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heights unknown
July 06, 2009, 06:55:52 AMI think it is a brilliant idea to improve, modify and extend this thing because it's obvious from the crowds that now accumulate that it will only continue to grow and get bigger, and, I just love the cultural aspect and potential of this thing relative to the image of Jacksonville. This could become a tourist attraction for Northeast Florida and a small tourist attraction for Visitors from the outside.
Heights Unknown
lindab
July 06, 2009, 07:41:15 AMWhat potential for reuse of Annie Lytle Public School #4 to fit into the scheme of this grand vision. It's location on the edge of the park is first rate.
archiphreak
July 06, 2009, 08:06:07 AMOh they'll just bulldoze Annie Lytle. The city will never allow someone to develop that property. I drive by it every morning on my way to work and I can't help but get angry at what that site COULD be with even the smallest bit of imagination. But oh well.
Jason
July 06, 2009, 08:37:26 AMFinally, the city is working to connect the urban neighborhoods to the core. This is a great start!
5PointsGuy
July 06, 2009, 08:41:38 AMUnfortunately that building has a alot of structural problems now due to that lack of maintenance. The price would probably be extremely high to buy the building and rehab it...
hightowerlover
July 06, 2009, 09:19:25 AMthat water doesnt look safe for people to be walking near - looks like a cestpool of disease. and i <3 all that surface parking. just think how many more people could park there once that old school is knocked out of the way.
RiversideLoki
July 06, 2009, 09:26:07 AMIt's a great idea and a very good use of the space under the bridge. I like the tie-in to Riverside park. I hope RAM numbers remain stable and can support the project. I know numbers fluctuate wildly with the weather. More parking will definitely be appreciated.
I wonder how they're going to address the issue of people crossing Riverside Ave right there. I know it's a sticky spot even on bike.
TheProfessor
July 06, 2009, 09:52:11 AMMaybe someone can turn the Annie Lytle building into an art museum space. I was at P.S.1 in NYC over the weekend and MOMA turned an old school into a contemporary art space with weekend outdoor parties amongst the sculptures.
hightowerlover
July 06, 2009, 10:10:07 AMyou would think the coj could afford to get a photo of the downtown skyline that actually shows the hyatt, or at least the adam's mark. the wachovia building still says first union lol
Dog Walker
July 06, 2009, 12:09:27 PMThe Annie Lytle School is structurally very sound. The interior has been trashed by a couple of generations of graffiti vandals and the roof over the auditorium fell because the owner neglected to fix a roof leak that he was warned about when he bought the place. He left the leak unrepaired for twenty years so the huge roof beams rotted and dropped the roof in one place.
The building is solid masonry. The floors are poured concrete even on the second floor. Parts of the second floor roof are also concrete. There have been a couple of fires started inside the building, but since all of the interior walls are masonry, nothing was there to burn.
The building just looks like heck because the owner will not keep the building secured or maintained. It would make a fabulous art and music education and performance center or a transportation hub. There is plenty of room on the school property for other buildings or surface level parking.
Someone with vision could have done something with this great building a long time ago.
5PointsGuy
July 06, 2009, 01:04:10 PMThat's good to hear DW, I was definitely referencing the roof cave in and thought there might be a heavy dose of water damage. Something can still be done with it, its just going to cost a good amount to obtain the rights to the building and then repair the defects.
Ocklawaha
July 06, 2009, 04:32:17 PMJust add streetcar on or in Park as an element and to tie the entire community to the site.
OCKLAWAHA
Dog Walker
July 06, 2009, 06:26:18 PMThe City has put NO barriers in the way of redeveloping/renovating the school other than the Historic Preservation Commission denying the owner's request to demolish it.
The owners have now received more money from the FDOT for the sliver of land taken from the front of the property for the interchange expansion than they paid for it twenty odd years ago. The ownership is a strange mixture of profit and non-profit LLC's. He should just donate the school and land to someone since he hasn't been able to do anything with it in two decades.
Deuce
July 14, 2009, 09:50:49 AMWith the expanding art market under the bridge, it seems like a commonsense use to turn the old school into a place for artists. This would be a great opportunity to do something like the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, Va. This would fit well with the Cummer nearby.
grimss
July 15, 2009, 10:10:17 PMRiversideLoki questioned how the pedestrian traffic on Riverside would be managed with the extension. The mayor's office is apparently willing to consider closing off this section of Riverside Ave. during market days to divert traffic around the site and facilitate a festival street atmosphere.
