Downtown Fresh Market Opens

[CityLife]

I know some people are disappointed with the site design, as I have also been since the beginning. However, its worth pointing out that the same developer (Regency) has been prepared to build a Publix in San Marco for years and years now. That proposed project (East San Marco) is mixed use and tied to residential on top. Due to issues with financing and market demand for the residential component, the project has been stalled for years.

Now of course this project could have been much more urban oriented even without a multi story residential or office component tied to it. I think due to those issues with East San Marco, Regency was scared to go the mixed use route or try anything innovative (by their own standards).

So sure, it isn't the sexiest design, but ultimately, what downtown is getting is much, much better than nothing (or a project tied up for 10 years). If there is strong market demand for a more intense use of the site in 10 years or so, it can likely be redesigned to something much more traditionally urban.

[benfranklinbof]

Absolutely, it will help bring more life to the area.

[cline]

Is the Zoe's on Margaret going to be closing?

It is moving to Brooklyn.

[coredumped]

Parking will suck there, just like it sucks at the 5 Points Publix, and it will only get worse as things fill in. It's the right problem to have, though, your project being too popular. But this is downtown, parking always sucks downtown.

That's why most downtowns get a good transit system in place. Cars take up a LOT of space:

[jcjohnpaint]

Once FM was built, I was surprised that it was closer to the street than I imagines.  Not perfect, but a positive addition none the less. 

[edjax]

I love downtowns where parking actually does suck. Hopefully, DT Jax will reach that point sooner, rather than later.

No doubt, it's just that the design of these Brooklyn developments were compromised to accommodate a certain amount of parking spaces, and it's not enough anyway. So why compromise to begin with?

Don't you kind of have to compromise when there is no mass transit in place to accommodate those using the stores? 

[peestandingup]

Now, about that Skyway extension...

[Jessicapants]

I drove past the new Fresh Market today during lunch and it was (predictably) busy. I'm happy to see them open and I look forward to shopping there sooner than later.

But while I was driving past, I noticed 3 people walking in the street on Riverside Ave. around the new apartments going up in order to get to and from the Fresh Market. Has anyone else seen this phenomenon? Apparently the sidewalk on that side of Riverside Ave. ends at the new construction? (I'm not sure.)

I was very concerned for these peoples' safety when I saw them. I hope that nothing bad happens before this problem can be fixed.

[funwithteeth]

They closed off that section of the sidewalk not too long after construction began. I had forgot about that until this past Sunday when, out for jog, I headed to Fresh Market for a closer look only to be reminded I had to get into the road if I wanted to continue my path. (Which I did. Not much traffic on an early Sunday evening!)

[jaxjaguar]

Yep, it's been closed for construction, but will re-open shortly. They just don't want things falling on peoples heads while they're building 220.

[peestandingup]

Well, that's pretty lazy of them. Usually there's supposed to be a protective hard cover over the sidewalk to protect pedestrians from anything that might fall during construction. They never "close" a sidewalk in any major urban area (unless the sidewalk itself is being redone) because it would wreak havoc. Not to mention forcing people into the street is incredibly dangerous.

[Jessicapants]

Yep, it's been closed for construction, but will re-open shortly. They just don't want things falling on peoples heads while they're building 220.

JaxJaguar, that makes sense. It was just very unnerving to see those people trying to navigate Riverside Ave. like that during lunch rush. 

[Keith-N-Jax]

Looks very nice. The people that will be living right next door are very lucky.

[thelakelander]

I know some people are disappointed with the site design, as I have also been since the beginning. However, its worth pointing out that the same developer (Regency) has been prepared to build a Publix in San Marco for years and years now. That proposed project (East San Marco) is mixed use and tied to residential on top. Due to issues with financing and market demand for the residential component, the project has been stalled for years.

Now of course this project could have been much more urban oriented even without a multi story residential or office component tied to it. I think due to those issues with East San Marco, Regency was scared to go the mixed use route or try anything innovative (by their own standards).

So sure, it isn't the sexiest design, but ultimately, what downtown is getting is much, much better than nothing (or a project tied up for 10 years). If there is strong market demand for a more intense use of the site in 10 years or so, it can likely be redesigned to something much more traditionally urban.

Regency was a late addition to this project. By the time Regency came in Fuqua Development had already gotten the site plan approved.

[thelakelander]

From the Mayor's Office:

Dear Friends,

This morning I participated in the grand opening of The Fresh Market grocery store, the anchor tenant in Regency Centers' new Brooklyn Station on Riverside retail development at the gateway to our Downtown.

The opening highlights the dramatic renewal of the historic Brooklyn neighborhood and the success of our public-private partnership to transform vacant, blighted City property in Brooklyn into private-sector development with new businesses, new homes and new jobs.
               
As mayor, I've championed the creation of a more dynamic Downtown to grow our local economy and enhance our quality of life.  As part of this vision, I've always said we need a new grocery store in Downtown.  I said it before I was elected mayor.  I said it in my inaugural address.  And I've been working toward it ever since. 

Now, with The Fresh Market opening, we're turning the vision into a reality.  This new grocery store and other retail establishments will make the area much more attractive to people who want to live close to Downtown.

That transformation is already happening.

Nearing completion next door to the Fresh Market is 220 Riverside, which has nearly 300 residential units, and Unity Plaza, a unique new park in partnership with the City that features an amphitheater that can accommodate 2,000 people.  Also under construction is Brooklyn Riverside, a development offering an additional 300 residential units.  And right across Riverside Avenue, First Coast YMCA plans to build a brand new flagship facility.

All together, these projects represent nearly $100 million in private capital investment in our Downtown.  To leverage these private-sector developments, the City invested in public infrastructure improvements and provided support through our Revenue Enhanced Value Grant program.

I'm also excited about other progress underway Downtown, including the renovation of the former Haydon Burns Library into the Jessie Ball duPont Center and the creation of the new public-private partnership to manage Hemming Plaza, as well as the redevelopment design for The Landing and plans to rehabilitate historic structures like the Bostwick Building, the Barnett National Bank Building and the Laura Street Trio.
                               
I want to thank City Council for its support of Downtown revitalization, and I appreciate the dedication of our Downtown Investment Authority.  By working together, we're creating a more vibrant and prosperous Downtown that benefits everyone in Jacksonville.

Sincerely,

Mayor Alvin Brown