Urban Core Construction Update - July 2010
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/923990409_rPG54-M.jpg)
A look at the status of various projects under construction in and around Downtown Jacksonville during the month of July.
Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2010-jul-urban-core-construction-update-july-2010
What's happening at the Klutho Apartments?
What are our feelings on the round about and traffic changes in front of the Landing? Is this a good thing? Does this improve access (yes I know it needs parking) ? Or is this just window dressing?
The Avondale Streetscape would have been perfect if they used steel grates instead of those gargantuan planters around the trees. So much wasted space.
Quote from: St. Auggie on July 07, 2010, 10:08:56 AM
What are our feelings on the round about and traffic changes in front of the Landing? Is this a good thing? Does this improve access (yes I know it needs parking) ? Or is this just window dressing?
I think it gives a more pedestrian environment to the front of the Landing and connects it better to downtown. I also think that with the statue and landscaping it will be a nice focal point for the north bank.
Quote from: Jason on July 07, 2010, 10:49:48 AM
The Avondale Streetscape would have been perfect if they used steel grates instead of those gargantuan planters around the trees. So much wasted space.
I agree. Those things are gargantuan. Maybe they're expecting the trees to become enormous.....
Also, I didn't feel like starting a new thread, but does anyone know anything about the building at Atlantic Blvd and Kings Ave...?
It used to house a studio city. They have been doing renovations to it for the past 3 weeks or so. They took off some of the upper trim which revealed some cool vintage signs painted on the building.
Quote from: St. Auggie on July 07, 2010, 10:08:56 AM
What are our feelings on the round about and traffic changes in front of the Landing? Is this a good thing? Does this improve access (yes I know it needs parking) ? Or is this just window dressing?
Look kids, big ben, parliament.....
I think if the landing actually opens up storefronts to the street conbined with this roundabout it will help a lot. I have walked by the landing a bunch but never go inside, the entryway isn;'t very welcoming. If there were resaurants/cafes that faced out onto the street I would be much more inclined to stop for a drink or whatever.
Quote from: Captain Zissou on July 07, 2010, 11:12:10 AM
Also, I didn't feel like starting a new thread, but does anyone know anything about the building at Atlantic Blvd and Kings Ave...?
It used to house a studio city. They have been doing renovations to it for the past 3 weeks or so. They took off some of the upper trim which revealed some cool vintage signs painted on the building.
I wondered the same thing. I live right over there and was just pointing out the uncovered signs to my GF. It would be nice if that corridor along atlantic got cleaned up a little bit. It would connect San Marco and St nick a little better
I concur with acme. Some front-of-the-building outdoor seating would totally make the Landing more inviting. Just watch out for those pesky "ambassadors" who like to shoo people off the sidewalk.
Quote from: St. Auggie on July 07, 2010, 10:08:56 AM
What are our feelings on the round about and traffic changes in front of the Landing? Is this a good thing? Does this improve access (yes I know it needs parking) ? Or is this just window dressing?
I'm having trouble picturing this, but if the parking garage were to be built for the Landing then a lot of foot traffic could be coming across Independent Dr. Having something to calm traffic right there should be helpful I would imagine. And like someone said it is an interesting focal point. Not all landmarks have to be huge monoliths. (I'm thinking the Obelisk in Paris, the Balto Statue in Central Park, etc.)
Quote from: Jason on July 07, 2010, 10:49:48 AM
The Avondale Streetscape would have been perfect if they used steel grates instead of those gargantuan planters around the trees. So much wasted space.
Yes or if they had to go big they could have gone taller and the planters could have doubled as seating. Steel grates would have been better though.
It is Intuition Ale, not Institution Ale. Thanks an keep up the good work team! http://www.intuitionale.com/
Quote from: acme54321 on July 07, 2010, 11:13:12 AM
I think if the landing actually opens up storefronts to the street conbined with this roundabout it will help a lot. I have walked by the landing a bunch but never go inside, the entryway isn;'t very welcoming. If there were resaurants/cafes that faced out onto the street I would be much more inclined to stop for a drink or whatever.
well the restaurant at the front facing the street does have outdoor seating...currently it is Village Bread, but it has been several things over the past few years...all of which have struggled (for various reasons).
