Metro Jacksonville

(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/Neighborhoods/Downtowns-Historic-Buildings/P1350367/875175943_VJRC6-M.jpg)

QuoteMEDIA ADVISORY

WHAT:            

Development team to be joined by Mayor John Peyton and JEDC Executive Director Ron Barton in announcement of agreement to purchase and redevelop the historic Barnett Bank and Laura Street Trio buildings in downtown Jacksonville.

WHEN:            

Tuesday, 11:00 a.m. â€" May 25, 2010
                     
WHERE:          

Mayor’s Conference Room â€" Suite 400                            
                     
City Hall
117 W. Duval Street                              
                                               
WHO:              

Ron Barton, JEDC, Project Development Team, Mayor John Peyton

MEDIA
CONTACT:        

Tina Kicklighter, 904/710-3887, tkicklighter@trsg
Nancy Seely, 904/571-2690, nseely@trsg.net

(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/Neighborhoods/Downtowns-Historic-Buildings/P1350381/875176626_G5Bit-M.jpg)

(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/Neighborhoods/Downtowns-Historic-Buildings/P1350373/875176236_wpJtd-M.jpg)

shut the front door!

The lack of response makes me concerned because I feel like this should be something to be very happy about, no?

Oh I can't wait! i just hope it doesnt turn into another let down.

Could be exciting.  BTW, the Andrew Jackson statue would have actually looked pretty sweet on top of the lower building.....

I can't wait to find out whats going to be proposed for these buildings.  I really hope this is finally the beginning of a new era for these grand ladies of downtown.

MJ will be attending yes?

stephen are you going to blog live?

Excitement!!  This will do Tons for Laura Street.  I can't wait until 11:00 am tomorrow!  Will we be lucky enough to get a liveblog of the event??

Gee stephen............If the Mayor is against monitoring blogging and the like, why would he have his office as a hot spot? Seems to me that Johnny has a public persona and a private one in the same breath! Makes me wonder just what him and JEDC is going to give the public this time.............I wonder what its going to cost us!

I thought he had stated he was against monitoring blogging? He did not believe in the power of internet! Now if he is busy surfing porno sites thats one thing...........but he has the options and refuses to utilize to the fullest! Nice to know our tax dollars  are hard at work making things easier for him.....makes me wonder what that costs me and the rest of the taxpayers? He wants to trim the budget............here is his chance! I do agree that the whole City would be nice to be hot but not planning on that taking place!

Ok stephen...........I'll take your word on that situation! It would be nice to have the whole City hot, but will run with that when it happens.....looking forward to what comes out of the meeting, I know you will keep us posted and much thanks for the help!

Did they start remodeling the bank interior?  It looks cleaned up somewhat.

I am thrilled to hear about this, but with the understanding that we'll probably have to be patient. Whatever the plans are, Im sure the time frame for major redevelopment is later rather than sooner.

Still waiting on the Haydon Burns' "one anchor" tenant so they can move forward.

Hope it is a deep pocket motivated developer.

Quote from: JeffreyS on May 24, 2010, 03:53:50 PM
MJ will be attending yes?

Michael Jackson?  I thought he had passed on. Is he the deep pockets in this trilogy?

"HU"

Quote from: heights unknown on May 24, 2010, 08:35:39 PM

Quote from: JeffreyS on May 24, 2010, 03:53:50 PM
MJ will be attending yes?

Michael Jackson?  I thought he had passed on. Is he the deep pockets in this trilogy?

"HU"

Michael Jackson passed on his initials to Metro Jacksonville in his will.

MetroJacksonville had a chance to meet with a member of the design team tonight.  Let me tell you - if this happens, it truly could be the project that gives the core of downtown the kick in the rear it needs.  We were able to see some of the architectural renderings, and they are truly fantastic.  It treats the intersection of Laura and Adams as the true center of downtown, and makes it once again, the focal point of downtown.

WELL I cant wait to see and I cant wait to get back home!

I can't wait to hear more.  Not ready to let my guard down quite yet, but as long as the plans don't involve demolition, anything is better than their current condition.

Quote from: stephendare on May 24, 2010, 10:44:56 PM

Quote from: 9a is my backyard on May 24, 2010, 10:42:16 PM
I can't wait to hear more.  Not ready to let my guard down quite yet, but as long as the plans don't involve demolition, anything is better than their current condition.

No demolition whatsoever.  All plans are for rebuilding, rehab and new construction. 

beautiful!

Perhaps a Macy's? hehe

It could make for a really cool Gay Bar ( open to all)!  Purple and red lights glowing off the white. :o :o ::) ::)  Just a thought!  On Jags home games nights it would be teal and gold lights.  Put a big pool on the roof open to all during the day with a pool bar.  Tea Dancing on Sundays under the stars on the roof with a DJ playing the hits.

http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2010-05-25/story/team-hopes-revamped-laura-street-trio-trumps-downtown-reputation

Have you guys ever been to downtown Tallahassee? You would love it. It seems Capital City Partners made their mark here in Tally when they redid some historic buildings.

Here is a rendering from the TU.
(http://jacksonville.com/sites/default/files/met_LauraStreetTrioR.jpg)

Here are a few images of Hotel Duval in Tallahassee.

(http://taxteaparty.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/Hotel_Duval.5122203_std.jpg)
http://taxteaparty.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/Hotel_Duval.5122203_std.jpg

(http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/58/05/3f/hotel-duval.jpg)
http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/58/05/3f/hotel-duval.jpg

(http://sheltondeandesigns.com/files/QuickSiteImages/Exterior_Day_3_op_800x635.jpg)
http://sheltondeandesigns.com/files/QuickSiteImages/Exterior_Day_3_op_800x635.jpg

Looks nice, how will it look at night. I hope its well lite. Looks nice though.

Now that looks like a real downtown city block.

I'm pretty sure a tear just rolled down my face!

thats nice! the Hotel Duval looks like the old Radisson on Monroe St.

Stephen, looks like they are taking my idea of making the Marble Bank into a restaurant. How awesome would that be? Imgaine something like the Capital Grille or Ruth's Chris in that building!

They're planning to reconstruct the cornice on the Florida Life...I might cry...

Quote from: thelakelander on May 25, 2010, 06:13:14 AM
Here is a rendering from the TU.
(http://jacksonville.com/sites/default/files/met_LauraStreetTrioR.jpg)

Let all of Metro Jax's Members and Forumers.......all together now, say WOW!!!!!!!

"HU"

If this is true, I think I'm moving back to OLE JAX!!!!!!!

After this is done, let's pay attention also to the rest of the vacant lots and undeveloped areas downtown!

"HU"

Maybe this will also prompt some of the previous downtown developments that were put on hold to finally be approved and resume construction.

"HU"

This looks great. Wow.

that is nice. i hope it happens

Wow, wow, wow.... Hotel Duval was a fantastic rebuild.  Once I head the name Capital City Partners I was filled with confidence.

This is really exciting.  These people really know what they are doing!

It's hard to get excited in this economy... but I tell ya, this is really promising!!

Very nice. I hope it actually happens! Especially restoring the old Florida Life building!

Oh, and just to expand upon Hotel Duval, the roof actually has a nice restaurant and higher class bar on it.

O-M-G...  :o what a vision!

I'm awe-struck by that drawing! When can they start??

How much equity will they have in the trio?  How much private financing is being used to fund the projects?

My concern is that why are they doing a press conference if they don't yet own the buildings... makes you wonder if the total financing packaging has been secured yet?

Also this proposed restaurant inside the bank building.. is this something they are intending to open themselves?  The building itself is glorious.... what a setting for a restaurant!  However, that's a lot of expensive square footage to make profitable.

Quote from: fieldafm on May 25, 2010, 09:22:17 AM
How much equity will they have in the trio?  How much private financing is being used to fund the projects?

My concern is that why are they doing a press conference if they don't yet own the buildings... makes you wonder if the total financing packaging has been secured yet?

As stated in previous posts, I think they are seeking money from the Historical Preservation fund to secure the deal and make this happen. Im kind of bitter/sweet right now. We've been promised so many great projects. I dont want to get my hopes up and be let down AGAIN.

How do they plan to integrate their ground-level retail and restaurant/bar spaces into the Laura St. streetscape as proposed by the city?  Are they going to work together with the city on that point to ensure there isn't a planter in the wrong place on the sidewalk, etc?

Quote from: duvaldude08 on May 25, 2010, 09:31:35 AM

Quote from: fieldafm on May 25, 2010, 09:22:17 AM
How much equity will they have in the trio?  How much private financing is being used to fund the projects?

My concern is that why are they doing a press conference if they don't yet own the buildings... makes you wonder if the total financing packaging has been secured yet?

As stated in previous posts, I think they are seeking money from the Historical Preservation fund to secure the deal and make this happen. Im kind of bitter/sweet right now. We've been promised so many great projects. I dont want to get my hopes up and be let down AGAIN.

I don't believe the historic preservation trust fund can be used to secure purchase of a building.  The trust fund would indeed be used in some capacity(tax credits over a fixed period and grant money for historical facade restorations more than likely), but the bulk of this project is going to have to come from private financing and cash.  This is not a cheap project by any means.

I'm trying to contain my excitement, b/c being familiar with this group's previous work coupled with the tidbit of plans leaked so far this is really a fantastic opportunity, due to the price tag this project is going to carry in a difficult financial environment(although the difficulty is getting less so daily).  That's why the equity question really sticks out in my mind.

The Hotel Duval has a Shula's steakhouse on the ground floor as well. I haven't been to the rooftop bar yet, but I've heard its very well done.

Here is a great link from Tallahassee's equivalent to MetroJacksonville that has photos of the project as it was in progress. It had previously had work done and didn't look like the photo that Lakelander linked earlier in the thread when they began.

http://urbantallahassee.com/v4/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=238%3Ahotel-duval-by-radisson&catid=83%3Acomplete&Itemid=88&showall=1

Start at the bottom of the page and scroll up.

the restoration of the cornices is great news. I remember when they removed them.

Ask Peyton about the Historic fund for parking vs the trio and the Ambassador Hotel.  By having this press conference in his office, it seems like John Boy is committing to getting this built, but he has said that he is going to take the money they need to do it and give it to the Landing...?

I may have missed that the funding issue had been resolved, but I wanted to make sure.

I can't wait until 11 am!!!

Quote from: fieldafm on May 25, 2010, 09:48:08 AM

Quote from: duvaldude08 on May 25, 2010, 09:31:35 AM

Quote from: fieldafm on May 25, 2010, 09:22:17 AM
How much equity will they have in the trio?  How much private financing is being used to fund the projects?

My concern is that why are they doing a press conference if they don't yet own the buildings... makes you wonder if the total financing packaging has been secured yet?

As stated in previous posts, I think they are seeking money from the Historical Preservation fund to secure the deal and make this happen. Im kind of bitter/sweet right now. We've been promised so many great projects. I dont want to get my hopes up and be let down AGAIN.

I don't believe the historic preservation trust fund can be used to secure purchase of a building.  The trust fund would indeed be used in some capacity(tax credits over a fixed period and grant money for historical facade restorations more than likely), but the bulk of this project is going to have to come from private financing and cash.  This is not a cheap project by any means.

I'm trying to contain my excitement, b/c being familiar with this group's previous work coupled with the tidbit of plans leaked so far this is really a fantastic opportunity, due to the price tag this project is going to carry in a difficult financial environment(although the difficulty is getting less so daily).  That's why the equity question really sticks out in my mind.

OOH ok gotcha. Makes sense. I wish they would have annouced this AFTER the deal was done. But this kind of shows how serious they are about the project including the mayor (Thats a shocker). If everything goes the way is should, which it looks like, we will pull money from metro park and get the Landing their parking, and in turn The Landing does the promised renovations and also attract more teanets, the lighting Laura street project is complete and the trio and barnett bldgs move ahead, this will be explosive. And with Bay street and the court house not to far away, this will be a buzzing area. This would also be one step to make us superbowl once again.

" Im so excited, I just cant hide it."

Once the trio is restored, Laura street is finished, and Peyton is out of office, the Landing will just scream 'Open me up!!'. To think of looking from Hemming down Laura with all the pedestrian activity, the beautiful streetscape, and the river in the background is so moving.

Ive actually been praying long and hard about this city lately. Hopefully the man upstairs moves in our favor  :)

Quote from: duvaldude08 on May 25, 2010, 10:10:22 AM
Ive actually been praying long and hard about this city lately. Hopefully the man upstairs moves in our favor  :)

I like it

Quote from: Captain Zissou on May 25, 2010, 10:04:33 AM
Once the trio is restored, Laura street is finished, and Peyton is out of office, the Landing will just scream 'Open me up!!'. To think of looking from Hemming down Laura with all the pedestrian activity, the beautiful streetscape, and the river in the background is so moving.

I heard Paul Crawford speak at a seminar recently and he said they were trying to encourage the owners of the Modis Building and the BOA Tower to open their buildings up to Laura Street and/or add outdoor restaurant/bar seating along Laura. I believe those towers already have their own deli's/lunch establishments on the ground floor. If they were to open up to Laura that would bring a great deal more people to the street and make it even more vibrant in the day time.

I was at the Landing redesign thing back in the fall and proposed that they move the Landing Food Court to the area that they want to cut out parallel to Laura. So as you walk into the Landing from Laura you would be walking by the fast food establishments. I think this would make the Landing more accessible to downtown workers who have short lunch breaks and better connect the Landing with the Laura Street corridor.

So much potential there.....

Quote from: duvaldude08 on May 25, 2010, 10:10:22 AM
Ive actually been praying long and hard about this city lately. Hopefully the man upstairs moves in our favor  :)

You and me both.

Quote from: stephendare on May 25, 2010, 09:16:15 AM
Are there any questions that you guys would like me to ask while weve got them all in the same room?

Will the parking garage they're building include ground-floor tenants?

