The former location of Fuel would be a great location for an Ace Hardware or True Value hardware. This area has few options for purchasing those items one would acquire at store such as this, except to get in your car and drive to Home Depot or Lowe's. Most urban core areas (cities like Boston, Chicago, Providence, etc) all sport local hardware stores.
In most of these stores, you can purchase everything from window caulking, to RTA furniture, plumbing supplies, laundry baskets, cleaners, and more. I have been emailing with the leasing company who is working to secure a tenant for this retail space at 1037 Park Street. They like the idea of a hardware store coming in, but are not sure if there is enough business in the area to sustain it.
No offense to the merchants in Five Points, but the last thing we need is another antique store/market, hair salon, or gift store. We need a merchant with everyday goods and services where people who live in the neighborhood can frequent and utilize. It would be great especially for those of us who walk everywhere and try to avoid using our cars whenever possible.
According to the leasing company, there has been some extensive repairs made to the retail space, but more renovations will be required for any new tenant. I would suspect a good cleaning is in order, as the space has sat empty for quite some time.
sounds like a good plan. go for it.
This is an excellent idea, and a classic thinking out of the box example of creativity. Sure there would be enough business in the area, in fact a good hardware store can create a draw from a much larger area when they identify and stock neighborhood demand items. All I can say is go for it.
Until such time, and if you still need some hardware items, a trip up Myrtle to Beaver will put you in a good spot as will a trip up North Main above 8Th. These tend to be those cool little old mom and pop stores with not much of anything and a little bit of EVERYTHING!
OCKLAWAHA
Quote from: JaxResident on September 16, 2010, 06:28:59 PM
The former location of Fuel would be a great location for an Ace Hardware or True Value hardware. This area has few options for purchasing those items one would acquire at store such as this, except to get in your car and drive to Home Depot or Lowe's. Most urban core areas (cities like Boston, Chicago, Providence, etc) all sport local hardware stores.
In most of these stores, you can purchase everything from window caulking, to RTA furniture, plumbing supplies, laundry baskets, cleaners, and more. I have been emailing with the leasing company who is working to secure a tenant for this retail space at 1037 Park Street. They like the idea of a hardware store coming in, but are not sure if there is enough business in the area to sustain it.
No offense to the merchants in Five Points, but the last thing we need is another antique store/market, hair salon, or gift store. We need a merchant with everyday goods and services where people who live in the neighborhood can frequent and utilize. It would be great especially for those of us who walk everywhere and try to avoid using our cars whenever possible.
According to the leasing company, there has been some extensive repairs made to the retail space, but more renovations will be required for any new tenant. I would suspect a good cleaning is in order, as the space has sat empty for quite some time.
Have they come down in rent? Last time I remember anybody I was associated with sniffing at that place the rent was quite high, and the owner required the tenant to front the cost of renovations.... which at the time the space was in pretty bad shape.
RAP is working on a preferred vendor list for renovation items. If a hardware store was to move into that space, catering to this specialty market would be wise IMO.
That's an interesting premise for that space. I think a more specialty hardware place would be a better fit than an Ace(which also relys on their outdoor section which the old Fuel location does not have accomodations for) as Lowe's is about a 5 minute drive from 5 Points, just outside of Murray Hill.
You have to know that craftsmen are like artists or modelers and most would much rather deal with their LOYAL neighborhood hardware expert then with Lowes or Home Depot.
I might go to Lowes if I need 10,000 feet of 1" pvc pipe, but if I need a widget screw for a left handed disgronificator I'm going local. Recently changed out all of the faucets a home here in WGV, got the flex tube feed lines from a tiny place called COUNTRY SUPPLY about 1/4 mile south of the Outback Crab Shack and BEHIND a country gas station/store. When I needed two more I was near Lowes which was nearly TWICE THE PRICE, needless to say Country Supply got another visit and a loyal customer.
OCKLAWAHA
If you look around the neighborhood, there are so many businesses, condos, free-standing homes, and property management companies (who have maintenance people) who would utilize and frequent a Five-Points hardware store location.
Walking around in 5points during the day, you see electrician's vans, painter's trucks, plumber vehicles, and the list goes on and on. I feel that the resident's and other businesses would certainly support an area hardware store. Look at all of the property rentals in the area. Just having a local place to get keys made, purchase a lock, etc would be great.
