Breathing Life back into the Jacksonville Landing

[stephendare]

It sounds like this trolley deal would save the Landing 16 million dollars or so.

Is that an accurate guess?

I think Stephen and I spoke of this in person recently, the Trolley is turning out to be a pretty good deal, now we just need to expand the hours...and I hear thats a definite possibility for the near future.

Im not sure of the $ amount of savings, but 16M is no chump change.

no kidding jc!

[Galois]

Easy. Bring Club Paris Back. 

[jacksonvilleconfidential]

Um. NO! Check our review.

http://www.jacksonvilleconfidential.com/2007/02/club-paris-review.html

[brainstormer]

I have to agree that the Landing is very non-family oriented.  I was recently in Baltimore and their Inner Harbor is awesome.  Not only is there a great mix of upscale chain restaurants, but also smaller cafes and retail.  There were many families with kids as well as the traditional tourist groups, cameras in hand.  You can rent paddle boats and their many unique museums are all geared towards family enjoyment.  I also think opening up the landing so one could see the river from Laura Street would be a huge improvement.

[WhatsUpJacksonville]

I agree that the layout of the Landing is all wrong for attracting consistent visitors - residents and tourists alike.  The suggestions made in the original post are all valid; however, I completely agree with brainstomer about opening the landing so you can see the river from Laura Street as well as from other venue's within the Landing.  The river is such a huge asset and attraction to downtown and the insular layout of the Landing is not very friendly.  The focal point of all venues within the Landing should be the river, but instead most shops and restaurants have their backs to it.  Why would someone drive all the way downtown to sit in a restaurant on the river but be unable to veiw it?   

[copperfiend]

I have to agree that the Landing is very non-family oriented.  I was recently in Baltimore and their Inner Harbor is awesome.  Not only is there a great mix of upscale chain restaurants, but also smaller cafes and retail.  There were many families with kids as well as the traditional tourist groups, cameras in hand.  You can rent paddle boats and their many unique museums are all geared towards family enjoyment.  I also think opening up the landing so one could see the river from Laura Street would be a huge improvement.

I was at the Inner Harbor last year and it certainly has many things that our downtown/southbank should have. Parking garages with proper signage, a Navy ship available for tours, an aquarium, an ESPN Zone...

[rjp2008]

Another impression after visiting it again - a giant sports bar for adults, with nothing for children/teens.  Toss out some of the bars, or put them upstairs some where out of the way. Bottom level should be everything just for kids and youth.