Against The Odds: Miracle Successes on King Street

[Metro Jacksonville]

Against The Odds: Miracle Successes on King Street



Since 2007, the country and the City of Jacksonville have experienced the worst global economic downturn since the Great Depression.  The collapse of markets and real estate values across the United States were echoed in the monstrous slowdowns of long established profit centers here in Jville.  However, in the midst of all this doom and gloom, Riverside witnessed a pretty incredible boom in the heart of one of its most historic districts.  Led by small businesses and a water change in the public's desire for walkable neighborhoods with local convenient businesses, the King Street has exploded in growth, new prospects, entrepreneurial spirit and public affection.  And they did it over the active opposition of neighborhood and historic groups and even job killing legislation from Councilmen Jim Love and Robin Lumb. Despite the mayhem, you can check out all the new action, remodeling, and bright new prospects after the jump!

Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2013-feb-against-the-odds-miracle-successes-on-king-street

[vicupstate]

When was the streetscaping done in relation to the business renaissance?

[fsujax]

about 15+ years ago. I remember when First Guranty had all that installed, I was in high school at Lee.

[TPC]

I'm so happy to see King street gain momentum and turn into the bustling area it always had the potential to be. I've lived off of King street around the corner from Kickbacks as well as off of Downing a block from Carmines and I'm still amazed at how crowded it now gets on weekends.

One thing I would add is that while the area has changed so much for the better in a few years, I've noticed in the past year or so the clientele has shifted from more locally supported to more people driving in from the beaches and Southside.

Has anyone else noticed this shift?

[morgjen]

Great article. Also wanted to mention Sweet Theory bakery.

[thelakelander]

Here are a few images of Sweet Theory Baking Company:

About

Riverside's Allergy Friendly Bakery (more appealing than it sounds)

Description

Doughnuts, Cupcakes, Cookie Sandwiches, Bars, Buns, Brooklyn Egg Creams, Italian Sodas and more made using the highest quality All Natural and Organic ingredients including Organic Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil, Agave Nectar, and Organic Whole Cane Sugar. All treats are free of Eggs, Dairy, Soy, and Peanuts. Gluten Free options available Daily!

https://www.facebook.com/SweetRevolutionBakingCo

1243 King Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32204
(904) 387-1001

[David]

One thing I would add is that while the area has changed so much for the better in a few years, I've noticed in the past year or so the clientele has shifted from more locally supported to more people driving in from the beaches and Southside.

Has anyone else noticed this shift?

Definitely . Especially in King St.  Five points still has the local feel but I have noticed some of the King St venues have a “southsidey/beach” feel to them at times.  (Not a bad thing, I’m in exile myself deep within Mandarin at the moment)

It’s good for business. There’s only so many people in Riverside, you need to have that citywide pull to be successful.  I drive past a few dozen restaurants/bars near my house to go to the ones in Riverside just for the atmosphere & people.

But yes, i'm stuck in the Fuel/Artbar days of Riverside so I do experience a bit of culture shock/nostalgia for the past in when hanging out over there. It's not the same grungy Riverside with two night life spots and once place to eat late that it was in the 90's and early 2000s.  It feels....less "stabby" now.

[PeeJayEss]

Cool article. When I moved to Riverside (on post 3 doors down from then Walkers), Kickbacks, Walkers, and Jackson's were all that was open. The area has changed so much in 2.5 years. I'm not saying it's because I moved there, but the evidence is pretty strong.   

Sweet Theory is awesome, and I don't really like sweets.

I'd add (though I'm not sure if you're focusing on nightlife or what):
Soup's On!
Jensen Hande Studio, as well as the new thrift shop and the memorabilia shop. These stores have had pretty high turnover, but hopefully they've found a few that will stick.
Whiteway probably deserves some credit for sticking with the neighborhood for so long
Panda Express (or Panada whatever, I always confuse its name with the chain) - for adding culinary variety to the neighborhood, but also being so gracious with their parking lot.

And will people for the love of God go to Primi Piatti!

And that First Guarantee monster needs to go (or at least lose some weight). Burger King I guess is a remnant of when Post/College were raceways? They have 4 times the parking needed, I'm sure RAP LOVES them.

[Captain Zissou]

Amazing article.  This will be one of the year's best.

A couple things to note....  You'd be hard pressed to find an import at Beer:30, as they stock only American made craft beers.  That said they have over 600 to choose from, so you should be able to find what you want without having to jump the pond.  Also, i believe you mean the Truck Stop Breakfast Stout at Intuition.  It's definitely a funky and unique flavor.  I recently did a tasting there with 6 or 7 coworkers and many of the traditionally non-beer drinkers enjoyed the Truck Stop and favored it over the King Street Stout.  In my mind, it's pretty tough to beat the King Street, unless it's the Underdark.  NOTHING BEATS THE UNDERDARK.

I have had the opportunity to get to know some of the owners of these establishments and contribute pieces to metrojacksonville on them.  When I interviewed Scott McAlister, he cited the King Street streetscape improvements as one of the reasons for opening Walkers when he did.  He already owned the building and was using it for the headquarters for his SWM Contractors company.  The space was largely even built out as it would be when Walkers opened, which was always his goal for the space.  So while the city has done everything in its power to stop the momentum of the district, they did give it a little nudge that got the ball rolling.

[PeeJayEss]

One thing I would add is that while the area has changed so much for the better in a few years, I've noticed in the past year or so the clientele has shifted from more locally supported to more people driving in from the beaches and Southside.

Has anyone else noticed this shift?

King is definitely drawing a big crowd from outside the hood. Also R-A in general. Check out the rooftop of Black Sheep. It kinda means the area has arrive. Its not complete by any means (and nothing ever is), but it has arrived, as they say. Now all the hip people will move on to the next underachieving hood and revitalize it. If there were actually some buildings standing in Lavilla, it might be there. My guess is Murray Hill and even more people in Springfield. Maybe I'm dreaming.

[TPC]

Glad it wasn't just me noticing that. I'm all for the local businesses gaining a wider audience outside our neighborhood.

I really need to check out Sweet Theory.

Spit balling ideas. I would love to see some collaboration between all of establishments on King. How awesome would it be to see a Shaun Turston mural inside The Loft, a Sandwich at Kickbacks served on Sweet Theory bread or The Salty Fig creating a dish using Bold City beer?

[PeeJayEss]

Spit balling ideas. I would love to see some collaboration between all of establishments on King. How awesome would it be to see a Shaun Turston mural inside The Loft, a Sandwich at Kickbacks served on Sweet Theory bread or The Salty Fig creating a dish using Bold City beer?

That last one does happen. There are a couple places in the neighborhood that use Intuition and Bold City beers in their food. Salty Fig definitely has something I believe using Intuition. Pele's has a dessert that uses Intuition. Derby uses Intuition in their Fish and Chips (which are awesome). I can't think of specific examples with Bold City, but I believe they exist.

[jcjohnpaint]

such a delightful read. I did not even know about Beer 30. I am going to check them out this weekend. Thanks for this wonderful article.

[Ocklawaha]

Just imagine what STREETCAR would do for this area. With Billions invested along streetcar lines all across the nation a car line would make a huge development engine. Oh, but then along comes Richard Clark and the whole thing is in jeopardy.

[Captain Zissou]

Just imagine what STREETCAR would do for this area. With Billions invested along streetcar lines all across the nation a car line would make a huge development engine. Oh, but then along comes Richard Clark and the whole thing is in jeopardy.

RAP would probably try and tank any development that was spurred by streetcars.