A more "modern" Jacksonville.

[arb]

For example, look at Seattle, WA. The architecture is just outstanding. Am I the only one who thinks J-ville could use a change of "looks," and start with a modern approach (meanwhile preserving historic bldgs, which Seattle has a lot of) and start phasing out of that "suburban look?" In other words, design like the JRTC. But all in all, I'm not talking about making the entire city of Jacksonville modern, but just bringing a different style of architecture into the lime light.


Tacoma Art Museum


Tukwila Station - Sounder Link


Northgate Mall - Target


Seattle Public Library

Well you get the picture...

[CS Foltz]

Just imagine Philips Hwy with the BRT, new landscaping, new development (with less surface parking), and people walking from shop to shop along the corrider...

Not sure just what you have in mind arb? Philips,with BRT, will be Philips with BRT! Whether or not the architecture is modern won't have much bearing on just one more strip mall added to the mix! Way too many empty stores and strip malls now......so just not sure what your referring too!

[thelakelander]

^That's all we will be is just imagining.  BRT isn't going to bring any new walkable new development in a manner where people will have the opportunity to walk from shop to shop along the corridor.



However, I do agree with your take on modern architecture.  I think architectural diversity is an outward sign of a creative and progressive urban community.  If we're going to get to a decent point of walkable vibrancy, creativity and doing things we aren't used to are going to have to be a part of the solution.

[CS Foltz]

lake....I have no problem with diversity of architecture! That is a sure sign of something vibrant and living, expanding and all of those  things that say something is living and breathing! BRT on Philips is a waste of money and resources and we can ill afford that taking place!

[thelakelander]

CS, we're in agreement.  BRT isn't going to do a thing for Philips expect cement its status as a long term blighted corridor.

[Ralph W]

I've ridden that Sounder in Seattle and if the last section from the airport has been completed, then it's transportation that really goes somewhere that people want and need to go. You will have noticed that the Sounder also goes close to many of the major venues on it's way into Seattle, such as the two sports complexes.

That parking lot was practically full when we were there and it's free. Also the bus system, financed by both King County and another I don't recall, feeds multiple locations, much like what has been discussed here on MJ. There was also a dedicated shuttle that serviced only the airport, bringing passengers to this major point. I believe the shuttle is to be discontinued after the Sounder link is completed but the concept just adds to the reasons to have a complete hub like the Prime Osborn returned to comprehensive transportation service.

A modern look for all this is just icing on the cake. Makes it comfortable to want to be there.

[simms3]

Sure we should push for some more modern designs.  We shouldn't just push for experimental architecture, though.  These cities that are 60+% greeny moderny blah look a little too socialist/experimental for my tastes.  Modern mixed with classical forms of architecture and in between works.  I voted "other".

[thelakelander]

100 years ago, the Prairie School style we all love and have formed historic districts around was considered cutting edge and modern.  Imagine what historic Jax would look like today if guys like Klutho weren't allowed to design in the fashion they did in those days.  We should push for embracing creativity, design and cultural diversity.  Do that and an endless amount of styles and options will develop.

[jason_contentdg]

I'm all for it...

[arb]

Again I agree with the BRT thing being a waste of money, but JTA is going to go ahead with it regardless, so think of the benefits BRT has. What I'm really saying is it might spur transit oriented development which indeed, is usually walkable, and the Philips Hwy corridor can be turned into a dense, and walkable/transit oriented neighborhood, and then with new architecture that is modern could totally change the plain-Jane Philips Hwy as it is today, which as Ralph W stated, would be the icing on the cake. Look at Seattle for example, there light rail transit  is bringing a lot of new walkable & dense development along Martin Luther King Jr. Way.

Maybe this will help people understand better...?

[arb]

I'm all for it...

I see your from contentdg.com. You guys are a prime example of tasteful modern architecture, and better yet, a company which restores existing buildings! You guys rock!

[thelakelander]

What I'm really saying is it might spur transit oriented development which indeed, is usually walkable, and the Philips Hwy corridor can be turned into a dense, and walkable/transit oriented neighborhood, and then with new architecture that is modern could totally change the plain-Jane Philips Hwy as it is today, which as Ralph W stated, would be the icing on the cake. Look at Seattle for example, there light rail transit  is bringing a lot of new walkable & dense development along Martin Luther King Jr. Way.

Maybe this will help people understand better...?

I understand.  What I'm saying is BRT doesn't have a strong history of spurring TOD in America.  No matter what JTA is selling, the proof is in the BRT systems currently running in the US today.  For example, DT Tampa's Marion Street Transitway has been around for at least two decades now.  The only vibrancy happening along that street is found in the lines of vagrants waiting at the doors of nearby soup kitchens.  Knowing the failure of real BRT systems to spur TOD, tells the realist in me that even if JTA brings BRT to Philips, in the future it will look just as depressing as it is today.

[arb]

What I'm really saying is it might spur transit oriented development which indeed, is usually walkable, and the Philips Hwy corridor can be turned into a dense, and walkable/transit oriented neighborhood, and then with new architecture that is modern could totally change the plain-Jane Philips Hwy as it is today, which as Ralph W stated, would be the icing on the cake. Look at Seattle for example, there light rail transit  is bringing a lot of new walkable & dense development along Martin Luther King Jr. Way.

Maybe this will help people understand better...?

I understand.  What I'm saying is BRT doesn't have a strong history of spurring TOD in America.  No matter what JTA is selling, the proof is in the BRT systems currently running in the US today.  For example, DT Tampa's Marion Street Transitway has been around for at least two decades now.  The only vibrancy happening along that street is found in the lines of vagrants waiting at the doors of nearby soup kitchens.  Knowing the failure of real BRT systems to spur TOD, tells the realist in me that even if JTA brings BRT to Philips, in the future it will look just as depressing as it is today.

Your certainly right, but like I always say, "JTA is going to do what they wanna do anyway, regardless of what there CUSTOMERS think, so just hope for the best," and with that I say lets just hope the BRT comes with usefulness, while helping "revitalize" Philips Hwy.

[thelakelander]

Unfortunately, you can't squeeze blood out of a turnip.  It is what it is.  If Philips gets BRT without commuter rail you can stick a fork in the idea of infill walkable development having a significant impact on that corridor.  The only option is to keep stepping on JTA's toes and slapping them around when needed.  Beat someone over the head with logic enough times and they'll either come to their senses or die.  Either way, you'll end up with what you want.

[strider]

Unfortunately, to have modern architecture, particularly in an downtown area that was once thriving and successful, something has to go.

The good news is thanks to reckless polices, there are often lots of empty lots to choose from.  So modern infill is most definitely the way to go.  It should, however, be modern and yet fit into the existing environment somehow.  Content Designs latest residential infill going into Springfield is a perfect example of what should be done.