by erin thursby scopes1925@msn.com
This weekend won’t be the first time the Downtown Council has hosted a downtown living tour, and it won’t be the last. In 2001, spaces to live downtown were scarce, but the council saw the opportunity for growth. They hosted a Hard Hat Tour, showing people the empty lots that were potential residential spaces. Folks on the original tour literally had to don hard hats to go into many of the construction sites they toured. Since that tour, living space downtown has increased exponentially.
“Many of the people who went on that first tour invested in apartments or lofts at that time and they call…and thank us today,” remarked longtime Downtown Council Member and chair, Joe Snowberger, as he reminisced about those first, bold steps toward downtown re-development.
It’s not just about touring potential homes, though. According to Snowberger, it’s also about “showcasing Jacksonville itself. Even if you don’t want to live downtown, it’ll give you the chance to see all the things going on there.” The art scene, downtown shopping, fine dining and special events are just a few of the things that the council hopes will attract even more people to the area, whether they live there or not.
As of today, downtown has more than a thousand residential units under construction and over a thousand more slated for construction. Many of those residences will have a stellar view of the river and the stunning downtown skyline, with its lit bridges and shining buildings. Having more downtown residents is good for the small businesses in the area, which have had to rely heavily on the work-a-day traffic into their stores. Without enough residents to sustain businesses, empty storefronts used to be the norm. You can still find blank windows with a for rent sign prominently taped to the inside, but there aren’t as many as there used to be. It’s still a hot time to invest in the real estate market downtown, especially since the overall market has dropped in price.
Those looking to rent, Snowberger says, will find a wide range in prices, from $600 small loft style apartments to exclusive penthouse condos. The same is true for those looking to purchase as well. There’s a price point for almost every pocket book ready to invest in the real estate market. Ninety restaurants, ten cultural venues and plenty of area shopping, make Jacksonville’s urban core a more attractive place to live. The only thing that the neighborhood seems to lack is adequate parking during the day and a close place to shop for reasonably priced groceries.
While on the tour, or at any other time while you’re downtown, you might need someone to answer a question about directions or transportation. The folks in the orange shirts and kaki’s are there to help give you directions and assist you in any way. They’re called “Downtown Ambassadors” and they’re not just there for special events like this. Easily identified in their bright orange shirts and pith helmets as they walk and bike throughout Downtown Jacksonville, day and night, it’s not hard to find an Ambassador, should you need assistance.
The VIP Platinum Premier Downtown Living Tour on Friday, November 17th from 5-9PM will include a tour of seven exclusive downtown residential areas, entertainment, fine food and excellent libations for $50. Vendors will be staying open for the event and the Friday Market will be out as well. The less expensive Downtown Living Tour has more living spaces to look at (15 residential areas) but it’s understandably less luxe, at only $10 a person on Saturday the 18th from 10AM-4PM. The tours will be self guided and you’ll receive a map at a start point, much like Art Walk, except that different modes of transportation will be available. Parking will also be provided at the ShipYard’s and the St. John for the VIP tour. The regular tour can park in both those places, plus the County Courthouse lot. Tickets or wristbands will let everyone know you’re on the tour. To get tickets, or for more info, call (904) 366-6600 x 7609.
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