has to be unique and original.
Imagine if we could build convention center on Shipyard site in shape of Enterprise.Bottom part would be convention center,while top part could serve as restaurants,bars,command center etc (it would partially sit on top of another building,like it crashed or just parked so that way you can balance top part) while side wing on picture could be above water and serve as another restaurant/bar.
You would have TONS of people coming all over world,US and more important suburban Jax.
You would have tons of conventions,everyone would love to have one there.
Major money maker,people visiting dt Jax and urban lifestyle.
I live a simple life. I would only go downtown for intellectual/cultural stimulation that I can't get elsewhere. Otherwise, I live and work as I do in the heart of Mandarin. If I have a job or a gallery opening to go to (Null Space last night was very nice), I won't hesitate. I prefer to ride the bus in, but the buses don't run as late as I'd like.
Talks by social activists, workshops in sustainable living inside a city, vibrant happenings put on by artists of any discipline--that's what I'd really come downtown for. Not some gimmick. Not some purely consumerist venture that I don't get something out of.
Quote from: kellypope on January 23, 2010, 10:39:48 AM
I live a simple life. I would only go downtown for intellectual/cultural stimulation that I can't get elsewhere. Otherwise, I live and work as I do in the heart of Mandarin. If I have a job or a gallery opening to go to (Null Space last night was very nice), I won't hesitate. I prefer to ride the bus in, but the buses don't run as late as I'd like.
Talks by social activists, workshops in sustainable living inside a city, vibrant happenings put on by artists of any discipline--that's what I'd really come downtown for. Not some gimmick. Not some purely consumerist venture that I don't get something out of.
True. I don't necessarily disagree with the concept of something kinda gimmicky to get people to come downtown, but that can't be the only thing they come for. I mean, hop on a gondola or get your picture taken in front of a convention center shaped like the Starship Enterprise...then what? Drive back home?
First things first...increase dowtown pedestrian traffic with a balance of residential and cultural/retail. People need good reason to come downtown other than going to the courthouse. Then...somewhere down the line, comes the giant Macaroni Andrew Jackson statue.
Quote from: kellypope on January 23, 2010, 10:39:48 AM
I live a simple life. I would only go downtown for intellectual/cultural stimulation that I can't get elsewhere. Otherwise, I live and work as I do in the heart of Mandarin. If I have a job or a gallery opening to go to (Null Space last night was very nice), I won't hesitate. I prefer to ride the bus in, but the buses don't run as late as I'd like.
Talks by social activists, workshops in sustainable living inside a city, vibrant happenings put on by artists of any discipline--that's what I'd really come downtown for. Not some gimmick. Not some purely consumerist venture that I don't get something out of.
Yes but, to get the majorty of suberers into downtown you need a gimick. You need to give people a reason to drag the kids downtown, then you need multiple things to have them stay downtown. A battle ship, or space shuttle will get them, then you need good food and other things to do to keep them.
How about another "Landing" in front of the Courthouse parking lot to compliment the other, and really, all people want are places to go and hang out. We don't need the world's largest ball of mud to attract us.
Hire a consultant to find out what would work. Surely the city has done such a thing. How about a future Big Bank Museum.:)
We need to fix the original Landing before going after another. However, with a new convention center, there is no reason it can't include restaurants and retail at street level, facing Bay Street and the waterfront. That would be a boost to the Landing, Hyatt and Bay Street.
We already have people downtown, they're just living outdoors.
I still think Bos' idea of an sky tram is a great one. They can't be super expensive, would be quick to execute and would certainly be an attraction as well as a way for pedestrians to get from one side of the river to the other with a wonderful view.
Does sound fun, doesn't it?
Quote from: Dog Walker on January 23, 2010, 04:10:58 PM
I still think Bos' idea of an sky tram is a great one. They can't be super expensive, would be quick to execute and would certainly be an attraction as well as a way for pedestrians to get from one side of the river to the other with a wonderful view.
I usually only take the Skyway to cross the river, so wouldn't a sky tram just further run the skyway into the ground? Some people might want that, but I see it as a negative.
I think that the best idea I've heard for an attraction is the southern rock hall of fame because it actually reflects the history of our area and helps brand us as a hub for great music. If it were placed close to the new emerging Bay St. entertainment district you could help create some synergy and livelihood to that area. Give it an interesting design the way they have with the rock 'n roll hof in Cleveland and the country music hof in Nashville. Then you have a great attraction that actually makes sense for our city.
