Barnett/Laura Trio Redevelopment to be announced

[Fallen Buckeye]

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.

[Jaxson]

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.

[Jason]

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

[Debbie Thompson]

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. 

[urbaknight]

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.

[Timkin]

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.

[simms3]

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?

[CS Foltz]

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!

[tufsu1]

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

[Coolyfett]

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?

[fsujax]

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.

[Ethylene]

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!

[fsujax]

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.

[Timkin]

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.

[thelakelander]

Here are a few images from today's tour.