Results of the Boom: Dead Projects

[Metro Jacksonville]

Results of the Boom: Dead Projects



With the real estate boom of the new century now over, Metro Jacksonville takes a look at major proposed projects that died or were indefinitely delayed.

Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/content/view/908

[Jason]

As depressing as this list is, I'm still stoked that the previous article was chock full of great projects that did get built. 

The projects I was REALLY looking forward to was the Riverwatch Tower, Shipyards, and Brooklyn Park.  Those three would have had the greatest impacts on not only the skyline, but on the potential to spawn more development on adjacent properties.

[copperfiend]

Seeing these pictures I am reminded of the optimism of a few years ago. Hopefully we get to a point where some of these projects become reality.

[stug]

What's with the 200 Riverside monstrosity? Fingers crossed that thing doesn't wind up marring Riverside Ave.

[Doctor_K]

Seeing these pictures I am reminded of the optimism of a few years ago. Hopefully we get to a point where some of these projects become reality.

Agree there.  It'd be interesting to see how many of these aborted projects ever get resurrected once the market conditions improve.  The skyline would've been phenomenal if these had gone through.  Holy cow.

[dknighton]

A really loud voice in my head is saying something to me...how many of these projects were hurried along to the grave by the fact that our city and it's leaders are impossible to deal with?  It seems those in power have a single mantra when it comes to downtown development:  More parking lots, no creative mass-transit, and everyone go home after 5pm!

It's inexplicable, and if we care about our downtown, we need to start holding these people accountable.  They are employed at our discretion, after all.

[duvalbill]

Which project had the rooftop restaurant and bar?  I really wish we could have one here, as they're pretty cool when the weather's nice (check out Charleston for a good example).

[hiddentrack]

While I'm a bit relieved some of the projects didn't move forward, it's a bit depressing to see all that could have been.

[thelakelander]

Which project had the rooftop restaurant and bar?  I really wish we could have one here, as they're pretty cool when the weather's nice (check out Charleston for a good example).

Although I think that was just rooftop common space, the project was "8th & Pearl" in Springfield.

[Deuce]

Makes me want to cry, especially the projects in Springfield which is my stomping ground. A number of these projects fueled my early optimism as a downtown denizen. Now, like the stock market, my moods are up and down about the prospects for the future.

[jason_contentdg]

Which project had the rooftop restaurant and bar?  I really wish we could have one here, as they're pretty cool when the weather's nice (check out Charleston for a good example).

Although I think that was just rooftop common space, the project was "8th & Pearl" in Springfield.

Actually a majority of the rooftop space was in fact to be leased and operated by a restaurant/bar below...

[thelakelander]

I guess you learn something new everyday.  Its unfortunate that this project is now a no go.  It would have been a huge boost for Springfield.

[Duke]

Geez, very depressing.  Not to pour salt on the wounds, but could you imagine how awesome our downtown and surrounding areas would've been had ALL of these projects were completed?  But then again, could you imagine the traffic downtown? 

[Ocklawaha]

I hadn't seen a few of these, Ocean Square is one of those rare cases where the plan looks far better then what we have. Though I love history, the Burns Library can't touch that for style.

Otherwise the St. John, Shipyards, St. James, JEA and City Center-Landing would indeed change downtown forever.

However take heart Jacksonville, we still have a full deck of cards to play if our leadership will lead (or just get out of the way).

CARD ONE:  That new Courthouse will spur a rash of new development all through the neighborhood as large construction attracts more construction.

CARD TWO:  We also have a very unique item in the Skyway, and used to our advantage, rather then sitting back - arms folded - saying NOT ONE MORE CENT, would attract many new faces to our development picture. Imagine the Shipyards or __________ being able to seek out new investors with the perk that we'll get an internal Skyway station. Simply lay out the route to the stadium or Riverside and get that land and those projects before the $$.

CARD THREE: Water taxi service to YOUR PROJECT, "Ya know, fellas we've been looking for a space to land 50-60 passengers at a time... such a deal."

CARD FOUR: That streetcar study, get those rails moving NOW, we can't stand in line forever waiting to do... we'll talk this to death, or we'll ride to victory. Remember about 80% of all TOD is Light Rail Related.

CARD FIVE: A darling NFL team, great location, fantastic weather, and this financial crash won't-can't last forever... Hey and if it does, and it all ends in war-smoke and ruin, give us about 7 years and JESUS will have some great financial plans!

OCKLAWAHA

[tufsu1]

A really loud voice in my head is saying something to me...how many of these projects were hurried along to the grave by the fact that our city and it's leaders are impossible to deal with?  

probably none!