Put some spaceship in the middle of downtown and people will just think that we're "out there." Not the kind of brand I want for our city. Most of these landmarks you talk about like Big Ben, the Coliseum, Statue of Liberty, even the Gateway Arch are not just some random tourist trap dropped in the middle of the city just 'cause. They have history or meaning or some sort of event like a Worlds Fair attached to them. We have to think about what makes us unique as a city and present that to the world.
Coliseum was built to be great and attract Romans all over empire,Big Ben and Statue of Liberty are symbols too and also tourist attraction.There is reason it was built biggest.
Sometimes objects become tourist attraction due to luck but most of those structures were made to attract people.
Jax is not on lever of bigger cities to have that money and power,but we can substitute that with creativity where you can create attraction without too much money.
I know spaceship is crazy idea and doesn't fit but I am pretty much sure people thought same for first skyscrapper built or a car or anything else that was new and unusual.Eiffel tower as also considered ugly and planned to be torn down,not is a tourist attraction and symbol of city.
sometimes you have to step out of box and create something unusual to succeed.
All of those Hall of Fame things are just lame. Look at trophies, look at costumes, look at uniforms and signed balls...bleh!
Museum for Jacksonville would be lumber schooner, railroad museum, ship building museum.
Something centered on the river and outside would be the best of all. People from out of town love our riverwalk.
How about a drug store and an end to the parking Gestapo.
Bostech, I agree with the gondola idea. I've always thought something like this would be perfect for Jax, sort of a Venice type feel. Also those amphibious thingys they have in Boston, they are kind of like an open bus that goes from the streets to and through the river. We do need something extra to add real appeal and brand our city.
I don't see why people want ugly azz gondolas. They're the skyway on wires, that's about it.
Like the "Skyway to Nowhere", the "Gondola to nowhere".
Quote from: Dog Walker on January 23, 2010, 05:35:01 PM
All of those Hall of Fame things are just lame. Look at trophies, look at costumes, look at uniforms and signed balls...bleh!
Museum for Jacksonville would be lumber schooner, railroad museum, ship building museum.
Something centered on the river and outside would be the best of all. People from out of town love our riverwalk.
Oh contraire mi amigo! A well done hall of fame, such as our own "Negro League Baseball" or "Southern Fried Rock" are museums on steroids! As an example, a true Southern Fried Rock Hall of Fame, would be a museum on steroids. One would enter hearing the music that made us famous... Inside the attendee is dazzled by the lights, camera, action, We had ripped through some of the historical fabric when the building was saved, and now the City s efforts will cause other vendors and display spaces to pile on. I should be able to go there and get a photo with the Van Zant boys, (in wax). Meanwhile a CD/DVD store and gift shop sells every groups fan stuff, we all become walking ads for our favorite bands, books, cards, gifts and clothing would make us the one-stop shop for the musically minded. We could go over to the Allman Brothers Cafe and "Eat a Peach", while the night club offers a blender of Jimmy Buffet's tropical concoction. A sound stage and performing arts center, make the museum into more of a world class event place, with REAL events scheduled throughout the year. Song story's, and games could round out the entertainment With a Jacksonville version of "name that tune." Album releases, signing events, musical member events, and honors would make this the hub of the city and a bridge between generations.
Also we already have the Maritime Museum, we just have not allowed them the public benefits, and building space to become a major player. Let's get these kind folks the sort of location that would turn heads from Riverside to Rio. Play it LOUD! What better fix for Jacksonville then having "Jim Dandy to the Rescue!" OCKLAWAHA
You are all missing a point.
We need ATTRACTION on world level,not some local museum which will attract few and only once or twice.
Reason person from suburb Jax will come to dt Jax is same reason person from Japan or Germeny would to.
Something fun,original and unique.
Got to make it big and interesting.Convention center in shape of Enteprise for example might be cheesy but it would be deal breaker.If you gonna do something,do it right.Not bunch of small projects that dont do much.
As for gondola lifts,beside having arch going over river to give crazy cool ride we could use gondolas as mass transport all over city.It would be cheap to build and maintain and provide even better effect and experience.
We could have them running thru entire city,even long distance.
Key is to have safe,fast and reliable system.
Gondolas should also look cool,like shaped in capsules to give it space travel look.Something cool to look at it.