Stephen..where's the live blog?

I just walked around the buildings they can be wonderful. Lots of work though.

Quote from: hiddentrack on May 25, 2010, 10:53:39 AM
Will the parking garage they're building include ground-floor tenants?

I can take this, as we saw the renderings last night.  No, there will be no retail at the garage itself, but I'm not hugely concerned in this case.  The actual street footprint of the garage itself facing Adams and Forsyth is pretty narrow, and it will be wrapped by the new building adjacent to the Florida Life on Adams, and the Bisbee building on Forsyth.

Furthermore, there will be a significant amount of Ground Floor Retail., and a hotel across the street to help it stay active.

Is there any plans to make the housing units 'for sale' at some point?

Two things, It looks like the top floor of the Florida Life Bldg will be a single unit.  That's a heck of a penthouse!  Also, Atkins had my favorite design for the old library.  His was a mid rise mixed use with a movie theatre and grocery store in the bottom.  I think this guy just gets it.  Anyone still have a picture?

I'm so excited about this.  The design, the interaction with the street, and the potential to re-use 4 historic buildings, add a new residential bldg and bring 130+ residential units to the core is amazing!!

Given the problems with rental units in Carling and 11E., I wonder what the rent levels will be.  If market rate, I think they will do ok, especially if the economy recovers more. 

I think this project gives STRONG vindication to the Laura Street project. 

We were told the residential units would be market rate.

Great news in difficult times.
This will be a great catalyst for the city.
We should consider it a call to rally.

This is the kind of 'out of nowhere' project that can begin the process of making a downtown explosive.  Very exciting. 

If this gets through all the bureaucratic nonsense when would they estimate breaking grund?

Quote from: futurejax on May 25, 2010, 12:17:34 PM
If this gets through all the bureaucratic nonsense when would they estimate breaking grund?

you basically answered my question before my post went through  :)

I hope this can be a catalyst for jobs to come downtown too, either from outside or from the Southside.  

So Stephendare,

Is the deal offical?

Quote from: stephendare on May 25, 2010, 12:16:32 PM
They are hoping to get all the paperwork for the project done over the next nine months or so, and then a solid two years of construction and building

The wonderful part of new construction is the added benefit of jobs/overall economic value while the building is being done.  Win-win

Hopefully the city doesn't F this up during this process.

Quote from: stephendare on May 25, 2010, 12:41:42 PM
 I literally could have grown an elephant from calfhood, tamed and saddled it and ridden into town and arrived faster.  I might have even been able to throw it a bar mitzvah.

My favorite mental image of the day had been a restored Florida Life building with a suspended glass canopy and reconstructed cornice.

Now there is competition for the title.

Great!  Thanks Stephendare. That's music to my ears!  ;D

I am too excited. I supposed to be working and keep checking the website for updates! :)
I cant wait to cacth a glimpse of the renderings on tomorrow. Man once this finishes I will definately be moving to the core. I actually wanted to move to The Carling or 11 E Forsyth they were too costly. So i move to Baymeadows instead. If the Laura street units are going to market rates, Im packing up.

Come on Stephen! Give us one image to tide us over until tomorrow.  It's like Christmas, you get one present to open the night before.

They have got to make those apts affordable to attract some young professionals who can afford them. I was just about priced out of the Downtown rental market baack in 2006.

Stephen, check your inbox.

Quote from: stephendare on May 25, 2010, 01:20:09 PM
Christmas Eve at Grammas:

(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/878713746_24ZLM-600x10000.jpg)

Do you think this will ultimately be the beginning of long term downtown vitality?

Stephen,
I really like this proposal. I was thinking that the Barnett Building was just waiting for the right person. Kuhn already had it gutted and new windows put on. It is like a clean slate inside. I love the modern apt building in the empty lot. I like everything about this. Hopefully everything goes smoothly and construction starts within the 9 months you mentioned. Until the last brick is laid, I won't get too excited, but I must admit, Christmas came early this year.

Will there be a suspended people mover/bridge connecting barnett to the parking garage/new apt building over the street?  If it's done tastefully it would look great.  Residents would love that in the rain...

Quote from: stephendare on May 25, 2010, 01:56:06 PM

Found out from Jerry Spinks that Bob Broward apparently has the original molds of Klutho's Cornices from the Florida Life Building, to the replacements may actually be cast from the original, and perfectly replicated.

Can this day get any better?

Quote from: stephendare on May 25, 2010, 01:40:46 PM

Quote from: futurejax on May 25, 2010, 01:26:48 PM

Do you think this will ultimately be the beginning of long term downtown vitality?

If they get the last 3% handled and build it, yes.

This project includes all of the elements that have worked time and time again across the country.  Mixed use development, but so intelligently thought out that it makes it into a generator.

Not that anyone should underestimate the human capacity to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

If the lease prices (either commercial or residential) are too high, it could easily implode.

If the City half asses their part, it could also f' up, but if this is at all indicative of the types of projects being pursued by the city, then the answer is an unqualified 'yes'.

That's awesome and it seems the most difficult part of these projects (financing), especially in the lending climate we re in, is pretty much addressed.   Next up downtown light rail/street car or trolly connecting Laura St to the Landing, Landing all the way to the stadium, etc.,?......

Quote from: Wacca Pilatka on May 25, 2010, 02:08:02 PM

Quote from: stephendare on May 25, 2010, 01:56:06 PM

Found out from Jerry Spinks that Bob Broward apparently has the original molds of Klutho's Cornices from the Florida Life Building, to the replacements may actually be cast from the original, and perfectly replicated.

Can this day get any better?

Only if streetcar/trolleys are announced as official and ready to go before close of business! :D

Quote from: stephendare on May 25, 2010, 01:20:09 PM
Christmas Eve at Grammas:

(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/878713746_24ZLM-600x10000.jpg)

Thank you sir.  That should curb my appetite for a few hours.  It looks amazing.

Quote from: Doctor_K on May 25, 2010, 02:14:08 PM

Quote from: Wacca Pilatka on May 25, 2010, 02:08:02 PM

Quote from: stephendare on May 25, 2010, 01:56:06 PM

Found out from Jerry Spinks that Bob Broward apparently has the original molds of Klutho's Cornices from the Florida Life Building, to the replacements may actually be cast from the original, and perfectly replicated.

Can this day get any better?

Only if streetcar/trolleys are announced as official and ready to go before close of business! :D

I figure I should get to marry a member of the Roar as part of the bargain also, but that's probably being too selfish...

[/quote]

I figure I should get to marry a member of the Roar as part of the bargain also, but that's probably being too selfish...
[/quote]

I was talking to a former member of the Roar this weekend and she said she had gotten to the point that she was going to marry the next guy that walked by.  A couple of guys walked by soon after, where were you on Friday night?  You maybe getting your wish!

This is great news, and I sure do hope it spurs additional development in DT Jax. This could turn Laura Street into the place to be.

Quote from: thelakelander on May 24, 2010, 03:13:33 PM
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/Neighborhoods/Downtowns-Historic-Buildings/P1350367/875175943_VJRC6-M.jpg)

QuoteMEDIA ADVISORY

WHAT:             

Development team to be joined by Mayor John Peyton and JEDC Executive Director Ron Barton in announcement of agreement to purchase and redevelop the historic Barnett Bank and Laura Street Trio buildings in downtown Jacksonville.

WHEN:             

Tuesday, 11:00 a.m. – May 25, 2010
                     
WHERE:           

Mayor’s Conference Room – Suite 400                             
                     
City Hall
117 W. Duval Street                               
                                               
WHO:               

Ron Barton, JEDC, Project Development Team, Mayor John Peyton

MEDIA
CONTACT:       

Tina Kicklighter, 904/710-3887, tkicklighter@trsg
Nancy Seely, 904/571-2690, nseely@trsg.net

(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/Neighborhoods/Downtowns-Historic-Buildings/P1350381/875176626_G5Bit-M.jpg)

(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/Neighborhoods/Downtowns-Historic-Buildings/P1350373/875176236_wpJtd-M.jpg)

Yea right...whatever.

It does seem unbelieveable.  We were talking last night, and it's like 2006 all over again.  The Landing is fighting for parking, there are plans for the Laura Trio and Barnett, there is a push for Laura Street to be THE pedestrian centerpiece for downtown, all on the eve of a mayor's race.  Let see if we can do it this time.

I agree with Coolyfett.  I will believe it when I see it...  The land of Peyton is the land where dreams go to die...

you know you are right Steve. It feels like 2006 all over again! crazy.

New article on the Times Union Website.

http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2010-05-25/story/team-hopes-revamped-laura-street-trio-trumps-downtown-reputation


(http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq113/mgeary77/LauraStreet-5.jpg)

KEY

Laura Street Trio - Plus One

A development team has plans to fill the vacant Laura Street Trio in downtown Jacksonville with apartments, restaurants and retail. The developers also want to build a new eight-story apartment building next to the historic set of structures.

1. New apartments
An eight-story building would have about 42 apartments and street-level space for stores or restaurants.

2. Florida Life Building
The narrow, 11-story building would have about 19 apartments plus ground-floor retail or dining.

3. Marble Bank Building
The two-story building would be used for an upscale dining restaurant.

4. Bisbee building
About 36 apartments plus ground-floor retail and dining would fill the 10-story building.

5. Common corridor
A new common corridor would create a structure connecting the new apartment building with the Florida Life and Busbee buildings.

6. Parking garage
A new parking garage with roughly 250 spaces would be built off Forsyth Street as part of the project.

The one thing the will need to be built is a proper 800-car parking garage for Laura street and the Landing. Without this the success of redeveloping Laura street will be up in the air.

Stephen, did they show any night renderings? I was wondering how these buildings would be lit up. I hope they restore the electronic clock/temperature sign on the Barnett.

Quote from: stephendare on May 25, 2010, 02:56:43 PM
They are paying some attention to the lighting, FSUJax.  In our discussion last night for example, there are plans to place a large brushed metal "The Trio" sign vertically down the side of the Florida Life Building.  Behind the sign they mentioned placing cobalt blue lights that would cast a blue glow down onto the streets below.

Lighting, while doesn't seem all the important, can really set an overall tone. People have jobs of just testing to see what certain lighting will do. Its really interesting.

What is that connecting corridor building all about?

Quote from: St. Auggie on May 25, 2010, 02:38:36 PM

I figure I should get to marry a member of the Roar as part of the bargain also, but that's probably being too selfish...
[/quote]

I was talking to a former member of the Roar this weekend and she said she had gotten to the point that she was going to marry the next guy that walked by.  A couple of guys walked by soon after, where were you on Friday night?  You maybe getting your wish!
[/quote]

I was in Portsmouth, Virginia, which didn't do me a lot of good.

Quote from: 5PointsGuy on May 25, 2010, 08:48:39 AM
Oh, and just to expand upon Hotel Duval, the roof actually has a nice restaurant and higher class bar on it.

It's called Level 8.  They have a pretty cool video of their grand opening on their website: http://www.hotelduval.com/. 

Do they have plans of opening up the roof of the Marble Bank for cocktail parties, dining, etc?

Quote from: stephendare on May 25, 2010, 03:33:32 PM
There are no plans to open the roof of the Marble Bank,  I asked the question last night.  The roof is recently redone (by Kuhn, I believe) and wouldnt support the weight. Also there is a huge skylight up there.

That is too bad. It would have been a perfect place.

Quote from: fsujax on May 25, 2010, 02:50:19 PM
you know you are right Steve. It feels like 2006 all over again! crazy.

It's be nice if the Jags would have the #2 defense in the league again too.

Quote from: stephendare on May 25, 2010, 01:20:09 PM
Christmas Eve at Grammas:

(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/878713746_24ZLM-600x10000.jpg)

The Barnett building will never look like that!!!..................?.........Hmmmmm

Quote from: Steve on May 25, 2010, 02:49:00 PM
It does seem unbelieveable.  We were talking last night, and it's like 2006 all over again.  The Landing is fighting for parking, there are plans for the Laura Trio and Barnett, there is a push for Laura Street to be THE pedestrian centerpiece for downtown, all on the eve of a mayor's race.  Let see if we can do it this time.

So you do have doubts?

There is a Shula's at the Sheraton on Deerwood Park Blvd.  I've driven past it a few times and it doesn't look very busy.  So there will be the Bank Hotel and Bank Steak House as part of this development?

Quote from: stephendare on May 25, 2010, 09:49:51 AM
And Yes!, the cornices will be completely restored!

The cornices in the illustration are beautiful.

Recently I came up with the ideal location for my future dream apartment: the top of the Florida Life building. It could be a reality!

Will this be the topic at tonight's Three Layers meeting? I may change my plans to be there.

Abel Harding, Jacksonville.com business reporter, stayed at the Hotel Duval last night and plans on writing an article about it.

Quote from: Wacca Pilatka on May 25, 2010, 02:08:02 PM

Quote from: stephendare on May 25, 2010, 01:56:06 PM

Found out from Jerry Spinks that Bob Broward apparently has the original molds of Klutho's Cornices from the Florida Life Building, to the replacements may actually be cast from the original, and perfectly replicated.

Can this day get any better?

And I spent the midday at an open house far away from Downtown. This whole thread (9 pages!) makes me want to weep with joy! This day would be improved only if I had attended the press conference.

QuoteAs a side note, Id hate to be any mayor, trying to explain to Emily Lisska why it was ok to use historic preservation funds to build a parking lot.  It seems like the kind of thing that Mussolini would have needed xanax to attempt.

Hilarious!

Quote from: newzgrrl on May 25, 2010, 04:44:47 PM

Quote from: stephendare on May 25, 2010, 09:49:51 AM
And Yes!, the cornices will be completely restored!

The cornices in the illustration are beautiful.

Recently I came up with the ideal location for my future dream apartment: the top of the Florida Life building. It could be a reality!

