by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
Downtown’s resurgence won’t be like a baby learning to walk. There won’t come a day when Downtown — the City and private sector alike — just “get it” and take off running.
But, Wednesday’s ribbon cutting to mark the latest Northbank Riverwalk enhancement is metaphorically similar to a child learning to walk, especially given that Jacksonville Economic Development Commission Executive Director Ron Barton has described the 19-point Downtown Action Plan as dominoes.
“This is the beginning of our next phase of the Riverwalk development,” said Barton before the ceremony. “The artists’ walk under the interstate is next and not far in the distance.”
The project is the combined effort of the City and Fidelity National Financial. Five years ago, Fidelity relocated from Santa Barbara, Calif. — a move that Foley says the company has “never looked back” on. Three years ago, Fidelity and the City finalized a land swap deal that essentially gave Fidelity riverfront land. In exchange, Fidelity agreed to develop part of the land into a riverfront park and create 28 public parking spaces.
Mayor John Peyton said given the current economic challenges facing the City and even the private sector, partnerships like this one are more important than ever. He called Fidelity a leading company Downtown that provided jobs and the project an example of Fidelity justifying the public investment made to bring the company to Jacksonville.
“These people are totally integrated into the community and we appreciate that,” said Peyton, adding the park increases the walkability of the Northbank Riverwalk as well as access to the river. He said over the last three years as mayor he will concentrate on safety, economic expansion and the river. “This is an access issue and I am terribly proud of it.”
Foley said the park is just one small way Fidelity can give back to the city.
“We are very, very proud of this park,” said Foley. “This is an example of the partnership that has been so effective the last five years.”
Once the artists’ walk is complete, the north end of the Northbank Riverwalk will be essentially done. Then, Barton says, it’s time to focus on the other areas — or dominoes. He said the development of the Shipyards includes $30 million worth of public improvements and will become what he calls a “phenomenal anchor” for that end of Downtown. Barton also said there will be a major focus on revamping Metropolitan Park, Kids Kampus and Friendship Fountain.
“That (Friendship Fountain) is an integral part,” said Barton. “There’s no better place to start than where you planted the flag 30 years ago.”
Barton hesitated to look too far into the future in regards to Downtown and the river. In Austin, Texas the river is a major attraction for both locals and tourists. Barton said the development of the riverfront in Jacksonville — especially given the necessity of successful public-private partnerships — will be done incrementally and with a plan in mind. He envisions a riverfront that appeals to everyone.
“The key is to create something for everyone and not just three more of these,” said Barton. “We want something different in all the nodal areas. What makes things exciting is a variety of stops.”