I do think you are dead-on about the rents being expensive but if they ever hope to get a tenant, they should considering encouraging a business that would actually be a draw (and benefit) to the community. I contacted the management/leasing people initially because I thought that improvements could at least be made by the owner to clean up the front of the building (paint, pressure washing, replace the broken window, clean the exterior front of the building, etc).
we all agree. what are you waiting for?
The leasing company is looking into it and seeing if this can become a reality. I would assume they would be approaching one of the local hardware franchises to see if they have interest in a 5 Points location.
Believe me, if I had the $$ to open it myself, I'd do it.
I've always preferred Curry Thomas to traveling an extra mile for Lowe's. I would always rather support a locally owned store than a big box chain. I have been a little bit let down by the friendliness of some of the employees @ CT lately. I think if a hardware store ever did come to 5 Pts they would have to concentrate on and market outstanding customer service.
My first choice for this location is and always will be for Jackrabbits to move there. It is a great venue for live music with a separate bar at the front and a huge area upstairs for a lounge. Anything is better than their current building. On that note, I will be ecstatic for anything in the space though.
Anyone remember Time Square Hardware(formerly) on University?
Quote from: floridaforester on September 16, 2010, 11:43:14 PM
My first choice for this location is and always will be for Jackrabbits to move there. It is a great venue for live music with a separate bar at the front and a huge area upstairs for a lounge. Anything is better than their current building. On that note, I will be ecstatic for anything in the space though.
That would be ideal, but I think the rent is just too darn high. Jackrabbits has a sweet deal with their current location, I hear. But you're right, their current venue kinda sucks and it's small/cramped.
That being said, I wouldn't mind a hardware store that I don't have to drive several miles to.
Quote from: billy on September 17, 2010, 06:49:23 AM
Anyone remember Time Square Hardware(formerly) on University?
I remember Times Square Hardware. I had a friend who worked there, in high school, I think.
Since I moved I've been running to Curry-Thomas in St. Nicholas for my smaller hardware needs (razor knifes, garden tools, etc). Sure is convenient and I like the feel of going into a locally-owned place that's been around since my dad was a kid.
A hardware store would be great. I also think an art store would be fantastic in Five Points, something to compete with Reddi Arts. I was in an art supply store near the Art Institute of Chicago a year ago and it would be great if Jax had something similar (not that Reddi Arts isn't great - but not exactly in a walkable area). One thing they don't need is another clothing or antique store and it'd be nice to see something besides a restaurant or gift shop open in the area.
Quote from: JaxResident on September 16, 2010, 10:18:03 PM
Just having a local place to get keys made, purchase a lock, etc would be great.
You can get keys made at the UPS store by Starbucks, just FYI. I just found out not long ago, and use them often.
QuoteI also think an art store would be fantastic in Five Points, something to compete with Reddi Arts.
There is some type of new art store opening up next to the Italian restaurant.
Five Points used to be a more diversified commercial center. San Marco the same. Anyone remember Peterson's five and dime store. There was almost nothing that store didn't carry. Now we are losing the news stand.
Completely agree about the hardware but not that it has to be a franchise type store. Small and local is good too. And, while I'm wishing - a good bookstore like the kind you find in Fernandina or St. Marys, GA.
Quote from: Bativac on September 17, 2010, 09:07:02 AM
Quote from: billy on September 17, 2010, 06:49:23 AM
Anyone remember Time Square Hardware(formerly) on University?
I remember Times Square Hardware. I had a friend who worked there, in high school, I think.
Since I moved I've been running to Curry-Thomas in St. Nicholas for my smaller hardware needs (razor knifes, garden tools, etc). Sure is convenient and I like the feel of going into a locally-owned place that's been around since my dad was a kid.
A hardware store would be great. I also think an art store would be fantastic in Five Points, something to compete with Reddi Arts. I was in an art supply store near the Art Institute of Chicago a year ago and it would be great if Jax had something similar (not that Reddi Arts isn't great - but not exactly in a walkable area). One thing they don't need is another clothing or antique store and it'd be nice to see something besides a restaurant or gift shop open in the area.
The space on the corner of Margaret and Lomax that is now an antique mall used to be Towers Hardware. I think it closed sometime in the middle or late '80's when the big box stores opened up.
