by David Chapman
Staff Writer
For the many stakeholders of Downtown Vision, Inc., Thursday night was a time to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year while looking ahead to the coming challenges and goals of the 2008—09.
Nearly 200 people showed up to DVI’s annual meeting at Maverick’s at the Landing, many being Downtown business owners and residents. They heard outgoing DVI board chair and CSX Real Property President Steve Crosby pass the torch to developer Jay Southerland for a two-year term.
“It’s been an extreme pleasure to serve you and our Downtown,” said Crosby. “We’ve made a lot of accomplishments.”
Southerland said he was eager to begin working on multiple Downtown interests, including improving the streetscape. One idea he presented was taking the area, block by block, and improving each one over time until all are completed.
“Almost like connect the dots,” said Southerland.
Numerous Downtown business owners, restaurants and personalities were honored by 904 Magazine during the event, with not-so-ordinary categories such as “Greenest Downtowner” and “Best Adaptive Reuse” among the 22 awards presented.
Two Downtown business owners – Burrito Gallery’s Tony Allegretti and Chamblin’s Uptown Ron Chamblin – were presented multiple awards.
The last award – Best Free Event/Festival – didn’t go to a single person but instead to thousands. Now in its fifth year, First Wednesday ArtWalk’s many patrons and participating businesses received the award.
904 Magazine’s “Best of Downtown Awards”
Outstanding Economic Development Initiative: Make a Scene Downtown!
Hippest Nightlife Hotspot: Mark’s and owner Mark Hemphill
Best Downtown Office Party: Dalton Agency
Best Adaptive Reuse: Burdette-Ketchum
Best Shopping Locale: Reddi Arts
Family Owned Business of the Year: The Zodiac Grill
Favorite Quick Lunch Spot: The Burrito Gallery
Downtown’s Best Kept Secret: Clara’s Café at the Clara White Mission
Best Off-Site Meeting Location: The Main Library
Favorite Public Space: The Main Library
Best Residential Property: 11 E. Forsyth
Favorite Cultural Venue: The Florida Theatre
Top Restaurant for Dinner: Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
Best Business Lunch Restaurant: bb’s
Coolest Office Space Design: Looney Ricks Kiss
Best Downtown Improvement: The City of Jacksonville
Business Newcomer of the Year: Ron Chamblin
Outstanding New Storefront: Chamblin’s Uptown
Greenest Downtowner: Tri Vu, TTV Architects
Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Jon Insetta, Chew Restaurant
Most Active Corporate Citizen: Tony Allegretti, Burrito Gallery
Best Free Event/Festival: DVI’s First Wednesday Art Walk
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