A Few Ideas for the Future of The Jacksonville Landing

By now, most Jacksonville residents are aware of the increasingly bitter feud between the city and The Jacksonville Landing’s ownership group.

With neither side willing to give in, the battle is likely to rage on for a while longer – so not much will be done to the building in the meantime.

But what is abundantly clear is that no matter the outcome of the legal battle, the Landing will eventually undergo a major transformation. The question, though, is what that transformation should look like.

We’ve come up with a few possible ideas for the future of the Landing, including plans from Mayor Curry and Landing owner Toney Sleiman.

IDEA #1: MAYOR CURRY’S VISION OF A CENTRAL PARK

Mayor Lenny Curry recently released a rendering designed by the city’s Parks and Recreation department that embodied his administration’s vision for the Landing’s future.

The plans would require the full demolition of the Landing. In its place, a huge public park would be constructed featuring several fountains and pedestrian and bike paths. It’d be flanked on both sides by two significantly smaller retail buildings, which are shown with rooftop bars in the rendering.

Curry’s solution is in line with what some local and state officials had hoped for even before the Landing was built – but those who wish to see the building’s distinctive architecture at least partially preserved will be disappointed.

IDEA #2: SLEIMAN ENTERPRISES’ PLANS

In 2003, right after buying the property, Toney Sleiman announced a $250 million redevelopment plan that would’ve seen the Landing’s structure kept intact and expanded, with several surrounding high-rises added as well.

In 2013, Sleiman again announced plans to redevelop the Landing, and within a year those plans evolved into tearing down the entire building and replacing it with retail, restaurant, and residential space, and a gigantic parking garage.

That last plan had gained a decent amount of momentum and was supported by then-Mayor Alvin Brown. But when Curry took office, that momentum disappeared – and it didn’t help that city council wasn’t on board either.

At this point, though, it’s more likely that Sleiman walks away from the property – after getting his payday from the city – than it is that any of his plans come to fruition.

IDEA #3: PRESERVATION AND MODERNIZATION

In our ideal world, any plans for the Landing would involve keeping the original structure intact.

The interest in preserving and restoring historic properties in downtown Jax over the past decade has been a great step in the right direction. But if the idea is to preserve the different eras of our city’s architectural history, then that mission must include the distinctively-‘80s stylings of the Landing.

Obviously, the building is in need of major upgrades. But a gutting of the interior while preserving its distinctive exterior features could result in a beautiful combination of old and new, the likes of which we’ve seen at Cowford Chophouse and will see in future projects like the Laura Street Trio revamp.

IDEA #4: NORTHBANK MARKET

If the city is set on tearing down the Landing, though, there’s still a great way to make it a high-traffic hub for downtown retail.

Playing off of the success of Riverside Arts Market at the opposite end of the Northbank, the Landing property could become the downtown equivalent – encouraging foot traffic along the Northbank Riverwalk as residents venture back and forth between the markets.

The Landing’s market could perhaps position itself as more of a farmers’ market, clearing additional space at RAM for more art vendors and giving the new market its own niche. It would also prove helpful once more people start living downtown, given that there are very few grocery options in the area.

YOUR TURN

So which idea do you like best? Or do you have a completely different vision for the future of the Landing? Share your thoughts with us on social media or in the comments section below!