Re-Envisioning Shipyards/Convention center

[rjp2008]

One of the things that distinguishes a city from others, is it's unique landmarks. A while back, one of the working groups looking at revitalizing Phillip Randolph Blvd talked about the need for a city landmark. Now, just about every new developer hopes their project will be that unique landmark, but often it is only talk when all said and done.

The metal fire spar is there, the jogger - what about an entire building so unique that it itself is a landmark? I can envision a convention center/mixed retail/entertain/housing deal sitting on that shipyards property. Something with tensile structures so that the whole thing looks like a sail ship or sail qualities. Make them solar conductive to attract the greener world crowd. Make a docking area so you can go right from the Southside new towers to this place.

Basically I'm picturing something like a towering group of gigantic, tensile "tents" - almost a Sydney opera house look to it - but more sailish. The nautical museum and aquarium could be a part of it right there. Something that people driving down 95 would want to stop and see.

It would also be an international center. Something that brings culture to Jax beyond just the local flavor. Maybe you partner with Brazilian or European of or Japanese firms to be a part of it. On the skyline, it would look like a monstrous group of hybrid sails and be an attraction for trade shows and international business.

Something like this - but more towering, more sailship looking (taller, narrower)



Use your imagination and draw something here.

[CS Foltz]

Convention Center needs to go into that area! Union Station (Prime Osburn)needs to become what it was......Rail Station! I am all for moving everything along as long as it is cost effective.........none of this "Fee" garbage or a sales tax addition! Cut some City spending and use those savings to start something, go bonds to pay for it or TIC or no trade zones what ever!

[cline]

go bonds to pay for it

So how would you suggest we pay back those bonds since you are against any tax increases or fees?

[Captain Zissou]

I like the idea of an iconic convention center, but I don't think that is the highest and best use for the Shipyards site.  I love that we're finally abandoning the idea of keeping at the Optimus Prime Osborne.  Jason whipped up some pretty sharp renderings for the courthouse site.  

I think the sail idea is getting a little played out these days.

[thelakelander]

I don't care what it looks like but I do believe that the courthouse site is a superior location for a convention center.  Long term, the shipyards site would be good for a mix of mixed-use development and integrated public space.  It would probably be a good idea to plan something for the site that can be an economic engine (think college campus, maritime oriented uses, etc.) as opposed to "mixed-use" development being dominated by luxury residential.

[CS Foltz]

lake I got to ask..........how much acreage is the old courthouse sitting on?

[Captain Zissou]

PS- We can do better than San Diego as far as design goes!!!

[CS Foltz]

Captain............I just hope its better than the new Transportationn Center is depicted!

[thelakelander]

lake I got to ask..........how much acreage is the old courthouse sitting on?

Not including the Courthouse Drive ROW (which could be closed and added to the numbers), there's 8.379 acres (courthouse annex, courthouse and parking).  The Hyatt property adds another 5.04 acres to the mix.  Nevertheless, my advice for those who have a question about "space" is to think vertically (ex. like the convention centers in Philly or Seattle).  Its an urban environment.

[CS Foltz]

lake........thanks for the info and I agree as to the vertically! That would really be the only way to keep a reasonable foot print at the ground level and maybe even have underground parking to reduce sprawl horizontally! Skyway might even be Incorporated............but first things first!

[Captain Zissou]

^ Underground parking?

I think in our case that would be underwater parking.  Look underneath the courthouse parking lot or through the cracks and you'll see water! It scares me to death, but I'm sure there's a reason behind it

[thelakelander]

Hmmm....a carquarium?

[thelakelander]

Thinking vertically..........

Pennsylvania Convention Center - Center City Philadelphia





Washington State Convention & Trade Center - Downtown Seattle




Advice for Jax, think urban and don't put the exhibition hall box at street level.

[CS Foltz]

Come on guys............what about the Channel Tunnel, its underwater is it not? Matter of engineering for the situation and something could be done to correct the isssue!

[rjp2008]

I'm fine with the courthouse site also. Only problem is it wouldn't be as big and would be more limited.
Definitely lose the riverfront parking lot!! Terrible use of space - put a park in there!

Even if played, the sail idea is a perfect fit for jax and recalls the nautical history and present.
Using the tensile membrane structures is what would make it both unique and cheaper to build.