Corner of King and Park

[ben says]

Any idea what will be taking place of the pharmacy that moved from the corner of King and Park?

1) Any credible rumors circulating?

2) What would you want to go there? (let's be realistic)

[MLRSJax]

A number of restaurant users have approached the owner but the space needs way too much work for one.  Their is no grease trap or rear access.

[Captain Zissou]

The place has a very retro and art deco vibe already, so I'd love something that could compliment that look.  A couple bar ideas have been tossed around.  Depending on the size of the space, I'd like to see a few uses that play off the retro vibe.  A vintage/ high end clothing store, record store, and eclectic bar all side by side.  

MM would really be able to make that space into something unique and a flagship location for their brand.  I imagine they have already considered this site, but found the antique shop to be more condusive to their plans.

All in all, if it's a well done business that adds to the neighborhood, I don't care what goes in there.  

One thing though, If it is a restaurant, that is going to stress the already limited parking supply in the area.  I hate to say it, but they are going to have to add auxiliary parking until the streetcar is up and running.  Maybe they could build a ParkKing (get it?) garage.  

What is the square footage of the available space?

[MLRSJax]

It's about 4,000 sq ft.

[ben says]

Has Mellow Mushroom confirmed they are interested in the old antique space, or is this just a rumor that has blossomed into an almost-truth...?

[Captain Zissou]

From today's TU.

Mellow expansion?

John Valentino is exploring expansion plans for the wildly-successful Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers.

The chain’s Tinseltown location has defied the struggles other restaurants have experienced in that area and Valentino has expanded to Jacksonville Beach and Fleming Island. He’s now considering adding spots in the Riverside area and in the St. Johns Town Center. The company is also weighing a partnership with Burrito Gallery at one or more of the possible new locations.

http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/401574/abel-harding/2011-02-21/coworking-space-debuting-downtown-jacksonville

I posted this yesterday in the Carmine's thread.  It's more than a rumor, but it's not fact.

[ben says]

excelllleenntt....
let's hope this comes to fruition.

[Captain Zissou]

^ That's some pretty slick investigative work Stephen.  Nice Job.

I hope that RAP and the Park & King Association will be helpful in bringing them to the neighborhood, should they decide to do so.  People will complain day and night about chains, but having them in the neighborhood helps lend a bit of credibility to the area it and indicates that it's business friendly..... Also, as far as chains go, MM is ok with me.

Notice how there are so few chains in downtown.  

[copperfiend]

Mellow Mushroom would be a great addition. I like the one at the beach.

[Dog Walker]

And people complain about the number of sushi restaurants we have in Riverside!  Have you ever counted how many pizza places there are?  Good grief!

[Captain Zissou]

And people complain about the number of sushi restaurants we have in Riverside!  Have you ever counted how many pizza places there are?  Good grief!

Try the number of sandwich shops, it doubles pizza places.  I don't think an overabundance of restaurants is a bad thing.  I'd like a solid burrito place, a thai place closer to 5 points, and a solid wing place, but I'm not starving by any means.  Heck, most of the time I'm full with leftovers in the fridge.

[ben says]

Yes, we all have to remember that a plethora of businesses is a GOOD thing....

........unless it's a sushi place 

[Garden guy]

Love the idea of restaurant but the idea of a parking garage in that area is the last thing that needs to happen...there is plenty of parking in that area..people are just too lazy to walk a bit..

The place has a very retro and art deco vibe already, so I'd love something that could compliment that look.  A couple bar ideas have been tossed around.  Depending on the size of the space, I'd like to see a few uses that play off the retro vibe.  A vintage/ high end clothing store, record store, and eclectic bar all side by side.  

MM would really be able to make that space into something unique and a flagship location for their brand.  I imagine they have already considered this site, but found the antique shop to be more condusive to their plans.

All in all, if it's a well done business that adds to the neighborhood, I don't care what goes in there.  

One thing though, If it is a restaurant, that is going to stress the already limited parking supply in the area.  I hate to say it, but they are going to have to add auxiliary parking until the streetcar is up and running.  Maybe they could build a ParkKing (get it?) garage.  

What is the square footage of the available space?

[Garden guy]

I'd love to see some nice places open in the park and king area..not just jeans and tshirts...we deserve a little fancy food to.

[L.P. Hovercraft]

Love the idea of restaurant but the idea of a parking garage in that area is the last thing that needs to happen...there is plenty of parking in that area..people are just too lazy to walk a bit..

Agree 100%.  I don't think a parking garage is either necessary or desirable--the whole neighborhood is one big grid of free streetside parking spots already.  You may need to park and walk a few blocks to get to your destination, but that's actually one of the positives of Riverside/Avondale--it's a real walkable neighborhood, not SJTC.  Let's not become a victim of success and destroy what's so appealing about it in the first place by building for automobiles rather than human beings.  Besides, on-street parking has a traffic calming effect so even if he wants to, Mr. SUV driver can't go 80 mph down a narrow 2 way street lined on both sides with parked cars without some collateral damage.  Let's leave the parking garages where they belong: at Jax International, the malls, and of course, downtown.

Streetcar on the other hand, can't get here soon enough as far as I'm concerned.