San Marco Publix project still alive

[thelakelander]

In the past, you've mentioned the idea of a TIF  (Tax Increment Finance) District to help cover the costs of a potential Skyway expansion into San Marco. 

http://www.metrojacksonville.com/forum/index.php?topic=18483.0

Do you think that is an idea that this development group could get behind?

[Captain Zissou]

I am huge fan of this project. I just wish it would get off the ground already. If this was in Avondale, a zoning change would be the death knell of the development. Wayne Wood would never allow it. I hope San Marco can rally behind this and expedite the process instead of impede it.

[Stephen]

How did this Wayne Wood fellow get so much power?

[thelakelander]

How did this Wayne Wood fellow get so much power?

Wayne is a good guy, who's done a lot for the community over the years.  He may think the St. Johns Village development is too intense for Avondale but he's free to have his own opinion and it's worth just as much as anyone else's, for or against that project.  I think some of you give him a little more power than he really has. If his opinion is all that stands in the way of the Commander project moving forward, they'll be breaking ground pretty soon.  At the end of the day, opinions have to be backed with supporting rational data validating them to be successful in changing the conversation. At least from how the media has been covering the Commander project, it doesn't appear the rational data exists at this point. Nevertheless, it is pretty eye-opening to see how these similar sized projects are being viewed by the communities surrounding them. 

[tufsu1]

The JBJ article states the project was largely well received by the residents.   It's very interesting to see how this project is being received compared with the Commander.

I think that has something to do with really wanting Publix and knowing the lot has sat empty for five years

[thelakelander]

This could be a part of it as well. The East San Marco site is an underutilized eyesore and San Marco has been lusting after Publix for quite a while.  However, this type of infill project seems to fall in line with the desires of many who participated in the creation of the San Marco by Design study a few years back.  Even going back to the original planning of the project, i don't recall huge debate centering on intensity and scale.

[thelakelander]

Btw, here's a rendering of the East San Marco project:



- 240 apartments
- 35 townhouses
- 30,000 square-foot Publix
- 14,000 square-feet of additional retail/dining

[Tacachale]

The word at Aardolf last night was that people in attendance seemed pretty happy with the proposed project. As others have alluded to, a lot of people I've talked to previously in the neighborhood are just happy for the chance that the grocery store many finally be coming; some would even take a Publix without the rest of the project over the empty lot that's there now.

[simms3]

Btw, here's a rendering of the East San Marco project:



- 240 apartments
- 35 townhouses
- 30,000 square-foot Publix
- 14,000 square-feet of additional retail/dining

That looks good as it is in the rendering.  My concern is a "San Marco Place" reversal.  I have the full-size print of the 2-tower original design of San Marco Place rolled up somewhere in storage at my parent's house.  It was beautiful, real white stucco appearance and genuine mediterranean architectural elements.  Then what we got was vastly different - beige cheap faux stucco, lower quality materials throughout, imitation mediterranean, etc.  I would hope that this project at least resembles its rendering and doesn't turn into a cheap beige faux stucco development.

I am glad it's rentals, though!  (which doesn't bode as well for quality of finish as if it were going to be condos...trade-offs)

[simms3]

^Good question. I think most would just be happy to finally get some movement on the grocery store.

In my opinion, a grocery store would seal the deal for me that San Marco is the most desirable neighborhood in Jax.  I hope quality design and materials come to fruition, and then that would be the ultimate positive - a clean, charming, attractive neighborhood with a relatively uniform theme that isn't too "forced", with walkability, amenities, and convenience to downtown, as well as lots of housing options across all different levels.  A grocer is really all that's missing.

[ProjectMaximus]

^Good question. I think most would just be happy to finally get some movement on the grocery store.

In my opinion, a grocery store would seal the deal for me that San Marco is the most desirable neighborhood in Jax.  I hope quality design and materials come to fruition, and then that would be the ultimate positive - a clean, charming, attractive neighborhood with a relatively uniform theme that isn't too "forced", with walkability, amenities, and convenience to downtown, as well as lots of housing options across all different levels.  A grocer is really all that's missing.

I feel the exact same.

[dougskiles]

In the past, you've mentioned the idea of a TIF  (Tax Increment Finance) District to help cover the costs of a potential Skyway expansion into San Marco. 

http://www.metrojacksonville.com/forum/index.php?topic=18483.0

Do you think that is an idea that this development group could get behind?

They would be fools not to support it because it wouldn't cost them any extra.  JTA really needs to be the driver of the TIF concept because the funds generated would be used mostly to extend the transit line into the neighhorhood.  I don't believe this is on JTA's radar at the moment.

[thelakelander]

A JBJ article about the San Marco project's meeting last night.

San Marco embraces Publix deal, unlike infill opposition elsewhere

In a city that seems to often resist proposed infill projects, a town hall meeting on the East San Marco Publix was an interesting change of pace.

Residents were largely supportive of the project — which will include 240 apartments, 35 townhomes, a 30,000 square-foot Publix Supermarkets Inc. store and 14,000 square feet of small-shop retail space at the corner of Hendricks Avenue and Atlantic Boulevard — which was presented by developers Regency Centers Corp., St. Joe Co. and Whitehall Realty Partners LP.

Once Whitehall managing partner John Carey wrapped up his presentation and opened the floor for questions, there was a pause. Then, a resident raised her hand and asked Carey when the Publix would open.

full article: http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2013/10/11/san-marcos-response-to-infill-publix.html

[Lunican]

30,000 square-foot Publix -  Is that the same store footprint as the Riverside Publix?

[thelakelander]

Pretty much.  According to the article, it shows a 30,000 square foot box for Publix.  Publix's smallest model is around 28,000 square feet. The Riverside Publix is that size.