New Projects, Venues Make A King Street District.
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/888134728_8JXAi-M.jpg)
Following a decades long process of slowly implemented improvements along King Street, the area has been undergoing a water change.
Now a set of new establishments catering to Nightlife have created a niche cluster that has jumpstarted the onetime seedy little district's life signs and created a buzz and energy that promises to transform the area.
Metro Jacksonville takes a walking photo tour of the new venues, including a sneak peek at one of the new venues which is still under construction.
Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2010-jun-new-projects-venues-make-a-king-street-district
Great review of the area!
Great review and pics!
What they said ^^^
Now, if only they can get rid of that gas station and Burger King, and replace it with 2-4 story infill with ground retail for bars and restaurants. That BK seems to never be busy and it should just go, it is disrupting the energy of the area.
while the BK may not be ideal, I think it is ok in the district (just like Wendy's in 5 Points)...if there's a redevelopment that improves on the site, fine....otherwise I'll take BK over another empty lot
Oh no not the BK! :P How would I survive? No other fast food joints in the area..I'll starve.. Take pity on a bachelor who never learned to cook..
hey...that BK served many a hungry students (myself included) from Lee High School back in the day! The district has really come a long way since the mid 1990s. First Guranty Bank from what I understand really started it all with the streetscaping project.
The BK should at least be forced to remove that giant sign and get a smaller one at ground level. Hopefully a storm blows it out so they're forced to do that.
That kind of BK shouldn't be allowed, they could still be there, but in a more urban designed structure or as a ground floor retail tenant in a new building. The drive-thru can go go, but just my 2 cents.
^That kind of BK isn't allowed....now. The Riverside Avondale Zoning overlay would not allow that today. However, like I can't rebuild a demolished building, we can't make them change now.
Quote from: Steve on June 10, 2010, 09:43:20 AM
^That kind of BK isn't allowed....now. The Riverside Avondale Zoning overlay would not allow that today. However, like I can't rebuild a demolished building, we can't make them change now.
So they wouldn't allow a development like 1661 in that area?
I have it on good authority that JC's Daily Bread from Riverside Arts Market is looking for a home in Jax, maybe the print shop building near Park Place (it's for sale). Any thoughts out there?
Quote from: reednavy on June 10, 2010, 09:19:13 AM
Now, if only they can get rid of that gas station and Burger King, and replace it with 2-4 story infill with ground retail for bars and restaurants. That BK seems to never be busy and it should just go, it is disrupting the energy of the area.
Just don't take away my Panda House!
Stephen, What do you think about the dining establishments closer to Park? I think Jaxson's has been a great addition, but I don't feel like they've hit a tipping point like riverside has. If the scouts you mentioned could fill in the area between the dining area and the bars with a mixture of the two, that would put King street on the map in a regional way.
Looks like it's a red brick building with loading docks facing King St just south of the railroad tracks.
Quote from: stephendare on June 10, 2010, 10:40:45 AM
I think you are bang on, Zissou. Doing something with the old Al Hilm would be a great start. I hope they carry on the very contemporary design ethos that Scott has got going on. Maybe Liz could be prevailed upon to open seating out on her own sidewalk or offer a bistro counter at night. Its four blocks of expansion room.
Where exactly is this new brewery that the facebook post was referring to?
Is this the Davis brewery?
I have noticed some activity in that building lately. Wasn't sure what was going on. I hope they shock proof the walls and floors. When some of those loaded coal trains go by and some of the cars have flat spots on the wheels it'll shake the fillings out of your teeth.
If JC Bread moved in that would be the death of my diet. They have by far the best apple turnovers and chocolate croissants! Hope they open a spot in Jax, that would be great news.
I'm actually okay with the BK & gas station (if they'd clean it up some). My beef is with the maintenance of the 2 residential properties next to kickbacks. They are always looking a little rough around the edges. just some simple front exterior cleanup would go a long way.
The Chinese place may be doing quite a bit more business with all the late night drinkers out & about. Although Kickbacks has very good food for a bar, its not exactly cheap.
Yea, the area is much nicer than before, although, there is still alot of shady stuff around College and King. My dad's State Farm Office is on the corner there and I remember not 3-4 years ago, we actually had PLANTS, yes, PLANTS dug up and stolen from the landscaping out front. It taught my parents not to splurge on nice plants because people would stoop to stealing their plants. The office was also broken into many times, but I'll admit, the foot traffic is great for people not stealing our plants!
Stephen what was the date of that article?
I love that area now. The Loft is my new favorite bar. Just the other day, with out thinking about it, i told a friend to meet me up on King street and we'd figure out what to do once we were there. So many choices now!
Glad to see all that is going on in this area, especially since I just purchased a home here. I really love the choice of establishments that are available. Although I didn't notice the people that night taking pictures at Kickbacks, my fiance, two sisters, and myself are in them.