Will this be the topic at tonight's Three Layers meeting? I may change my plans to be there.

More importantly, will you guys have the renderings at the meeting tonight?? I can't stay, but I'm definitely going to stop by if you have them.

WJXT has put up a slide show.

http://www.news4jax.com/slideshow/news/23670563/detail.html

So how much is this plan going to cost the City?  Can't imagine private investors ponying up the all the money  in this economy?

Wow, Im away for half a day and look what happens.

I drove by the Laura Trio and the Barnett building today just b/c of this announcement.  From the sounds of this, it is a REALLY ambitious project.  I'm curious as more details unfold.  Sounds like they are not fully funded yet from Stephen's comments... which makes sense that this announcement was made before a purchase has gone through.

Atkinson Knight had the trio and the Barnett buildings listed at a combined $10m pricetag.  I could see anywhere from 8-9m to be a realistic number in this case(for comparison the Jacksonville Bank Building across the street lists at 8.5million).

As Zissou said, Shula's 347 is already at the new Sheraton in Southside.  Shula's 347 is of course the steakhouse franchise of former Miami Dolphin head coach Don Shula(347 stands for the number of wins he had, the winningest head coach in NFL history).  BTW, Shula's is all over halfoffdepot and restaurant.com for those that want to give it a try :).  If you like good honest prime meat... they fit the bill.  347 is one of five of Shula's franchise concepts... geared more towards the business traveler/cocktail crowd and always located in a hotel.  I very much doubt there would be a second one in town b/c they do have defined territory agreements, and the Florida National Bank building has more square feet than typical Shula franchises.

For those that haven't been to the Duval Hotel(or Hotel Duval, whatever :) ) in Tally... its really cool.  They have a touch screen concierge service in the rooms(order room service, check out recommended local establishments, and you can even use the touch screen thingamadevice to have your car ready for valet pickup).  It was fairly 'green' when renovated.  You can choose what color room you want(they literally ask you what color you want... like a room painted orange, red, yellow, etc).  And of course as mentioned previously a really cool rooftop bar/deck.

I'm intrigued, excited and optimistic mainly b/c the Capital City group has the expertise to pull off such an endeavour... but still VERY curious to see more details as they unfold.

Instead of the 'Bank Hotel', I would call it the Barnett Hotel.  That makes it more historically unique and authentic, IMO. Likewise, instead of 'Bank SteakHouse', why not 'Marble Steak House'.

This is great news of course, but I have learned not to get my hopes up.

A very exciting day for downtown, that's for certain.

^ excellent ideas for suggested names.  I think this is a very exciting announcement, and I hope the developers are aware of the support for this project.  These plans seem more realistic than others from the past.  It isn't just some 50 story condo tower.  It utilizes historical buildings and is diverse in nature.  I can't just cast a development like this aside because I already frequent the area and used to live in the Carling.  Perhaps they can make a place large enough for Chew.  It would be great to keep the restaurant in that area.  If these plans actually come to fruition, then maybe 20 West will be revived as well.  I have hope!

how about somewhere in the complex....
http://www.bowlluckystrike.com/home

Stephen, is there any relation to Claudia and Mary L'engle from Friday Musicale? I've always wondered if the founder of FM was related to the author of my favorite books as a child...and now that you say she's connected to Barnett, i think it's a legitimate possibility.

This is all so good.  Great news and it seems it will all come to fruition, and the planning initiatives seem to be intact, in place, orderly, and for real.  I think the financial aspect relative to this project coming to fruition will happen, and there will be no road blocks.  Great job Stephen; thanks for all of the hard work and super info in keeping us informed of the news break about this new project.

"HU"

Things like this almost make me believe a God exists.

Dont head to chruch yet, remember all the big plans in 2006. How many of those got completed?

Quote from: Keith-N-Jax on May 25, 2010, 11:47:20 PM
Dont head to chruch yet, remember all the big plans in 2006. How many of those got completed?

2006 plans and completed are an oxymoron.

Hence I remain theologically skeptical.

Signet wanted something like $18 million in loans and grants when they proposed renovating these structures in 2003.  Vestcor got something like $19 million for 11 East.  Did the development group ever reveal how much money, in terms of public incentives that they'll need to pull this off?

You can remain whatever you like. We all get so excited when some ritz rendering is printed in the TU only to see is never come to pass. I'll wait and watch. You guys should know this by now.

WOW is all I have to say.  If this actually happens, which certainly isn't a guarantee these days, it would be amazing for downtown.  I would LOVE to live in one of these once I graduate.  Moving from Springfield to Downtown would be a joy!

Agree totally Konstant..  I would love to see the Laura Trio revived.  3 very beautiful and important Historic Downtown Structures.   I do hope this comes to pass.

I totally agree with Keith on this one.  I will believe it when the project is completed.  How many times has Lucy pulled the football away from us?  And we're making yet another dash to kick the ball.  Good grief! 
We are so hypnotized by Gate Petroleum, Jr. that it is sickening!

No one is betting their home that this will be done. We are however excited a developer who has done good work in the past is going to give it a try.

Be jaded if you want just don't try to ruin everyone Else's fun.
Enjoy what you can while you can.

I don't want to ruin everyone else's fun but want us to keep our grain of salt close by.  Imagine how many times that my hopes have been raised for something good to happen in our city only to become disappointed by the same G.O.B. shenanigans.  I will raise my glass when the project is complete : )

Sounds like a grand fishing expedition for city concessions and public interest. Developers usually develop things with other people's money. Did they say where this money is coming from?

Quote from: Overstreet on May 26, 2010, 08:20:28 AM
Sounds like a grand fishing expedition for city concessions and public interest. Developers usually develop things with other people's money. Did they say where this money is coming from?

Stephen can tell you more, but there are multiple entities with large equity positions in the development.  They only need financing for a portion of the project.  While they need city funds to reach 100% of the project cost, they already have a large chunk of the money without it. 

This is one way the project differs from the projects of '06.  They are financing it through private equity holders, not city funds or massive debt positions.  The design is realistic, well thought out, and doable.  It interacts with the street and enhances the pedestrian experience as well.  Bishopgate, Commadore Point, the St. John, The St James, and many others from '06 failed to do any of this.

Quote from: stephendare on May 26, 2010, 11:19:12 AM
We are going to get a hardhat tour of the buildings next week with Steve Atkins.  Lots of photos will ensue.  I know Ock has real hopes of getting underneath the Kluthos to search for the long lost tunnels of Klutho.

Tunnels of Klutho?

I'm intrigued.

Enjoy and get caught up in the heat, passion, and lust of the present moment.  If the love affair does not continue after that, oh well, at least we got off! That's what most everyone is trying to say.  Hey, this could go on to become a marriage in which it could last forever; and then we'll have these beautiful three buildings, and the new building and parking garage to go along with it for all eternity! If not, then just enjoy the one night stand at present!

"HU"

Being that Laura street is one of Johnny boys pet projects, I see him bending over backwards to make this happen. I honestly believe we see some construction early on next year.

http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/401574/abel-harding/2010-05-26/hotel-duval-brought-life-tallahassees-downtown-could

another article

Quote from: Jaxson on May 26, 2010, 06:39:08 AM
I totally agree with Keith on this one.  I will believe it when the project is completed.  How many times has Lucy pulled the football away from us?  And we're making yet another dash to kick the ball.  Good grief! 
We are so hypnotized by Gate Petroleum, Jr. that it is sickening!

I was never fooled by Mr Gate P Jr.  I cannot wait til hes gone ! him and his thieving team.

Who operates the Hotel Duval?

^ Their staff.



Heh, I just couldn't resist.  :)

There needs to be a Skyway station at Laura and Forsyth.

^^not ever going to happen.

Come over here Jason...  closer.....(smacking noise)
.Many hotels have a separate ownership group, and an operating agreement with a brand or company
I was curious if these guys ran their own deal.

Quote from: Coolyfett on May 26, 2010, 03:49:11 PM
There needs to be a Skyway station at Laura and Forsyth.

I have to say I hate the skyway because it makes downtown feel like Gothan City on Hogan St.  Besides the Hogan and Monroe stop is close to Laura and Forsyth.

Quote from: stephendare on May 25, 2010, 04:39:30 PM

Quote from: Captain Zissou on May 25, 2010, 04:29:38 PM
There is a Shula's at the Sheraton on Deerwood Park Blvd.  I've driven past it a few times and it doesn't look very busy.  So there will be the Bank Hotel and Bank Steak House as part of this development?

Well they are both Bank Buildings with vaults and all.

But I think in the Brochure its just a generic name until the decide on the Franchise.

The vaults are still there?

Yes, the vaults are still there.  Btw, no need for another skyway station.  The Hogan Street station is a two block walk away from this proposed development.

I worked in the basement and vault area back in the day for Barnett.  There were a lot of interesting nooks and cranies down there.

Quote from: vicupstate on May 25, 2010, 08:43:50 PM
Instead of the 'Bank Hotel', I would call it the Barnett Hotel.  That makes it more historically unique and authentic, IMO. Likewise, instead of 'Bank SteakHouse', why not 'Marble Steak House'.

This is great news of course, but I have learned not to get my hopes up.

I think many of us have. Id like to see it happen for the sake of growth and progress for downtown Jax....but like many other things reported...they never come to light.

I like the way the name is listed "the Bank Hotel" in the Barnett Building.  I also like "the Barnett". However if they want to call it "the generic" I would be fine with that too.

I believe the operating group is affiliated with Marriott.

I'm sure the names will change depending on what brand of restaurant and hotel they bring in.

Quote from: Jaxson on May 26, 2010, 08:11:48 AM
I don't want to ruin everyone else's fun but want us to keep our grain of salt close by.  Imagine how many times that my hopes have been raised for something good to happen in our city only to become disappointed by the same G.O.B. shenanigans.  I will raise my glass when the project is complete : )

That guys wise!

Ewoks

Has anyone discussed why the hotel "context" graphic highlights the surface parking lot on Forsyth? I wasn't aware that it was owned by the city, but they labeled it "city surface parking."

Are they planning to lease these surface spaces for hotel parking?

Quote from: stephendare on May 26, 2010, 11:19:12 AM
We are going to get a hardhat tour of the buildings next week with Steve Atkins.  Lots of photos will ensue.  I know Ock has real hopes of getting underneath the Kluthos to search for the long lost tunnels of Klutho.

Steve Lovett says that the underground vault and the old safety deposit boxes are a pretty interesting site.  Im looking forward to seeing some photos of that.

If you see that ghost librarian from the Ghostbusters movie will you take a pic for us stephan?

Joe, that lot is owned by the city, courtesy of Humana bailing DT.  I noticed it was highlighted to but I'm not sure if its a part of the pending deal or not.

Quote from: thelakelander on May 26, 2010, 03:53:51 PM
The Hogan Street station is a two block walk away from this proposed development.

But..but, if they don't have dedicated parking right outside the front door, no one will go.

Quote from: Kay on May 26, 2010, 03:52:00 PM

Quote from: Coolyfett on May 26, 2010, 03:49:11 PM
There needs to be a Skyway station at Laura and Forsyth.

I have to say I hate the skyway because it makes downtown feel like Gothan City on Hogan St.  Besides the Hogan and Monroe stop is close to Laura and Forsyth.

Holy Monorailtracks Batgirl!!! From the map I see in todays article Hemming station is not close to Laura & Forsyth...what map were you looking at?

Quote from: thelakelander on May 26, 2010, 03:53:51 PM
Yes, the vaults are still there.  Btw, no need for another skyway station.  The Hogan Street station is a two block walk away from this proposed development.

What about the Landing?

Quote from: Coolyfett on May 26, 2010, 04:25:14 PM

Quote from: Kay on May 26, 2010, 03:52:00 PM

Quote from: Coolyfett on May 26, 2010, 03:49:11 PM
There needs to be a Skyway station at Laura and Forsyth.

I have to say I hate the skyway because it makes downtown feel like Gothan City on Hogan St.  Besides the Hogan and Monroe stop is close to Laura and Forsyth.

Holy Monorailtracks Batgirl!!! From the map I see in todays article Hemming station is not close to Laura & Forsyth...what map were you looking at?

Three blocks - Skyway stations should not be any closer than that.

Quote from: finehoe on May 26, 2010, 04:23:34 PM

Quote from: thelakelander on May 26, 2010, 03:53:51 PM
The Hogan Street station is a two block walk away from this proposed development.

But..but, if they don't have dedicated parking right outside the front door, no one will go.

Nice try, but there will be an 8-level garage right across the street.  Now since you bring it up, lets completely take the proposed Laura Trio's garage out of the equation and see how feasible the restoration of these buildings become.

Quote from: Coolyfett on May 26, 2010, 04:26:19 PM

Quote from: thelakelander on May 26, 2010, 03:53:51 PM
Yes, the vaults are still there.  Btw, no need for another skyway station.  The Hogan Street station is a two block walk away from this proposed development.

What about the Landing?

The Landing is roughly two blocks from the skyway's Central station.  If Sleiman gets his hands on the lot he's after, the Landing's property will essentially be right next door.  Transit riders typically have no problem walking 1/4 mile distance from the adjacent station to their destination.  The entire Laura Street corridor in DT is well within that radius from the skyway.

So....what are the odds this makes it to reality?

To check out the Hotel in Tallahassee who will be working on the new stuff in jax go here:

Hotelduval.com

Also Check out UrbanTallahassee.com  Search for Hotel Duval We have it covered in pictures.

Quote from: Coolyfett on May 26, 2010, 04:25:14 PM

Quote from: Kay on May 26, 2010, 03:52:00 PM

Quote from: Coolyfett on May 26, 2010, 03:49:11 PM
There needs to be a Skyway station at Laura and Forsyth.

I have to say I hate the skyway because it makes downtown feel like Gothan City on Hogan St.  Besides the Hogan and Monroe stop is close to Laura and Forsyth.