Starbucks also has windows lookiong out on the street...and the only access is from street side.
That red color on the car wash looks horrid. I hope that they do not put the curved road in front of the courthouse. It will take up most of the green space in front of it.
Quote from: TheProfessor on July 07, 2010, 01:49:23 PM
That red color on the car wash looks horrid. I hope that they do not put the curved road in front of the courthouse. It will take up most of the green space in front of it.
Maybe the power of the sun will turn it into what it was actually approved to be with conditions by the council:
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/752700401_BMnpv-M.jpg)
i have to agree I am not too amused with the paint job. It looks nothing like the picture above.
It needs to match the design proposal that was approved!
Well, he had approval based on the condition that the building match what was in the presentation. And he needed building permits and a COA, which he has neither, unfortunately.
I'm trying to find out more information.
wow. just wow.
Quote from: tufsu1 on July 07, 2010, 01:30:04 PM
Quote from: acme54321 on July 07, 2010, 11:13:12 AM
I think if the landing actually opens up storefronts to the street conbined with this roundabout it will help a lot. I have walked by the landing a bunch but never go inside, the entryway isn;'t very welcoming. If there were resaurants/cafes that faced out onto the street I would be much more inclined to stop for a drink or whatever.
well the restaurant at the front facing the street does have outdoor seating...currently it is Village Bread, but it has been several things over the past few years...all of which have struggled (for various reasons).
Starbucks also has windows lookiong out on the street...and the only access is from street side.
Windows are one thing, people and tables outside is entirely another. Target has windows, Walmart has windows, The Avenues has windows.... None are very inviting. We need the front of the Landing to look similar to the Riverwalk side, maybe more so.
RE: Avondale streetscape:
It is not too late to put up black metal decorative benches around the trees to encourage more sidewalk use and to give people a place to sit down and relax. There would have to be enforcement of keeping vagrants off the benches at night and in the day, but I don't think that would be too hard given the lack of homeless in the area already and the constant police/pedestrian presence.
The pavers look good and match the old pavers in the sidewalks on St. Johns, so that is definitely a positive, and according to people I know in Avondale (who run the shops and some residents) the city has been very "courteous" and easy to work with. Maybe the learned their lesson with Hendricks Ave, and this is a much less extensive project unless they're going to rip up the roads.
Quote from: Captain Zissou on July 07, 2010, 11:12:10 AM
Also, I didn't feel like starting a new thread, but does anyone know anything about the building at Atlantic Blvd and Kings Ave...?
It used to house a studio city. They have been doing renovations to it for the past 3 weeks or so. They took off some of the upper trim which revealed some cool vintage signs painted on the building.
Took a picture of that this weekend from Fulton and Atlantic (apologies in advance if the photo doesn't come through - newbie and all):
(http://i1042.photobucket.com/albums/b427/mapleleafs242/SDC10300.jpg)
God I hope they dont put that Car Wash in Springfield. Have you ever seen the type of people that hangout at car washes? Plus I heard that guy total screwed MetroJax over in the end. He is no good for our Springfield
I love the smell of trolls in the morning, I mean napalm, sorry.
Quote from: Pottsburg on July 12, 2010, 10:23:41 AM
God I hope they dont put that Car Wash in Springfield. Have you ever seen the type of people that hangout at car washes? Plus I heard that guy total screwed MetroJax over in the end. He is no good for our Springfield
You're right! I avert my eyes in horror and shame every time I pass a car wash, lest my delicate sensibilities be offended by the vermin swarming in the vicinity. Those horrible... car wash employees! And all those awful nasty people with dirty cars! And CHICKENS! I bet CHICKENS hang out at car washes! Kill them! Kill them all with fire, those car wash hanger-outers!
Please NO!!!!!! no more carwash talk.
Okay. I was just being silly, y'all. I don't actually want to kill any chickens.
Can anyone get a picture of Andrew Jackson in his new location?? I work on the southside, but I'd like to see him in his new home.
