EU: Downtown is SEXY.

[Stephendare]

check out the cover story for this week's EU, the new folio competitor:

Downtown is Sexy!

Everyone is calling downtown sexy these days. I have to admit that the skyline is gorgeous and there is something sultry about the way that the St. John’s River slithers through Downtown’s center, but you would be a fool to run and sign a lease because a realtor told you about the walking distance to Alltell Stadium or compensated your lack of a nearby movie theatre by providing a Vespa as a sign-on bonus. So EU went and walked and talked with the people that live, work, and play downtown, as well as some of the shakers and movers that helped make Downtown so sexy, so that you could make an informed decision.

The Downtown of today is a far cry from the ghost town that celebrated the opening of The Jacksonville Landing in the early 90s. In fact, The Landing is probably the least interesting thing happening at our urban core these days, although it always makes for a nice photograph. Now there are galleries, artists co-ops, some of the best dining in the greater metropolitan area, great night clubs, and even a friendly community.

With the introduction of a beautiful new Main Library shoulder-to-shoulder with the Museum of Contemporary Art right on Hemming Plaza, the old Haydon Burns Library building has become available. The word on the streets was that they were going to tear it down, but the outcry to save the architectural anomaly was deafening. The new plan includes making it into a mixed retail space. There are many plans being presented, but the one with the most buzz among people living Downtown is the idea of a natural foods grocery store and restaurant on the bottom floor, various retail and office spaces in the middle floors, and more living space to be built on top of the structure.

Other changes that we hope to see in the near future include an improved monorail system that goes all the way into Riverside, more cocktail lounges, music venues, and restaurants, and plenty of activity. There are three new coffee shops preparing to open as you read this. One inside the library, another Starbucks, and even a coffee shop in the new Chamblin’s BookMine Downtown location.

But you don’t have to wait for Downtown to happen. It’s happening now. Just go to any ArtWalk, grab lunch at the Burrito Gallery, or catch a punk rock show at Thee Imperial on Forsythe. From casual strolls along the Riverwalk and jogging paths that go all the way to the YMCA in Riverside to the simple enjoyment of watching the sun set over the River City from the rooftop terrace on your building, life downtown is a unique creature that is waiting for those of you with an adventurous spirit and an open mind.

Don’t go into it blindly, take our hand. EU will guide you through your experience and help you discover what everyone is talking about when they secretly watch the Downtown program on WJCT late at night with the lights out. Downtown is sexier than ever before, and now is the time to get on board.

[pearlstone]

Well, that was rude. Don't you know when you belittle one aspect of our downtown you are in turn belittling all of it. Shame on you EU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And I think the Landing opened in 87 didn't it, not early 90's.

EDIT: and yes, our ENTIRE downtown is sexy.

[Jason]

Is this paper sponsored or ran by Tony Allgretti? He has quite a few positive plugs in that article.

[Stephendare]

Its actually pretty complimentary to all four of us that they interviewed...Joey Marchy, Tony, Myself, and Terry Lorrince.

[pearlstone]

Well if we're all here to build a better core why would they dis the landing so bad?

Not teamplayers I guess.

[Stephendare]

Pearl, I don't think that they meant to dis the landing, just to say that that there are more exciting things going on besides the giant landmark everyone already knows about.

[Jason]

Maybe they just wanted to stress the fact that there are other things going on downtown other than the Landing. Ask the average citizen what there is to do downtown and they'll say "Go to the Landing".

[Jason]

Originally Posted by Stephendare

Its actually pretty complimentary to all four of us that they interviewed...Joey Marchy, Tony, Myself, and Terry Lorrince.

What was your impression of the interviewers Stephen?

[pearlstone]

"The Landing is probably the least interesting thing happening at our urban core these days..."

Well if that isn't a dis I don't know what is.

Doesn't matter anyway because Toney Sleiman just instructed all of them to be removed off the Landing property and not to be allowed back on.

If they feel we are the least interesting thing then they don't need to be utilizing our property free of charge to solicit their materials.

[Stephendare]

That ought to show em, Pearl!

Then they can just actually start to hate the Landing all over the rest of the city.

