by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Efforts to establish a weekend market near the remains of old Fuller Warren Bridge may become a reality now that Fidelity National, Inc. has received City approval to redevelop land near its Riverside Avenue headquarters.
According to City Council members Michael Corrigan and Reggie Fullwood, the bank has kept the market “in mind” while designs for a parking garage and a neighboring parking lot are drafted.
“We’re still in a bit of a holding pattern while we’re waiting to see how work on the Fuller Warren Bridge will play out,” said Corrigan, who’s district shares the parcel of land flanking Riverside Avenue with Fullwood’s. “But we’re in the process of negotiating with Fidelity right now and we hope we can tie it in directly with the (Northbank) Riverwalk when it opens.”
Corrigan met recently with the Downtown Development Authority, Jacksonville Transportation Authority and Florida Department of Transportation to “get everyone on the same page,” but a start date for the project would not be released before the bridge construction is completed. He added no legislation would be introduced or permits applied for until more details become available.
However, the widening of Riverside Avenue has “zero effect” on market plans.
“Riverside Avenue has already been widened in the area we’re looking at so that works in our favor,” he said.
Proposed by Riverside Avondale Preservation member Wayne Wood, and based on a similar concept already in place in Portland, Ore., Corrigan said the local market would likely function as an unofficial Fidelity tenant on weekends.
Corrigan has been advocating the idea since he was president of RAP between 1996-98.
“It’s all still very tentative, but the way we see it right now, the lot and the parking garage would function like any other parking facilities do during the week,” he said. “But on Friday afternoon, market organizers could come in and set up banners and booths so it could be open Saturday through Sunday.”
Corrigan said there is currently no franchise agreement in place for a market management group, but added the surface lot would be wired for electricity and the garage would satisfy all parking concerns.
If it follows the standard set by the Portland market, Corrigan said the local initiative would incorporate a variety of elements, including produce, baked goods, crafts and the work of local artists.
“We’re very excited about the possibilities,” he said. “[Fullwood] and I are working together on this and we think it’s a great idea. If everything goes according to plan, it will be like having a festival every weekend in the local community.”