Like the rest of you, I will drive to Curry-Thomas Hardware in St. Nicholas where there are polite, knowledgeable folk including the two Curry brothers rather than go to the Curry-Thomas on Edgewood Ave. and deal with the slow motion nephews there. The one in St. Nicholas also has a first rate gunsmith and gun shop.
Quote from: Jumpinjack on September 17, 2010, 10:11:13 AM
Five Points used to be a more diversified commercial center. San Marco the same. Anyone remember Peterson's five and dime store. There was almost nothing that store didn't carry. Now we are losing the news stand.
Completely agree about the hardware but not that it has to be a franchise type store. Small and local is good too. And, while I'm wishing - a good bookstore like the kind you find in Fernandina or St. Marys, GA.
Peterson's was so cool. I loved that place as a kid. I think it closed when I was still a kid, or a teenager.
An interesting bookstore would be neat in Five Points, too. Something like Jerry's Bookshop in the Town and Country center, only surrounded by actual shops instead of empty storefronts.
I totally agree. Doesn't have to be a franchise hardware store. As long as it can provide needed goods and services, and be an asset to the community then great!
I would like to respectfully disagree.
I think what 5 Points needs in the Fuel space is something that will draw people from all over town and attract spillover business for the other merchants. A hardware store that caters to locals just won't do that. A large art supply store might, or a large chain clothing store (I'm thinking of American Apparel or Urban Outfitters).
Also, it's increasingly hard to survive as an independent hardware store (or bookstore for that matter). People enjoy and make use of the selection of random stuff and staff expertise, and then go enjoy the lower prices at the chain stores (even Ock admitted to it).
Quote from: lowlyplanner on September 17, 2010, 01:52:37 PM
Also, it's increasingly hard to survive as an independent hardware store (or bookstore for that matter). People enjoy and make use of the selection of random stuff and staff expertise, and then go enjoy the lower prices at the chain stores (even Ock admitted to it).
Ace Hardware would give you the best of both worlds. A locally owned franchise with the friendly service and knowledge that you would expect from your neighborhood hardware store and also a store that can take advantage of buying power from nearly 5000 nationwide retail stores.
I doubt that you will ever see a large chain like Urban Outfitters in a location like Five Points.
Retail chains like Urban Outfitters are going to look where there are vast amounts of availability for parking space (STJC, Mandarin, River City off 95 & Duval Road). People who shop at the town center or Avenues Mall won't come to Five Points to shop at an Urban Outfitters. There are not enough chain retailers in Five Points to bring them there. They want the convenience of having it all in one location and unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you look at it) Five Points is not the place.
People live in an area of Riverside, Five Points, Murray Hill and Avondale for a variety of reasons. Many chose so because of the architecture, older structures, parks, and sense of history. Also, there exists a lot of cultural diversity in this part of town.
Not everyone chooses to shop at Lowe's or Home Depot for their hardware needs. Many people would prefer the intimacy of dealing with a local neighborhood business. True it might be cheaper going to Lowe's or HD, but is the experience the same? Is the level of customer service the same? In my opinion it isn't.
A vast number of people who opt to live in the 5 Points neighborhood do so for the availability and convenience of being able to walk or ride a bike in order to shop, dine out, utilize the many parks, etc. It's a matter of personal choice. When I lived in Boston, I always gave my business to the inner city hardware stores, rather than frequenting places like Lowe's or Home Depot.
Jax, You are right on the button. And a REAL hardware store, not a hardware-garden-gift-florist store would do well in Riverside. Curry-Thomas in St. Nicholas does.
I think a place like Urban Outfitters would be great. I don't typically shop there, but it has the drawing power for people and fits the feel of the area.
There is one in Atlanta that is in a small shopping strip plaza, that also includes a small movie theatre. There is probably more parking, but I think it would be a similar setup to what Five Points offers. I also believe the model they use at their downtown Savannah store could be copied, since it is a smaller store that utilizes both floors.
Here is the streetview. You can't tell it is an Urban Outfitters from the picture, but it is left of the theatre.
EDIT: I don't know how to link street view. Here is the map link, and you will have to click Location "D" Street View.
