Density does not imply high-rises

[urbaknight]

As far as the retail issue goes, sinage alone won't be enough. (it is a great start though) In addition to sinage, retailers should have their front entrances right on the sidewalks. If people can just walk in to a shop, they'd be more likely to do so; Basically I'm just trying to eliminate any and all excuses for people to avoid these businesses.
It would take a lot of work retrofitting the buildings we have now. But we'd be wise to consider this in future building projects. kudos to Wells Fargo for realizing and implementing their plan, I'm sure it was a huge pain for them but they stepped up!

[Debbie Thompson]

Part of the visibility problem is they aren't allowed to put signage out on the street, or in the windows, for aesthetic reasons. But if you work downtown, you know about most of them.

[Ocklawaha]

The Chief of Police is determined that the streets of the city shall not be obstructed by signs that mar the beauty of Jacksonville. Already there have been a few arrests of merchants who refused to take the signs down and the police are adamant in stating that if the merchants do not comply with the law, more arrests will follow...

Times-Union, November 13, 1909

Guess we reap what we sow eh?

OCKLAWAHA

[thelakelander]

Part of the visibility problem is they aren't allowed to put signage out on the street, or in the windows, for aesthetic reasons. But if you work downtown, you know about most of them.

Seems like simply policy change and the nudging of government (Mayor's Office, JEDC, DVI, etc.) can change this.  It would be easier to do this than pull off funding a convention center anytime soon.

[Debbie Thompson]

The owner of the lobby sandwich shop in the BoA Tower told me it was the landlord that didn't allow signage, as I recall.  But that was years ago, so my memory could be faulty.  I don't think tasteful white lettering and graphics in a pleasing font in the window would detract from the building.  Something garish may, but I don't think that would.  I was also told the rent was too high.  At one time, there was even a retail flower shop in the lobby inside the Laura Street entrance.  They sold potted plants, cut flowers, and small bouquets.  But they closed too.  They said rent too high, couldn't post signage.  Kathy who had the small gift shop said the same thing.  Rent too high.  Wasn't making money.  In all those instances, visibility may have helped bring people in to make it profitable.  And Parmenter could realize a full space at lower rent is better than an empty one.  But then, you could say that about Main Street landlords in Springfield too.

The biggest surprise/best kept secret in the BoA Tower is the restaurant on the 42nd floor where the Barnett Bank board room used to be.  It's been discussed on this forum.  Amazing views of the river all the way to NAS on the south, and the Dames Point Bridge to the east, and beyond.  Sometimes the jets will fly up the river past the tower going to NAS while you are dining.  And the best part?  It's cheap.  It's an Aramark cafe.  You can eat lunch for less than $10.  (If it's still open.  I no longer work downtown, so don't know.)

[Captain Zissou]

Sounds like the rent is too damn high. Where is Jimmy McMillan when you need him??

[JeffreyS]

BOA has allowed shops to put Sandwich board style signs out recently. A small step but an admission that signage is needed.

[thelakelander]

Signage, outdoor seating, sidewalk directories, awnings, separate entrances, window displays, etc. are all options that should be on the table, imo.

[cline]

Signage, outdoor seating, sidewalk directories, awnings, separate entrances, window displays, etc. are all options that should be on the table, imo.

These are just basic things that would significantly help increase visibility for establishments downtown.  The fact that these are currently prohibited by the City if baffling.  It would cost them no money to allow this.