Some people already have some ideas.
http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1p3hk6/www.gizmowatch.com/entry/driverless-elevated-railway-system-the-next-public-transport/
You need multiple attractions for different kinds of people. Chicago has a thriving theatre district literally in the Loop. It also has major retail businesses and an amazing range of buildings built in different architectural styles. People come to Chicago just to see the Louis Sullivan-designed building, and they venture out into the suburbs just to see Frank Lloyd Wright's praire-style homes.
Historic architecture may be a magnet.........San Marco, Riverside, Springfield, along with the musical aspects! Right now there is no direct connection to much of anything and without out some kind of vision or plan Jacksonville will not become the next "Greenwich Village"!
We need more sex shops if we want to be next "Greenwich Village".
I suggest the Southern Rock Hall of Flame in 2000. I had no money then, and still don't have. But the City Does. Get us a grand Ock!
Let's get it organized and in a 501-c-3 status, and I'll write a few grants for a handful of Millions of dollars. Enough to make it swing.
OCKLAWAHA
I am game.............start the ball rolling Ock!
Mainstream retail and an aquarium would be nice :)
You think the new courthouse is expensive, try pricing an aquarium! Tampa would love to rid of theirs, too.
I would love it if The Landing could attract more retail. I chaperoned a trip to the Art Basel in Miami this year and we took the kids one night to this huge gaming place, kind of like Dave and Busters. I would love to have something like that Downtown. The adults had as much, if not more fun than the kids and it was cheap.
Quote from: Bostech on January 23, 2010, 05:13:04 PM
Coliseum was built to be great and attract Romans all over empire,Big Ben and Statue of Liberty are symbols too and also tourist attraction.There is reason it was built biggest.
Sometimes objects become tourist attraction due to luck but most of those structures were made to attract people.
Jax is not on lever of bigger cities to have that money and power,but we can substitute that with creativity where you can create attraction without too much money.
I think you're missing my point. I'm not saying that it's bad to have a big attraction, but I just don't think it should be some big, random thing that has no connection to our community. These attractions you list are iconic and brand their particular city because they remind you of what makes that particular city great. The Coliseum is a symbol of power and of the greatness of the Roman Empire. Lady Liberty is a beacon of freedom placed in a location where so many have entered our country seeking just that. And so on. I'm just saying let's consider the brand we want for our city and build accordingly.
I'm not dead set on a Southern Rock HOF, but I see that as something that has potential to brand our city in a positive light and something that could complement our current efforts to revitalize downtown nicely. As for making it an attraction that goes beyond regional appeal that's easy. Give it an interesting design. I mean would Sydney Opera House be on the map if it didn't look like a hedgehog with a bad hair day? Or the Guggenheim? Or the Space Needle? And no the Enterprise is not what I had in mind for interesting design. lol.
I guess what the real thing we have to figure out is what makes Jax unique and how can present that in a way that catches the world's attention.
QuoteI'm not dead set on a Southern Rock HOF
We can't even get outdoor concerts at Met Park, we need more music in this town to support a music hall of fame.
BEER!!!! The cause and solution to all of life's problems!
Let's increase the drinking time to 3 am for downtown, maybe allow drinking on laura street? Hell, make the drinking age 18! :)
Since this is south,lets open up shooting range in downtown.That will sure bring people.
I used to live in Seattle and one thing that brought tons of people downtown was Pike Street Market. That is the place where you see them throwing fish around and it is full of Art, Flowers, Fresh Food and stuff. That is what they need downtown, something with some culture. I used to roam around there all day buying lunch, listening to the live artists sitting around playing and end up bringing home a lot of produce grown locally.
Please don't bring up the farmers market that is downtown, that place is NASTY...stinks and so do does the quality.
Jacksonville's history is as a transportation hub. Sailing ships, steamboats down the river, steamships, railroads, highways; if we are to have a museum it should be on that theme.
Add a sky tram into the mix and people would come.
I still think the Southern Rock hall of fame is a great idea. I also think a gimmick alone is not enough, without a robust downtown to offer more then a gimmick what's the point?
Quote from: TPC on January 25, 2010, 09:11:48 AM
I still think the Southern Rock hall of fame is a great idea. I also think a gimmick alone is not enough, without a robust downtown to offer more then a gimmick what's the point?
Makes me think of that line from Walk the Line: "Well you got me out here is that where your plan ends?"
