DVI and The Elbow Partner to Bring People Downtown

[Adam White]

I think there are ethical implications to this - but that said, I don't want to derail this thread with a discussion about whether or not it's appropriate, ethical or responsible to promote (and encourage) alcohol consumption under these circumstances. So I kind of regret my original post.

[johnnyliar]

Could they have chosen a worse and less appealing name than "The Elbow"? Come on. What if the configuration of the district changes and is not in the shape of an elbow.

Going to King St. sounds way better than hitting the Elbow and perception is everything with nightlife. Honestly, the district has sort of failed already in bringing in the college crowd from JU, UNF, or local kids, and lost the young professional group. It has succeeded in bringing in the more alternative crowd and hip hop clubs.

Recent JU graduate here. Students, local kids, and young professionals like to go downtown as well as King St.
I don't think the name "The Elbow" is scaring anyone off, and in fact, I like it.

[UNFurbanist]

I think the problem is that you're looking at it as it stands right now and not the potential for what it could be. Even as it is now is pretty cool it just needs a facelift, some cool programing and a lot of marketing which is exactly what this group is trying to do. It's easy to attract a college crowd because the fact of the matter is the same old places get repetitive after awhile so I think people would be receptive to a new spot. They just have to know about it and have to have a cool experience when they show up.

Totally agree with the open container and 3AM cut off though, that would make it unique and more bar goer friendly instantly!

[tufsu1]

Recent JU graduate here. Students, local kids, and young professionals like to go downtown as well as King St.
I don't think the name "The Elbow" is scaring anyone off, and in fact, I like it.

agreed...the Elbow district is actually doing fairly well.  The area currently has 12 night spots (not including primarily food places).  Just curious, how many does the King Street district have?

[For_F-L-O-R-I-D-A]

Could they have chosen a worse and less appealing name than "The Elbow"? Come on. What if the configuration of the district changes and is not in the shape of an elbow.

Going to King St. sounds way better than hitting the Elbow and perception is everything with nightlife. Honestly, the district has sort of failed already in bringing in the college crowd from JU, UNF, or local kids, and lost the young professional group. It has succeeded in bringing in the more alternative crowd and hip hop clubs.

Recent JU graduate here. Students, local kids, and young professionals like to go downtown as well as King St.
I don't think the name "The Elbow" is scaring anyone off, and in fact, I like it.

Where?

The young professional crowd that I know does not go to Marks or TSI. Occasionally, Dos Gatos is a good option but I don't even know if that is technically part of the Elbow. We used to go to Lit every once in awhile before it closed. Mostly, the young professional crowd and UNF students I know are in Riverside, the Beaches, and even some are on Hendricks at Aardwolf or V. Granted, I only know a few girls at JU, but I havent known them to go DT either.

[UNFurbanist]

Where?

The young professional crowd that I know does not go to Marks or TSI. Occasionally, Dos Gatos is a good option but I don't even know if that is technically part of the Elbow. We used to go to Lit every once in awhile before it closed. Mostly, the young professional crowd and UNF students I know are in Riverside, the Beaches, and even some are on Hendricks at Aardwolf or V. Granted, I only know a few girls at JU, but I havent known them to go DT either.

Underbelly, 1904, Burro Bar, The Cigar lounge and Dos Gatos are all part of the Elbow and they get a pretty decent crowd. Its not just TSI Hourglass and Mark's. You are right that most people go to the beaches or Riverside but I think that is exactly what they are trying to change. Here is their website showing what is technically in the elbow district http://theelbowjax.com/guide/

[Adam White]

Why is it called The Elbow?

[UNFurbanist]

^The blocks with bars on them kind of make a big L shape so I guess they thought it was clever.

[marty904]

While I think it's great, I also think it's highly irresponsible to promote drinking downtown (and possibly extend serving hours until 3AM) when basically everyone is going to have to drive to get there and back. Yes, there are taxis and things like Uber (and people could choose designated drivers) - but lack of real mass transit pretty much guarantees that people will drink and drive.

Sorry, how can you say "I think it's great" in one breath and then make a ridiculous statement like "it's irresponsible to promote drinking downtown because you have to drive there"... I'm pretty sure ANY club, bar or restaurant that serves alcohol has a parking lot and has people driving from somewhere.  Are you suggesting that unless you live close enough to a bar that you can walk (and potentially walk drunk out into traffic), you should not be allowed to go there?

Sorry, I just find this statement a bit out there...

[Adam White]

I think it's great that DVI and The Elbow are working to bring people downtown. Sorry you couldn't suss that from the comments.

[smeeeth]

I didn't see this posted on here  but they are having an event tomorrow that looks promising.


http://theelbowjax.com/bender/

[johnnyliar]

The Elbow Bender is going to be a ton of fun!
Everyone should come check it out.

[JaxJersey-licious]

The Elbow Bender is going to be a ton of fun!
Everyone should come check it out.

See this? Events like this that are well planned, well coordinated, well publicized, well sponsored, and hopefullly well attended are key to the success of districts like this. Even well estalbished entertainment centers still host many events and festivals even though they don't need the extra visitors or publicity. But the Ocean/Bay St. corridor (and DT in general) are dying for more events like this to start and maintain a sustained buzz about the area because a sure sign of success would be that the area becomes less thought of as an entertainment "option" and more as a legitamate entertainment "draw".

And Good Luck to all the bands tonight! Wish I could be there 

[Tacachale]

Ah man, I thought this was this weekend.

[ProjectMaximus]

How did it go?

Can anyone compare it to that bar crawl that was being hyped for the Town Center last Thursday?