by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
Driving north on Main Street from Downtown, it looks like nothing much has changed over the years. The views mostly consists of a row of used-car lots, pawn shops and commercial supply houses, with a few restaurants and bars thrown into the mix.
“Main Street is the weakest part of the area, but there is a lot more to Springfield than Main Street,” said Jennifer Holbrook, a consultant who works for SRG Homes & Neighborhoods and the Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council, Inc (SPAR). Holbrook is one of the leaders of a campaign to make people think of Springfield as one of Downtown’s outlying neighborhoods, just like San Marco and Riverside.
One of the pioneer businesses that has brought attention to the area is 9th & Main, which has become a popular destination for many Downtown workers who want to get away from the office and take a short drive on the way to lunch.
“Sometimes half the people here for lunch are wearing their ID badges from their jobs Downtown,” said 9th & Main lunch manager Jill Christon. “We have a lot of regulars.”
“Springfield is as close to Downtown as the Southbank, there is plenty of parking and you don’t have to worry about the bridge going up,” said Holbrook.
She also points to the residential development taking place in historic Springfield as a likely catalyst for Downtown’s future as a thriving, economically important community. In addition to new home construction, the area is also experiencing a boom in restoration.
“Don’t judge Springfield by Main Street,” said Holbrook. “Two blocks on either side is where it’s happening.”
Holbrook said people are discovering new opportunities and she thinks what’s taking place north of State Street will play a role in the future of Downtown.
“There is a lot of residential migration to Springfield from San Marco and other areas,” she said. “The new homes have helped, and people are renovating older houses and they are taking care of their properties. It’s also becoming an upscale neighborhood with 47 percent of the households having an annual income of at least $75,000 and 26 percent over $100,000. When they hear that, a lot of people say, ‘Wow!’ ”
As the residential population increases, Holbrook said it won’t be long before retailers discover the area, since there will be a large enough population to support stores selling everything from groceries to hardware, plus dining and entertainment.
Holbrook added that according to survey data, Springfield currently experiences $20 million a year in what she called “retail leakage.”
“Residents are going to other parts of the city to buy food, clothing, housewares, building materials and all the other things they need,” she said.
SPAR also has a plan to bring more people to the neighborhood.
“If you haven’t been to Springfield lately, you haven’t been to Springfield,” said Louise DeSpain, president of the organization.
She said the recent improvements at Klutho Park at 3rd and Silver streets will make it possible to bridge the gap between the neighborhood and Downtown.
“We’re laying out plans for the Heritage Celebration May 5-6 that will include an outdoor performance by the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra,” said DeSpain. “We’re also finalizing plans for an outdoor film series under the stars.”
“Springfield is Duval County’s most powerful sleeping giant,” added Holbrook. “It’s so close to Downtown – with a little planning, one day you won’t be able to tell where one stops and the other starts.”