Urban Construction Update - March 2012

[Heynorm]

What is going on with the MLK expressway area between phoenix and Buckman?

[Captain Zissou]

Were those palm trees at the JTB/295 interchange worth $2 million spent to purchase and plant them?

My thoughts exactly.  I personally think they look awful, but I'm sure there are some that enjoy them.  Who approved that expenditure and where did the money come from.  That money could be much better spent somewhere (almost anywhere) else.

[thelakelander]

What is going on with the MLK expressway area between phoenix and Buckman?

A new interchange with 21st Street.

http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2012-mar-major-urban-interchange-project-underway

[tufsu1]

Were those palm trees at the JTB/295 interchange worth $2 million spent to purchase and plant them?

My thoughts exactly.  I personally think they look awful, but I'm sure there are some that enjoy them.  Who approved that expenditure and where did the money come from.  That money could be much better spent somewhere (almost anywhere) else.

FDOT...the new Secretary (with the blessing of our Governor) announced last year that they would be "enhancing" the landscaping at many key gateways.....the landscaping budget for the 95/10 interchange got beefed up as a result and installation should be happening soon.

[fsujax]

they might not be finished with the landscaping project, planting the palms is the first thing they will do.

[Keith-N-Jax]

I see a Mary's is being built here. I have heard alot of good things about the one in Tampa's Ybor city. Good to see some good things happenings. Hope they do well here.

[halimeade]

I have seen the architect's renderings for the Julia's organic grocery, and they have some really interesting ideas for the building. I hope the project moves forward in a timely manner!

[iloveionia]

What more information can you share about the former store at 1553 Market (corner of 6th/Market)?  Gots any? 

[Overstreet]

I haven't seen those particular palms. They are likely Pheonix palms brought over from Saudi. So much for landscaping with native plants.

[kells904]

Lake,

you wrote something awhile back about improving the exposure of the AT&T(EverBank) Building to street-level.  While that's certainly something they NEED to do to help draw business, is that something EverBank could do on its own, or does the City have to be involved?

[thelakelander]

It's something the property owner of the building would have to allow.  At a minimum, better signage would be a huge improvement at an affordable cost.   If they wanted to toss some money into the concept, then better exposure at the pedestrian level by modifying some of the facade (ex. transparent windows, awnings, etc. were feasible) to indicate that there are businesses there can be considered. From a city standpoint, it would help if there were encouragement from the public sector to better integrate private properties at the pedestrian scale.

[aclchampion]

Since you mentioned Murray Hill, what in the world is going on with Roosevelt Bv between McDuff Ave and the Roosevelt expressway. Parallel with the CSX railroad. And parellel with the JEA substation. Its totally torn up and has been that way for almost a month.

[Captain Zissou]

Anyone know when Jersey Mikes will open??  It looks like it could be any day now.  I live about a half mile from there now and I'd love to add it to my list of dinner options.

[fieldafm]

Anyone know when Jersey Mikes will open??  It looks like it could be any day now.  I live about a half mile from there now and I'd love to add it to my list of dinner options.

Next week.

[mtraininjax]

Since you mentioned Murray Hill, what in the world is going on with Roosevelt Bv between McDuff Ave and the Roosevelt expressway. Parallel with the CSX railroad. And parellel with the JEA substation. Its totally torn up and has been that way for almost a month.

That stretch of Roosevelt Blvd was part of the reconstruction of the road. There are also parts around the Edgewood Avenue ramp that will be torn up and rebuilt, as they are showing severe cracks in the roadway. The area torn up was a really rough road and needed to be rebuilt.

Nice to see that the contractor has smoothed out the US 17 roadway as well. It really is a comfortable road to travel now.