by Tammy Taylor
Staff Writer
Converting the old Lerner New York store in the Landing into a night club is just the beginning of the attraction’s efforts to help make downtown the place to be for Jacksonville nightlife.
“The space has been empty for a long time,” said Mike Tolbert, consultant for the Landing. “Last week, I went to look at it and thought that it’s a nice place for a club.”
Tolbert wants to find someone by late March or early April who is looking to bring a night club downtown.
“I just want to paint the picture for someone and let them take over,” said Tolbert.
As Tolbert searches for a tenant, the space won’t go unused. Singer Stephanie Mills, who will be in town Feb. 27 for a benefit concert at Edward Waters College, will be the first to occupy the empty space.
The store will be converted into a listening room for her CD party Feb. 26, and the following night, she will return with guests for an after-concert celebration.
Beyond these events, there are no definite plans for the site, but the Landing will introduce some new attractions in March, beginning with live music every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night.
“We want to make a place downtown for workers to hangout in the afternoons when they get off of work,” said Tolbert.
Thursdays will also mark the return of the River Rally, a night of live music, drinking and carousing that took place about two decades ago at the Hilton on the Southbank.
This event, and others, will begin around 5:30 p.m. in order to attract an after-work crowd.
Also in March, the Music Factory will open in the old game room site.The 12,000 square-foot space will be a showcase for music promoters and live bands on Friday and Saturday nights.
The entertainment additions to the Landing are part of Tolbert’s three-pronged goal: to put space at the Landing to good use; create a venue for downtown, San Marco and Riverside residents to have a good time; and to give workers a place to relax after work.