Stein Mart should put a flag ship store down town since there head quarter is there
Quote from: samiam on February 02, 2010, 12:43:38 AM
Stein Mart should put a flag ship store down town since there head quarter is there
mmmmm......three miles to the closest Stein Mart from the house or 12 miles to the downtown Stein Mart flag ship store passing another Stein Mart on the way.....? I don't think so.
Maybe something we don't have. Like a Outdoor World,aka Bass Pro Shop. But it will need easy on and off interstate. But don't expect any collateral shopping. A good BPS has a restaurant, archery and gun range inside. No reason to go anywhere else.
Quote from: Springfield Girl on January 24, 2010, 05:37:06 PM.......I would love it if The Landing could attract more retail. I chaperoned a trip to the Art Basel in Miami this year and we took the kids one night to this huge gaming place, kind of like Dave and Busters. I would love to have something like that Downtown. The adults had as much, if not more fun than the kids and it was cheap........
There used to be an archade in the landing second floor opposite the food court. Probalby died from lack of use. Of course they never got the promised 800 space parking deck.
Contrary to popular belief I don't think the Landing was ever a place to shop. It was a place to "be," not to shop.
Quote from: Dog Walker on January 24, 2010, 04:26:58 PM.......You think the new courthouse is expensive, try pricing an aquarium! Tampa would love to rid of theirs, too.........
It becomes a place that needs constant fund raisers. Similar to MOSH.
However, the Tampa aquarium has the best mangrove skinny water display of all the SE aquariums. It is worth the visit.
The baseball field, basketball arena, library and courthouse were obviously a start. The courthouse will bring with it more high-powered individuals who have money to spend, and thus, benefit businesses at lunch time.
I would focus on two keys - attracting more tourism traffic and attract more private business downtown with incentives. The port is a major advantage for international business. A convention center would certainly go a long way towards drawing more business interest, and if you could combine it with a modest attraction, would also pull people off 95 to take a look
an artifical surf park. Theres only a handful one of which is the primitive typhoon lagoon in Disney World. Its so expensive that competion is not any problem.
Ive heard price quotes around $20 million but sponsers would cover a lot of that cost.
I think you could get a big out of town market as surfers are rabid for waves. And mother nature doesnt provide a lot for many places in the world. Jacksonville tself has a lot of surf enthusists.
Quote from: hillary supporter on February 03, 2010, 06:52:43 PM
an artifical surf park. Theres only a handful one of which is the primitive typhoon lagoon in Disney World. Its so expensive that competion is not any problem.
Ive heard price quotes around $20 million but sponsers would cover a lot of that cost.
I think you could get a big out of town market as surfers are rabid for waves. And mother nature doesnt provide a lot for many places in the world. Jacksonville tself has a lot of surf enthusists.
if your gonna do that then (which I would die for btw) then might as well throw in a Decent skate park as well
I still think we should start with a drug store and selling some parking meters on ebay.
Quotef your gonna do that then (which I would die for btw) then might as well throw in a Decent skate park as well
yeah, there are several modifications to choose from, the flowrider, good for bodyboarders. And a skatepark.
I don't think any expensive gimmick (aquarium, gondolas, fish market, movie theatre, etc.) will attract suburbanites to downtown. Instead of worrying about suburbanites, the focus needs to be on making downtown and the surrounding urban core a self-sustaining urban district. If you can make the core self sustainable by attracting and retaining urbanites, the vibrant atmosphere alone will attract suburbanites.
lake I agree! All of the gimmicks in the world have nothing to do with something that is self sustainable! Infrastructure would be nice.......transportation support, ok.........but attracting urbanites will take more than what is taking place today! No vision, no plan and no cents!
Quote from: thelakelander on February 05, 2010, 09:34:55 PM
I don't think any expensive gimmick (aquarium, gondolas, fish market, movie theatre, etc.) will attract suburbanites to downtown. Instead of worrying about suburbanites, the focus needs to be on making downtown and the surrounding urban core a self-sustaining urban district. If you can make the core self sustainable by attracting and retaining urbanites, the vibrant atmosphere alone will attract suburbanites.
I think the gimmick idea's are great for downtown, we need to capture the tourist dollars flowing right through our funnel. But to say a giant fish tank, theater, baseball park or anything else is going to cause suburbanites to flock into the central city is delusional. I'd love to see a urban designed IKEA, MEGA THEATER, BASS PRO, etc... in some sort of shipyards high rise and retail complex would be super cool. It would bring in folks from Valdosta to Gainesville and Brunswick, but I don't see them living here. So not a bad thing to have, provided we don't depend on it delivering a sustainable community in a box.