Holy Monorailtracks Batgirl!!! From the map I see in todays article Hemming station is not close to Laura & Forsyth...what map were you looking at?

the one that comes with living here!

Quote from: tufsu1 on May 26, 2010, 09:25:48 PM

the one that comes with living here!

Aren't you so smart. And after seeing the plans and renderings this really looks like an amazing project, I just hope it doesn't fall through. Also that it becomes all that they say it will be. 

IF this project actually comes to fruction, this could finally be a viable turning point for our urban core.    It is such a shame that Cameron Kuhn's efforts fell through because I think the man had the best of intentions and I know some of his projects in Orlando were successful.  That said, this is a new day and a new plan.  I hope it works . :)

Quote from: stephendare on May 26, 2010, 11:49:53 AM

Quote from: ProjectMaximus on May 25, 2010, 10:55:36 PM
Stephen, is there any relation to Claudia and Mary L'engle from Friday Musicale? I've always wondered if the founder of FM was related to the author of my favorite books as a child...and now that you say she's connected to Barnett, i think it's a legitimate possibility.

Here is a link to the L'Engle family thread here on metrojacksonville.  And at the bottom of the first page of that thread there is a link to Madeleine L'Engle.
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/forum/index.php/topic,5788.0.html

Thanks Stephen. Interesting stuff, I'll read it tmrw.

I don't know whether to laugh or cry at rants like this.

QuoteRants & Raves: Grants for downtown ripping off taxpayers

The mayor and City Council can’t expect firefighters and police to accept salaries, benefits and pensions equal to the private sector if they continue to waste money. The latest examples are the unqualified Equal Business Opportunity contracts [allowed] by Internet-playing city employees, and the likely [Jacksonville Economic Development Commission] grants to renovate several downtown buildings. Downtown doesn’t need more offices, more apartments or more hotel rooms, but the developers again see a chance to bilk us taxpayers to fill their wallets. If the development is a good idea, let them pay for it completely.

http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2010-05-27/story/rants-raves-grants-downtown-ripping-taxpayers

^^What is "internet-playing"?

Finehoe --- I am guessing that the 'Internet-playing employees' comment refers to recent events in the news (Please see below):

http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2010-05-21/story/city-department-overstaffed-employees-caught-doing-personal-work-clock

Yeah Lake, the whole comments section of the TU is full of 'em. 

I can't help but see comments like that as merely uninformed.  If we could pull more of the TU readers into this site as more than just a browser they may learn a bit more about what is happening and see this for what it truely is, a good thing that is using dollars having nothing to do with police, fire, education, or stuffing developer's wallets.

yeah, Jason it is very frustrating reading those comments. Some people will just never get it.

A lot of those people also bash the paper and call it a rag, yet log on to post stupid comments. Oh the irony.

I can't understand that person's logic at all.  Yes, we have given developers free money in the past, but this is not like those deals.  A lot of the money was already earmarked for this purpose, and the additional cash contribution by the city will not be huge, as far as I know.

This guy doesn't want downtown to be improved, which is the identity of our city, which is what potential new residents see as they pass by on 95, or when they visit for a football game.  What does he think is a better use for historic preservation funds and money that will have a huge return created by additional private investment??

Damn... I missed all this...(been out of town...Vegas!)  AWESOME NEWS!  I got a tour of the Barnett when they were beginning renovation.  Such a cool building!  Please begin work on the Laura trio ASAP!

Yes its a cool building, and a great plan. Hoping it will spur additional development, and redevelopment in DT Jax.

Quote from: thelakelander on May 26, 2010, 04:19:10 PM
Joe, that lot is owned by the city, courtesy of Humana bailing DT.  I noticed it was highlighted to but I'm not sure if its a part of the pending deal or not.

Actually, it is in the deal. However, the plan at this point was for it to stay a surface lot.

Quote from: Steve on May 27, 2010, 12:45:14 PM
Actually, it is in the deal. However, the plan at this point was for it to stay a surface lot.

Hmm, well hopefully that will change in time. We can also hope to get rid of that ungodly looking metal contraption across the street from Modis.

Most of the people who post on the TU are too cheap to afford a subscription.

I'd say between Dos Gatos, Lit, Ivy's and the other bay street bars there is about 2/3 of a district.  King street is about half way there.  Avondale may be on it's way too.

Quote from: futurejax on May 25, 2010, 02:11:38 PM
That's awesome and it seems the most difficult part of these projects (financing), especially in the lending climate we re in, is pretty much addressed.   Next up downtown light rail/street car or trolly connecting Laura St to the Landing, Landing all the way to the stadium, etc.,?......

Would we really need street cars on Laura St.? Everything is a stone's throw away. It'd be like a 3 block walk to get to anything from this place. If anything I think you're right about connecting that area to the sports district. Just extend the Skyway (or some of sort of fixed transit) down Bay St. after a couple years when this project and hopefully the Landing parking garage have begun to bring some life downtown. I could actually see some people using the Skyway then. It'd be great to park at the Landing garage and take a Skyway to catch a Jags game or Suns game and then head back to the Landing afterwards. Or being able to live or stay in a hotel on Laura St. then take it to the sports district. But like I said I wouldn't build the extension until this trio project and the landing parking have been built or you'd continue to see the terrible ridership numbers we see now.

It'd be nice if the retail portions of this development could include some of the basic necessities that are lacking now such as a pharmacy or small grocery, too.

Quote from: Fallen Buckeye on May 27, 2010, 08:04:15 PM

Quote from: futurejax on May 25, 2010, 02:11:38 PM
That's awesome and it seems the most difficult part of these projects (financing), especially in the lending climate we re in, is pretty much addressed.   Next up downtown light rail/street car or trolly connecting Laura St to the Landing, Landing all the way to the stadium, etc.,?......

Would we really need street cars on Laura St.? Everything is a stone's throw away. It'd be like a 3 block walk to get to anything from this place. If anything I think you're right about connecting that area to the sports district. Just extend the Skyway (or some of sort of fixed transit) down Bay St. after a couple years when this project and hopefully the Landing parking garage have begun to bring some life downtown. I could actually see some people using the Skyway then. It'd be great to park at the Landing garage and take a Skyway to catch a Jags game or Suns game and then head back to the Landing afterwards. Or being able to live or stay in a hotel on Laura St. then take it to the sports district. But like I said I wouldn't build the extension until this trio project and the landing parking have been built or you'd continue to see the terrible ridership numbers we see now.

It'd be nice if the retail portions of this development could include some of the basic necessities that are lacking now such as a pharmacy or small grocery, too.

Grocery store with a pharmacy in it.

Winn Dixie on Market St. has a pharmacy.

I am tired of hearing about the need for a grocery store Downtown. I go to the WD all the time on Market St and end up saving lots on gas! it has pretty much eliminated my trips to the Riverside Publix.

I'm with you on this fsujax!

A pig just flew by the window!

Avondale is too spread out to have a serious nightlife district. Orsay and Yesterday's are 4 blocks from the Shops, Blue Fish, Brick, Town, West Inn, (Biscottis only has wine), new Thai restaurant is a few blocks away. I think Avondale is happy with what it has, we don't really want or need a nightclub district. Most places, except West Inn, close at decent times as well.

If I lived in the trio, I would demand all of the services needed, dry cleaning, pet grooming, groceries, drug store, restaurants within walking distance. I would not walk to the Winn Dixie from the Laura Trio. Should not have to do so.

Quote from: mtraininjax on May 27, 2010, 10:50:09 PM
Avondale is too spread out to have a serious nightlife district. Orsay and Yesterday's are 4 blocks from the Shops, Blue Fish, Brick, Town, West Inn, (Biscottis only has wine), new Thai restaurant is a few blocks away. I think Avondale is happy with what it has, we don't really want or need a nightclub district. Most places, except West Inn, close at decent times as well.

If I lived in the trio, I would demand all of the services needed, dry cleaning, pet grooming, groceries, drug store, restaurants within walking distance. I would not walk to the Winn Dixie from the Laura Trio. Should not have to do so.

Exactly. And I'm not necessarily talking a full size supermarket, but if I run out of milk or something I want somewhere nearby where I can grab the basics quickly.

Do what they did in Nashville on the ground floor of the Viridian Towers on Church Street. It has the conveniences of a grocery store, with a more limited selection, but fits perfectly into the area.

http://www.hghills.com/index_newdesign_urban.html

http://www.facebook.com/UrbanMarket

A good location for something like that would have been the main street pocket park.

Quote from: Keith-N-Jax on May 28, 2010, 12:31:33 AM
A good location for something like that would have been the main street pocket park.

No, I'd say it would fit perfectly into the Laura Trio project. Nashville's Church St. is like our Laura St., it truly is the heart of the city.

There is supposed to be a market at the Library project, whenever it breaks ground.  Solve the Landing's dedicated parking situation and it would be an ideal site for a Walgreens or CVS.

With Urban Market, that would fill the grocery need.  BTW, the Winn Dixie has been renovated and its really nice inside compared with the dump it used to be!

A dry cleaning service is definately needed though!

A Walgreens/CVS/Rite Aid at the Park View Inn site is not only needed, but a viable use of the space.

With these amenities surrounding these proposed developments at Laura Street... downtown would be well on its way.  Add in fixed mass transit and the results would be a game changer to anything my generation has ever seen downtown.

Quote from: mtraininjax on May 27, 2010, 10:50:09 PM
If I lived in the trio, I would demand all of the services needed, dry cleaning, pet grooming, groceries, drug store, restaurants within walking distance. I would not walk to the Winn Dixie from the Laura Trio. Should not have to do so.

could you do this in any other neighborhoods in northeast Florida?

btw...there is a convenience store on Adams St today (albeit a bit scary)....the Landing has Sundries, which carries some grocery items...and there is the store at the Shell Station (and maybe soon at the proposed gas tation)...so there are places other than Winn Dixie to get stuff.

Quote from: Keith-N-Jax on May 28, 2010, 12:31:33 AM
A good location for something like that would have been the main street pocket park.

That would have been a good location for alot of stuff instead of a homeless lawn.

Quote from: stephendare on May 28, 2010, 10:01:23 AM

Quote from: tufsu1 on May 28, 2010, 09:58:52 AM

Quote from: mtraininjax on May 27, 2010, 10:50:09 PM
If I lived in the trio, I would demand all of the services needed, dry cleaning, pet grooming, groceries, drug store, restaurants within walking distance. I would not walk to the Winn Dixie from the Laura Trio. Should not have to do so.

could you do this in any other neighborhoods in northeast Florida?

Five Points

Jacksonville Beach and St. Augustine are two others.

I just measured it on google earth - the Laura Trio is 0.6 miles from the WinnDixie. That's a 12 minute walk at a leisurely pace. That's a significantly shorter walk than going end-to-end at the Avenues or Town Center Malls. So enough of this nonsense that downtown is lacking walkable grocery services. (The proposed development at the old main library is even closer: 0.15 miles)

Nevermind that most city dwellers drive their cars to the grocery store anyway - at which point the Winn-Dixie or the Riverside Publix are far closer to the CBD than the average suburbanite is to their grocery store.

QuoteI would demand all of the services needed, dry cleaning, pet grooming, groceries, drug store, restaurants within walking distance.

You can demand all you want, but until the population demographics can support it, it ain't gonna happen.  Pioneers have to realize their patience will be rewarded, but patience will be required. The people come first, not the businesses. 

Your pet grooming has to be walkable? isn't that like a once month or every other month service?

Yes, there is a Winn-Dixie on Market Street.  I, however, am not the biggest fan of Winn-Dixie.  No matter when I shop there, it always seems like they can only manage to keep one cashier on duty.  It makes for a tedious trip when I only want to buy just one or two items and then have to wait behind eleven other customers.  To their credit, Winn-Dixie has improved their downtown location.  To their detriment, they still have some progress to make when it comes to serving their customers.  This situation is now more pronounced as my local Publix is closed for renovation, and I will actually bypass Winn-Dixie to shop at Fresh Market or Native Sun instead.

Don't get me wrong if I lived DT I would happily shop at Winn-Dixie for most of my grocery needs, but in my mind one of the top draws for living in a more urban area is convenience and walkability. All I'm trying to say that having a small market as a part of the retail space in the Trio development would be a great selling point for new residents. For instance, I live in the area around Park and King, and one of the things I love is that if I need some bread or eggs or something I just walk 2 blocks down to Walgreens and I'm in and out. Or I'm in spitting distance of a hospital, art galleries, restaurants, bars, parks, a library, church, and a short drive or long walk away from my friendly neighborhood Publix. This area of downtown has even more potential I'd say because it's so close to so many attractions and so many workplaces. I don't see how one more convenience is such a big thing to ask for if the project is set to have retail anyways.

BTW I really like that Urban Market that reednavy put up. Very classy and practical example of what I'm talking about.

I agree, Fallen Buckeye (As I wear my 'Surf Ohio' t-shirt at the computer on my day off).  I used to live on Cherry Street near the Willowbranch Library.  It was really nice to be able to walk to European Street for lunch or to Walgreens to develop pictures.  I enjoyed having options in the immediate area - for walking or for driving.

I lived at Cherry and Downing.... great location and very walkable.

Quote from: fieldafm on May 28, 2010, 09:50:47 AM
With Urban Market, that would fill the grocery need.  BTW, the Winn Dixie has been renovated and its really nice inside compared with the dump it used to be!

A dry cleaning service is definately needed though!....

The gift shop in the Bank of America Tower takes in dry cleaning. 

It looks great, but I'll believe it when I see it. If it doesn't happen or if too much time goes by without result, we really make some noise about it. I just have a feeling that, when all is said and done, they'll just take the funds and continue to feed it to the sprawl. They do it all the time.

I hope it happens.. For far too long , these 3 beautiful landmarks have sat unused and crumbling.