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&wrapid=tlif12847483138062&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=urban+outfitters+atlanta+ga&fb=1&gl=us&hq=urban+outfitters&hnear=Atlanta,+GA&ei=QLSTTKblFNKmnQfHluyyCA&sa=X&oi=local_group&ct=image&resnum=1&ved=0CB8QtgMwAA
I certainly don't disagree with the idea of an Urban Outfitters, but where is the draw for a potential customer to shop? After they are done shopping at the UO store and want to look at more clothing stores, what are the options? Most of the clothing shops in the area are boutiques geared toward women's clothing (no offense ladies).
Most stores like Urban Outfitters tend to place themselves in locations where there are similar or comparative retailers (ex. Abercrombie, JCrew, etc). Five Points isn't going to offer that. Look at where all of the major clothing chains and retail shopping exist in Jacksonville. They are at the town center, avenues mall, Phillips Highway, Bay Meadows, and at River City off 95.
Do you see a presence of stores like Urban Outfitters in downtown Jax? No, and you probably never will as long as the current folks in leadership here stick with the same negative and destructive pattern of thinking. In downtown Philadelphia, there is a K mart retailer in the Urban Core. It does well, as city dwellers shop there and can get to it on foot. They are not forced to venture out in their car to the suburbs to shop.
The greater majority of Jacksonville residents' drive EVERYWHERE. Unless you live in a neighborhood where walk-ability is a way of life or even an available option, you will drive to where you can do one stop shopping. Five Points is not going to provide that for the typical Jax resident who lives in Southside, Arlington, Mandarin, etc.
The rent for the old Fuel place is pretty high. I would go out on a limb and say the rent is significantly higher than Curry Thomas in St Nicholas(and they sell and service guns... perhaps one of the best gunsmiths in town quite honestly). And, again from personal experience, a few years ago the build out cost was pretty prohibitive. A hardware store would have to bring in a decent amount of sales for it to be economically viable. 400k/year in sales isn't going to make that place worth the cost of opening up.
I was thinking of the one in downtown Savannah, on Broughton Street.
Savannah is not some super-fancy town. 10 years ago, that neighborhood was in the hood. Now it's a healthy mix of specialty chain stores and unique indie stores. People come for the chain stores, see the indies and often give them a shot. Then they leave feeling a lot cooler than when they got there.
(http://imageseu.homeaway.com/vd2/files/HR/400x300/9e/1015945/419810_1243038282880.jpg)
Riverside is a very walkable area, but 5 Points is only 1 block from an I-95 exit. In order to really thrive, it has to attract people from all over town. Sort of like local tourism.
Also, I thought Urban Outfitters was mainly women's clothing, geared to younger purchasers.
I know so many people who live in Southside, Arlington, the Beaches, Bay Meadows, and Mandarin. They never venture to Riverside even though a highway exit of 95 is right there. They don't frequent downtown Jacksonville either.
Urban Outfitters is a mix retail store with a large variety of item SKU's- men's, ladies, some furniture, household items, etc. Depends on which store you go to, the amount of retail square footage, etc. Obviously, a space in an existing storefront is going to be less than new construction (say at a mall or town center like SJTC).
The rent for the space at the old Fuel location is expensive, as I would assume most of the retail spaces in 5 Points are. This begs the question as to how places like Fan's and Stoves, Hawthorn Hair Salon, Fuji Sushi, Pet Store, and many of the gift stores can last? Riverside Liquors seems to be holding its own as well.
I think that if you were to poll the majority of people who live in the Riverside/5 Points/Avondale/Murray Hill neighborhoods as to why they live here, they would say it is about being able to get around in so many instances without having to use a car a greater percentage of the time.
At this point, any presence of a store, shop or something instead of an empty storefront at 1037 Park Street would be an improvement.
Quote from: lowlyplanner on September 17, 2010, 01:52:37 PM
I would like to respectfully disagree.
I think what 5 Points needs in the Fuel space is something that will draw people from all over town and attract spillover business for the other merchants. A hardware store that caters to locals just won't do that. A large art supply store might, or a large chain clothing store (I'm thinking of American Apparel or Urban Outfitters).
Also, it's increasingly hard to survive as an independent hardware store (or bookstore for that matter). People enjoy and make use of the selection of random stuff and staff expertise, and then go enjoy the lower prices at the chain stores (even Ock admitted to it).