As far as the BK I don't have a problem with them. I cut through their parking lot when walking my dogs sometimes and they keep the lot very clean. In my opinion a lot cleaner than the Wendy's in Five Points. I am not asking for more places to be built like that in the area, but I don't think they are a detriment. Also the people there have involved themselves in an MDA fundraiser recently, and the entire staff was very nice and enthusiastic according to my fiance who works for the MDA.
I would like to see more of a connection to the Park and King area to provide a larger district and spur more development between the two. I really like what Jackson's has going on, and hopefully they are able to succeed. It is real nice to have varying choices in Riverside with Five Points, Avondale, and now King St.
Quote from: stephendare on June 10, 2010, 12:05:49 PM
FYI, here is a map of the area showing the two breweries in relationship to all the clubs.
Intuition is indeed on King Street as well, about 5 blocks or so away
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs354.snc3/29293_128565317165479_127900047232006_223131_4585466_n.jpg)
Now imagine if you had a commuter rail station at King Street. You would have the bones in place for a completely walkable district from the Breweries to St. Vincent's and the riverfront connected to the entire city with mass transit.
Great article and photography as always. I am curious about an expression in the intro that I've not heard before; is a water change essentially the same as a sea change? Thanks.
Jacksonville has some really nice venues all over the city. But why is that we hear about everything by "word of mouth." , or seeing a quick add in the folio weekly? Honestly if it werent for MJ, I would completely be in the dark. I see little, to no advertising about some of these places. May be a stretch, but what about billboards or a short tv ad? The complaint I have heard from individuals that relocate here is that you have to "find" stuff to do. I tend to agree. I was just told by someone that Jacksonville is not very "accessible" And I tend to agree with that as well. Being that most cities have an Entertainment district, when people relocate here they expect the same. However, our entertainment is spread out across the city. I think some STRONG advertising of alot of these places would really increase business. People want something to do, they just dont know where to go.
Thanks for such a thorough article with great photos. Love the maps, too.
@duvaldude08 I agree that you do have to "find" stuff to do in Jax. A lot of these small businesses don't have the budget to run tv ads or rent billboards, though, especially when they're just starting up. Social media like blogs, Twitter, and Facebook along with user review sites like Yelp and Urbanspoon have revolutionized the way businesses advertise and market their products... and the way we consumers find out about them. And all of these media outlets are basically free. Most of the places in the King Street District have Facebook pages or Twitter accounts and they're a great way to get updates on what's happening in the 'hood. Newbies to Jacksonville might want to consider tapping into this online wealth of information!
Thanks again for the article. And just a note... it's Cari, not Carla:) I usually get Carl so that was a new one!
Quote from: stephendare on June 10, 2010, 01:19:43 PM
Didnt think about that, Lake!
Don't the plans call for a trolley line to run right down King?
plans are for the trolley line to parallel the river through Riverside ending up at Park and King...eventually it might be possible to extend through Avondale out to FSCJ
as for promotion/ads....I think Folio, EU, and Buzz do a pretty good job.
@tufsu1 I second that... Folio, EU, and Buzz have excellent articles and tidbits on openings and other local happenings. Great sources. And they're readily available and free.
I agree. For locals. People from other places dont know that. I literally have to argue with people that relocate here and tell that there is stuff to do in Jacksonville. LOL But hey it is what it is. I know where to look and where to go now, so I can spread the knowledge. :)
I really like this area. I was at Kickbacks last night. The best food in the area, the breakfast is great. Park Place is a friendly bar with good drinks at a cheap price.
Quote from: duvaldude08 on June 10, 2010, 02:11:26 PM
I agree. For locals. People from other places dont know that. I literally have to argue with people that relocate here and tell that there is stuff to do in Jacksonville. LOL But hey it is what it is. I know where to look and where to go now, so I can spread the knowledge. :)
I know what you mean. As has been noted in many threads on this site, there's a substantial portion of the population in Jacksonville that just doesn't seem to appreciate the city and has a tendency to batten down on it as having nothing to do, and nothing for visitors. I'm a regular visitor and never run out of things to do that interest me. I don't think the city does nearly a good enough job of publicizing its heritage and opportunities for things to do. As far as I am concerned, Jacksonville collectively has far too low of an opinion of itself. Cities with much less impressive districts than Jacksonville has in San Marco, Avondale, Five Points, etc. seem to do a much better job of highlighting them in their tourism materials.
Quote from: tufsu1 on June 10, 2010, 09:30:22 AM
while the BK may not be ideal, I think it is ok in the district (just like Wendy's in 5 Points)...if there's a redevelopment that improves on the site, fine....otherwise I'll take BK over another empty lot
Yeah, I think the BK is an asset. Although it's a fast food box, it comes right up to the street and sidewalk.
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/771401441_LPJNd-M.jpg)
Replace a few of those plants with some outdoor seating and you'll extend the zone of sidewalk interactivity along King Street. Btw, I've had lunch twice this week at Jackson's Grill. While it's more of a restaurant than bar, it does have a pretty large bar and the burgers and soups are good.
