Suburban Infill: Bartram Walk

[Metro Jacksonville]

Suburban Infill: Bartram Walk



Just because a development site may be suburban does not mean making the pedestrian experience a can't become a focal point of the plan.  Bartram Walk is an example of a new retail center that attempts to integrate suburbanism with the concept of walkability.

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http://www.metrojacksonville.com/content/view/929

[copperfiend]

I haven't seen this development before and it's not bad. I would like to see an interchange built at Racetrack Road to ease some traffic but I don't see that happening any time soon.

[Jason]

I passed through there a couple weeks ago and have to say that it is the most appealing suburban development in the region.  It is very walkable yet accessible by car (a must in that area) and is well landscaped.  The only thing missing is the residential element.  Just think of what a 3rd and 4th floor for residential would have done to the viability and sustainability of this development.  I would like to see a bit more connectivity with neighboring developments though.

[thelakelander]

If it has one major flaw, its definately the potential to grow in connectivity with the neighboring developments.  The outparcels are typical suburban layouts.  However, this could deal more with the county's zoning practices (requiring wide setbacks, etc.) as opposed to an indictment on the development itself.

[Jason]

The county is likely to blame for the outparcels and lack of connectivity.  Look at the proposal for the new cinema on SR207.  Same thing, suburban outparcels with large setbacks in front of a decently designed semi-walkable retail development.

[scaleybark]

I checked this place out for the first time recently.  There are a lot of interesting looking restaurants, including an Irish Pub and some type of Bistro.  I think there is at least one restaurant in every building.

[second_pancake]

They screwed up when they put all the parking up front.  They should have made the parking next to the sidewalk all parellel, the roadway/driving portion tighter and more winding, with more the park element to the pedestrian utlizing the sidewalks and/or sitting outside drinking a coffee (it's just not conducive to that right now cause you're staring directly into 100 cars).  Imagine what this would've been like if they utilized the same amount of space but put all the parking to the back of the buildings with the exception of a couple parellel spots.  Would be pretty reminiscent of a St. Augustine or Fernandina main st, eh?

[Jason]

I think that because the county requires such insane setbacks, the developer has no choice but to add parking to the front of the development to make use of the space.  The interiors of the development are walkable and address the street pretty well. 

[cline]

They screwed up when they put all the parking up front.  They should have made the parking next to the sidewalk all parellel, the roadway/driving portion tighter and more winding, with more the park element to the pedestrian utlizing the sidewalks and/or sitting outside drinking a coffee (it's just not conducive to that right now cause you're staring directly into 100 cars).

Actually, with the angled parking its not that bad at all.  I've sat outside at Shannon's (Irish Pub) many times and it is quite nice.  I believe the Starbucks has ample outside seating as well.  In some spots there are landscape features separating the sidewalks from the parking lot.

[second_pancake]

In my opinion, it sucks. I've been out there too.  Shannon's has a huge covered patio, and yes, Starbuck's has "ample" seating.  Those aren't the objections.  The objection is to sitting in one of the seats and having headlights blaring into your face as well as having to stare into the windshields of 100 cars while trying to drink your coffee and enjoy the day.  You can hardly even see the pond and the park feature across the parking lot to enjoy it.

[Jason]

Hmmm, interesting points.  I can see where angled parking can put a damper on night-time outdoor seating.

[cline]

Those aren't the objections.  The objection is to sitting in one of the seats and having headlights blaring into your face as well as having to stare into the windshields of 100 cars while trying to drink your coffee and enjoy the day.  You can hardly even see the pond and the park feature across the parking lot to enjoy it.

You could always go enjoy your coffee on one of the benches or in one of the gazebos that fronts the lake. 

It is similar to the setup in Avondale.  The angled parking doesn't seem to deter people from sitting outside the Brick or Biscottis.  Those sidewalks are even more narrow than these.