I think a combination art store / local artists gallery would be great. The more I think about it the better I like the idea. Maybe it has a coffee bar or something. You might be right about the hardware store. That demographic is different than the "hip urban sophisticates" vibe that 5 Points has.
You definitely need something "different" enough from the surrounding shops to draw people in, and yet something that fills a need. Of course if there's already a new art store opening up over there (like fieldafm mentioned) then nevermind...
In densely populated urban neighborhoods, people look for access to the same availability of goods and services as to what is offered in the suburbs.
Let me give you a prime example. In Boston's South End Neighborhood (which is years ahead in urban sophistication) exists Warren Hardware. It has been open for more than 30 years in the same spot. They sell paint, lawn and garden supplies, make and cut keys, sell plumbing supplies, and so much more. The people they cater too are those people who live, work and play in that geographic neighborhood.
Do people who live out near the town center come to Riverside liquors on Park Street to buy wine? I doubt it. They probably shop at the big liquor store at the town center. Do people in Tinseltown come in from Southside to see a movie at the 5 points theater? Probably not, unless it is a "unique" flick not showing at any of the mainstream theaters around town.
People who shop at the Publix in 5 Points in all likelihood live with in a 5-10 block radius of this store. They come there and shop because it is in their neighborhood demographic.
Putting a hardware store in 5 Points is no different than putting a Cracker Barrel at River City Marketplace. The people who live closest to that location will go to it. If I live in Baymeadows down the road from Cracker Barrel and want their food, why would I drive all the way up 95 to River City to go to that location? I am going to go where the closest location is and where it is most convenient.
A hardware store may not make sense to someone who rarely comes to 5 Points other than to eat out or attend an event, but to the thousands of people who live in the 32204 zip code, having access to basic goods and services without being forced to waste gas driving all the way out to Southside, Baymeadows, Mandarin, Arlington or the Beaches it is a perfect fit.
The Curry Hardware store on Beach Blvd is successful because of its customer service, selection and "neighborhood" feel. Not everyone wants to drive all over hell and creation to buy a package of screws, garden hose, hammer, picture hangers, and other items from some big box retailer that offers little in the way of customer service.
It's good to see a verity of goods and services in five points. Maybe with a hardware store there, five points can be built up easier. Throw in a few skyscrapers and we won't need downtown, It would be like the village in Manhattan or height ashberry in San Francisco.
Amen praise Jesus!
"slow motion nephews"
rotflmfao
the ire within rises when they open their mouths to tell you what you already know...
agreeeeeed Dog Walker. great wealth of kindly dispensed knowledge on the gunnery in St. Nic' ...
Given the current (huge) inventory of existing homes in varying (mild) stages of disrepair throughout the entire area south of McCoy Creek = smart. very smart.
Any word on the $70,000+ fire suppression system required in the overhead of the 2nd floor of the masive space?
The rent is in the $4000 a month range. Sadly it will probably remain vacant for a long time....
I have a box of nails to help, just let me know.
Quote from: mtraininjax on September 17, 2010, 10:40:49 PM
I have a box of nails to help, just let me know.
+1
Hey mtrain, I've got a box full of old faucets that I'll toss in too.
What northeast Florida REALLY NEEDS is a decent model railroad store like every other city in the state already has. Hell maybe Ocala could send us one of their 3 or 4, or Pensacola's 2, or Orlando's 2 or 3 or Tampa's 3 or 4 or... One has to wonder why the railroad capital of the South, a city reputed to have as many retired railroaders, train nuts and modelers as Los Angeles doesn't have one single shop??
For what it's worth, duplicating the old Peterson's model wouldn't be a bad plan either because matter of FACT that store was freaking AWESOME!OCKLAWAHA
Someone call Curry Thomas and get them to move in there...or how about a co-op..that space could serve the area in many ways. For me it was always a 5 & dime.."Petersons"..good luck...it's a big space and the owner doesn't have alot of cash for the updates. It may just sit and rot...if it falls can we put a garden in it's place?
IIRC, the whole reason Fuel closed in the first place was because the owner refused to do any repairs (place was absolutely falling apart...and still is!) and had jacked up the rent to a completely unmanageable amount. Every time someone has been interested in that space since they ran Fuel off, they almost die of asphyxiation from the 3 solid days of belly-laughing when they hear what the owner wants for rent. Until they come back down to earth, I'd look for another space.
