The 2009 State of Downtown report is now available online. Within this report, you will find information and analyses of Downtown trends in development, residential, retail, employment and more. Click here to download a complete copy of the 2009 State of Downtown report. While 2009 was a tough year economically, there is some good news to report about Downtown Jacksonville: - More than $500 million in capital projects are currently under construction (primarily public infrastructure improvements). - Despite the economy, the number of visits to Downtown did not decline. - Four new nightlife venues opened in the last year, including City Hall Pub, Dos Gatos, Lit and The Sinclair, significantly contributing to the growing entertainment district along Bay, Adams and Forsyth Streets. | Downtown Development News | | Marble Bank Trio/The Bank Hotel
Developers have announced plans to purchase and renovate the historic Marble Bank Trio (Marble Bank building, Bisbee building and Florida Life building) and the former Barnett Bank building. Plans include a 120-room boutique hotel called The Bank Hotel, rental apartments, retail space, an upscale restaurant and a 248-space parking garage. Wolfson Children's Hospital/Adult Tower Baptist Hospital is developing a new facility to replace the aging east wing of Baptist Hospital. The proposed development will include a 350,000 square foot facility composed of six floors for a children's hospital, five floors for an adult hospital and a penthouse to house elevator and mechanical services. Included in the project are $3 million in public improvements paid for by Southern Baptist Hospital, including streetscaping on Palm Avenue and widening Prudential Drive to four lanes between Palm Avenue and the river. Farah & Farah Offices
The Law Offices of Farah and Farah is proposing a renovation to the façade of 10 W. Adams Street and the addition of a courtyard for employee use on Main Street. Plans include modifying the building entryway, installing new storefront windows along Main and Adams Streets, and developing a screened, landscaped courtyard on the vacant lot next to the building on Adams Street. Treaty Oak Park Improvements
The City of Jacksonville is proposing several improvements to upgrade Treaty Oak Park, including redecking the area under the tree, relocating picnic tables and benches, moving and reconstructing sidewalks, adding landscaping and skate art and enhancing lighting. Construction is expected to begin in July 2010 and last approximately 90 days. Laura Street Improvements
Construction of the roundabout on the south end of Laura Street is nearing completion. Following the installation of crosswalk pavers, the construction of a pedestal for the Andrew Jackson Statue and the relocation of the statue, construction will progress north to the block between Forsyth and Bay Streets. Click here for a full summary of Downtown Jacksonville developments. |
| Downtown Vision Works with City to Address Parking Concerns for Downtown Businesses | Downtown Vision has been working with the Mayor's Office and the Public Parking Division to address Downtown parking concerns. In response to concerns, the City of Jacksonville has: - Modified signage in public garages to make it clear that hourly and daily parking are available.
- Granted permission for the use of the Courthouse parking lot and the public parking lot on the southwest corner of Forsyth and Main Streets for free weekend parking to help support Downtown entertainment venues.
- Provided Passenger Drop-Off Zones along Bay Street to support entertainment venues. Additional projects we are working on include the addition of street parking along Riverplace Boulevard to support retail, residents, businesses and public spaces and reviewing the ability to add valet parking zones in Downtown. |
| "No Panhandling" Signage Installed Downtown |  The City of Jacksonville, at the request of Downtown businesses, has installed 25 new "No Panhandling" signs throughout Downtown. Placed in highly traveled pedestrian corridors, the signs are a reminder that panhandling is illegal in Downtown and include the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office non-emergency number to report panhandling incidents. Downtown Vision encourages citizens to say "no" to panhandlers. Free meals, shelter and services are available at numerous social service agencies in Downtown. |
| Free Parking For Summer Interns | Does your Downtown business have summer interns? The Downtown Garage offers free parking for summer interns working at Downtown businesses. Interns will need a letter from their employer stating that they are working as an intern for a Downtown business to be eligble for free parking for the summer. To participate, or for more information, contact the Downtown Garage at (904) 350-3842. |
| JTA Presents Downtown Bus Shelter Options to DDRB |  The Downtown Development Review Board has approved JTA's proposed design for new bus shelters in Downtown. The shelters feature solar lighting, more transparent screens, maps, bicycle racks and trash cans. JTA expects to install a prototype shelter later this summer and begin replacing existing shelters throughout Downtown this fall. |
| Downtown Retail News | Downtown Vision welcomes Downtown's newest retailer! LaShea's
119 W. Adams St.
(904) 354-5685 This new restaurant features traditional Southern fare with a Brooklyn twist. Find all your comfort food favorites, including fried chicken, collared greens, and home-made grits. If you happen by during lunchtime, you may even hear the sounds of their saxophone player serenading you during lunch.
A Downtown Favorite to Open Second Location
The owners of Akel's Delicatessen (located in the JEA building) are opening a new location at 315 W. Forsyth Street, across the street from the AT&T Tower. Akel's Deli will be home to the same delicious sandwiches, vegetarian and Mediterranean fare that you have grown to know and love, plus some new favorites. Look for Akel's Deli to open in early of July. |
| Get Your "Arrrr" On For the Great Pirate Party |  Ahoy, scoundrels, scallywags and fair maidens! The Great Pirate Party is Friday, July 9 from 9pm until, when pirates and pirate fans will revel in the bars and clubs of Downtown to benefit the St. Johns Riverkeeper. Money raised throughout the evening will help St. Johns Riverkeeper fight the green monster! Keep the heat at bay with some fine rum or the landlubber drink of choice at eight great Downtown bars in The Core. Plunder special drink menus, watch scenes from pirate movie classics and be entertained with plenty o' pirate-people watching throughout the night. Thar be costume contests for sure and treasure enough for all. So, don your best eye-patch and get yer pirate on. Retreat to private quarters Downtown at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront and Omni Jacksonville Hotel any Friday, May - August for only $79 (based on availability). |
| Eat Up Downtown Returns for Two Weeks This August! | Back by popular demand, Eat Up Downtown will return this year for two weeks (August 9 - 22). Downtown Vision, Inc. is dishing out exquisite cuisine at an affordable price during the fourth annual Eat Up Downtown, Downtown Jacksonville's dining promotion. Save the date and your appetite! Each participating restaurant will offer specially selected, three-course dinner menus for $25 per person. Restaurant menus will be announced in the coming weeks. To receive early notification, click here to subscribe to our Eat Up Downtown email list. |
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