Yes, you would. In 2004, it was estimated that a new garage would cost around $19.2 million. However, $26 million would stretch pretty far, if used on minor "no-frills" projects that make our existing structures and landmarks better integrated with one another. Examples of projects that don't have to be budget busters but pay off big time include:
A. Water Street Streetcar line (Prime Osborn to Bay/Newnan)
This stretch is roughly a mile. A no-frills streetcar line could be as low as $5 million. However, it would directly connect the convention center (future transporation center) with the Landing, Laura Street, Omni, Hyatt, TU Performing Arts Center and East Bay/Florida Theater. It also gives the city the opportunity to use the Water Street garage for the Landing's additional parking requirments. So for $5 million, you connect a good number of existing destinations with something that has the power to attract infill development on the surface lots in between. Plus it serves as the initial segment of JTA's proposed streetcar system.
B. Friendship FountainIt has been estimated by the city that it will cost $865,000 to fix Friendship Fountain. Why not spend $2 -$3 million restoring the fountain and greening up the surrounding park to make it more attractive? As time goes on and money is raised, future phases could include the redevelopment of MOSH, RCB and that massive surface parking lot to create a better civic space.
C. Jacksonville Landing CourtyardNo matter what people may think about the Landing or Toney Sleiman, it is downtown's top destination. The city is already spending money to enhance Laura Street. Why not revisit the idea of cutting a 60' wide corridor to connect Laura with the courtyard & the waterfront? Doing this fully integrates the waterfront and courtyard with Laura Street and Hemming Plaza. With a streetcar passing through at Independent & Laura, you now have the opportunity to open entertainment & dining activities in the Landing, up to the rest of downtown, thus spreading infill development north from the river. As for completely redeveloping the Landing, that can come at a later date.
D. ConnectivityShown above, Hogan Street Park would be an example of something that would better integrate nearby destinations with each other. In this case, they would be the Landing, the river, Omni and the performing arts center. The key to vibrancy is to set nearby spaces up in a manner that allows integrated activity and use on an around the clock basis. Imagine if a forgotten strip of land like this in the heart of downtown was lined with entrances and outdoor dining from the spaces surrounding it? How much would it cost to add sidewalks, a fountain, landscaping, outdoor seating and signage, that better integrates the surrounding uses with the space? My guess, is that it would be far less than $26 million.
Anyway, I'm sure if we put our heads together, we could come up with more creative/affordable ideas that change the face and energy of the core rapidly, if there were $26 million to work with.