Fuel went under because they couldn't pay their rent (which was very low and couldn't be raised for another 5 years due to the lease). I think the operator may have sunk all his capital into Raglands.
Under a typical commercial lease, the building owner is responsible for the foundation, exterior walls and roof. Everything else is on the tenant.
The asking rent of $4,000 for a 5,000 square foot space is the lowest rate per square foot in the neighborhood. The space is just 4 times as big as anything else available. It does seem to need some work, clearly.
As a commercial space landlord myself, I can tell you that this is spot on. The challenge is going to be to find a tenant who can afford the interior re-modeling and has a business that will support the cost and the rent.
Quote from: lowlyplanner on September 23, 2010, 12:08:49 PM
Under a typical commercial lease, the building owner is responsible for the foundation, exterior walls and roof. Everything else is on the tenant.
The asking rent of $4,000 for a 5,000 square foot space is the lowest rate per square foot in the neighborhood. The space is just 4 times as big as anything else available. It does seem to need some work, clearly.
Am I the only one who's heard that an auto museum may take over the space?
I like the idea of a car barn.
Aparrently the chump has bucks.
his plans show cars mounted on wall racks. like a rug store.
this obviously requires a full interior gut. and lift.
Per the agent assisting the collector, he's serious.
think Robb Report quality rolling stock displayed like fine garments hung in a jewler's case of a warehouse/loft/ parlor.
How about roof access.
I imagine such a transition (IF a hardware store cannot prevail)_ would continue the dimenuendo into residential sleepiness regarding the vehicular traffic for the residents of the immediate area - with less constant in and out retail oriented traffic which would have the tendency to be less chaotic with the arrival of such a presence on the block.
This fellow owns over 71 collectibles which have been hidden away.
From what I understand he's hoping to offset the cost of his maintenance.
i hear he'd hoped to build 3 storey structure by the rail line at WillowBranch.
but dirt and demo blew his mind - and would blow his wad.
Thoughts?
Auto museum in 5 points? Are you kidding us? What a ridiculous idea. This is what this are doesn't need. Some rich guy pores his cash into the area and then leaves because no ones coming into his "museum" aka "I'm rich..come look at my collection"...why doesn't he just throw his money away and screw us all now so we can get to something that's going to be apart of the life in 5 points..."WE DESERVE BETTER". A car museum...how depressing.
It actually was a 5&10 for many years but think the Fans&Stoves location would make a better hardware store as it has more parking. There used to be a PicNSave at the North end of San Marco and they had everything you needed.
Quote from: Garden guy on September 25, 2010, 07:53:23 AM
Auto museum in 5 points? Are you kidding us? What a ridiculous idea. This is what this are doesn't need. Some rich guy pores his cash into the area and then leaves because no ones coming into his "museum" aka "I'm rich..come look at my collection"...why doesn't he just throw his money away and screw us all now so we can get to something that's going to be apart of the life in 5 points..."WE DESERVE BETTER". A car museum...how depressing.
having owned a vehicle transport business, from the scoop relayed to me it would be a permanent part of a rotating display.
Ancients and one-offs. from around the world.
machines one may not otherwise enjoy the opportunity to view.
maybe like a Karpeles but for automobilia?
It didn't seem as though he'd be leaving.
The overhead would be shared by the other collectors whose "art" would travel.
Boy! When I think 5-Points I sure think "car museum!" NOT!
Give us something the locals want/need! I know I'll probably get a "well if you want something there so bad, why don't you open it yourself!" But I'm a lowly peon.
The strip needs an anchor store. Not an auto museum.
I agree.
that entire facade needs to be lit in a way that contributes to the streetscape and draws onlookers.
A business in the institution genre has a way of futher shifting the hustle and bustle vibe further down to the new development of BlackSheep's 3 story marvel on the corner of Margaret and Oak.
I personally do not have a stake in the game but I do like the idea of something regionally unique coming in closer to the park.
I think what people are forgetting is that 5 Points is not just an attraction for folks to come in from other areas of the city. Of course it is great when both residents's and non-resident's spend money at the various retail, movie and restaurant venues in the neighborhood.