Also would love to see development of the Old Library , although its outer fins make it not one of my favorite buildings in Downtown.

Cant believe it has taken me this long to post but I just got through all the comments.  Great development team, great architect team, little debt to service, not a lot of tax funding required, full support from the city, the media, and many citizens, and yet there is so much doubt.  We cannot compare 2006 to today when talking about market demands, lending, private funds, or market certainty/uncertainty.  2006 was still a year where EVERYONE had unrealistic expectations, whether we thought our housing prices would double in 2 years or whether developers thought they could fill 400 overpriced condos up in 6 months.

I think nowadays people have more a grip on reality, and believe it or not there is so much cash out there that private equity funds are just sitting on waiting to invest (and starting to since many areas of many markets have appeared to bottom).  I have faith that something will come of this project and I think we should continue to be supportive of all the teams involved and the mayor.  This could turn into a semi community effort here and we can do our part to motivate, advertise, and inform people.

I cannot wait to get back down to Jax to see all the progress in the area.  Now about those renderings, can someone post all the renderings on this discussion or are they somewhere else already?

No one  has said just what JEDC is throwing into the pot to do this! I know that Vescor got about $34.5 Million Dollars, one loan at 1.4% and I believe the other was at 1.5%, and they just got the green light to make interest only payments for the next couple of years but will resume when their extension is over! I believe that when I see it but not until it takes place! So just what is JEDC going to do with our tax money now? Let me remind everyone that the City is $58 Million Dollars in the hole next budget cycle and no one seems to take note of this!

not sure anyone knows how much is needed yet CS...which is why no deal has been signed

oh, and btw...the City is now about $10 million in the hole for 2011...they've identified about $35 million in proposed cuts and allocated $12 million from the rainy day trust fund

Quote from: fsujax on May 27, 2010, 08:47:07 PM
I am tired of hearing about the need for a grocery store Downtown. I go to the WD all the time on Market St and end up saving lots on gas! it has pretty much eliminated my trips to the Riverside Publix.

I dont think many are aware of the NEW winn dixie downtown...seems like its a flagship store now right?

I wouldn't call it a flagship store, but it is not that bad of a store. I think Winn-Dixie had their chance to build a flagship store in Downtown and they passed it by.

Via twitter I learned Abel has trumped you with some teaser pics,  http://twitpic.com/1tlry9 and http://twitpic.com/1tm0rl. Please post the album asap!

I remember going into the lobby of the Barnett Building a while back. It was truly amazing. Brass everywhere. I really hope this comes to fruition.

Me too.. If the Laura Trio comes to life and a plan comes up to save Annie Lytle School, my hope for Jacksonville, will be somewhat restored.

Here are a few images from today's tour.

(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/Development/Inside-the-Barnett-Bank-and/P1350638/889014713_oWsWc-L.jpg)

(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/Development/Inside-the-Barnett-Bank-and/P1350682/889015995_GepwV-L.jpg)

(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/Development/Inside-the-Barnett-Bank-and/P1350763/889014250_tWYGp-L.jpg)

(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/Development/Inside-the-Barnett-Bank-and/P1350744/889018493_uTCKg-L.jpg)

(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/Development/Inside-the-Barnett-Bank-and/DSC0072/889006593_Eom8Y-L.jpg)

Love the stair case in the first photo...all nice pics Lake and ...I presume Lunican :)

It's so easy to envision how grand and opulent those interiors will become even given their currently dilapidated state just by looking at the framework alone.

Such a fantastic canvas to paint upon.

Riveted plate structures are old time engineering.............lots of work to be done but the bones look like they can be salvaged! Best of luck on the job! Hope JEDC does not give away the wagon as far as incentive's go! And while I think about it...........tufsu we go from $58 Million dollars in the hole to what.......$12 Million you say? After identifying a supposed $35 Million Dollar proposed cut (why couldn't this have been identified last Budget cycle?) and using the rainy day fund now also......big guy, no offense but this sounds just like something stupid the Boy Blunder would and will probably do without a thought in the world as to the future ramifications! But since he is a lame duck, he doesn't care and has not shown much to the taxpaying public, other than paying all of his buddies off! AMIO's , 227 to the tune of $27 Million Dollars a year, he could start there!

Is the staircase in the first pic from the Bisbee building?

Yes.

nice

Lol, I read that this morning... was thinking 'this is a decent article' then that last passage appeared and it turned from decent to phenomenal.   :)

I really am glad someone like Mr Hading is at the TU. 

I concur stephen! Abel hit part of the problem right on the head! I have made an appearence to sit in on the Ethics Commission meeting and have had to leave several times in order to shove more money into the meter! Last one, I missed by 5 minutes and ofcourse, got that parking award! City won't change much of anything unless they get a replacement for the money they take in............what little bit it is! City is still in the hole and I see no relief other than property tax increase and all those goody Fee's John Boy and his henchmen have come up with! It is going to get worse before it gets better!

Kudos Abel.

Any idea where all the water on the floor is from in the last picture?  It appears to be taken in one of the buildings with new windows, so I'm guessing that its not from rain blowing in.  I would expect to see standing water on the floors of the Bisbee building.    BTW, love the metalwork in the Bisbee staircases.  To me, this is reason enough to justify restoration because this kind of craftsmanship is just too cost prohibitive today even if you can find someone with the expertise to reproduce.

I remember many an afternoon daydreaming from my desk in the Drew building on Bay st. with a view of the Laura st trio.  I could only imagine what a loft encompassing an entire floor of the Bisbee or Florida Life building would look like. I am so excited to hear that this may actually come to fruition and these fantastic buildings will finally get the respect they deserve.

Abel wasn't the only one.  They got me too. I have a $15 parking ticket as well.

Abel rocks !

It's terrific that this appears it will get off the ground and provide some connecting street level retail for the beginning of Laura Street. The challenge will be to make it creative, eye-catching and interesting enough to entice people to come up the street. As it is, the buildings while historical are as STIFF and ho-hum as...well like walking by a bank. Where is the art? Shiny looking metal/glass? The little white bank building looks like a TOMB!
Traditionalists will scream but I'd paint that sucker with color, attach some terrific streetside glowing lights and put some kind of rooftop gazebo right on top of it. With the side of Modus looking like a military bunker or something, have to change that up somehow.

Maybe something like 24hr street in curritba?

Instead of opening up the landing, EXTEND IT (maybe with a simple tensile canopy) FURTHER up the street.

http://www.google.com/images?um=1&hl=en&biw=1345&bih=562&tbs=isch%3A1&sa=1&q=rua+24+HORAS&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=

Quote from: thelakelander on June 06, 2010, 12:52:21 PM
Abel wasn't the only one.  They got me too. I have a $15 parking ticket as well.

LMAO, so here's a group of people trying to redevelop our dead downtown together with a group of people trying to cover the positive developments with a media story. And they're rewarded with a !@#$%&* parking ticket. And people still wonder why everyone hates going downtown?

Get rid of the damned parking meters already!!!

Why should they not get screwed over like regular joes like me??

Great to hear

Quote from: rjp2008 on August 05, 2010, 06:10:17 PM
It's terrific that this appears it will get off the ground and provide some connecting street level retail for the beginning of Laura Street. The challenge will be to make it creative, eye-catching and interesting enough to entice people to come up the street. As it is, the buildings while historical are as STIFF and ho-hum as...well like walking by a bank. Where is the art? Shiny looking metal/glass? The little white bank building looks like a TOMB!
Traditionalists will scream but I'd paint that sucker with color, attach some terrific streetside glowing lights and put some kind of rooftop gazebo right on top of it. With the side of Modus looking like a military bunker or something, have to change that up somehow.

Maybe something like 24hr street in curritba?

Instead of opening up the landing, EXTEND IT (maybe with a simple tensile canopy) FURTHER up the street.

http://www.google.com/images?um=1&hl=en&biw=1345&bih=562&tbs=isch%3A1&sa=1&q=rua+24+HORAS&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=

I consider the FL Life building to be one of the greatest works of art in Jacksonville.  Of course, restoring the cornice would make that status clearer.

Quote from: stephendare on August 06, 2010, 11:32:17 AM
Speaking of which, I just heard from one of the guys involved with the project, and he told me that its percolating along.

Hopefully we shall hear something major soon!

Awesome! I wouldn't mind moving down the block when they finish.

Im definately excited about this. I can not wait to hear more.

From today's Daily Record
http://jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=531666 (http://jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=531666)

QuoteJEDC Executive Director Ron Barton reported about projects, including the proposal to rehabilitate the three historic buildings on Laura Street between Forsyth and Adams streets. Plans include a boutique hotel, a restaurant and residential units.

Barton said the developers have an option to purchase the property and were in “significant conversations with lenders. That’s where it stands.”

He also said the project would be a partnership between the developer and the City. “We’re going to look at it just like a bank would. There’s a lot of work to be done,” he said.

Quote from: fieldafm on August 13, 2010, 11:46:41 AM
From today's Daily Record
http://jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=531666 (http://jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=531666)

QuoteJEDC Executive Director Ron Barton reported about projects, including the proposal to rehabilitate the three historic buildings on Laura Street between Forsyth and Adams streets. Plans include a boutique hotel, a restaurant and residential units.

Barton said the developers have an option to purchase the property and were in “significant conversations with lenders. That’s where it stands.”

He also said the project would be a partnership between the developer and the City. “We’re going to look at it just like a bank would. There’s a lot of work to be done,” he said.

Great news. Atleast it is still moving forward

That was a pretty unremarkable announcement.  Weren't they in talks with banks when this whole thing was announced??

Quote from: Captain Zissou on August 13, 2010, 01:51:27 PM
That was a pretty unremarkable announcement.  Weren't they in talks with banks when this whole thing was announced??

That's why I was so interested to see how much of their own cash or investor financing the Capital City group was putting up in the deal.
That's going to be a complicated financing deal to put together, and it certainly will take awhile to get it underwritten. 

When it was announced they were still in the due diligence phase.  If everything goes smoothly, you're still looking at a couple of years before this project gets into full gear.

If JEDC is involved...............what are we going to be promising them? I have no problem with private enterprise rounding up financing and the like, but have to ask......just what is the taxpayers gong to be giving them!

That's the biggest question mark that has not been presented just yet.  The redevelopment of these historic structures will not be feasible without city money.  You could say we're partially to blame for not sealing up these abandoned properties properly to slow the deterioration process.

It really doesn't take long for water to make a strong impact.  They would be in much better shape if those new roofs were installed a decade or two ago as opposed to two years ago.

Didn't the city allow a previous owner to destroy the cornice work of the Florida Life?  In any event, there would not be as much decay if properly sealed throughout the years and it won't be feasible to restore any of them without city money. Btw, how do cities like Savannah and Charleston handle building owners like the Schneiders?  Whatever they do, we should take a page from them when it comes to preservation.

That might be something to think about for the long term, but have yet to see or hear of anything being discussed along those lines! ( I am refering to the Mayoral candidates, this should be on their platforms) Springfield has the same problem.......instead of condeming and bulldozing, mothball them up until a buyer shows up! There is something to work with when proper mothballing is done! Costs could be rolled into the selling price so taxpayer money is not lost forever!

Conceptual approval was granted at DDRB today. After the presentation, which lasted about two hours, board members had glowing comments about the plans in general.

Quote from: newzgrrl on August 26, 2010, 10:22:42 PM
Conceptual approval was granted at DDRB today. After the presentation, which lasted about two hours, board members had glowing comments about the plans in general.

This is GREAT news!! ugh couldnt be happier at the moment

It still has a long way to go, but board members were quite complimentary and enthused. One particular member remarked that July would be a perfect time to break ground.

A few people asked "What would Henry Klutho do if his building use changed?"

I liked that they are making the Florida Life the "centerpiece of Laura Street," as they called it, and keeping the centerpiece as the tallest building on the Trio side. Plans include replacing the glass canopy out front, as well as the cornices at the top.

As for the Barnett, they talked about moving the entrance to Laura Street to give visitors the "arrival experience" of seeing the Landing and the river and a redeveloped Laura Street. They also talked about possibly building a sky lounge at the top of the building. Board members saw that as being the hottest spot in town, without a doubt.

Quote from: Captain Zissou on August 13, 2010, 01:51:27 PM
That was a pretty unremarkable announcement.  Weren't they in talks with banks when this whole thing was announced??

It probably takes longer now than it did before the economic downturn; credit crunch is still in effect until further notice...a lot of developers, contractors, etc. are still having a hard time acquiring credit.

"HU"

Quote from: newzgrrl on August 26, 2010, 10:58:39 PM
It still has a long way to go, but board members were quite complimentary and enthused. One particular member remarked that July would be a perfect time to break ground.

A few people asked "What would Henry Klutho do if his building use changed?"

I liked that they are making the Florida Life the "centerpiece of Laura Street," as they called it, and keeping the centerpiece as the tallest building on the Trio side. Plans include replacing the glass canopy out front, as well as the cornices at the top.

As for the Barnett, they talked about moving the entrance to Laura Street to give visitors the "arrival experience" of seeing the Landing and the river and a redeveloped Laura Street. They also talked about possibly building a sky lounge at the top of the building. Board members saw that as being the hottest spot in town, without a doubt.

Sounds good to me. Let's get this meal cooking!

"HU"

Quote from: newzgrrl on August 26, 2010, 10:58:39 PM
It still has a long way to go, but board members were quite complimentary and enthused. One particular member remarked that July would be a perfect time to break ground.

A few people asked "What would Henry Klutho do if his building use changed?"

I liked that they are making the Florida Life the "centerpiece of Laura Street," as they called it, and keeping the centerpiece as the tallest building on the Trio side. Plans include replacing the glass canopy out front, as well as the cornices at the top.