Urban Jacksonville has one up on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?pid=4412840&id=77709616235 (http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?pid=4412840&id=77709616235)
Quote from: Captain Zissou on July 12, 2010, 11:04:30 AM
Can anyone get a picture of Andrew Jackson in his new location?? I work on the southside, but I'd like to see him in his new home.
I took some pics both Saturday and yesterday....but the statue still had supports around it...those are probably coming off today.
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4785676453_1deba89916_b.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4785676401_4a7b8310c0_b.jpg)
From: UrbanJacksonville.info
Carwash= bad news.
Andrew Jackson the destroyer of the Native Americans I must say though he does look better there. ;)
Is that a new base? I can't remember what the old one looked like exactly?
^It looks the same to me.
yes it is a new base....the old one was too heavy to move...and too large for the roundabout
Nice touch that he's facing north (to stand watch against the Yankee hordes, just like the Hemming Park Statue).
How close is this roundabout to the Modis building? I never got a clear look at it, but it looked like it was mighty close...
it is right next to the building....but there is still some room...in fact, the project includes adding a sidewalk on that side of Laura Street (which wasn't there before)
That's good. I was worried this project wasn't completely thought through (...weird). I do hope they finish the job with some impressive landscaping; I've seen road "improvements" about the town that looks quite half-assed.
Call me an optimist, but I hope this gets the desired outcome.
Here are some pics I took yesterday morning.
(http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/2103/picture001gm.jpg)
(http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/89/picture002uv.jpg)
(http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/3600/picture003va.jpg)
(http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/5967/picture005zg.jpg)
(http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/762/picture007ux.jpg)
It's not a bad-looking statue but it seems oddly low to me. Is it in a hole? It looks like they ran out of energy and said, oh, just put it on the dirt. One Hummer over that curb and the whole thing is gonna take a tumble. It doesn't look as grand as it should.
I'm glad to see this coming along. Now with the Laura Trio and eventual redevelopment of the Landing, the core will really change.
I definitely like AJ's new location over the old. Although, it would be nice to see a monument more similar to the one in Indianapolis sitting the in the circle one day. Something a bit taller and grander.
Quote from: ubben on July 12, 2010, 11:37:05 PM
It's not a bad-looking statue but it seems oddly low to me. Is it in a hole? It looks like they ran out of energy and said, oh, just put it on the dirt. One Hummer over that curb and the whole thing is gonna take a tumble. It doesn't look as grand as it should.
I haven't seen it in person, but I agree that it looks small. i thought initially it was going to be taller than the old location. I would hate to see the inner circle cluttered with bollards or barriers of any kind, but AJ does look pretty exposed. I bet he gets run into more than once. I assume the recessed areas on the side are for plaques or signage of some sort..?
I don't think they want it too tall because then it might block more of the view into the river when they open up the landing perhaps?
actually the new base is taller than the old one...the difference is the old one was on top of a man-made hill.
Is AJ going to be uplit at night?
I really never thought about it but i bet he gets hit by a drunk driver before 2010 ends
He is definatley going to get nailed. Prob a drunk driver, old person, or a cop looking down at his computer. The question is will he fight back?(fall off the platform and into the front windshield of the car)
Quote from: Joe on July 12, 2010, 04:59:21 PM
Nice touch that he's facing north (to stand watch against the Yankee hordes, just like the Hemming Park Statue).
(http://americangallery.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/small_general-andrew-jackson-at-the-battle-of-new-orleans.jpg)
Andrew Jackson as he may have appeared on his several military campaigns. Most historians agree that he NEVER visited the site of "Jacksonville," and I respectfully disagree. Jackson led an army into Florida from Central Georgia and marched them into Saint Augustine. Remember your history books? Where did the "cows" cross?
Uhh Joe? The Hemming Park statue faces SOUTH! The reason for this is that this was a standard issue molded statue that was sold around 1900 +/- and hundreds if not thousands were placed. The nations first veterans advocacy The United Confederate Veterans (todays: Sons of Confederate Veterans) met and decided that all such statues saluting the Southern soldiers would face forever SOUTH!
