Urban Construction Update: October 2010

[Steve]

This car wash crap is the exact same setiment that has kept Springfield back for so long.  People are just expecting these vacant businesses to turn into Starbucks, Panera and Outback overnight.  They are forgetting the intermediate phase. 

Before the Margaret Street corridor got Zoe's, Einstein's, Publix, Al's and now Chew (Asuming that last one does happen), they went through a phase where the retail shops weren't quite as polished as they are now.  That phase has to happen for the neighborhood to properly develop.  If it doesn't, we will just get a bunch of real estate speculators, and things will bo good as long as the real estate market is booming.

[duvaldude08]

I am very impressed with the progress outr city is making.. Especially anywhere near and in Downtown. Heck san Marco and Riverside are close enought to downtown to make an impact as well. Once the Trio gets rolling AND we get Bailey (ha ha he's my favorite) in office, I see Jacksonville (downtown in particular) taking off!

One question, what ever happen to farah and farah's plan to build a headquarters by the courthouse. Did they just can the idea because of the delays of the courthouse being built? And I know it was once said that the old JEA tower was going to be converted in two law offices, etc etc. Are those ideas still in the works?

[Pottsburg]

There you go with your bigotry again.  So much for keeping the discussion civil.   Go hangout or drive by any carwash our side of the St Johns tell me you don't see people begging for money or needles on the ground. The later being in extreme situations.

[thelakelander]

Pottsburg, that's a huge stereotype.  I know of several carwashes where you won't get panhandled or see needles on the ground.  For example, the one in St. Nicholas is a well run establishment.  Like anything else, the upkeep of a property comes down to the owner's desire.

[Steve]

^+1

Same with Charles and George by Ortega.  My belief is that the car wash doesn't bring the negative behavior, the neighborhood does.  Let the man run his car wash, and call it a day.

Also, this will be the closest full car wash from my house in Riverside.  I will be there when it opens.

[Pottsburg]

Car washes do have a bad rep.  I wouldn't mind a small self sufficient one. The man who is opening the carwash has secondhand equipment from a previous carwash.  I know Dare has spoken to the guy but he doesn't have the good of Springfield in mind.

[Captain Zissou]

Oh Lake, stop photoshopping these car wash pictures.  You know there should be four drug addicts huddled around a barrel fire in that picture.  A professional computer services advertisement..?? The soliciting there is out of control!!!  That place needs to be condemned!

[turns off extreme sarcasm... sort of]

A better example would be Jaguar Car wash.  It's 2 blocks north of (gasp!!) EMERSON and PHILIPS!!  There are rarely, if ever, bums or panhandlers on the premises.  The employees couldn't be nicer, and it's one of the nicest businesses on the block.

That might make a nice photo thread: The Carwashes of Duval County.

[Pottsburg]

I guess we will just have to wait an see.  If the thing ever gets built.  Which is still in debate.

[JeffreyS]

I take my wife's car to the car wash. I am the wrong crowd? Damn this is depressing. I guess I knew the people who use the private car detailers looked down on me but to see it in print damn.

[TheProfessor]

Anyone know what they are doing to Treaty Oak Park?

[thelakelander]

They are fixing it up to make it a more enjoyable public space.

[duvaldude08]

Oh Lake, stop photoshopping these car wash pictures.  You know there should be four drug addicts huddled around a barrel fire in that picture.  A professional computer services advertisement..?? The soliciting there is out of control!!!  That place needs to be condemned!

[turns off extreme sarcasm... sort of]

A better example would be Jaguar Car wash.  It's 2 blocks north of (gasp!!) EMERSON and PHILIPS!!  There are rarely, if ever, bums or panhandlers on the premises.  The employees couldn't be nicer, and it's one of the nicest businesses on the block.

That might make a nice photo thread: The Carwashes of Duval County.

yes I love the Jaguar Carwash. I actually go there reguarly. And you are correct, no bums or prostitutes hanging out there. LOL They have good service also.

[thelakelander]

I'm always waiting impatiently for these updates!

Can't wait to see some serious movement on the 200 Riverside project.  Also, looks like the Wolfson's tower should start to go vertical soon.

Just passed by the Wolfsons site. The base of the crane is being put into place.

[JeffreyS]

I was just near 200 riverside 10 men and a backhoe working.

[CS Foltz]

The JTA Streetcar Prefeasibility Study was done before the concept was added to the TPO's 2035 LRTP and the 2030 Multimodal Plans.

OK......but that is a "Prefeasibility Study" which I would interpet to be ....prior to a Feasibility Study! I am somewhat confused as to why both would have to be done first and look at things from a dollar point of view! I would think one should  not be done or is not needed so would question the dollars spent for both! So the next thing I would ask is ..........what date was the Prefeasibility Study done.........that is if you know?