And, hey, did anyone notice the mayor mentioned the Riverside Arts Market during his budget address as an example of the vibrant urban environment Jax COULD have?? Very cool.
Prax_N_Jax
July 24, 2009, 10:19:26 AMMy gf & I went to RAM a few wks ago & we loved it. It was def something different and well received. It's a great addition to that area. Hopefully the art community will embrace the restoration Annie Lytle.
Dog Walker
July 24, 2009, 04:56:00 PMThe owner has refused any suggestion of artist's use of the building. He is evidently holding out for big bucks from the government for a subsidized senior housing center.
fsu813
July 25, 2009, 08:28:34 PMgrimss,
Since he's not running for anything anymore he can focus on leaving a legacy. He wants to fix Jacksonville's downtown and make it a vibrant, urban area with lots to do. He said as much a few months ago. This is a very good thing, especially since he ingnored the arts/social services/ downtown revitalization for the majority of his tenure.
Fallen Buckeye
July 25, 2009, 10:45:49 PMIn my hometown, some of the older unused buildings were turned into artist colonies where artists live and work with an apartment and studio space that is open to the public. It's really gotten to be quite an attraction for tourists and locals where people travelling through come and can see several different artists do their thing all in one small area. One of these artists in the district is a sculptor who has probably a dozen statues displayed outside his studio, so you know right away that downtown around 6th St. is the place for art in the area without even leaving the car. Talk about public art and niching and so on.
By the way, this was all done in a small city in one of the poorest areas of the country. I believe the local government had some small hand in getting it started, but once the seed was planted it's been able to stand up on it's own merit. Point being is that if that can happen there why not here? That school seems like a perfect opportunity for something similar.
Also I have to say that the RAM was a great idea. If you could get an artist colony started nearby they would naturally feed into each other.
mtraininjax
December 18, 2009, 03:50:01 PMSome new info on RAM and a new Mascot that would make OCK blush, called RAMMY:
Sure, we know how to Arts Market. But we were born to PARTY!
Hi! I'm RAMmy, hiccup, the Holiday Elf, hiccup!
The RAM team needed a little help telling you about this last week, hiccup, because there is so much going on.
And now I am back to tell you about Complimentary BEER, Complimentary WINE, and FREE ON-SITE PARKING! Whaaaaaa?!!
Nobody takes care of you like the Riverside Arts Market! (good time to mention we will be accepting donations on site for FRAM our Farmer's RAM which Starts January 9th!)
Like our Market all our beers are hand crafted (and wines are foot crafted?? Really we're not sure about foot crafted. Ask your wine rep.)!
So..We have Starr Hill Northern Lights and Jomo Lager on taps!
And its not a Riverside Party without Riverside's own BOLD CITY BREWS! Including Fritz, Killer Whale, and Dukes!
Beers are generously donated by North Florida Sales. Our wines are donated by Riverside Liquors who will be on-site to educate you about the fine wines you will be tasting!
Don't, hiccup, forget to, hiccup, designate a driver, hiccup. And be careful parking! We will have cab numbers on hand if you need a ride. Don't ruin the holidays by getting behind the wheel with a buzz.
There will be plenty of awesome food available FOR SALE from these fine food vendors of RAM. So soak up some craft brews with these great vendors:
Brown Bean Express- Coffee, Hot Chocolate, etc
Pizza Palace
Wazee's Funnel Cakes- Fries, Chicken Filets, Shrimps!
Gene's Dogs- Dogs and Sausages!
Mangrove Island Grill- Caribbean Dishes MMMm
French Quarter Beignets- and Chicory Coffee
Krispy Joe's Crab Cakes- and burgers and quesadillas
Please patronize our food vendors, they bring the YUM!
Here is some important and fun details on this party from the RAMfather:
6:30 The legendary dub fusion band Greenhouse Lounge starts playing to begin the festivities.
Complimentary wine and beer begin flowing, and our food vendors open up Jacksonville's
largest outdoor restaurant. Riverfront dining ya'll.
7:00 Juggler Bob "The World's Strongest Juggler" does a 20-minute show on the River Stage.
7:20 Stage presentation, recognizing our fabulous sponsors, volunteers, and staff.
