What does Avondale redevelopment project mean for retailers, residents?

[thelakelander]

Fear not, Avondale and Lakeshore residents: The Loop Pizza Grill will return to your neighborhood after the redevelopment of St. Johns Villages and Commander Apartments.

Chase Properties Inc. President and CEO Mike Balanky has proposed razing both the waterfront retail center and apartment complex on St. Johns Avenue to make way for a more urban, residential-on-top-of-retail development.

full article: http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/blog/2013/05/what-does-avondale-redevelopment.html

[Cheshire Cat]

Gosh Ennis, why you want to go and take all the hysteria out of this planned development and show everyone the developer isn't an old meanie by posting this article?  lol  I hope folks notice that two of the concerns raised on this forum in another thread discussion had to do with concern for how residents of the apartments would be handled and The Loop restaurant returning.  Bingo, bango, here you go, in the words of the developer himself.  Help will be given to residents and The Loop will be back!  Clearly, this developer cares and is listening. 

To those planning the retail for the center, can we get the cupcake folks to stay as well?  The best cupcakes in town I tell ya! 

[Spence]

Wondering what is in the cards for Espeto?  Anyone care to save it?

Last I heard they were looking for a buyer ready and willing to buy them out to the tune of a cool million for the name, inventory, lease, everything so they could walk away before redevelopment.

[Cheshire Cat]

Wondering what is in the cards for Espeto?  Anyone care to save it?

Last I heard they were looking for a buyer ready and willing to buy them out to the tune of a cool million for the name, inventory, lease, everything so they could walk away before redevelopment.

I haven't heard anything about the steak house but with the developer is now offering less retail space than before, it sounds like he can pick and choose who gets the space.  I am curious to know who of the "exciting" new tenants mentioned by the developer have expressed interest.  Sounds intriguing.

[Charles Hunter]

Wait?  Less retail space than currently?  Weren't we told in another thread that there would be lots more retail?

And ... if that assertion of 'more retail' is based on the rezoning asking for the max, and the developer is actually planning something less .... why. doesn't. the. rezoning. match. his. plans?

[Riverrat]

While I'm super excited about the project, I'm also a little bummed - I've been working out at Timed Exercise there since they opened this year. I'm curious as to what will happen to them and the other tenants in the interim.

[ricker]

What happened at the meeting at Kent campus?

I was not able to attend and would love to discover what was addressed in Mr.Balanky's and Mr.Diebenow's presentation to/with Councilperson Jim Love.