Chamblin plans Downtown apartments, restaurant

[thelakelander]

Ron Chamblin’s next chapter Downtown is developing the building at 225 N. Laura St., next to his bookstore, into apartments and a restaurant.

“It’s going to be another building that will be occupied and renovated and used,” said Chamblin.

Chamblin proposes to convert the three-story, 6,500-square-foot building into four apartments on the upper two floors and a restaurant on the first floor.

https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/chamblin-plans-downtown-apartments-restaurant

[SocialAlchemist]

An additional 4-9 people being able to live downtown isn't the biggest thing but it's neat and I'm sure the restaurant will be nice too.

[Steve]

An additional 4-9 people being able to live downtown isn't the biggest thing but it's neat and I'm sure the restaurant will be nice too.

Agreed. Plus from an overall view of Downtown (Especially from infrequent visitors) a building that is being used > a vacant building. Rents seem steep but they are larger units.

[KenFSU]

^This is the type of project that's definitely greater than the sum of its parts. It's another active storefront, adjacent to Hemming Park, in the most strategically important corridor in terms of downtown Jacksonville redevelopment. And it continues the block-by-block momentum we've experienced along and off Laura for the last several years.

Congrats Ron!

Random question for Ron or anyone else: What's the deal with the rickety, blank billboard on top of the cafe nextdoor to this project? Why isn't it used for anything, even public art? It's such an eyesore in an otherwise scenic block.

I believe the sign ordinance makes it impossible to use the sign for anything.

[Kerry]

Give me a steady dose of these over the magic bullets from the usual suspects.

[thelakelander]

Yes, this is the type of project that builds authenticity and character. Luckily, we're starting to see several similar projects getting underway throughout the Northbank.

[Kerry]

You know, I wouldn't even mind the magic bullet approach if they weren't all blanks.

[KenFSU]

Bill, looks like you accidentally edited the answer to my question directly into my post.

Thanks for making me look so smart that I answer my own questions

If it is a sign ordinance issue, classic example of the city biting its nose to spite its face.

[JaxAvondale]

Nice project! It will be interesting to see what the rent prices are once the VyStar employees move next year.

[KenFSU]

Just read in the Business Journal that for the apartments, Ron's adding balconies overlooking Laura Street.

Love it.

[Steve]

Ron Chamblin out, Raef and Carmen Godwin in.

https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/couple-plans-to-renovate-225-n-laura-st-into-apartments-restaurant

Carmen Godwin is the former RAP executive director.

[thelakelander]

Glad to see this one potentially moving forward again.

[duvaltilidie]

I first learned who Carmen Godwin was from these very forums, a decade and some change ago. We finally met in person somewhere in Riverside and she was every bit of friendly and I'd read about. Fast forward all these years later, we're friends and will stop and chat whenever we bump into each other. Happy to learn of this news, I'll have to mention that I found out from here about it when I see her next!

[Ken_FSU]

Happy to see this one moving forward!

Still baffled that we can't find a way to do something with this decrepit billboard at one of the most important intersections downtown.

Walk by it every morning, and it just gives the vibe that the area is run down and uncared for.

Is there that much red tape involved to get a mural of JWJ or something up there?

[fieldafm]

Happy to see this one moving forward!

Still baffled that we can't find a way to do something with this decrepit billboard at one of the most important intersections downtown.

Walk by it every morning, and it just gives the vibe that the area is run down and uncared for.

Is there that much red tape involved to get a mural of JWJ or something up there?

It violates the signage ordinance. 

A couple of years ago, the DIA told us in a meeting that there were no problems with the signage ordinance (despite the ordinance not giving much distinction between naming rights signage at the top of the building versus ground floor retail space as far as building coverage limits; or that the sandwich board requirements don't even fit standard sizes sold at your local Office Depot; or not even recognizing that electronic signage exists, etc, etc, etc).  At the next DIA board meeting, they are discussing the signage ordinance (go figure...)