But, let's stop and remember that this is a working neighborhood (all the various businesses, hospitals, retail, etc. Keeping that in mind, many of the resident's choose to live in the neighborhood because of its close proximity to things where you don't need to use your car in every instance and to reach every destination. Many of us walk, bike, use buses, etc. Not because we don't have cars (my partner and I have two), we try to be as careful as possible about using them.
We would much rather spend our money in the neighborhood and with local merchants. If I need to pick up a garden shovel, light bulbs, and maybe a packet of screws, I'd rather give my money to the local hardware store even if I have to pay a bit more for it. It is the same reason I go to Publix in 5 points as opposed to getting in my car and driving to Walmart. Sure, Publix may be more expensive, but I am saving by not using my car.
People keep saying that a hardware store won't make it in 5 points. It's no different than any other business in the neighborhood. If everyone stopped buying wine and beer at Riverside Liquors in 5 Points, the business would go under. It manages to stay alive because people support it instead of driving all over to get their alcohol at a cheaper place like at the Town Center.
Let's not forget that the 5 points neighborhood extends beyond the shops on Park Street. Every business in the immediate area if considered part of this district.
Just because it is 5 points doesn't mean that having a franchise business (such as a hardware store) would hurt the neighborhood. Cities like Boston, Chicago, NYC, Philadelphia, and Cincinnati all have places like this in their urban core. Urban core is typically a mix of locally supported restaurants and shops, mixed with the occasional franchise.
I will concede that a hardware store is not nearly exciting as a museum or another coffee shop. However, we have great galleries right down the road in Avondale, the Cummer is right around the corner, and MOCA is right downtown. And yes, you can walk there via the Riverwalk. My partner and I have done this many times on foot and on our bikes. A hardware store will generate daily foot traffic and revenue.
+1! And very well expressed. Thank you.
It would also be a great spot for an upscale LGBT lounge/bar/club. The other LGBT bars in the area are a little on the dive/seedy side and I feel like there is certainly a market for a nicer place for the community. And what better area?
How about mixed use within the space? 5000 square feet is a big space. There is definately a need for a hardware store in that area. Also a business/office supply store. If you need printer cartridges you have to drive 5 miles. With all the offices in that area (there must be hundreds) where do these folks go to get copy paper and all the other stuff you typically drive to OFFICE MAX or OFFICE DEPOT to get?
How about "Radio Shack meets Ace Hardware" sharing the space?
MusicMan, a lot of the hardware stores (like in downtown Boston) are multi-service and sell everything from computer desks, printer cables, computer paper, printer cartridges and more.
In many inner-city hardware stores, the types of merchandise expands far beyond the typical "hardware store" merchandise line....
It all depends on the need, demand, etc.
You know, if someone opened up a "This Old House" type of hardware store it would have a lot of potential customers.
I curse that bottleneck on Edgewood in Murray Hill three times a week on my trips to Lowes. I would be so stoked if we had a hardware store in Five Points!! A cool one. Just make it interesting and people will come.
Quote from: Riverrat on September 27, 2010, 02:12:48 PM
It would also be a great spot for an upscale LGBT lounge/bar/club. The other LGBT bars in the area are a little on the dive/seedy side and I feel like there is certainly a market for a nicer place for the community. And what better area?
that idea is so gay
A "lab" of how-to clinics on the weekends in a mock-up everchanging "set" to perpetually be used for rebuild and demo.
Teach folks how to roof by building doghouses on the cheap (dog parks nearby)
Demonstrate tile and drywall installation and hanging upper wall cabinets in kitchens.
Show folks who cannot find their way through a tool box how to run the proper wiring and hang ceiling fans, replace porch lights, install smart irrigation systems, energy efficient window sash replacement, how to shim an interior door that won't stay open.. . on and on and on like hot butter on popcorn.
Hardware and Techy shtuffs like at the RadioShack YES!
(I've found another site to recommend to the car nut)
I thinking you may all be more receptive? here's to hoping!
i just moved to Riverside this week and wondered, where is the local hardware store? I ended up buying extension cords and AC filters at a hardware store in Springfield, not exactly the local store. So i googled it thinking it would be right under my nose and got this discussion instead! Riverside REALLY needs a local spot to shop for hardware and it could certainly sell other necessities. I am missing my Ace in Neptune Beach!