The Interviewers were John Bosworth and Jaren, two of the coolest guys in the Jacksonville Music and Arts Scene.

They are definitely sympathetic to downtown businesses and small operators: John actually had his own pizza place downtown for a while.

I really don't think they meant to dis the Landing so much as to draw contrast with how interesting they think the new stuff is.

[pearlstone]

Mr. Sleiman was given Jon's phone number when he read the statement.

[pearlstone]

Originally Posted by Downtownparks

...I dont think they were saying the landing isnt interesting...

"The Landing is probably the least interesting thing happening at our urban core these days...", Jon Bosworth, EU managing editor

Of course there is so much to our downtown and it is up to each and every one of who deeply desire change for the better to work together and uplift each other with EVERY opportunity we can get our hands on.

And I'm sorry, but saying, 'well the landing gets coverage all the time...' just doesn't quite cut it. You publish an article about a vibrant downtown then you include EVERYONE in it and you promote all to the VERY BEST of your ability, regardless of size.

[pearlstone]

Originally Posted by Downtownparks

Oh, and EU, last I checked was free...

Of course they are. If you were referencing what I said earlier, it was that they were using landing property free of charge to promote their publication. (anywhere a Folio can be found)

Originally Posted by Downtownparks

Oh, and EU, last I checked was freep...

Are you saying it is in fact interesting and if so what parts make it unique? The sweet deal it got from the city? The smell? The journey blasting over the outdoor speakers? The choking of bike traffic on the riverwalk?

[pearlstone]

Duval, were you directing your post to me in regards to the landing? If so, why the highlighted quote of DTParks?

Sounds like you wanna pick a fight with me. Are you sure you're ready?

[Jim]

This......

In fact, The Landing is probably the least interesting thing happening at our urban core these days,

Should have been written as this........

The Jacksonville Landing is no longer the only thing interesting happening at our urban core these days,

[pearlstone]

Thank you Jim, now that is quality/tactful journalism.

[TheITSteve]

the point was - what is going on at the landing that people can see? I have no doubt that Sleiman has good things planned, but until he turns dirt on these, people won't buy it.

Meanwhile places like the Burrito Gallery and Boomtown are doing very well, and didn't exist two years ago (boomtown did, but not in downtown).

Trust me, the landing gets it's due. Ask anyone from Mandarin what they know downtown, and the landing will be one of them. The next step is to get people to thing of Bay Street, Hemming Plaza, Laura St, the Cathedral District, LaVilla and Brooklyn. Downtown must be more than the Landing.

[pearlstone]

Geez steve, of course downtown is more than just the landing, duh.

Until sleiman turns dirt? And who's fault is it that he hasn't been able to?

[pearlstone]

Originally Posted by DuvalDemocrat

Are you saying it is in fact interesting and if so what parts make it unique? The sweet deal it got from the city? The smell? The journey blasting over the outdoor speakers? The choking of bike traffic on the riverwalk?

Are you saying it is in fact interesting and if so what parts make it unique?

Everything about our downtown is unique...period. Although not unique to the landing, the people who work there anywhere from 10 to 19 hours a day behind the scenes to ensure a beautiful experience is had by all is in this day and age is unique dedication.
Not to mention the fact, that yesterday alone, I met people from Pheonix, Baltimore, Viriginia Beach and Australia at the Landing, all of whom were visiting Jacksonville, FL for the very first time. That's unique and extremely special in my eyes and I feel priviledged to have been able to greet them and welcome them to our city and share with them 'everything' our downtown has to offer. Not just the Landing.

The sweet deal it got from the city?

What sweet deal? What I remember is the slap in the face it got from the city on the front page of the TU February 9th, 2006.

The smell?

The smell is quite wonderful here. Come over anytime and smell the aroma's from all the fabulous restaurants, HEAVENLY!!!

The journey blasting over the outdoor speakers?

You don't like Journey? They're one of the all time extraordinary bands!

The choking of bike traffic on the riverwalk?

I'm here virtually everyday and the most bicycle traffic I see on the riverwalk is done by the JSO.

EDIT: my server went down earlier so I wasn't able to finish the above post.