As for the "gondola's" (Rope Cable Tram) it would actually be a fast, cheap and beneficial way to get around our river problems and create real mass transit mix. Until you see these things in action, your mind will always think "amusement park," or "ski resort," you can bet the bank it's WAY better then that. It might indeed be about as useful as Streetcars in creating a rapid development core. This is NO gimmick and can be multi station, long distance, rapid transit --- WAY CHEAPER THEN BRT. OCKLAWAHA
They (gondolas) don't fit into the historic urban neighborhoods that mass transit needs to connect DT with. Imo, the connection/integration of DT with nearby neighborhoods is the main thing lacking. DT was never an island unto itself so we should not plan like it is. As you know, viable mass transit in an urban area can be a game changer. To me, based on the continued success of these projects across the country, I'd say its streetcar or bust. Everything else is can help, but they are more complementing projects rather than game changers.
(http://www.manikgarhcement.com/images/ropeway.jpg)
This system carry's cement, imagine this sort of access over our rivers into the core.
I would agree with you on streetcars being the absolute star performer on bringing $$ investment into any downtown. What I'm mostly referring to is the damnable river crossings we have to deal with and the convoluted route around the FEC or CSX lines South.
As you well know I support immediate construction of streetcar throughout downtown and the urban neighborhoods, hell, I STARTED THE IDEA! But consider just as an example a few connectors to downtown:
Beaches - Regency - University - Stadium / AP Randolph district - Intermodal connection
Intermodal connection - Stadium / AP Randolph district - Beach Bl - Gate Parkway - Town Center
Or even the Orange Park Mall - Yukon / NAS - intermodal connection to downtown...
Like the Skyway concept, there is a lot to be said for going up and over stuff, expecially when it can be done without breaking the bank, like BRT would do.
There is just no reason for the City not to embrace many modal choices fitting the best technology to each region of the "River" or Core. What starts off as Streetcars and perhaps some Skyway extensions may well end up being a world class mix of various transit modes, all layering in a matrix, into the Urban Core. Want to see us REALLY grow? On a Jacksonville Scale, Duplicate Medellin, or San Francisco!
OCKLAWAHA
QuoteI don't think any expensive gimmick (aquarium, gondolas, fish market, movie theatre, etc.) will attract suburbanites to downtown
i disagree, a surfpark, skatepark, southern r%r museum, etc could actually run hand in hand. The surfpark would be unique worldwide. having a commercial venture like ikea, bass pro shops, macys etc is out of our hands seeing that those private entities have no desire to locate downtown. Commercial business as decided to locate to properties to accommodate their workforces automobiles.
I dont believe we have any solutions to draw suburbanites to downtown
I think a golden trolley placed at the right location would bring MJ posters together as a symbol of the greatness of nothingness.
This thread is so basic, city has no money, will have to borrow to spend and grow downtown, it needs more shopping, more residents, more nightlife and private sector will not start the revolution.
Paint the ACL engine at the prime in gold paint.
The city has money, it just being used for programs and projects that many here may not agree with. So what are things the city can invest in (assuming some funding priorities were changed) that will spur market rate development for generations?
Quote from: hillary supporter on February 06, 2010, 10:09:13 AM
QuoteI don't think any expensive gimmick (aquarium, gondolas, fish market, movie theatre, etc.) will attract suburbanites to downtown
i disagree, a surfpark, skatepark, southern r%r museum, etc could actually run hand in hand. The surfpark would be unique worldwide.
While they would be great things to have, people and businesses aren't going to move to and invest in the urban core because they are there. Imo, these are things that can improve the quality of living in the core but they aren't the basic essentials needed for the creation of a vibrant urban district. Right now, Jax is struggling to provide the basics (connectivity, mass transit, zoning, maintenance, tax incentives, etc.).
Quotehaving a commercial venture like ikea, bass pro shops, macys etc is out of our hands seeing that those private entities have no desire to locate downtown. Commercial business as decided to locate to properties to accommodate their workforces automobiles.
If you can build a viable urban community, commercial business will locate and invest in them on their own. This is beginning to happen in long time sprawlers like Charlotte, Nashville, Houston and Orlando. It can happen here as well......if we can get our act together.
