Park View Inn To be Demolished,

[02roadking]

It seems they have begun the real demolition TODAY!

http://www.myspringfield.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=941&start=40

[iMarvin]

What are they going to build there?

[JeffreyS]

It seems they have begun the real demolition TODAY!

http://www.myspringfield.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=941&start=40

Fantastic

What are they going to build there?

Drug store and other retail and the parking garage will stay.

[duvaldude08]

Yeaaaaaaaa bring it down!!!!! 

[Timkin]

I ll probably need to seek counseling to get over my grief of losing this dump .... NOT

[duvaldude08]

I stayed in Arlington for three years, and coming DT everyday to go to work I had pass that dump! I am glad to see it going away!!!!

[Timkin]

It is really too bad that it was left to deterioration and vandalism. But glad demolition is moving forward. It is long past time for  the PVI to be HISTORY

[heights unknown]

To me it will always and forever be the "Heart of Jacksonville" Hotel and Lounge; had some fiery, steamy nights in that thing for 2 decades or more!

"HU"

[acme54321]

Great news.

Some of the suggestions on myspringfield for retail on the site are ridiculous.  Williams Sonoma, Apple Store, Ron Jon   LOL

[Timkin]

Oh Ron Jon...   A surf shop in Downtown.. now that is original. but a bit of a drive from the beach .

[strider]

While many are celebrating the demotion of this structure, I am sad.  This really represents many lost opportunities, of forgotten projects that could have helped the commercial corridor here in Springfield.  It represents the legacy of those in Springfield who continually sought demolition after demolition rather than preservation and restoration.  I am glad though that this site will not become the empty debris filled parking lot so many seemed to have wanted.  Part of it will remain and will grow to serve a positive purpose.

[tg]

I'm excited for this building to finally come down, as it has only been hindering the area for years. I'm also excited about what is next and what can be achieved on this site. Development on this site will affect the downtown core and Springfield, so it will be interesting to see what happens.

The TU also wrote an article about the demolition:
http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2011-07-06/story/downtown-park-view-inn-coming-down-redevelopment-next

[Timkin]

Agree with the above post.  It is a shame that a prior development idea for the place, never materialized.  As does many vacant buildings, this one sat unused for far too long.  Vandalism and deterioration took its toll.   Had it been revitilized, I doubt anyone would want it to be torn down, but it is currently beyond the eyesore stage, and I am glad it is being dismantled.  Hopefully something will replace it , and we wont have to look at a partial building until it is finally brought down as well.  Hopefully something new will take its place.

[thelakelander]

As far as I'm concerned, this is only a partial demolition and the structure is being put to a new and better use.  I think it's a decent example of utilizing an existing structure as opposed to completely clearing off a site and dreaming that something better materializes one day.

[iloveionia]

I don't champion demolition.  Ever.  The Park View Inn in its heyday was quite lovely.  I love looking at the pictures and postcards.  The rooftop pool and garden was beautiful.  It's unfortunate it was not protected from the elements and restored into a hotel, condos, something.  It is what it is.  I went by to "grab something" (i.e. a block) but they were still working at 8:30 p.m. 

Having observed a 2-story residential demoliton from beginning to end take place on Ionia, it is a long and slow process. 

Personally, I won't attend any kind of celebratory party that has been mentioned on other blogs.  Rather I will quitely say good-bye to a building abandoned and forgotten and terribly hated.