7:40 RAM, The Movie: Highlights of RAM's First Year (it will make you laugh and cry)
8:00 The band Greenhouse Lounge starts playing again, and dancing, drinking,and eating continue.
10:00 sigh, it's over - for 2 months! Not counting FRAM!
THIS PARTY IS FREE. Parking, Free. Craft Beers, Free. Fine Wines, Free.
The only catch is that every party attendee is on the clean-up crew - clean it up while you party = zero trash.
Pss- Don't forget we'll be taking donations for FRAM at the site. If you are feeling as generous as we are please support our RAM and our Farmers.
End of the new message, hugs and kisses, RAMmy!
As you may know, Dec 19th is the last RAM of 2009, and it is jam packed with art, produce, and food...
Still have shopping left to do? Swing by RAM from 10am to 4 pm to avoid the crowded malls, and shop for unique local gifts at RAM. It's your last chance to find that one-of-a-kind present that will make your loved ones wish they were smart enough to shop at RAM!
Speaking of one-of-a-kind gifts, RAM T-Shirts are finally here! Until now, only volunteers and staff were able to showcase their love of RAM in shirt form, but now they can be yours...and this week they are only $ 10!
Or maybe you need an inaugural year canvas tote bag to carry all your Christmas goodies in? You can purchase these for only $ 5!
As always, our amazing Dr. Wood and the formidable Village Idiots ofVIP have some great entertainment planned for you, including Juggler Bob, the World's Strongest Juggler! Check out the lineup here.
This weekend is also your last chance to get your H1N1 Flu Shots from Winn Dixie!
Don't forget your Luminaria kits! All of Riverside will be lined with lights this Sunday at sundown...don't be left out! Luminaria will be sold at RAM in the Riverside Avondale Preservation booth located in F11 and F12!
Stay tuned for information about RAM's End of the Season Holiday Party, which is FREE for everyone in the community. Come party under the bridge this Sat, Dec 19th from 6:30pm to 10pm!
See You Under the Bridge! - heart- RAMmy
tayana42
January 04, 2010, 11:34:12 PMYou all seem to be tuned in to what's happening, but just in case: the farmers at the Riverside Arts Market (called FRAM) will be there each Saturday from 9:00am to noon. There will be farmers with fresh produce, honey, prepared food products, fresh bread, and so forth. Parking will be within the Market so easy-in/easy-out with your groceries. www.RiversideArtsMarket.com
The full Arts Market (RAM) will operate from March 6, to December 18, 2010. 10:00am to 4:00pm.
I'm a RAM volunteer and am very happy to hear all the nice compliments about this community project.
tg
June 24, 2011, 10:35:29 AMAccording to the RAM website, construction on this expansion should begin later this year. Excited to see the market grow and Riverside get a new focal point:
http://www.riversideartsmarket.com/future.html
iMarvin
June 24, 2011, 10:54:57 AMI understand expansion, but I don't think it makes sense to put two big ponds that take up the whole site. Why not expand the actual market? Add more spaces for people to sell their stuff AND have sculptures.
wsansewjs
June 24, 2011, 10:59:29 AMI believe there is a state law that mandates (for any new development) the amount of water that need to be retained from drainage during a rain storm since the area has no place to completely drain. It is part of the engineer design in functionality to control the flooding.
It is like someone build a property next to you and didn't build a retention pond, then it rains. All the water comes to your property because the water has to go somewhere and stay put. You would be pissed and the other guy would be having the last laugh.
Correct me if I am wrong, anyone.
-Josh
thelakelander
June 24, 2011, 11:11:48 AMAren't the ponds aready there and for the stormwater drainage of I-95? It looks like the plan is to turn what are essentially two fenced holes into a pedestrian promenade and park like setting.
Tacachale
June 24, 2011, 11:19:38 AM^Yes, unless I'm mistaken those retention ponds are there currently; they'd just be developing around them.
But it looks like it's an old announcement. It refers to RAM being in its 2nd year, but as of 2011 it's in its third. Looks like it's talking about plan that didn't come to fruition (or hasn't yet, anyway).
iMarvin
June 24, 2011, 11:23:56 AMI guess your right, but those are really big retention ponds.
thelakelander
June 24, 2011, 11:24:47 AMThat's a really big interstate overhead.
Tacachale
June 24, 2011, 11:32:27 AMSo is there any other update on this? It strikes me as an innovative use of the space. I'd hate to see it dilute RAM though.