QuoteI dont believe we have any solutions to draw suburbanites to downtown
My view is why bother? Instead focus on building an urban core (not just downtown) that appeals to urbanites. If you can create a viable urban community, one of the side effects will be the attraction of suburbanites to an atmosphere that can't be replicated in the burbs.
lake........I agree! There is nothing there now to attract much of anyone! 11E or Carling are basically in stand alone mode and not much else there to act as a magnet! Not to mention a severe lack of mass transit, but yah BRT is coming along with BRT lanes and one way streets more than what is there now! With a lack of overall vision and plan to meet that vision, what little City Hall is planning is just scratching the surface and not much more! Tax breaks and incentives can only do so much but need to be integrated with some kind of a plan or a vision and so far .......not much on that!
You know if we actually made some real investment into the Skyway and developed it into a practical transit option for the urban core that might be an attraction in and of itself. It could be something of people use to identify Jacksonville in the way that people think of subways when they think of New York City. Rather than pussyfoot around with it actually build it out into the places where it would be useful. Build stations that are beautiful and functional. Infrastructure doesn't have to be boring. Just look at the Roman aqueducts. Form and function. Skyway actually might have a leg up on subway in that it offers a great perspective of the city rather that a view of a hole in the ground.
What about a Red Light District?
Better yet...........lets convert City Hall to a real entertainment facility? We could allways tax ourselves to build a new one?
Quote from: Fallen Buckeye on February 06, 2010, 05:49:39 PM
You know if we actually made some real investment into the Skyway and developed it into a practical transit option for the urban core that might be an attraction in and of itself. It could be something of people use to identify Jacksonville in the way that people think of subways when they think of New York City. Rather than pussyfoot around with it actually build it out into the places where it would be useful. Build stations that are beautiful and functional. Infrastructure doesn't have to be boring. Just look at the Roman aqueducts. Form and function. Skyway actually might have a leg up on subway in that it offers a great perspective of the city rather that a view of a hole in the ground.
I said the same thing several years ago and it doesn't have to be that expensive the current skyway downtown is way over built. it looks like it could support 10 times the weight of the trams. After it crosses over state and union street it could follow hogans creek and steadily decline in height until it reached Shands. riverside would be a little trickier but I'm sure it could be done
If the city would admit that they built a skyway to nowere and to fix that mistake they need X amount of dollars the Feds might help out
I know what could bring people downtown
me shirtless 8)
na but a really big popular club would do it. Or big named store fronts, really alot can and hope something does happen. Just get something that the suburbanites will come bring family and go to for fun and your golden.
Space ship would have me living downtown XD
Quote from: Fallen Buckeye on February 06, 2010, 05:49:39 PM
You know if we actually made some real investment into the Skyway and developed it into a practical transit option for the urban core that might be an attraction in and of itself. It could be something of people use to identify Jacksonville in the way that people think of subways when they think of New York City. Rather than pussyfoot around with it actually build it out into the places where it would be useful. Build stations that are beautiful and functional. Infrastructure doesn't have to be boring. Just look at the Roman aqueducts. Form and function. Skyway actually might have a leg up on subway in that it offers a great perspective of the city rather that a view of a hole in the ground.
Actually now that we've gone this far with it, we should at least build it out to were it's planned end points. Federal money is available right now to extend it in 4 directions if we just ask for it. To A.P. Randolph/Stadiums 1 mile M/L (and we could probably attract another hotel or shipyards project with it); Shand's/FSCJ 1 mile M/L; San Marco, Atlantic at FEC RY, 1 mile M/L; Riverside, Annie Lytle 1 mile M/L; this would double the size of the current trackage to about 8 miles, and finally connect real destinations. This is the very same reason why I've been pushing heritage streetcars for 30 years. Talk about a City transit ID? We'd have "Star Wars" above the street, and "Old Granddad" down below, on the street. The Skyway has two nice advantages as a monorail system. Over the street and over the river or railroads, and actually completed it would have some of the economic engine attractors that other fixed transit has. Toss in another 8 miles of streetcar, and maybe 16 miles of Commuter Rail, and we could claim 4 modes operating over 36 miles of fixed routes.
As it operates right now, the Skyway reminds one of a Disney Shuttle... In our case it runs from parking lot DUMBO to parking lot GOOFY! ::)
OCKLAWAHA