Downtown Construction Update - April 2009

[Lucasjj]

^ I thought that's what it was supposed to be. I guess I was out of the loop. :-)

[pwhitford]

Can anyone tell me what happened to the “renovations” at 20 West?  I know they stopped work there a while back (yet again), but I just walked past there a little while ago during my lunch hour and there a vibrant orange sign on the boarded up font announcing that as of March 31, 2009, the property had been CONDEMNED and was unfit for human habitation.  This is really strange in light of the fact that half of the windows in the building (the 2 bottom floors) have just recently been replaced with nice, shiny, new environmentally friendly Pella windows!

WTF?

[thelakelander]

I think the developer is out of money and the project has been abandoned or indefinitely delayed.  Structurally, the building is as solid as a rock.  However, in its current situation, its not a place for people to be wondering around in (ex. exposed elevator shafts, etc.).   

[Shwaz]

I think the developer is out of money and the project has been abandoned or indefinitely delayed.  Structurally, the building is as solid as a rock.  However, in its current situation, its not a place for people to be wondering around in (ex. exposed elevator shafts, etc.).

Is this building directly in front of The Carling or the WA Knight Lofts?

[thelakelander]

Its the building in front of the Carling.

[halimeade]

Well at least the AME church that was within the Brooklyn Park project area got their money out of Miles Development before they went under. I'm pretty sure the church gutted the inside of the building and took the stained glass windows when they left, so that much was spared.

[Pi]

Sounds like typical Cowford - wipe out historic buildings and replace with a big empty space. When will we get leadership with a clue?

[brainstormer]

Is anyone else confused about the Brooklyn Park project.  The potential is enormous.  With construction costs down, there has to be a way for a developer to break even on a development there.  The location is perfect.  Walking/biking distance to everything Downtown and Riverside has to offer.  Easy access to I95, I10.  Future Skyway station to link to commuter rail    Beautiful views of the river and downtown skyline.  Riverwalk access, RAM, 5 points...the list goes on and on!  I mean come on.  How about a nice, yet affordable rental community near downtown.  I'm talking rents comparable to those found in developments around Southside/Touchton, because let's face it, the Strand is unaffordable for most middle income folks.  With a nice decent quality, not luxurious, affordable development, I would reserve a unit in a heartbeat!  Am I out of touch with reality or can someone back me up? 

[thelakelander]

Potential doesn't matter if the developer isn't in financial position to build it and the banks are hesitant to finance projects this size.  I'm sure something will eventually happen with the site (it does have potential), but we'll probably have to wait for the market to come back.

[Charles Hunter]

If/When the Berkman2 restarts - will they have to replace all (most) of the drywall and insulation that has been exposed to the weather for the last couple years?

[Springfield Girl]

SRG is building River Oaks for another developer and is not responsible for the design or materials used. The same is true for The Lofts on Main. SRG is building multiple projects for others all around Jacksonville but focuses their own development in Springfield.

[JaxByDefault]

Good to see some general movement around town despite the economic climate.

Agreed on River Oaks, Steve and others, but infill is rarely as good looking as the real thing. These are par for what they are.

The Ceasry project is also bland, suburban, and cheesy looking. If that's the grand vision for replacing the historic fabric of Main St....<sigh>. It's boring to look at, but let's hope the apartments rent out and its ground floor retail does amazingly well!

[Keith-N-Jax]

I like the Tillie monument.

[JeffreyS]

I saw a sign for the Hendrix avenue station coming soon in San Marco yesterday any idea what that is?

[Dapperdan]

Never have I been more depressed about downtown construction than now. I remember back in the day stuff was happening everywhere and it seemed like a new high rise was announced every day. Jacksonville faired much better than most cities since many of these towers were never built, but this list is pathetic. I hope it picks up sooner than later