by Bradley Parsons
Staff Writer
Toney Sleiman’s vision for the Landing includes a 960–car garage built on site in time for the 2005 Super Bowl. That’s one small part of an extensive renovation designed to turn the underperforming center into downtown’s premier eating and shopping destination.
Sleiman has big plans, and he wants all of Jacksonville to turn out today to see them.
All comers are invited to the Landing today at 5:30 p.m. to witness the first day of what Sleiman hopes will be a continuing renaissance. In addition to tearing down part of the building to make room for the parking deck, Sleiman’s plans include a 120–slip marina, stadium seating for the riverside stage and national, high–end retail chains and restaurants. Once he has the first parking deck in place for the Super Bowl, Sleiman envisions up to three multi–story parking decks that could also house retail and residences.
Although some of his plan’s details have leaked out, Sleiman said Wednesday that his complete vision will surprise those who turn out for today’s opening.
“You won’t believe it,” has been his mantra for the last two weeks.
Addressing the Adam’s Mark Hotel staff meeting Wednesday, Sleiman said an incentive plan for an unspecified amount will be introduced to the City Council Dec. 6. He wants a March approval in order to build the first phase in time for the Super Bowl.
Sleiman said he has been asked whether the multi–million dollar incentives given to downtown projects like the Adam’s Mark and Berkman Plaza (now The Plaza at Berkman) were wise uses of taxpayer money.
“It’s not a waste,” said Sleiman. “Without those incentives you’d have the same old downtown. Now you’ve got people moving here, businesses moving in. You need to help these people with what they’re doing.”
After a hectic four month public relations push, which Sleiman said included 250 meetings with area business and political leaders, the Landing’s new owner said he expected a heavy turnout this evening.
“If everybody shows up that said they were going to,” said Sleiman. “It will be like Florida/Georgia out there.”