Urban Construction Update - June 2014

[acme54321]

Does anyone know what's happening on Myrtle just north of McCoys creeks?  Just drove by and there was a crew in there clearing a decent sized chunk of land.

[Bill Hoff]

Can someone explain to me "work-force" housing? I know that's the plan for the old Ambassador Hotel property... but it makes me think it is for lower-income residents... which makes me think it will be cheaply renovated and not really fulfill its potential like 11E or Churchwell.

It just means it's income-limited. Ie, you can't make more than X.

Your average student, young professional or blue collar worker would probably be a good fit.

[Charles Hunter]

Does anyone know what's happening on Myrtle just north of McCoys creeks?  Just drove by and there was a crew in there clearing a decent sized chunk of land.

Might be ash site remediation, I know they have been working in the area lately. 

[ProjectMaximus]

Does anyone know what's happening on Myrtle just north of McCoys creeks?  Just drove by and there was a crew in there clearing a decent sized chunk of land.

Might be ash site remediation, I know they have been working in the area lately.

Yeah thats what I imagine it is. Look for vehicles that say "Project New Ground."

[acme54321]

Does anyone know what's happening on Myrtle just north of McCoys creeks?  Just drove by and there was a crew in there clearing a decent sized chunk of land.

Might be ash site remediation, I know they have been working in the area lately.

Yeah thats what I imagine it is. Look for vehicles that say "Project New Ground."

Yeah you guys are probably right.  They had removed what looked to be a foot or two of soil below the natural grade.  I thought that was kind of strange but makes sense now.

[CCMjax]

Very excited to see how the Riverside 220 and Brooklyn Riverside projects work out.  The success of these two projects will have a huge impact on the progress and interest of future infill projects in this city.

In other news, I can't seem to get a straight answer on this one . . . why are there two new huge apartment complexes being built on East Baymeadows near Baymeadows and 295?  There are already numerous apartment complexes in the area, now the total number of units is in the thousands, but it's not really near anything.  I'm just curious what's driving the demand for so many apartments in that area.  I don't think UNF is big enough to drive it along with all the apartments around the SJTC.

[thelakelander]

^Commercial development is planned (in addition to what's already there) at Baymeadows and 295 as well.  It's a suburban growth hot spot. Good highway access, close to great elementary/middle/high schools, and adjacent to decent (recently built) public parks.

[coredumped]

I don't think UNF is big enough to drive it along with all the apartments around the SJTC.

I have no facts, just a hunch. The town center is too expensive for most college kids so this distance would provide a cheaper option. Going east of UNF doesn't provide much in the way of apartments so there's really only west to go. Baymeadows is reasonably cheap (arguably on the decline, see the other thread). So it would make for good affordable apartments for college students.

Again, no facts, just a thought.

[thelakelander]

All the Southside office complexes within easy reach don't hurt it. East Baymeadows offers easy access to I-295, JTB, I-95 and now SR 9B. Throw in good schools and parks, both of which are literally within walking and biking distance, and you have a decent market rate location for young families.

[IrvAdams]

Baymeadows/Southside area is a well-established 'Edge City', a good place to live, especially for young people. Schools/Apartments/Jobs are all very close together. Great place to experiment with non-automobile transportation. Need more sidewalks/bike paths in this area, above all Baymeadows Road itself.

[CCMjax]

Makes sense.  I know a gas station and a mcdonalds are going in just east of 295 but thats all i know of.  I've been thinking it would be nice if there ended up being a little village center in that location where the vacant land is.  Great location right in the middle of all the apartments and senior living communities.

[BrSpiritus]

Those Laura St apartments are so nice but out of my price range, $1050/month for a 2br.  I wonder if they will have issues renting since everyone seems to get the galloping fantods about living in Springfield...

[fsujax]

Compared to Anchorage $1050 for a 2-bedroom is a steal for something that will probably be as nice as those will be once redone.

[Bill Hoff]

Those Laura St apartments are so nice but out of my price range, $1050/month for a 2br.  I wonder if they will have issues renting since everyone seems to get the galloping fantods about living in Springfield...

I believe the new construction addition in the rear of the property is set to break ground soon, and during construction the rent is $695/mo. And they're typically somewhat flexible with their rent....but something tells me they don't really care what the uninformed crowd thinks anyways. : )

You can find all their listings here: www.urbanlivingjacksonville.com

[thelakelander]

It appears that San Marco is getting a second Subway on San Marco Blvd near Nira.

1325 San Marco Blvd. 0001, interior build-out for Subway restaurant, $50,000, 1,300 square feet, South Pointe Construction & Development

http://members.jacksonville.com/business/2014-07-05/story/sunday-business-notebook-aldi-comes-town-ace-hardware-owner-gets-offer-he