As for the Barnett, they talked about moving the entrance to Laura Street to give visitors the "arrival experience" of seeing the Landing and the river and a redeveloped Laura Street. They also talked about possibly building a sky lounge at the top of the building. Board members saw that as being the hottest spot in town, without a doubt.

Ah man July :( thats a long time.

QuoteThey also talked about possibly building a sky lounge at the top of the building. Board members saw that as being the hottest spot in town, without a doubt.

Since Don Redman is the ultimate authority on Jacksonville nightlife....  Just approve the thing and leave the nightlife to the experts.

Dear Lord, all I want for Christmas, besides a Jag's superbowl win.......

July is a long way off, but I like the fact they are taking their time and doing things right. If we get more smaller scale projects like this downtown, it would be beneficial.

A July '11 groundbreaking would be impressive in this market.

One particular DDRB member who happens to be running for mayor liked the idea of a July groundbreaking. The Trio folks estimated fall 2011.

Don Redman wasn't at the meeting.

Gee..........I wonder why? Is not he part of the DVI Board? They and JEDC has something in mind! Hopefully it is just not a pipe dream!

Cool I like how it looks.

Quote from: newzgrrl on August 26, 2010, 10:58:39 PM
A few people asked "What would Henry Klutho do if his building use changed?"

Were they trying to make a point that he'd NOT like to see the use changed? I would think he would be more appalled at seeing them abandoned, neglected, crumbling, collapsing, and demolished.

I hope that from now to next July, the city doesn't renege or screw up the plan as they are the best at dropping the ball on some great projects. Remember the proposed landing improvements for the landing back in 03? Or let's go further back, this one really pissed me off, the USS Saratoga museum? What happened to that? Why couldn't the city keep it's own ship? I just hope whatever money is put aside now, doesn't get stolen by the city to be wasted on more road projects or Met Park UN improvements! Keep the funds in the bank and DO NOT touch it until it's time to break ground!

Laura Street Trio Developers Plead for $5M in Tax Credits

QuoteThe developers of the Laura Street Trio in Downtown Jacksonville say they are approved for a construction loan and permanent financing through a private equity group, but the project won’t move forward without $5 million in tax credits.
Steve Atkins of The Atkins Group made a presentation to Mayor-elect Alvin Brown’s Downtown revitalization committee Tuesday morning on the state of the project, which includes the Florida Life Building, the Bisbee Building and the Marble Bank Building as well as the Barnett Bank Building.
Atkins is managing principal of Linea LLC, which presented the $70 million redevelopment project in May 2010.
He said the buildings are under contract to be purchased from their Chicago owner, and he expects to close in 60 days. He declined to comment on the purchase price.
“The buildings are in shell condition,” Atkins told the committee. “There’s water intrusion and they’re deteriorating rapidly.”
Linea has outlined Phase I of the project, which is the historic preservation of the buildings’ exteriors, at a cost of about $5.1 million. Atkins said he is seeking historic tax credits and new market tax credits for the project.
He said the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission  Jacksonville Economic Development Commission
Follow this company has approved those credits and that “legislation has been drafted,” though he didn’t know when it would appear before the City Council.
JEDC Executive Director Ron Barton and a city spokeswoman did not immediately return calls for comment.
“It’s all performance-based,” Atkins said. “We would receive the credits after the work is completed and approved by the National Trust for Historic Preservation  National Trust for Historic Preservation

From The Business Journal
http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2011/06/21/laura-street-trio-developers-plead.html

Cool.  Hopefully, this goes through.  Adding life to this dead block in the heart of the Northbank will greatly enhance the vibrancy of the area.

Let's hope it happens.

Having a chain like Panera would really help anchor Laura Street as a viable retail destination.  If it is successful, other businesses would start to take a second look at downtown.  Fingers are crossed.

Well, I hope it goes through. If I'm reading this correctly, the tax credits the developer is seeking are based on him actually pulling the project off successfully. If that's all that's the case, let's get this going and see what he can do.

Agreed. 

Do we have the front end investments we've made as a city that haven't produced anything to realize that this is a good idea.  Tell him to build it.  Let him bring Panera to DT.  Hell, tell him he can have $8M and a 10 year freeze on property tax increases.

(How long has Sleiman been waiting for his parking garage?)

Yayy!!!!! Priase Jehovah. I do not see a problem with this at all. They wont receive the money until the work is done. That sounds good to me. In the past, we would have given developers incentives before they even start the work. Would that 5 million be coming from the historic preservation fund?

Quote from: duvaldude08 on June 21, 2011, 02:21:16 PM
Yayy!!!!! Priase Jehovah. I do not see a problem with this at all. They wont receive the money until the work is done. That sounds good to me. In the past, we would have given developers incentives before they even start the work. Would that 5 million be coming from the historic preservation fund?

It's hard to tell from that article, but I think it's a combination of funds from historic preservation as well as market tax credits.

I just remembered in previous articles they were asking for a certain amount from the historic preservation fund.  We agreed, but stated they had to secure financing first. I dont see having a problem of this going through.

I don't think there is $5 million in the historic fund.  I'm sure it would come through a variety of available sources.

I don't care if they find the money in a cookie jar buried in Peyton's backyard. I just hope something happens this time.

Im glad to see the city put their foot down and stopped shelling out all that money. The Trio developers did wha they city asked: They secured their own financing. The city is already on the hook for the Carling and 11E Forsyth. We dont need anything additional.

There is apparently between $1.5-3.5 million in the historic trust, depending who you ask.  The transition team will find out for sure on Thursday.  The $5 million that Atkins is requesting is to come from the historic trust.  His tax credits are a separate number.  The plan looks good, although pretty similar in form, style, and progression to a couple of past efforts that have died on the vine shortly after this point in the process.

Another challenge for the funding is that Bill Cesery wants a chunk of the same historic trust money for his project at the Burns Library.  There's definitely not enough in the fund to meet both requests, and maybe not enough to meet either.

The guys doing the Ambassador Hotel restoration want some of it too.

Quote from: bornnative on June 21, 2011, 03:36:27 PM
There is apparently between $1.5-3.5 million in the historic trust, depending who you ask.  The transition team will find out for sure on Thursday.  The $5 million that Atkins is requesting is to come from the historic trust.  His tax credits are a separate number.  The plan looks good, although pretty similar in form, style, and progression to a couple of past efforts that have died on the vine shortly after this point in the process.

Another challenge for the funding is that Bill Cesery wants a chunk of the same historic trust money for his project at the Burns Library.  There's definitely not enough in the fund to meet both requests, and maybe not enough to meet either.

Well the last Laura Street Trio project that was proposed, the developer was asking for 12 million and we "Hell No!" LOL So I think the 5 million is doable. Im sure things will work out.

Quote from: thelakelander on June 21, 2011, 03:42:35 PM
The guys doing the Ambassador Hotel restoration want some of it too.

It sounds like to me its going to be a rat race of who can get to the funds first. And It seems the Trio is well on its way. The Haydon Burns Project is creeping along as well. IMO the Ambassdor porject is dead. (for now) Im sure Stephen can shed some light on this as he is on the transition team.

Well it seems the Laura St Trio is in a much more fragile state and must be moved on now.  Does this give it precedence in consideration of tapping historical fund money? 

I really hope these 2 projects come true. I love the Barnett. It's like a mini NY skyscraper and just looks good. The Trio needs to hurry up. Those two hi-rises look like they could fall at anytime now.

Quote from: iMarvin on June 21, 2011, 04:34:26 PM
I really hope these 2 projects come true. I love the Barnett. It's like a mini NY skyscraper and just looks good. The Trio needs to hurry up. Those two hi-rises look like they could fall at anytime now.

The Barnett was designed by Mowbray & Uffinger, NY-based architects who specialized in bank buildings.

Quote from: Wacca Pilatka on June 21, 2011, 05:25:57 PM

Quote from: iMarvin on June 21, 2011, 04:34:26 PM
I really hope these 2 projects come true. I love the Barnett. It's like a mini NY skyscraper and just looks good. The Trio needs to hurry up. Those two hi-rises look like they could fall at anytime now.

The Barnett was designed by Mowbray & Uffinger, NY-based architects who specialized in bank buildings.

Ooohhh, no wonder it reminds me of NY.

Just imagine if our empty headed governor had proposed to use the HighSpeedRail Money ($2 BILLION +) for supplementing these types of public/private partnerships, the state of Florida (and Jacksonville in particular) would
be a fertile ground for a virtually unlimited number of these projects..statewide!!

^The HSR money could only be used on HSR.  If we would have accepted it, it would have built HSR in our state.  Since we didn't, it's going to build HSR mainly in CA, NY and the Midwest.

hence empty headed governor
:-[

This is getting better and better. If the developers can lease space in the nearby parking garage for valet parking, MARRIOT CORPS stated they would operate the hotel. This project has taken a year to form, but it was worth the wait. Everything that is being asked (including the incentives) are doable. Man Im excited.  :D

http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/downtowntoday.php?dt_date=2011-06-22

I suspect Marriott is probably banking on the proposed new Convention-Doggle going through, in making that offer. I wouldn't hold my breath for anyone to spend any real money on anything, until those redevelopment plans are solidified. And no doubt they will be, unfortunately for the taxpayers of Duval County.

Quote from: ChriswUfGator on June 22, 2011, 12:55:28 PM
I suspect Marriott is probably banking on the proposed new Convention-Doggle going through, in making that offer. I wouldn't hold my breath for them spending any real money on anything, until those plans are solidified. And no doubt they will be, unfortunately for the taxpayers of Duval County.

Well that wouldnt make sense. If they didnt have the intent on actually doing it, it would not have not been stated. If that was the case the article would have read that if we lease spaces to the developers AND build a new the new convention-doogle, the Marriot would operate the hotel.

Quote from: ChriswUfGator on June 22, 2011, 12:57:45 PM
I suspect Marriott is probably banking on the proposed new Convention-Doggle going through, in making that offer. I wouldn't hold my breath for anyone to spend any real money on anything, until those redevelopment plans are solidified. And no doubt they will be, unfortunately for the taxpayers of Duval County.

It all depends on what type of hotel Marriott would turn it into, and what type of hotel the city would want downtown. They could probably manage to make it one of their higher-end urban Courtyards and go in there today without the convention center mattering a whole lot. However, if the desire is for a full-service Marriott (or even a Renaissance given the potential historical nature of the building), then yeah, there's going to have to be some serious guarantees (or, if not guarantees, then strong implications) of a whole lot more visitor traffic coming through downtown in one way or another.

Quote from: Clem1029 on June 22, 2011, 01:02:22 PM

Quote from: ChriswUfGator on June 22, 2011, 12:57:45 PM
I suspect Marriott is probably banking on the proposed new Convention-Doggle going through, in making that offer. I wouldn't hold my breath for anyone to spend any real money on anything, until those redevelopment plans are solidified. And no doubt they will be, unfortunately for the taxpayers of Duval County.

It all depends on what type of hotel Marriott would turn it into, and what type of hotel the city would want downtown. They could probably manage to make it one of their higher-end urban Courtyards and go in there today without the convention center mattering a whole lot. However, if the desire is for a full-service Marriott (or even a Renaissance given the potential historical nature of the building), then yeah, there's going to have to be some serious guarantees (or, if not guarantees, then strong implications) of a whole lot more visitor traffic coming through downtown in one way or another.

Well from the what the developers stated, they are only asking for valet parking. Thats it. But we will see how "true" this is and what actually happens. I think they developers would know a little more than we would though. But of course in typical Duval fashion we have to put the conspriacy theory on anything thats sounds promising.  ::)

Quote from: duvaldude08 on June 22, 2011, 01:08:57 PM
Well from the what the developers stated, they are only asking for valet parking. Thats it. But we will see how "true" this is and what actually happens. I think they developers would know a little more than we would though. But of course in typical Duval fashion we have to put the conspriacy theory on anything thats sounds promising.  ::)

Please don't get me wrong...I'm not saying there's a conspiracy theory here. I'm simply looking at it from Marriott's side. If they're going to put a hotel downtown, some of their brands make more sense than others depending on the given economics. A Courtyard or Springhill are going to have completely different expectations for success than a full service Marriott or Renaissance.

For example, a Courtyard downtown could probably be successful just picking off the low-hanging meeting fruit from the Omni or Hyatt (events for up to 100 people, not requiring all the "ballroom" style bells and whistles, at a competitive price point), and then pick up some overflow for some of the bigger events at the other two hotels.

A full service Marriott or Renaissance, on the other hand, is going to be competing in the exact same event space as Omni and Hyatt. Is there enough of that to go around today that would keep all 3 players happy? I think you'd be hard pressed to answer "yes" with the state downtown is in today. So to pull the trigger on a full-service hotel, there would have to be some expectations laid out that business and event traffic will significantly increase downtown. It might be in the form of a new convention center. It might be in certain policies that the city is saying their going to pursue. But one way or another, there would have to be an expectation of a significant increase.

I think it's awesome Marriott wants to get downtown. I just think there needs to be some tempered expectations over what type goes in...I can't put my finger on it, but I get the feeling that a Courtyard in that space would be very disappointing to a lot of folks around here.

A Courtyard downtown can be very nice especially when attached to other development.  Here is the Courtyard in downtown Louisville. 

http://www.louisvillecourtyardhotel.com/ (http://www.louisvillecourtyardhotel.com/)

there was a plan to build a Courtyard by Marriott on the 200 Riverside site...but that project is on life support, so maybe Marriott decided downtown would work well instead

The Courtyard in DT Charlotte was pretty nice... no complaints.

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rbi3_xSxD1w/SpU4_5tZAYI/AAAAAAAAAiY/W7Z60vbFBjE/s400/6.jpg)
Downtown Memphis

I get the gut feeling that it would probably be a Courtyard or Residence Inn.  Over the last decade, Marriott has been pretty aggressive at popping these up in historic highrise adaptive reuse projects all across the country.

