Urban Core Construction Update - May 2011

[acme54321]

Has anyone figured out why there is a huge crane by the JEA tower. I will be near it tomorrow so I may check it out.

No my neighbor asked me about it also.  She said they were taking stuff up to the roof all day yesterday.  Maybe just HVAC work or something

[danno]

Looked like the other day they were replacing AC units.

[duvaldude08]

Stephendare, are there any updates on the Laura Street Trio? Is it dead in the water now? Are they still trying to secure financing?

[duvaldude08]

Stephendare, are there any updates on the Laura Street Trio? Is it dead in the water now? Are they still trying to secure financing?

I ran into Steve Atkins at the Epping Forest Club's fundraiser for Alvin Brown (along with his very very wonderful wife)  He's found another partner to do the boutique hotel at the Barnett Tower, but I think he is out of the trio.

Matt Carlucci and I were talking about the trio just a couple of days ago.  As you may know Matt established the historic preservation trust fund specifically to rescue those three buildings from being torn down while he was city council president.

He wants them to get a real focus from Alvin's administration, and I suppose he is in a good vantage point to argue passionately on their behalf.

At this moment, the city (under the leadership of Bill Killingsworth) is evaluating the trio for use as a city program for Art Studios and Lofts.  Hes finished an initial report on the program for presentation to the Mayor, I assume it will be part of the series of department generated "White Papers" on the status of ongoing city projects.

Im right there with you duvaldude.   Along with the other 4 living generations of Jacksonvillians, Ive loved those buildings most of my life.

Still great news! Even if things change directions, as long something happens Im happy. Especially about the hotel. Thats the part I was dying to see. Looks like everything still may work out. Thanks Stephen!