QuoteAce Hardware would give you the best of both worlds. A locally owned franchise with the friendly service and knowledge that you would expect from your neighborhood hardware store and also a store that can take advantage of buying power from nearly 5000 nationwide retail stores.
Do you have any idea the size of a typical ACE Hardware store? The Hagen Ace stores are huge, much easier to spread your costs over a 10, 15, or 20,000 foot store, than the 5-points size stores.
I agree with the assessment of the Curry-Thomas store in St. Nicholas, great store. The one in Murray Hill is not quite as nice and friendly as the St. Nicholas store.
Cindy - welcome! Don't know what to tell you about your hardware needs, but there is an Ace at Blanding and 103rd street, about the closest one I know. Then there are the Lowes and HD near Cassat and Lane avenues. Hardware stores follow the money in the community and 32205 does not have the median incomes that 32258, 32250 and 32223 command. But hey, welcome!
I just read in the TU this morning that a permit for interior demolition has been issued for the old Fuel space. The leasing agent said a tenant has been lined up but could not name them because a lease has yet to be signed.
IMO the perfect location for an ACE Hardware is on King Street in the old Harris-Taylor Antiques store. Plenty of room plus great parking, even room for small equipment rental store there with all the outdoor space. In this location it would make a killing.
Quote from: MusicMan on August 31, 2014, 11:11:18 AM
IMO the perfect location for an ACE Hardware is on King Street in the old Harris-Taylor Antiques store. Plenty of room plus great parking, even room for small equipment rental store there with all the outdoor space. In this location it would make a killing.
I think I heard that there is a problem with the lot next door to the store so that it cannot be used for parking. Something about contamination from and old dry cleaners that used to be there.
A perfect model for a urban "hardware" store is Town Hardware & General Store in Black Mountain North Carolina.
http://www.townhardware.com/ (http://www.townhardware.com/)
I only has about six parking places behind the building and is about the size of the old Fuel building in a small downtown similar to 5 Points.
There is a long established and thriving hardware store smack dab downtown St Simons.
So what?.....check the place out. hardware right there in the heart of TouristVille,and residents.
I feel like Curry Thomas in Murray Hill is not too far away from 5 pts. Not sure if a hardware store is necessary in riverside.
Living in Riverside means constantly fixing up our homes. A Five Points hardware store would be very welcome addition to our neighborhood.
I shop at Curry Thomas and Lowes. Curry Thomas is like 8 minutes away from 5 points. Lowes is like 10-15 minutes depending which way you take
Quote from: johnnyliar on September 01, 2014, 08:35:34 AM
I feel like Curry Thomas in Murray Hill is not too far away from 5 pts. Not sure if a hardware store is necessary in riverside.
We're talking about a GOOD hardware store without surly service.
Quote from: Dog Walker on September 01, 2014, 01:13:58 PM
Quote from: johnnyliar on September 01, 2014, 08:35:34 AM
I feel like Curry Thomas in Murray Hill is not too far away from 5 pts. Not sure if a hardware store is necessary in riverside.
We're talking about a GOOD hardware store without surly service.
Glad to see it wasn't just me when I walked in that place. I can drive another 3 - 5 minutes and be at Lowe's. At least it is cheaper there.
On the topic of hardware store. I think where a small place does well is with personal service and one on one advice. Ace Hardware stores often have nice nurseries with knowledgeable employees. Same with the hardware section. Where they loose is price and not lumber yards. Would there be a spot big enough in 5 Points/Avondale for not only a good hardware store, but one that could benefit from a nice nursery selection?
An interior demolition permit has been filed for the old Fuel Building. It is not going to be a hardware store, but something else not revealed at this time since the lease is not signed.
interesting
Quote from: GatorShane on August 31, 2014, 09:53:34 AM
I just read in the TU this morning that a permit for interior demolition has been issued for the old Fuel space. The leasing agent said a tenant has been lined up but could not name them because a lease has yet to be signed.
Quote from: Dog Walker on September 02, 2014, 09:42:27 AM
An interior demolition permit has been filed for the old Fuel Building. It is not going to be a hardware store, but something else not revealed at this time since the lease is not signed.
I heard something about a permit for an interior demolition in the old fuel building in five points but don't quote me on that.