Quote from: Clem1029 on June 22, 2011, 01:21:34 PM

Quote from: duvaldude08 on June 22, 2011, 01:08:57 PM
Well from the what the developers stated, they are only asking for valet parking. Thats it. But we will see how "true" this is and what actually happens. I think they developers would know a little more than we would though. But of course in typical Duval fashion we have to put the conspriacy theory on anything thats sounds promising.  ::)

Please don't get me wrong...I'm not saying there's a conspiracy theory here. I'm simply looking at it from Marriott's side. If they're going to put a hotel downtown, some of their brands make more sense than others depending on the given economics. A Courtyard or Springhill are going to have completely different expectations for success than a full service Marriott or Renaissance.

For example, a Courtyard downtown could probably be successful just picking off the low-hanging meeting fruit from the Omni or Hyatt (events for up to 100 people, not requiring all the "ballroom" style bells and whistles, at a competitive price point), and then pick up some overflow for some of the bigger events at the other two hotels.

A full service Marriott or Renaissance, on the other hand, is going to be competing in the exact same event space as Omni and Hyatt. Is there enough of that to go around today that would keep all 3 players happy? I think you'd be hard pressed to answer "yes" with the state downtown is in today. So to pull the trigger on a full-service hotel, there would have to be some expectations laid out that business and event traffic will significantly increase downtown. It might be in the form of a new convention center. It might be in certain policies that the city is saying their going to pursue. But one way or another, there would have to be an expectation of a significant increase.

I think it's awesome Marriott wants to get downtown. I just think there needs to be some tempered expectations over what type goes in...I can't put my finger on it, but I get the feeling that a Courtyard in that space would be very disappointing to a lot of folks around here.

I acutally LOVE the courtyard marriot. They are extremely nice IMO.

Quote from: tufsu1 on June 22, 2011, 01:39:02 PM
theer was a plan to build a Courtyard by Marriott on the 200 Riverside site...but that project is on life support, so maybe Marriott decided downtown would work well instead

There was also a plan to put up at Courtyard in the old San Marco Village project on the Southbank before Trump and Related ran away from that one.  Marriott was also interested in taking over the Adams Mark but Hyatt won out.

Quote from: thelakelander on June 22, 2011, 01:49:28 PM

Quote from: tufsu1 on June 22, 2011, 01:39:02 PM
theer was a plan to build a Courtyard by Marriott on the 200 Riverside site...but that project is on life support, so maybe Marriott decided downtown would work well instead

There was also a plan to put up at Courtyard in the old San Marco Village project on the Southbank before Trump and Related ran away from that one.  Marriott was also interested in taking over the Adams Mark but Hyatt won out.

Yeah it sounds like the Marriot has had continue interest in our DT for some time now.

Quote from: tufsu1 on June 22, 2011, 01:39:02 PM
there was a plan to build a Courtyard by Marriott on the 200 Riverside site...but that project is on life support, so maybe Marriott decided downtown would work well instead

So no Hotel at 200 Riverside now or no 200 Riverside?

Quote from: JHAT76 on June 22, 2011, 01:54:29 PM

Quote from: tufsu1 on June 22, 2011, 01:39:02 PM
there was a plan to build a Courtyard by Marriott on the 200 Riverside site...but that project is on life support, so maybe Marriott decided downtown would work well instead

So no Hotel at 200 Riverside now or no 200 Riverside?

There won't be a hotel and they're probably won't even be a 200 Riverside.  At least not anytime soon.

^^well, at least we got the hole in ground! maybe it will fill with water soon.

Am I correct in remembering that the hotel Bucky Clarkson proposed to locate next to the convention center (a project that died when the city incentivized Adam's Mark) was a Marriott, and that at some point afterward he advocated a mid-rise Courtyard for the Northbank?

This thread/discussion is now claiming that there will be No 200 Riverside????????????????

Can you give us the source on that info, please? It sure likes like they are going forward at that site.

Quote from: stephendare on May 24, 2010, 10:44:56 PM

Quote from: 9a is my backyard on May 24, 2010, 10:42:16 PM
I can't wait to hear more.  Not ready to let my guard down quite yet, but as long as the plans don't involve demolition, anything is better than their current condition.

No demolition whatsoever.  All plans are for rebuilding, rehab and new construction. 

I know I am late in responding but all of this regarding the Central Core (Laura Project) has my juices oozing.

"HU"

I like the idea of the 'Bank Hotel.' I don't want Marriot to come in and mess up the building. The 'Bank Hotel' is much nicer.

Quote from: iMarvin on June 22, 2011, 02:57:03 PM
I like the idea of the 'Bank Hotel.' I don't want Marriot to come in and mess up the building. The 'Bank Hotel' is much nicer.

Marvin, in an earlier post I questioned Stephendare about the status of the project. In that post he stated that some changes were made. Im thinking that the bank hotel idea was one of those changes. It may have been easier to go with a National Chain. OR It could be barnett bank themed Marriot. (only the developers would know deez details. Im just taking a stab at i t.)

Quote from: MusicMan on June 22, 2011, 02:52:28 PM
This thread/discussion is now claiming that there will be No 200 Riverside????????????????

Can you give us the source on that info, please? It sure likes like they are going forward at that site.

What you see going on is the water feature/fountain/pond that is part of the infrastructure improvements being done by the City.  200 Riverside is still delayed.

Quote from: duvaldude08 on June 22, 2011, 03:06:27 PM

Quote from: iMarvin on June 22, 2011, 02:57:03 PM
I like the idea of the 'Bank Hotel.' I don't want Marriot to come in and mess up the building. The 'Bank Hotel' is much nicer.

Marvin, in an earlier post I questioned Stephendare about the status of the project. In that post he stated that some changes were made. Im thinking that the bank hotel idea was one of those changes. It may have been easier to go with a National Chain. OR It could be barnett bank themed Marriot. (only the developers would know deez details. Im just taking a stab at i t.)

I really hope they don't change that because that was a nice concept. I wouldn't mind Marriot owning/operating the hotel as long as the 'Bank Hotel' aspect was kept. I'm still happy that something WILL happen to that building.

A Courtyard by Marriott at that site should do well. There is currently, to my knowledge, no hotel serving Riverside-Avondale-Ortega at all.

No, but we have some relly nice B&B's.

Quotethere was a plan to build a Courtyard by Marriott on the 200 Riverside site...but that project is on life support, so maybe Marriott decided downtown would work well instead

They don't have the required number of letter of intents to move forward... same with The Library... same with San Marco Place... same with a lot of places.  200 Riverside isn't dead though.

The new Laura Trio group has started to head down this same direction now in order to get the financing in place(honestly suprised that wasn't the focus of the original plan, well strike that I'm actually honestly suprised they didnt just originally focus on a private hotel at Barnett and left the Laura Trio alone like the Hotel Duval in Tally, they must not have thought they could get all the historic tax credit money without the trio buildings)

Quote from: duvaldude08 on June 22, 2011, 01:08:57 PM

Quote from: Clem1029 on June 22, 2011, 01:02:22 PM

Quote from: ChriswUfGator on June 22, 2011, 12:57:45 PM
I suspect Marriott is probably banking on the proposed new Convention-Doggle going through, in making that offer. I wouldn't hold my breath for anyone to spend any real money on anything, until those redevelopment plans are solidified. And no doubt they will be, unfortunately for the taxpayers of Duval County.

It all depends on what type of hotel Marriott would turn it into, and what type of hotel the city would want downtown. They could probably manage to make it one of their higher-end urban Courtyards and go in there today without the convention center mattering a whole lot. However, if the desire is for a full-service Marriott (or even a Renaissance given the potential historical nature of the building), then yeah, there's going to have to be some serious guarantees (or, if not guarantees, then strong implications) of a whole lot more visitor traffic coming through downtown in one way or another.

Well from the what the developers stated, they are only asking for valet parking. Thats it. But we will see how "true" this is and what actually happens. I think they developers would know a little more than we would though. But of course in typical Duval fashion we have to put the conspriacy theory on anything thats sounds promising.  ::)

It's not promising, because it makes no business sense unless/until there is some demand for a hotel down there. Which there isn't now. So, either it's a pie-in-the-sky (most likely), or it's going to wind up being subject (in reality, if not in the developer's press releases) to some kind of public incentive package, or to a public works project that would create the demand for the development. Otherwise, what's the point? We already have a huge mostly-empty Hyatt within a couple blocks of there teetering on bankruptcy. Absent some other factor, it makes no business sense.

My apologies that you evidently consider reality to be a "conspiracy theory."

I apologzie in advance for the long post, but the city with the most successful (and recent) hotel rehab projects in the South is definitely Atlanta, which has quite a few.  I have some old pictures of them taken on a Sunday morning a while back with my old point and shoot, and I have bits of info on their redevelopment history.  It's important to know how they were funded and what kinds of clients they serve and why they came to be in the first place.  Atlanta is considered one of the most sophisticated hotel markets in the country, and it has almost every single brand of hotel and an abundance of lots of really large hotels of every type.  It puts its peers Houston, Dallas, Seattle, and arguably even Philly and Boston to shame when it comes to hotels.  Boutique rehabs are new to Atlanta as of the past decade, but it has surged with this class of hospitality asset.

Hotels are the way to go for adaptive re-use.  There are some real nice ones near me in addition to the chains...Of course it helps to be a major destination city with lots of major conventions.

The Glenn Hotel (serves as an Atlanta getaway hotel...sort of like an urban B&B, complete with rooftop terrace and a 4-star restaurant)
(http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/Downtown%20Atlanta%206-6-2010/glenn2.jpg)

(http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/Downtown%20Atlanta%206-6-2010/glenn1.jpg)

The Hampton Inn & Suites...all of the following pics were taken a couple years ago on a Sunday morning, which is why they appear "dead", and with my old point and shoot, which is why they are not very clear
(http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/Downtown%20Atlanta%206-6-2010/HOKandDowntown6-6-2010097.jpg)

An unnamed hotel with a Ted's Montana Grill and something going on at the roof
(http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/Downtown%20Atlanta%206-6-2010/HOKandDowntown6-6-2010105.jpg)

(http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/Downtown%20Atlanta%206-6-2010/HOKandDowntown6-6-2010108.jpg)

Another building nearby with something going on at the roof level...an idea for Jacksonville
(http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/Downtown%20Atlanta%206-6-2010/HOKandDowntown6-6-2010109.jpg)

The Residence Inn with ground level retail and a pocket plaza...
(http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/Downtown%20Atlanta%206-6-2010/HOKandDowntown6-6-2010116.jpg)

(http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/Downtown%20Atlanta%206-6-2010/HOKandDowntown6-6-2010075.jpg)

(http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/Downtown%20Atlanta%206-6-2010/HOKandDowntown6-6-2010078.jpg)

The Ellis Hotel, which is funded with TIF-bonds and is a real success story...meant for weekend visitors to the city, not for business travelers or Atlanta residents
(http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/Downtown%20Atlanta%206-6-2010/ellis2.jpg)

(http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/Downtown%20Atlanta%206-6-2010/ellis1.jpg)

And this element complements the overhanging balcony across the street at the original Ritz Carlton (The Ritz was an Atlanta creation and was started by Georgia Tech grads/Waffle House executives, LOL...they bought naming rights to a hotel in Boston and built a hotel empire starting with the Atlanta downtown Ritz and Buckhead Ritz)
(http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/Downtown%20Atlanta%206-6-2010/HOKandDowntown6-6-2010087.jpg)

The same element on the hotel across the street (Ritz Carlton)
(http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/Downtown%20Atlanta%206-6-2010/HOKandDowntown6-6-2010089.jpg)

The Georgia Terrace...the original 1913 structure is the shorter one and is where the premiere was held for Gone With the Wind (the Fox is across the street).  The taller addition came in ~1992 and is built to look as if it has always been there.  The glass atrium for the elevator bay is a modern complement.  Fremont Capital out of San Fran owns the hotel and redeveloped it in 2004.  They are about to redevelop it again.  Its restaurant, The Livingston, is really quite a good restaurant.  Guests who stay here are Atlantans for a night on the town, people who go to shows at the Fox and are overserved, and celebrities needing a 3 bedroom suite to rent out for 5 months or so while they film a movie.
(http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/Downtown%20Atlanta%206-6-2010/HOKandDowntown6-6-2010124.jpg)

(http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/Downtown%20Atlanta%206-6-2010/HOKandDowntown6-6-2010125.jpg)

(http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/Downtown%20Atlanta%206-6-2010/HOKandDowntown6-6-2010136.jpg)

Next door is the Hotel Indigo...business travelers
(http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/Downtown%20Atlanta%206-6-2010/HOKandDowntown6-6-2010119.jpg)

Nearby (and finally) is the only major historic building in Atlanta that was actually a hotel and has been converted to a mix of office, ballroom, and condos.  The president of Novare (a major developer) lives here and one of Atlanta's hottest clubs (Halo (http://www.halolounge.com/)) is buried in the side.  Jane Fonda had several parties here while I was living across the street.
(http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/Downtown%20Atlanta%206-6-2010/HOKandDowntown6-6-2010156.jpg)

(http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/Downtown%20Atlanta%206-6-2010/HOKandDowntown6-6-2010164.jpg)

Halo Lounge in a non-descript door in the side of the building, leads to a multi floor warehouse/industrial style club and celebrity hangout :)
(http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/Downtown%20Atlanta%206-6-2010/HOKandDowntown6-6-2010143.jpg)

Oh, one more (sorry).  The Artmore Hotel...across the street from me, this hotel has a trendy bar scene and outdoor courtyard, and plays host to bands coming through playing Atlanta's version of the House of Blues down the street (Center Stage).  Jamestown and Urbana Realty Partners redeveloped it.
(http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/Downtown%20Atlanta%206-6-2010/HOKandDowntown6-6-2010177.jpg)

(http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/Downtown%20Atlanta%206-6-2010/artmore1.jpg)

(http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/Downtown%20Atlanta%206-6-2010/artmore2.jpg)

http://www.artmorehotel.com/



It's also important to discuss the major players behind these projects.

