Print ArticleThe next 12 months are poised to see significant changes in the Springfield historic district with a number of projects, policy, and trends that could have a huge impact on our transitioning community... or not. No matter the outcome, here's what to keep an eye on in 2014.
(3) The EPIC Communities initiative
LISC engaged the Springfield and Eastside neighborhoods over the last year plus to particpate in the EPIC Communtities program, which sought to create grassroots improvement plans for the two areas, and provide funding for identified priorities. Residents and stakeholders attended a series of community visioning meetings and an extravagant rollout at Everbank Field, and were promised big things to come. To date, about $20k in grants have been awarded for several projects in the Springfield historic district. These are appreciated of course, but the big picture ideas and projects LISC spoke so eloquently about haven't yet gotten off the ground. Is EPIC just getting started, or did LISC over-promise? We should know this year.
(4) New Construction Homes
With the housing market in solid recovery and interest in our neighborhood continuing to rise, the next year could potentially see dozens of housing starts. TerraWise Homes and Low Country Classics are now established builders in the community, with plans to build more single family homes in the neighborhood soon. Jacksonville Wealth Builders purchased 50+ lots in 2013 with ambitious plans to build spec housing in 2014. Rumors and whispers of other unique projects involving container housing, modern design, and ultra-green housing also swirl about.
New construction housing not only creates excitement in the community, but also adds much needed density that's required to support and attract businesses. But how many new houses will we actaully see erected in 2014?
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