Recreating Jacksonville: The Urban Facelift Project

[thelakelander]

That would be a nice use to anchor the park planned around the retention pond next door.

[brainstormer]

I love the design of infill project #7.  The only think I don't like is the gray.  It seems kind of boring.  Perhaps adding more more color palates to the design or adding in boxes of flowers or places for planters would add some creativity.   I know that doesn't necessarily come as part of the design, but something to keep in mind.

Now who's job is it to pitch these plans to developers with money.  Aren't building materials and construction labor still relatively cheap?  Let's work on some of these smaller infill projects.

[jason_contentdg]

Another UFP and announcement of the Urban Facelift Project fan page on Facebook.

We've got a few more Urban Facelifts finished over on the site: http://www.contentdg.com/category/the-urban-facelift-project/, below is an example of a recent one, 2034 N Main Street:






As I mentioned above we've also created the Urban Facelift Project fan page over on facebook.  Hopefully some of you enjoy the project and would like to have some info that we'll only release on the fan page, such as previews to upcoming buildings, and more submitted projects from others.  If you'd like to join, do so at:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Urban-Facelift-Project/120739468156

[Deuce]

That's one of the best I've seen yet. I'm thinking a mexican restaurant (a little more upscale than La Nap but not as fancy as that new place at SJTC with the hour+ waits) with a cool outdoor sitting area.

[Captain Zissou]

Looks more like an improved Layla's or Casbah to me.

[904Scars]

It would also make an awesome restaurant pub! I love it!

[jason_contentdg]

Got word that the owner took the above Urban Facelift Project to the historic board, got it approved and will work to make the changes...

[jason_contentdg]

Seeing that the owners were moving on the fish market in Springfield, we wanted to hurry and do a UFP on that one, since we thought that building had some nice potential.

So here is our fish market version, knowing that the owner's obviously wanted to go with a bold color:



http://www.contentdg.com/the-urban-facelift-project-12-1715-n-main-street/

[Captain Zissou]

^ AMAZING. If that isn't the exact design, I'm hoping for something very similar.  Love the sign.

[fsujax]

Nice. Now the question is how do we get them to do this? Maybe there is some grant money from SPAR they could use?

[jason_contentdg]

^ I think SPAR has recently sent out a mailer explaining that there is money available for facade improvements.  If they haven't yet, they will be doing it very soon.

[Captain Zissou]

Jason, you should post projects 10 and 11 also, those are awesome. 

[Ocklawaha]

Hey Brother HEIGHTS UNKNOWN, those are not upside down crosses, in fact they are quite the traditional Christian symbol. The Cross of St. Peter (officially known as the Petrine Cross or colloquially Peter's Cross) is an inverted Latin cross, but in recent times also used widely and incorrectly as an anti-Christ symbol, a common but popular misconception. The acutual accepted symbol of the anti-Christ or anti-Christ movement is an inverted crucifix with Jesus Christ hung inverted upon the crucifix. Sadly we don't teach history anymore, either in school or in churches.

The origin of this symbol comes from the Catholic tradition that St. Peter was crucified upside down, as told by Origen of Alexandria. It is believed that Peter requested this form of crucifixion as he felt he was unworthy to be crucified in the same manner that Christ died (upright). As such, some Christians use this cross as a symbol of humility and unworthiness in comparison to Christ.

OCKLAWAHA

[sheclown]

^ I think SPAR has recently sent out a mailer explaining that there is money available for facade improvements.  If they haven't yet, they will be doing it very soon.

The flyer is out.  I think it is only available to those businesses who are not labelled "special uses" though.  Ray G. got excited when he received his flyer (he owns the rooming house on Main), but that is a no go. 

btw...what is the criteria for the facade grants.  Does anyone know?  Is it posted anywhere?

The buildings look great.  The old garage shown first has always had a certain appeal to me.  I love the fresh look you've given it.  Wouldn't it make a great used book store?

[Timkin]

Not a good idea Mtrain.

Here is a good list of the buildings we've lost because of that mentality:
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2009-jan-lost-jacksonville


We have this instead...

Don't waste your breath with M-train, Lunican.  He would have every vacant building in the world torn down.