It is unfortunate that the developers did not hold fast with their original idea of completing a full mall. I agree whole heartedly with the other commenter, that Jacksonville developers as well as city planners need to re-evaluate their development ideas concerning growth in our city. Jacksonville is trying to be known as an "International" city, however they lack a fully functioning mall complete with upscale stores in the immediate area. I think the reason for this is faulty rationale and inadequate reasoning on the undeserved stigma that some may have with the northside. In that faulty reasoning these individuals may feel that the northside's residents would not be able to support the economic patronage needed to sustain the new complex. The problem with that rationale is that not only will the mall draw all of the northsides underserved residents for retail, it will draw the underserved areas of neighboring south Georgia, as well as the 24 hour needs of the internationl airport travellers. I think they made a mistake not following their original formula of an upscale full scale mall. Hopefully the developers make an improvement by bringing in more upscale restaurants, retailers, and hotels.
This of course could have been intentional as a direct attempt to draw all visitors to the new town center on the southside, instead of having a place to service their needs nearby, which of course is unfortunate, because to truly be an international city, Jacksonville must make a better effort of providing upscale retail and entertainment in all areas to encourage diversity as well as a rich balanced economy. This is an action that truly helps to evolve Jacksonville into an International city.