Andy Jackson as in JACKSONville, had nothing to do with the War of Yankee Aggression, Andrew Jackson died â€" June 8, 1845 (aged 78) Nashville, Tennessee. The war on the South didn't take place until 1861.
I recently had a friend suggest we should "Dress Jackson in "HIS" Klan robes!" Sorry folks, WRONG GUY!! For that matter the great Confederate General Stonewall Jackson was anti-slavery himself...
So as for Stonewall:(http://www.militaryartgallery.com/images_3_b/b_thomas_stonewall_jackson.jpg)
Quote
Mention the legendary Confederate General Stonewall Jackson to most people and the image that immediately comes to mind is one of a fearless, hard-fighting Southerner known for his eccentricities, who some say fought for slavery. But Thomas Jonathan Jackson was a much more complicated man.
Indeed, a careful study of his life would lead one to believe that General Jackson might even be described as a civil-rights leader. Yes, that’s right, a civil-rights leader. In the nineteenth century, prior to the War of Federal Aggression, Virginia law prohibited whites from teaching blacks to read and write. Though Stonewall Jackson was known as an upstanding and law-abiding citizen in Lexington, he routinely broke this law every Sunday.
Though the law was not strictly enforced, Jackson quietly practiced civil disobedience by having an organized Sunday school class every Sunday afternoon, teaching black children to read, and teaching them the way of salvation. There are still churches active today that were founded by blacks reached with the Gospel through Jackson's efforts. Jackson taught the Sunday school class for blacks while he served as a deacon in Lexington’s Presbyterian Church. It was in the autumn of 1855 that Jackson, with the permission of his pastor, Dr. William S. White, began the class in a building near the main sanctuary. Every Sabbath afternoon shortly before 3:00 pm, the church bell would toll letting everyone know it was time to worship the Creator of all men. Jackson quickly gained the admiration and respect of blacks in the surrounding area as his zeal was apparent, and he took this solemn responsibility seriously. Attendance often numbered more than one hundred and Dr.White later wrote that Jackson "threw himself into this work with all of his characteristic energy and wisdom."
Jackson not only demanded much of himself in reaching slaves and free blacks, he demanded much of his students. His classes began promptly at three, and once he started, the classroom door was locked and latecomers were not allowed entrance. Bibles and books were awarded to those who were faithful and showed satisfactory progress.
http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig2/williams1.html
WE HAVE NOTHING TO BE ASHAMED OF!OCKLAWAHA
Hear hear!!!
Don't be Debbie Downers. The statue will be fine. It would be nice if they had installed a curved solid concrete bench/knee wall around the base which would allow for pedestrian seating as well as act as a statue guard and raise the statue higher.
Quote from: JSquared on July 07, 2010, 07:00:37 PM
Quote from: Captain Zissou on July 07, 2010, 11:12:10 AM
Also, I didn't feel like starting a new thread, but does anyone know anything about the building at Atlantic Blvd and Kings Ave...?
It used to house a studio city. They have been doing renovations to it for the past 3 weeks or so. They took off some of the upper trim which revealed some cool vintage signs painted on the building.
Took a picture of that this weekend from Fulton and Atlantic (apologies in advance if the photo doesn't come through - newbie and all):
(http://i1042.photobucket.com/albums/b427/mapleleafs242/SDC10300.jpg)
That building would look a whole lot nicer if they took off that nasty looking concrete paneling/facade and exposed the windows and front door again. It looks like a bomb shelter now.
^ I agree. I was thinking that this morning. That junk on the corner of Kings and Atlantic is hideous. it's obvious that used to be the main entrance. With zero street parking and no pedestrian action, I doubt it will ever be the main entrance again. They could at least put in some windows.
I also noticed they are painting/ renovating the building at Kings Ave and Prudential. it used to be an antiques store that went under in the economy. It's a various nice building with big windows facing Prudential.
Interesting. I should check that out.
