Author Topic: Developers launch group to advocate for downtown development  (Read 3165 times)

Zac T

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Developers launch group to advocate for downtown development
« on: October 11, 2021, 12:14:59 PM »
Iguana, JWB, and Corner Lot have teamed up to start "Build Up Downtown" to have a uniformed voice in support of downtown development

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Two of the most active developers in the downtown area have teamed up with Shad Khan’s Iguana Investments to launch a group dedicated to advocating for — and shaping — development of the urban core.

The group, called Build Up Downtown, has been quietly setting up shop for the past two weeks, with an official launch slated for this month. Initial funders include JWB Real Estate Capital, Corner Lot Development Group, Iguana and Jax Chamber.

Its goal, the founders say, is to support organizations like the Downtown Investment Authority and Downtown Vision Inc. while giving the development community a more focused voice in the conversation around downtown growth.

“The organization is going to be doing advocacy for the right type of downtown projects — what downtown needs,” JWB Real Estate President Alex Sifakis said.

That includes a range of things, from pushing back against suburban-esque design concepts to advocating for legislation that would make it easier for restaurants to get liquor licenses, said Allan DeVault, the former Black Sheep Restaurant Group managing partner who was hired as CEO of the organization.

https://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2021/10/11/build-up-downtown-launched.html

« Last Edit: October 11, 2021, 01:35:02 PM by Zac T »

Charles Hunter

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Re: Developers launch group to advocate for downtown development
« Reply #1 on: October 11, 2021, 01:29:32 PM »
Look for AB InBev to join the group ... and supply the "official beer" ...

Thank you. Thank you. I will see myself out.  :D

Captain Zissou

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Re: Developers launch group to advocate for downtown development
« Reply #2 on: October 11, 2021, 02:13:44 PM »
Interesting that they are claiming to fight suburban style development after Corner Lot's latest renderings for the property on broadcast place.

marcuscnelson

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Re: Developers launch group to advocate for downtown development
« Reply #3 on: November 30, 2023, 05:09:19 PM »
Looks like Build Up Downtown is set for a reboot.

https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2023/nov/30/build-up-downtown-seeking-to-fill-two-leadership-positions/

Both of the nonprofit's employees have chosen to transition elsewhere, Executive Director Allan DeVault joining the DIA and Director of Development Laura Phillips Edgecombe moving to the Jessie Ball duPont Fund.

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Build Up Downtown’s charge is to work with area stakeholders on important initiatives for the region, said Alex Sifakis, chairman of the Build Up Downtown board of directors, in an emailed statement.

It has given tours to businesses and individuals that have shown interest in growing Downtown. It has also worked to revitalize dozens of civic and business groups as well as modernizing Downtown’s open container laws, Sifakis added.

“After two years of successfully championing Downtown Jacksonville, Allan DeVault tendered his resignation to our board of directors earlier this month to pursue a new professional opportunity with the City of Jacksonville Downtown Investment Authority (DIA),” Sifakis said in the statement.

“With our two original staff members – Allan DeVault and Laura Edgecombe – departing the organization to assume new downtown-centric roles at the DIA and the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, respectively, the Build Up Downtown board will be looking for new staff leadership in 2024,” he said.

Alex, if you're listening…
So, to the young people fighting in this movement for change, here is my charge: march in the streets, protest, run for school committee or city council or the state legislature. And win. - Ed Markey

jaxlongtimer

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Re: Developers launch group to advocate for downtown development
« Reply #4 on: November 30, 2023, 07:41:50 PM »
^ No disrespect to this organization, its employees or leaders, but, under Curry, the theme was more "tear down downtown."  ;D

Will be interesting to see the next chapter under Deegan.  I wonder if DeVault might one day be a successor candidate to Boyer given his experience to-date.  Glad to see Edgecombe focusing on pushing the City along on riverfront parks.
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Allan DeVault, executive director of Build Up Downtown, resigned to take a position with the Downtown Investment Authority.

He will continue to assist Build Up Downtown until a replacement is hired.

Laura Phillips Edgecombe, former director of development, is now the principal of Downtown Public Spaces for the Jessie Ball duPont Fund. She is an executive on loan to the city to work with the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services.

She is concentrating on facilitating activation of Downtown public spaces, according to the Jessie Ball duPont Fund website.

Alex Sifakis

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Re: Developers launch group to advocate for downtown development
« Reply #5 on: December 01, 2023, 02:43:37 PM »
Lurking, listening... same thing?  :)

marcuscnelson

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Re: Developers launch group to advocate for downtown development
« Reply #6 on: December 01, 2023, 03:07:11 PM »
Whatever you call it, just know there's a whole brain trust here that I'm sure would love to help however they can.

Congrats on the Downtown Achievement Award, by the way!
So, to the young people fighting in this movement for change, here is my charge: march in the streets, protest, run for school committee or city council or the state legislature. And win. - Ed Markey

Florida Power And Light

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Re: Developers launch group to advocate for downtown development
« Reply #7 on: December 03, 2023, 08:01:55 PM »
Anything, In Any Market, Will Sell, At Some Price.