Indigo hotels are part of Intercontinental Hotels Group, which is based in Atlanta.  So that helps.

The Glenn Hotel was redeveloped as Atlanta's first independent boutique hotel rehab in 2005 (so we are new to it, too), and was redeveloped by Legacy Property Group (http://www.legacyproperty.com/), based in Atlanta.  This development firm has been instrumental in bringing back downtown, and almost every development you see around Centennial Park from Stats (the most successful sports bar in the South) to this hotel to the helipad atop the Embassy Suites Downtown is a product of this company.  They have been wildly successful and great for the city.  I urge anyone to check out their website.  This was a $28 million project.

The Residence Inn was part of a national wave of Residence Inn urban rehabs, and of course Atlanta was on the list and offered up a prime, corner, downtown building well suited for a hospitality use.  So the market, the timing, and the product all got that done.

The Ellis Hotel was a $25.9M also using TIF-bonds provided by the Atlanta Development Authority (like the Glenn Hotel discussed before).  The Ellis was a 1913 building which opened as a hotel until a fire killed 119 people, so it has a similar history and even a similar look to the Carling in Jacksonville.  RD Management of New York oversaw the project.

The Georgia Terrace didn't really turn great until Fremont Realty Capital (http://www.fremontrealtycapital.com/investments/311south_wacker.html) took it over.  Fremont Capital is a major player.  I got to meet Matthew Reidy, a member of the firm's management, and attend a private hotel tour by him.  They poured A TON of money into the place.  It was a big city project that unfortunately rarely reaches the depths of smaller cities like Jacksonville.

The Biltmore renovation was a Novare project.  Novare has come back from the brink of bankruptcy and is breaking ground on yet another high rise residential (rental) project in Atlanta this year, but it is one of the largest developers in the South.  It happens to be HQ'd in the Biltmore.

The Artmore Hotel was a partnership between Jamestown Properties (http://www.jamestownproperties.com/), which has North American HQ's in Atlanta, and Urbana Realty Holdings (http://www.urbanaholdings.com/index.htm).  Urbana is also HQ'd in Atlanta, and owns the BB&T tower in Jacksonville.  Jamestown is HUGE.  Jamestown is one of the most successful developers in the country and they are doing big things here in Atlanta, but also in New York (they acquired the Atlanta firm Green Street Properties (http://greenstreetproperties.com/), the face behind the now uber-famous Chelsea Market in New York).  Atlanta just happens to be the seat of German money entering the U.S.  BVT, Wealthcap, Jamestown, Porsche, and virtually all other German corporations and funds have North American HQ's here.  That helped, though the Artmore was a smaller project.


Just as an aside...the most recent hotel rehab project hasn't reopened yet, but Hotel Indigo is about to open a new hotel in the building at left.
(http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/Downtown%20Atlanta%206-6-2010/HOKandDowntown6-6-2010083.jpg)

And the building at right in this picture is the old Macy's, which was just opened this past year as mixed-use.  It has a grand ballroom (I got to go the grand opening...it's beautiful), a police station, office space, and a new nightclub on Peachtree.
(http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/Downtown%20Atlanta%206-6-2010/HOKandDowntown6-6-2010085.jpg)

Am I the only one that read "Marriott Corp. has expressed interest in operating the hotel" and didn't interpret that to mean they're beating down the developer's door?? I'd assume it's the same interest that all those national retailers would have if the Landing got their parking. Not to say it's not genuine, but I don't think any of us should start racking up Marriott Points to use downtown just yet. If the interest is real then the developers should certainly explore all their options.

Well its better for someone to have an interest, than no one to have an interest at all. And its seems the only conditions that have been STATED are parking for valet. We will see how everything eventually works out. Just good to see everything working out after a year of work. The developers have been very diligent about this project.

the Hotel Indigo in Midtown Atlanta used to be a Days Inn....I stayed there several times in the 1990s (vs. the other days Inn on Spring St) because of its historic charm.

Well, we'll see what happens here. If it's true that the developer only gets his tax credits upon successfully completing the project, I see no harm in letting him spend his own dime on rehabbing the buildings, whether the big picture ultimately pans out or not. He clearly knows the buildings' problems with leaks and water intrusion and such, and is in a better position to patch it up than anyone.

Quote from: Tacachale on June 23, 2011, 09:31:06 AM
Well, we'll see what happens here. If it's true that the developer only gets his tax credits upon successfully completing the project, I see no harm in letting him spend his own dime on rehabbing the buildings, whether the big picture ultimately pans out or not. He clearly knows the buildings' problems with leaks and water intrusion and such, and is in a better position to patch it up than anyone.

I agree. Since we are not going to shell out anything until we see the finish product, Im good with it.

I'll believe it when I see it.  We have been promised many deals/projects/developments of these three buildings for decades... and there they still sit waiting and waiting and waiting...

Well Kuhn went bankrupt in the midst of renovating the buldings, the other developers were asking for 12 million dollars of assistance and he politely told them no. So I dont think the past of the trio is as grim as it seems. IMO, this is a very fesiable project. It is not a "pie in the sky" projet as weve seen in the past. Thats just my opinon of course. Dont shot the messager.  :o

yeah and time is running out.  These buildings do not have a lot of time. 

What is the projected budget to rehab the 4 buildings, $75 million?  That is $325 million less then the new courthouse, and if they are completed "as drawn,"  they will have a bigger impact on downtown '24/7'  than the new courthouse ever will.

Quote from: MusicMan on June 23, 2011, 12:10:20 PM
What is the projected budget to rehab the 4 buildings, $75 million?  That is $325 million less then the new courthouse, and if they are completed "as drawn,"  they will have a bigger impact on downtown '24/7'  than the new courthouse ever will.

I believe the $75 million included building the new building in the empty lot next to Florida Life, but I could be mistaken.  I agree with your point. 

City Council has approved the $10 million incentive package for the Laura Street Trio and Barnett project:

http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2017/06/28/laura-street-trio-barnett-bank-incentive-package.html

Molasky is officially on the clock.

60 months to completion in order to get $8 million in grants.

It's a good day for Jacksonville.

Good news. 8)

Nice. Some of the permits for the Barnett have already been approved, so we should see some construction activity happening soon.  Also, nice to see 9th and Main move forward.

This is so exciting! Does anybody know if all three buildings are going to be worked on at once or are they doing them one at a time?

Evenutally, there will be some overlap but work on the Barnett will begin first.

Good article by the Daily Record:

http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/laura-street-trio-wins-city-incentives-developer-says-he%27s-ready-to-exhale

Atkins deserves a lot of credit for his perseverance over the years.

Quote from: KenFSU on June 28, 2017, 11:24:32 AMAtkins deserves a lot of credit for his perseverance over the years.

No lie.

Finally!!! Looking forward to to moving forward with this great project.

Quote from: KenFSU on June 28, 2017, 10:55:54 AM
City Council has approved the $10 million incentive package for the Laura Street Trio and Barnett project:

http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2017/06/28/laura-street-trio-barnett-bank-incentive-package.html

Molasky is officially on the clock.

60 months to completion in order to get $8 million in grants.

It's a good day for Jacksonville.

Wow; it's about time; and...I like the way they are ensuring that the promised work gets done or near done first before giving them any money, grants, and other incentives. THIS is the way to do business. Hold them accountable while the work is getting done and being done; don't give them the money, they spend it or waste or fraud it and then the work doesn't get done and they file bankruptcy or some other proceeding to free them from their obligations. YAY!!!!!!!

Great

Question about the garage the City of Jacksonville has to build for this project...Is it possible to develop it like the Parador garage by the Landing with space set aside for future retail/residential use?

Retail is required down there but they can always ask for a deviation.  If they do in this case I don't think they will have much trouble getting one considering everyone wants to get this thing rolling.

Unless the plan has recently changed, this garage will not be built like the Parador garage.  It will be constructed with retail included and a pad for future infill development. Here's the old conceptual plan:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/LauraTrioBarnett-Site-PLan/i-5LBK9hT/0/6f62facd/XL/TrioSitePlan-XL.jpg)

Ha, I just came back to post that picture!

I don't know guys.  wouldn't a days inn and a longhorn steakhouse instead be a better fit for Jax?  they could probably put a self storage place in the Barnett with a drugstore in the lobby.  this is all just a little too ambitious.  gotta crawl before you walk ya know

Courtyard Inn by Marriott isn't exactly the Ritz Carlton, but I'm not complaining of it being too low for Jacksonville. Gotta crawl before you can walk and crawling means tossing in millions in incentives to bring these historic buildings back online.

Can't tell you how excited I am for this! When the plans first came to life (during One Spark) it got me to move to downtown and live there with anticipation of this being a total game changer. Unfortunately the plans fizzled out, but kudos to everyone involved to not give up on this project. Talk about dedication to our city.

When you take step back from all the mess going on at the Landing, there really is a lot of GREAT things happening as we speak downtown and I for one can't wait to see more come to life. In particular the Duro District which I think has a ton of potential. Is there any updates on that project?

Quote from: thelakelander on June 29, 2017, 09:55:39 AM
Courtyard Inn by Marriott isn't exactly the Ritz Carlton, but I'm not complaining of it being too low for Jacksonville. Gotta crawl before you can walk and crawling means tossing in millions in incentives to bring these historic buildings back online.

As I think we'd discussed before, there's a very nice Courtyard in a restored/repurposed historic building near City Hall in downtown Philadelphia.

It's not the Ritz, but it's not Days Inn either.

I was joking/poking fun at peoples thoughts on the landing

How can we be subsidizing this?!?  How is this a good idea!  There's no current market!!!

^Wacca, the point is the development group associated with this project selected a brand they'd believe the market could support.  It wasn't the COJ, downtown advocates or forum members telling them what they'd personally want to see.

The Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte City Center, in downtown Charlotte is one of my favorite hotels anywhere.  If they do this right, it should be a beautiful hotel and great addition to DT Jax. 

https://images.trvl-media.com/hotels/1000000/790000/789200/789141/a43e8f08_y.jpg

Quote from: thelakelander on June 29, 2017, 10:18:11 AM
^Wacca, the point is the development group associated with this project selected a brand they'd believe the market could support.  It wasn't the COJ, downtown advocates or forum members telling them what they'd personally want to see.

I was agreeing with you but expressed it poorly.

It made sense, in line with the conversation that preceded it.  Taken out of context though, I can see how you'd come to that conclusion.

Quote from: pears045 on June 29, 2017, 10:19:56 AM
The Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte City Center, in downtown Charlotte is one of my favorite hotels anywhere.  If they do this right, it should be a beautiful hotel and great addition to DT Jax. 

https://images.trvl-media.com/hotels/1000000/790000/789200/789141/a43e8f08_y.jpg

I like the Courtyard by Marriott in San Diego myself.  Excellent renovation of a historic office building:

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sancd-courtyard-san-diego-downtown/

Although smaller, downtown St. Pete's is nice as well:

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/tpasd-courtyard-st-petersburg-downtown/

As it relates back to the Landing discussion on what the market can support, this chain is proof that places you normally associate with suburbs can be a part of nice things in urban settings.

I just can't wait for the restoration of the cornice on the Florida Life Building.

Quote from: thelakelander on June 29, 2017, 10:41:47 AM

Quote from: pears045 on June 29, 2017, 10:19:56 AM
The Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte City Center, in downtown Charlotte is one of my favorite hotels anywhere.  If they do this right, it should be a beautiful hotel and great addition to DT Jax. 

https://images.trvl-media.com/hotels/1000000/790000/789200/789141/a43e8f08_y.jpg

I like the Courtyard by Marriott in San Diego myself.  Excellent renovation of a historic office building:

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sancd-courtyard-san-diego-downtown/

Although smaller, downtown St. Pete's is nice as well:

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/tpasd-courtyard-st-petersburg-downtown/

As it relates back to the Landing discussion on what the market can support, this chain is proof that places you normally associate with suburbs can be a part of nice things in urban settings.

OMG, the San Diego Courtyard by Marriot building looks exactly like the Barnett. Maybe they should have turned that one into a hotel.

Quote from: jlmann on June 29, 2017, 09:45:16 AM
I don't know guys.  wouldn't a days inn and a longhorn steakhouse instead be a better fit for Jax?  they could probably put a self storage place in the Barnett with a drugstore in the lobby.  this is all just a little too ambitious.  gotta crawl before you walk ya know

I'm assuming you're trolling, or know nothing about business travel. Courtyard Marriott is VERY popular with business travelers, especially in city centers where the full line hotel will likely be $200/night+ in many cities (the tier 1 cities not withstanding where the rooms are usually over $200/night anyway).

That looks REALLY ugly on expense reports over time, and when companies see too many of those $200/night+ hotels in mid-sized markets, that's when they start to really scrutinize the travel budget. Most travelers try to stay in hotels like Courtyards because they're reliable, have a bar if not a full restaurant, and are usually not too expensive.

Plus, finally having one of the top three hotel brands downtown on the northbank (Marriott/SPG, Hilton, IHG) will be very popular. The Omni is nice but does nothing in terms of frequent business travelers and points.

Plus, the courtyard sub-brand has started to develop a reputation for cool, city center properties. A few have been mentioned here but most cities have a cool urban courtyard Marriott.

^He was just using a little Landing sarcasm that spilled over into this thread.

This isn't a Marriott but the re-purposed Hampton Inn in New Orleans is one of my favorite hotels to visit.

(https://static.gate1travel.com/shared/united-states/hotel/US-MSYHIS/hampton800_a1.jpg)

(http://www.cfmedia.vfmleonardo.com/imageRepo/2/0/66/425/543/MSYDTHX_HamptonInn_Exteriors-4_F.jpg)