Halsema Building Under Contract by SRG/Meeks

[urbanjacksonville]

http://www.urbanjacksonville.info/2008/11/13/halsema-building-under-contract-by-srgmeeks/

There may be a silver lining to the Craig Van Horn legacy with the proposed purchasing of the Halsema building by Mack Bissette (SRG) and Jack Meeks (Meeks, Ross, Selander, CPAs). It is “under contract to be purchased”. SRG/Meeks still have to do due diligence including inspections and environmental. Provided due diligence doesn’t turn up anything unexpected, contract should go through. The Halsema building is located about 30 yards from 121 E. 8th Street so maybe there’s a chance SRG and Meeks will acquire that property too.

This is the first joint venture between SRG and Meek’s into Springfield’s commercial corridor redevelopment. The building is approximately 15,500 square feet on two stories, and currently houses a social service organization and a few renters in the residential units (approx 25% occupied).

The interior spaces are reportedly in poor-to-fair condition, but do feature some interesting urban achitectural features such as brick walls in the end units. SRG/Meeks plan to renovate the building into a Class A historic building, which will then be marketed as workforce and some live-work housing.

[downtownparks]

This is great news. That building can be so much more than it has been. While I havent seen the rampant illicit activity reported by other posters, it has been sad to watch it circle the drain structurally.

Its my understanding that the old motel/hotel behind the blue front has defaulted back to the original owner (the one who ran it as a tenement). The silver lining there is, they are so far gone, it would cost a small fortune to get them back to even section 8 levels.

[zoo]

I love how excitable everyone is about what's happening in Springfield these days!! I've got to tug on the reins just a bit though, and clarify that the Halsema building is under contract to be purchased, and is, as of this posting, still owned by the bank.

[urbanjacksonville]

That is correct, it is under contract. I corrected my post. Thanks for pointing that out.

[uptowngirl]

It will be awesome if this is pulled off... workfroce housing is lacking in Springfield, and at least I believe, very important to the neighborhood! With the Community College going already planning to go four year, and the economy downturn (this usually spikes enrollment in community colleges) more workforce housing will be needed.

[sheclown]

What, exactly, is "workforce housing?" 

[uptowngirl]

What, exactly, is "workforce housing?" 

It is affordable, non section 8 housing

[downtownparks]

Housing that is inexpensive, but not geared towards subsidization.

[sheclown]

well, I am all for that! 

Although I have heard that term, I haven't heard it defined.

I think this will open Springfield up and back to its diverse roots.

[zoo]

What, exactly, is "workforce housing?"

Wikipedia: "Most appropriately, "workforce housing" connotes housing intended to appeal gainfully employed, essential workers in the community, i.e. police officers, firemen, teachers, nurses and medical technicians, office workers, etc.[1] Workforce families are generally younger and often include or plan to include children.

Most appropriately, "workforce housing" is located in or near employment centers (as opposed to distant suburbs) and is sometimes cited as one antidote to urban sprawl, with its accompanying traffic congestion, lengthy commutes, convenience stores and strip retail centers.

Ideally, workforce housing aims at satisfying the housing needs of family households earning 50% to 150% of median household income in a given SMSA" (metropolitan statistical area)

This is from foggy memory as I've long since filed the actual info, but I believe the COJ defines workforce housing as housing that is affordable (PITI = <30% HHI) to HH earning 100-120% Jacksonville's adjusted media income, which I think was in the $62,000/yr range for a family of 4.

[thelakelander]

Workforce housing would be ideal for Springfield and Downtown.

[strider]

I completely agree.  Workforce housing, affordable housing and low cost housing are exactly what this area needs.  I simply hope that the investors involved recognize that the actual income levels here in Springfield are considerably lower than what is listed for the county and so what may qualify as workforce housing elsewhere may have to be considerably more affordable here in the urban settings.   We also need to be sure that the businesses that open also can cater to those income levels.  It all must work together or none of it will succeed.  “Family Dollar“ and “Bob Evans“,  not “Gucci” and “Ruth Christ” is what is need here today.  “Gucci” will come if the “Family Dollars” become successful enough. 

[thelakelander]

I don't think anyone should be talking about Gucci, Ruth Chris moving in.  The demographics just aren't there and won't be for a number of years.  You have to crawl before you walk and run.  If we can support existing spots like Bateh Pharmacy, Island Tropics, Mama Mary's, Carl's, A-Z, etc. more businesses will be attracted to the area.  The typical pattern for urban revitalization is the process of urban pioneers and small local retailers going into existing spaces first.  From that point, a corridor takes on its own unique personality and vibe, which in the end attracts the big boys.  With the economy down and bringing land/building values back to a realistic level, we now have the opportunity to go about revitalization the right way.  This starts with supporting existing businesses while focusing on getting the remaining vacant storefronts filled to complement them. 

[sheclown]

Agreed.

Let's try to shop for Christmas using Springfield merchants.  How about gift certificates from Three Layers? Food for the dinners and cookies from Springfield Superette?  Or catered from the local restaurants?  I listened to Laurel Lee's CD on the internet last night and I'm going to order one for a present.  (I had no idea how wonderful you are, btw, Laurel Lee).

There are local artists around who could draw/paint a portrait as a present.

Let's keep the dollars home for the holidays.

[uptowngirl]

Laurel Lee ROCKS!!!