Downtown Jacksonville

[RiversideGator]

[asonj23]

^ That sounds like a neat idea. I'm assuming that the "Thursday" date is today?

[vicupstate]

^ That sounds like a neat idea. I'm assuming that the "Thursday" date is today?

I got a mailing from them a few weeks back, I believe it is the 27th. I posted it here somewhere. i can check it again, when I get home.

[Florida]

I went to a groundbreaking the other day, I wish they would have used kites!

[Captain Obvious]

Dailyrecord:

"

[asonj23]

SMP has a ways to go. This could be a great race to the top.

[DavePaulk]

I have been keeping my eye on both projects and it seems like SMP is going much slower than the strand. With a ten floor (or more) headstart, it will be interesting to see if SMP can even come close.

It sounds to me like we might have to break out the lawn chairs for the finish of this epic race.

[Florida]

Dailyrecord:

"

[Viper]

I love seeing friendly competition like this. It does so much both visually and behind the scenes.

[Dale]

Anyone want to take a whack at the question I posed earlier ?

Has Sleiman started actual physical improvements to the Landing ?

[asonj23]

Anyone want to take a whack at the question I posed earlier ?

Has Sleiman started actual physical improvements to the Landing ?

Nope

[bobliocatt]

Anyone want to take a whack at the question I posed earlier ?

Has Sleiman started actual physical improvements to the Landing ?

No he can't start any improvements until the city finalizes the deal.

[RiversideGator]

For more information on the new restaurant, Plaza III Steakhouse, going into the Hyatt, see here:

http://jacksonville.bizjournals.com/jackso...tml?jst=b_ln_hl

Sounds like a great place. I am especially looking forward to this:

"We're going to offer a carving station with prime rib, turkey, ham, for people on the go who can't stay for an entire lunch," Masco said. "It'll be unique among the Plaza III locations."

[bobliocatt]

Did the old restuarant have an outdoor dining area? Regardless, even though its across the street, it should be a nice touch and add life to that section of the riverwalk.

[RiversideGator]

Lake: I think so but it didnt seem to be well designed or much used. Hopefully the new restaurant will create more of a cafe setting. It is a great setting out near the river. I can almost taste the steak.

[vladittude0583]

just though I'd ask to see if anyone from these forums attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Penisula today or if they saw the kites flying high pointing what the height should be?

Thanks.

[bobliocatt]

According to the Jax Daily Record, Bay Street will soon have three bars located within a half block of each other. Eclate, which has re-opened, TSI, which is going up next door and another spot called "Mark's", which will open before the end of the year on the first floor of the Suddath Building.

[Captain Obvious]

Very exciting news. Do you have any idea if TSI and Marks will be just bars, or clubs?

I really liked Eclate when I went on a Wednesday (even though it was nearly empty). However, I went on a Saturday once, and it was basically a "clubbing" scene, which I'm not very interested in.

Either way, great news ... I'm sure they will create good synergy and breath needed life into the area.

[bobliocatt]

I don't know if I like this move. It looks like The Fund is going to court local banks for the Marble Bank. Due to the high degree of historic architectural detail, on the interior, I always hoped for a more public use. I guess when its complete, I'm going to have to risk the chance of getting my camera taken away by going inside and taking pics.

Pension Fund to court local banks

http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=43901

[bobliocatt]

Very exciting news. Do you have any idea if TSI and Marks will be just bars, or clubs?

I really liked Eclate when I went on a Wednesday (even though it was nearly empty). However, I went on a Saturday once, and it was basically a "clubbing" scene, which I'm not very interested in.

Either way, great news ... I'm sure they will create good synergy and breath needed life into the area.

I believe TSI is a club, like Eclate. However, Mark's is supposed to be a bar.

[TheUrbanCore]

I believe TSI is a club, like Eclate. However, Mark's is supposed to be a bar.

TSI is more like a bar to me with dance floor and stage. It is already open. Its a great bar and an asset to downtown.

[vicupstate]

Article from DTW on the new club in the Suddath building.

Mark's nightclub to open in Suddath building

[Urban_Legend]

Wow, it's great to read all of this new retail/restaurant/bar news for downtown. Might there be hope for Bay Street!?

[Captain Obvious]

JBJ reports that the Riverside YMCA is planning to eventually construct a new riverfront facility (where the track is), and sell the current building site to developers. Personally, I think they are doing this the exact wrong way. They should sell the riverfront side to developers, and use the money to renovate the current street side facility. However, it sounds like they are dead-set against having to shut-down for any period of time.

http://jacksonville.bizjournals.com/jackso.../31/story2.html

Instead of selling its riverfront access, though, Ream said the YMCA would sell the parcel where its present building is, along Riverside Avenue. It decided to market its streetfront parcel rather than riverfront because its leadership thought it the best way for the YMCA to remain on the property and take advantage of its location along a growing commercial strip that has attracted businesses like The St. Joe Co. (NYSE: JOE) and Fidelity National Financial Inc. (NYSE: FNF).

Before the sale, a new YMCA will be constructed along the riverfront and existing operations moved into it so members experience "a seamless transition."

Who knows what the timetable for something like this might be. Years and years away, it seems.

[Urban_Legend]

Here's an interesting story about another cruise ship docked downtown:

http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=43926