First Renders of Hyatt Place on Independent Drive

[KenFSU]

^Totally agree, timing is perfect for the Landing to do much better business with some TLC and a tenant mix better suited for downtown workers and residents rather than tourists and weekenders. I just wonder if Sleiman is willing to risk putting another dime into the place with the city actively trying to steal it from him.

[heights unknown]

Yep, window of opportunity might, or could close in the future; you never know what can or might happen (remember 2008?). But if we get all of these hotels and residences, and more planned "business" downtown, and other things planned, and the people are there, if Sleiman takes initiative and upgrades and changes the Landing's spirit and nature to support these new and future residences, workers, guests, and tourists downtown, the Landing will not only live, but thrive!!! THE TIME IS NOW FOR THE LANDING.

[fieldafm]

The Landing WAS a perfect place for a Starbucks. It brought people in the door...... well at least near the building.  I've said it many times on here so I'll repeat it, Sleiman should put a killer Starbucks inside The Landing and on the water, with a nice terrace and view. That's the first step in fixing The Landing.  Starbucks is a well established International vendor that draws locals, tourists, and professional visitors alike. It's a true no-brainer.  It takes up a small footprint but brings in tons of foot traffic. Exactly what The Landing needs.

Once people staying at The Omni and The Hyatt and this new place find out there's a Starbucks at The Landing the ones who like the products will make a bee line for it.

Except of course for the fact that Starbucks is not interested in re-opening a store at the Landing. That said, you are likely going to see the company expand their presence downtown within the context of these new hotel openings as they come online (Starbucks is currently sold at the Marketplace inside the Hyatt).

[Captain Zissou]

Anyway, even with the politics, simply forgetting about full demo and rebuild and working with what we already have there is a sound approach....at least for Sleiman since he owns the buildings. Give the place a bath and change up the tenant mix. Jump on the trends and watch how clustering, complementing uses within a compact pedestrian scale setting works regardless of how much incentive money is tossed a mile away.

It's a bit of apples and oranges, but the example of Kings Street comes to mind when thinking about this.  The city was actively combating King Street in favor of another area and King Street came out way ahead.  The Landing should be encouraged that they city is fighting them in favor of another area because that seems to guaranty success!!

[thelakelander]

Renderings of Downtown's proposed Hyatt Place Hotel

The 9-story Hyatt Place hotel announced by Fort Lauderdale-based Mainstreet CV76 S Laura Street LLC. may be one of downtown Jacksonville's most interesting recent proposals. Plans for the 128-room hotel include a first floor restaurant and bar, a second floor pool deck and fitness center, and a rooftop patio and event space on a 0.27-acre site directly across the street from the Jacksonville Landing. Here's a look at the conceptual plans for a development that will bring a tower crane to the heart of the Northbank skyline.

https://www.thejaxsonmag.com/article/renderings-of-downtowns-proposed-hyatt-place-hotel/

[acme54321]

Looks like as good of a use for that site as anyone could expect.  I assume they will get through DDRB without a hitch.

[KenFSU]

Love it.

Hilarious that the city and Sleiman have been going back and forth for 15 years on a potential hotel on the Landing site, and Mainstreet CV76 just comes whisslin' in all, "Fuck you both!" and creatively does it themselves right across the street.

Great use of the property.

I hope the surface lot in front of Omni is next.

[copperfiend]

Great use of space

[acme54321]

I hope the surface lot in front of Omni is next.

Seriously, huge surface lots on both sides of the Omni and at the Pearl/Water intersection.

[MusicMan]

The build site is smaller than my yard.............

[Bill Hoff]

Unfortunately, the Residence Inn in Brooklyn (being reviewed by the DDRB tomorrow as well) isn't nearly as impressive.

Staff is recommending approval. Revised plans include some minor architectural and color changes and landscaping. Basic site design remains the same - buildings do not front the street as the design guidelines require, along with reduced parking, increased height and signage.

[acme54321]

I don't get what the point of the board is if they just bend over for everyone.  Yeah, your site isn't optimal,figure it out.  This isn't 2010 anymore.

[jaxnyc79]

That's incredibly disappointing.  A feckless Board, taking any excuse for design deviations...deviations that will anchor the neighborhood for generations.  If you can't take a stand for multi-generational stalwarts of the Built Environment, then why even exist as a Board.  When will those in authority in Jax get over their inferiority complexes - if they can't hold fast to principle in shaping what this community wants to be, then the city is doomed.  Even if every empty lot gets filled in Jax, if the city can't stand up to outsiders and interests and say to them, this is who we are and what we want and the soul of the city is more important than your ROI, then the Urban Core will always be dead.  I'm increasingly convinced that the problem with Downtown Jax isn't empty lots...it isn't visible at all - the problem is the community's empty sense of itself.

[MusicMan]

For the record , "staff" is not the actual DDRB.  And the meetings are open to the public and you are welcome to attend and give voice to your opinions.

If you've never been it's not really fair to criticize them. Once you've been you can see the process in action. The DDRB almost always recommends changes that are not always in line with "staff" approval.

[jaxnyc79]

Did the DDRB render its verdict?