Urban Core Construction Update - May 2011

[fsujax]

I have many neighbors who go DT just to go to Burrito Gallery on a weeknight or weekends. If it is something people really like they would go in the evenings or weekends!

[thelakelander]

Burrito Gallery also serves a dual role as a bar.  How are places like Zodiac Grill and Chew doing with their weekend business?  Who knows?  Maybe, if Olio can establish a following, they'll expand their hours.  After all, if there is profit to be made, I can't imagine them not.

[fsujax]

well, the one Friday night I went to Chew, it was packed.

[urbaknight]

well, the one Friday night I went to Chew, it was packed.

Great news! Maybe if things go well, the people of Chew will find it in their hearts to stayput DT.

[fsujax]

i really cant understand their wanting to leave. Every time I go in there it is usually very busy.

[thelakelander]

They're normally empty when I work late nights on the weekend (I work in the building across the street from Chew) and they're planning on leaving DT once their new building goes up in Five Points.  So I wonder if them not being clustered in a compact setting with other similar businesses has led to their decision to relocate to an area with high night and daytime foot traffic?

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

More seating, more foot traffic, own building (no landlord), mixed use building.....  am I missing anything?

[ben says]

http://www.oliomarket.com/menu/

olio is slated to open spring 2011.

Our hours will be Monday - Friday 10:00am to 3pm for lunch.

We are located in downtown Jacksonville, at 301 E. Bay Street,
at the intersection of Bay St. and  Market St.

Menu looks good...but damn...limited!
I work two blocks from Olio, and I can see myself getting sick of that line up within a 2 month window.

[fsujax]

I am only speaking of my Friday night experinece there and lunch time. I havent been there on a Monday or Tuesday night, I can imagine they probably arent too busy. The WA Knight building is a mixed-use building.

[Dapperdan]

I wish Olio success. To me, that is a great location with the awning wrapped around it.

[urbaknight]

They're normally empty when I work late nights on the weekend (I work in the building across the street from Chew) and they're planning on leaving DT once their new building goes up in Five Points.  So I wonder if them not being clustered in a compact setting with other similar businesses has led to their decision to relocate to an area with high night and daytime foot traffic?

Which building do you work in? Which floor? I thought all floors above the ground level were closed and empty. Tell me  about this area, as I see it, that block is the best example of urban density that we have anywhere in Jax. Please tell me there's activity in those upper floors.

[fieldafm]

The WA Knight building is a mixed-use building.

That area gets ZERO foot traffic at night.

I've been in Zodiac a few times for dinner.  There lunch must REALLY cover them to justify those dinner crowds.  I applaud what they are trying to do.  I wouldnt be brave enough to do it.

[thelakelander]

Which building do you work in? Which floor? I thought all floors above the ground level were closed and empty. Tell me  about this area, as I see it, that block is the best example of urban density that we have anywhere in Jax. Please tell me there's activity in those upper floors.

I work on the 7th floor of the old Atlantic Bank Annex building (white building in image).



You are correct that most of the upper floor spaces along this stretch are empty.  That's the reason there's little foot traffic in what should be one of the most vibrant urban corridors in the city.  From my office's back windown, you can see the BOA tower, straight through the Jacksonville Bank Building's empty floors a block away.  I still don't know why Zodiac stays open for dinner.  I applaud them but we need a lot more clustering and special events down here to stimulate the foot traffic to justify business owners keeping later hours.  They do great at lunch but they stopped serving breakfast a few months ago, due to the lack of decent foot traffic.

[John P]

Adams Street is actually becoming somewhat vibrant. Poppy Love Smoke, Icon, Burro Bar, Burrito Gallery, Indochine, Zodiac, Chew.

[iloveionia]

and then there's the courthouse.
yup, i just threw up in my mouth a little.