Don't blow it FSCJ!!!

[Captain Zissou]

I agree that it is very important to have colleges downtown, but I think dorms downtown is a bigger need.  As it stands FSCJ is predominantly a commuter campus. If that same campus maintained a student presence 24 hrs a day, we would be in business already. More bars, restaurants and shops would pop up on the north side of downtown and the campus would be better connected to the core.  UNF really needs to put something closer to downtown.  With the amount of hospitals we have near the core, they can at least put something associated with a nursing degree on the south or north bank.

[904Scars]

Thats actually a great idea as far as UNF's nursing programs. Having a small center for internships etc would be great. I have a feeling even in Jax does decide to make dorms downtown they will not be strategically placed. Because of the cheaper tuition as opposed to UNF they are clearly going to look for a cheap housing method. I hope I'm wrong though. There are so many buildings near there that would be perfect. Though it's fairly large (maybe too large) and if it would ever pass inspeciton the old Park View would work, or several other historical buildings near the north side of downtown. I'm sick of seeing these cool old buildings torn down to make new ones that just don't go with the flow of things.

[stjr]

FSCJ also has a fine nursing program.  UNF and FSCJ could jointly develop a high rise dorm downtown that would feed both programs.  Dorms have a much higher density of residents per square foot so you could easily justify their presence versus condos on some properties in the downtown area.

I think UNF should consider locating its world class and top ranked music department downtown.  It would raise its profile with locals, give it great access to existing top notch facilities and performance venues, breathe some life into the downtown music scene, and showcase the phenomenal talent they have in that program.  Imagine a UNF Jazz concert "in the park" or at the Florida or Ritz Theaters most weeks of the year, perhaps with musical guests.  Kind of like Preservation Hall in New Orleans.

Maybe, over time, Florida Coastal could also be persuaded to relocate downtown.  Don't forget JU.  Maybe FSU too.  And, if a new graduate or undergraduate program is started by any area college, a downtown location should be considered, if appropriate.  Examples might include urban planning or studies, engineering, architecture, business, social work, criminology, etc.