I actually love the roundabout with the statue in the middle! I would like to see another one a block down where Independent intersects Hogan. Create the proposed park next to the Times Union, redo the intersection, build the Landing out to the street with a new restaurant/outdoor seating and then we will be headed in the right direction. A calming feature will be needed for that intersection since the Landing parking lot will be on the opposite side of Hogan. Let's continue the progress!
The Laura Street columns are starting to go up. These are from this morning's bike ride:
(http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/8968/picture048fs.jpg)
(http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/4681/picture049pn.jpg)
nice pics!
The columns and height of the statue are rather humble, but that's okay.
Now add lights, decorations, street jazz musicians, a "southern" theme to it. A little bit of main street USA touch would be good here. Make it feel like when you cross the river, you're in the south. You guys seem very proud of that history, so highlight it.
I think the statue looks a lot more impressive in person than in these pictures. I would imagine the columns look larger in person also.
from the original sketches, I believe the columns serve as the base for a gate-like feature that will span above the street
I passed by the carwash yesterday and it has been repainted THANK GOD
Quote from: duvaldude08 on August 10, 2010, 08:57:33 AM
I passed by the carwash yesterday and it has been repainted THANK GOD
Why "thank god"?
You know how many historic and SRG houses in that vicinity are using the EXACT SAME COLOR?
Care to take a guess? (I have photos!)
Quote from: tufsu1 on August 10, 2010, 08:15:40 AM
from the original sketches, I believe the columns serve as the base for a gate-like feature that will span above the street
Yes, they are going to be topped by an wrought iron (I think) arch, sort of a gateway to Laura St.
Kind of hard to see, but this is from the Daily Record last week
(http://jaxdailyrecord.com/articles/08_06_10/4a.jpg)
Kinda hard to tell from the pics b/c you dont have much scale, but standing next to them Im about a hair under 6' tall and they appear from base to the top(not including the rebar on top) to be a little taller than the size of a basketball rim(10'), so prolly a hair over 11' tall would be my guess.
Scaling from the approximately 6 foot figures in the drawing, I would expect the columns for the arch to be in the range of at least 20 to 25 feet tall! They sure are a lot more massive in the drawings than in reality.
(http://jaxdailyrecord.com/articles/08_06_10/4a.jpg)
That arch is going to have to have some height to it if buses/ trash trucks, etc are going to pass under it. Is it possible that this is only the base of a much bigger column?? Or did they change the design?
Looks like the base only. Notice the brick tower part would be placed top of that.
Quote from: rjp2008 on August 10, 2010, 11:45:18 AM
Looks like the base only. Notice the brick tower part would be placed top of that.
I see that from the graphic, but that taper up towards the top in the photo is what worries me. If this was a base for bricks, wouldn't the top be flat??
Yeah the taper is interesting. I guess we will find out soon what it will end up like. I really hope trees like in that drawing are planted, that would really help the aesthetics of the street and shade the sidewalks.
trees that "look like that now" won't be planted....maybe they'll look like that in 10 years
Quote from: tufsu1 on August 10, 2010, 01:00:16 PM
trees that "look like that now" won't be planted....maybe they'll look like that in 10 years
Well yes, because in that drawing they look around 40ft tall ;)
Quote from: acme54321 on August 10, 2010, 01:03:27 PM
Quote from: tufsu1 on August 10, 2010, 01:00:16 PM
trees that "look like that now" won't be planted....maybe they'll look like that in 10 years
Well yes, because in that drawing they look around 40ft tall ;)
It's possible to plant trees that size, but probably not in an urban environment, and not within the budget for this project.
Yeah, I had a friend who's dad is a developer who had a 40 foot tall, 70 foot wide live oak moved, it cost $26k. No way that would go downtown though ;D Hopefuly they can get some that are 15-20 feet tall in there though. Even that might be stretching it though.
FYI- The new gas station/convience store downtown has been approved by JEDC per JAcksonville.com. I didnt have time to input the link, but they completey changed the concept and it looks GREAT. The image in the photo is a Chevron
The trees are now in place on Laura St bewteen Water and Bay St. They look very nice, and they are not huge. they are about the same height as all the trees around this area.