Development at VB's Oceanfront (Broadway: apartments, condos, hotels)

[xGrendelx]

Anyone else read this in Beach Magazine? Apparently the Oceanfront is supposed to have some big projects starting up soon - some cool, some kinda lame (imo). Rudee Loop is the spot where a high-density, mixed-use private development is supposed to go, including a 4-star hotel, luxury condos, upscale dining, specialty retail, and public parking. Some walkways and bike paths are gonna be thrown in there too. Could be cool, I guess. I can't see it making me want to spend anymore time down there though.

Something called the "Dome Site" is being rejuvenated. It's on Pacific between 18th and 20th streets, 9 acres big, and is supposed to be turned into an "entertainment megaplex." This plan includes a 2500 seat Broadway-style theater, a bowling alley, and a movie theater. Once again, I suppose it could be cool but I guess we'll see.

They're supposed to build a headquarters hotel to accompany the VB Convention Center, which, according the magazine, says will bring in more money to the Convention Center.

Finally, there's plans to build the "Laskin Gateway" and "Beach Centre." The Gateway is going to be an "inviting entrance to the resort area" which sounds like something that's a bit of a waste, especially since they plan on re-routing traffic through a round-about on Laskin Rd to 30th and 32nd streets. It's supposed to make Laskin a more pedestrian-friendly road with 2 lanes of traffic and parallel parking on both sides. 30th street will have 2 lanes going to the resort area and one leaving it and 32nd with the exact opposite. Apparently, this enhances accessibility to the resort area. It's also going to lead people into the Beach Centre. The Centre is going to be located on 30th St between Pacific and Arctic and will have sidewalk cafes, office buildings, apartments, and condos. Sounds like more stuff at the Oceanfront I'll probably never use, but maybe it'll be cooler than what I'm picturing. What do you guys think? Yea? Nay?

[rtandc]

These are also the projects the Military (Oceana) is fighting because several of the projects are to include buildings higher then what they want to allow for this area due to radar interference

[bbguy05]

Any expansion to an area can be a good thing. But with all this "luxury" and "upscale" being thrown around. I hope they bring in some jobs that can pay people to afford to live in these luxury condos or shop at these upscale boutiques/stores.

I would hate to see their version of "Rodeo Drive" empty because nobody can afford to shop there.

[Erma]

Originally Posted by bbguy05

Any expansion to an area can be a good thing. But with all this "luxury" and "upscale" being thrown around. I hope they bring in some jobs that can pay people to afford to live in these luxury condos or shop at these upscale boutiques/stores.

I would hate to see their version of "Rodeo Drive" empty because nobody can afford to shop there.

The people that buy these luxury condos already have money. Jacksonville Beach for the most part is all luxury condos ranging from 500,000 to 1.2 for the penthouses. 4 hotels were torn down and the developers moved in.