Lofts off Stockton?

[Britta]

Off Stockton, I'm understanding the old middle school - John Gorrie? (sp?) - is undergoing a loft conversion.  Yet, I haven't seen anything online or have run into anyone in the neighborhood with much info on the process.  Anyone have info to share?  Will they be lofts or more conservative condos - rentals or what?

Thanks in advance.

[Ernest Street]

I think I'm guilty of Freezing the last MJ thread about this subject with my posts about how they are going to deal with security.
WE live in this neighborhood and don't see the need for this converted school to put up barbwire fences and security Gates.
I hope the current plan is helpful to the neighborhood. Wasn't there plans to have former school buildings opening up to King street as retail space?

[stjr]

I think I read in the T-U that this project is being developed by Delores (Mrs. Wayne) Weaver.

[Garden guy]

I wouldn't put it past the weavers to put up some big wall on this place...i don't see them keeping this places continuity with the rest of the area going...walls and gates...its the weavers of course..."they're special"..remember..I just don't see the reason behind such security...it's just going to ostracize the place..that family seems to not have a clue as to what a metro neighborhood needs...unless they take down the fences and let the place come part of the neighborhood of riverside it'll be a travisty for all of us that have to put up with what the wealthy thinks is right for us all...

[Jimmy]

Aren't the fences and barbed wire there just to keep the construction materials, tool, and supplies from "wandering off" in the middle of the night? 

I don't think it's a permanent feature of the project...

[Dog Walker]

They are apartments, not lofts.

The current fence is temporary for construction security, but there will certainly be some security fencing for the parking.  It isn't going to be barbed wire or chain link, not in the RAHD.  Agin code!

The white vinyl windows that have been installed are UGLY!  Hope they are going to be painted to blend in with the brick.

Word is that the band and cafeteria buildings along Stockton, the windowless blocks, are going to be torn down and retail stores mirroring the Marybuilt and other buildings across Stockton.

There was a "groundbreaking" last week for the Stockton Street Town Center Improvement Project.  It involves right-of-way and median improvements as well as putting the ugly powerlines underground from Post Street, under I-10 to Phyllis Street.  Should really spiff up the area.

Mrs. Weaver has poured a huge amount of money into this project to save this beautiful old school and improve the neighborhood.  Thanks!

[Captain Zissou]

Once they get the retail up on Stockton, that will be great.  I think they could renovate and re-purpose the band building, but starting from scratch will allow them to build bigger and have more density.  There are plenty of opportunities around there for additional infill.  This is a very important project for the neighborhood and I can't wait to see what additional development this creates.

[Shwaz]

I'm absolutely floored by the knee jerk comments here about a fenced construction project. The courthouse project also has chainlink & barbed wire.... is anyone else outraged over that?

[iluvolives]

I'm really excited for the streetscape project- I think it will make a huge impact on the area, or atleast the preception of the area.

[fieldafm]

The windows have been discussed at length.  Anytime John Gorrie is on the agenda at the JHP meetings, it takes up the majority of the (already insanely) long meetings. 

To say that the Weavers are just doing whatever they want is simply not accurate Garden Guy.  They are working hand in hand with JHP/RAP/etc on the project from soup to nuts.

Lets give someone that is pouring millions of dollars into a project for no reason other than the betterment of the neighborhood(they certainly don't need the money) a little credit.  Opening up retail along Stockton served by 100 or more additional residents is going to be a big help in restoring a once vibrant commercial corridor.

They aren't Republican, so you are not required to dislike them.

[BridgeTroll]

+ 100 

[Shwaz]

I wouldn't put it past the weavers to put up some big wall on this place...i don't see them keeping this places continuity with the rest of the area going...walls and gates...its the weavers of course..."they're special"..remember..I just don't see the reason behind such security...it's just going to ostracize the place..that family seems to not have a clue as to what a metro neighborhood needs...unless they take down the fences and let the place come part of the neighborhood of riverside it'll be a travisty for all of us that have to put up with what the wealthy thinks is right for us all...

This may be the funniest statement in the comment... The Weavers have raised and donated over $14 MILLION... most of it distributed to inner-city children, programs and institutions.

[Jimmy]

This may be the funniest statement in the comment... The Weavers have raised and donated over $14 MILLION... most of it distributed to inner-city children, programs and institutions.

Well said.  Hey, I like the Jaguars as much as anyone, but the real benefit the team has (in my perception) is 1) the Jaguars Foundation and 2) the Weavers' personal giving to causes in Jacksonville.  Huge impact.

And this deal with Gorrie is one more aspect of their presence here that makes Jacksonville a better place.

[BridgeTroll]

GG reflexively blames "the rich" for most of societies ills. 

[billy]

Who is the general contractor on the project (the school)?