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/803691248_RTM4e-M.jpg)
Quote from: Wacca Pilatka on June 10, 2010, 05:16:45 PM
Quote from: duvaldude08 on June 10, 2010, 02:11:26 PM
I agree. For locals. People from other places dont know that. I literally have to argue with people that relocate here and tell that there is stuff to do in Jacksonville. LOL But hey it is what it is. I know where to look and where to go now, so I can spread the knowledge. :)
I know what you mean. As has been noted in many threads on this site, there's a substantial portion of the population in Jacksonville that just doesn't seem to appreciate the city and has a tendency to batten down on it as having nothing to do, and nothing for visitors. I'm a regular visitor and never run out of things to do that interest me. I don't think the city does nearly a good enough job of publicizing its heritage and opportunities for things to do. As far as I am concerned, Jacksonville collectively has far too low of an opinion of itself. Cities with much less impressive districts than Jacksonville has in San Marco, Avondale, Five Points, etc. seem to do a much better job of highlighting them in their tourism materials.
Yesss Thats what I was getting around too. Not necessary the businesses, but I think the city needs to do a better job at "selling" itself. And you are right. Most Jacksonville residents think very poorly of the city, and its essence its not bad. Some people just like everything handed to them on a silver platter. Me, i just hook up with the right people, find the right places and have a good time!
I really like living in this area of town. I tend to think of Post and King more like an extension of the Park and King district though because I guess I'm considering things more in terms of everyday living. I think of those bars as just another piece that makes this neighborhood great. I mean consider the growing arts scene on King St. There are some great galleries like the Draper. Or all the restaurant choices in that little area. European St. is only a a little ways down the road too and it always seems to be hopping. There's a beautiful library, parks, a hospital, churches, a couple schools, a pharmacy, and a publix within a short drive too.
Personally as a resident of the area I like having a fast food restaurant like bk right there. BUT I hate the design and I always feel like I'm about to be run over when I walk past because there isn't great visibility for drivers coming out of the drive-thru. I think that front half of the dining room near the street should be bulldozed and they should put in outdoor seating with an awning or some sort of roof.
Also, for anyone else in the area, watch out. There has been someone breaking into several cars in the area including mine.
Had a steak last night at Jacksons, one of my best... no kidding. Cool moose, is coooool mooooose. Jim Drapers Gallery has been up for approaching a year, looks to begin offering other artists. I moved in at Oak street between King and 5 points. Underbellys , Lomax all within walking. And they say theres no God!
Quote from: hillary supporter on June 10, 2010, 09:52:07 PM
Had a steak last night at Jacksons, one of my best... no kidding. Cool moose, is coooool mooooose. Jim Drapers Gallery has been up for approaching a year, looks to begin offering other artists. I moved in at Oak street between King and 5 points. Underbellys , Lomax all within walking. And they say theres no God!
I've given Jackson's two tries... First time service was bad and food was just average... Second time, we had excellent service but food was eh. I think they need to step it up a bit... I had soup there that was in a styrofoam bowl, seems odd for dining in. Also some of the portions are super small for the price and food was okay - typical frozen stuff.
I'll give it another shot but hope they can step it up with the details. There are plenty of other spots in the 'hood that I could give my money too. Location is great so I'm crossing my fingers they work out the kinks.
It is very elating to see this revived area of Post and King.. My favorite, Walkers is the site of the Old Riverside Tire .... Amazing job to that building, and well.. all of them. Great Job and great presentation of the area. Bravo!
Although I have cut back on eating fast food, I don't mind having Burger King on King Street. I used to near the Willowbranch Library during my fast foo days and sometimes dropped in or lunch. I thought that it was admirable that BK (and Panda House) had a presence on King Street back in its seedier days.
Now that the King Street district is on the move, it is easy to look down on Burger King and Panda House. I, however, believe that they have some purpose as they help add to the variety of choices for the neighborhood. As long as they keep their properties clean (Panda House could use some sprucing up), I don't mind their presence.
tufsu1 wrote "plans are for the trolley line to parallel the river through Riverside ending up at Park and King...eventually it might be possible to extend through Avondale out to FSCJ".
Current JTA bus routes through the district are P3, P4, WS1, WS6, WS7 and WS12.
I don't eat fast food as a rule. However, in a pinch I've had to hit that BK twice. (I live wayyy to close) I just don't understand BK's need to sit on/punch a hamburger before they serve it to you. It's messed up. LoL!
Anyway, if you want a decent burger, 5 Guys is only 5 blocks away.
It would be nice if that BK's exterior aesthetics fit the community better...instead it looks like it belongs off an interstate in the middle of nowhere...
just sayin' is all...
Same here Rockstar... I actually lived in the 2600 block of Post, and later in the 2700 block of College... But then the King St. strip was pretty bad.... Nothing close to the beautiful job they have done on rehabbing those several blocks. It looks great.
That BK has been around for ages ,and was renovated probably 20 plus years ago.. The Restaurant practically rests on King St. (not much space at all between the road and the building)
All it needs is some landscaping and an outdoor dining area with some umbrella seating and the feel it gives off will be completely different.
True that .