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Urban Jacksonville

A blog about Downtown Jacksonville, Springfield, LaVilla, Brooklyn, the Southbank and San Marco.


Two Years of Shantytown PubNovember 30

Shanty Town Pub

One of Springfield’s most successful and loved businesses, Shantytown Pub, turned two last Friday. After two years they’re still going strong and have outlasted a few other notable Springfield businesses during that time. I attribute their success to the hard working owners and loyal patrons from in and out of the neighborhood.

Shantytown has been one of many bright spots in Springfield over the past year and I am looking forward to another year. If you like, leave your thoughts, thanks and photos for Shantytown, here are some of mine.

Top 5 Shantytown Memories

  1. The day I saw the new mural on the side of the building.
  2. Urban Jacksonville blog party
  3. DJing at the Partisan the Sea after party with Dennis from Thought & Theory
  4. Seeing the Vice Magazine bathroom wallpaper for the first time (in it’s pristine state). I thought it was a brilliant idea.
Interview with Arturo ClothingNovember 24

Arturo Clothing

I first met Arturo in the streets of Jacksonville where I noticed their distinctive designs over and over. Shortly after that I received and email from them, followed by a package in the mail with tshirts and stickers. I finally met them in person at the Partisan the Sea poster show. They’re an awesome group who make quality clothes so I wanted to spread the word.

Arturo Clothing

Who is Arturo Clothing and what’s up with the name?
Arturo Clothing is a underground movement based around the Jacksonville street scene. The name was inspired from a small bundle of joy who we befriended at a local summer art camp.

What types of clothing are you making. What are you planning to make?
We basically make clothes for everyday use. Things like tshirts, bags, and beanies….because everyone wears clothes.

Where can I buy Arturo?
Well you can’t really buy Arturo him



The Springfield Community Garden Rises AgainNovember 17

Springfield Community Garden

Lately I’ve been wondering what’s going on with the Springfield Community Garden. Here’s an update:

We’re just now getting things replanted. There are currently about six folks tending plots in the garden. A number of the other folks who signed up for the class dropped out without telling me, so we actually have a few plots still open, although it’s late in the season at this point.

There was supposed to be a workday on Saturday, but I’m not sure if it happened or now. Does anyone know? They are also in the process of getting nonprofit status similar to the Beaches Local Food Network. I don’t want anyone to get too excited, but there are also talks to get another Farmers Market going. It would most likely be in the lot between The Pearl and the Garden.

Also, I received an email from a woman named Michelle G to tell me she started her own blog to chronicle the garden and talk about other green things in Jacksonville: http://greenjax.blogspot.com

Halsema Building Under Contract by SRG/MeeksNovember 13

Halsema Building at 8th and Market

The troubles of Craig Van Horn have been many and varied. Most recently JaxScene documented that Craig hasn’t paid JEA $15,000 he owes on an electric bill. This non-payment may force the residents of the building out, including a local salon.

The tenants in 121 E. 8th Street including myself are currently all running around, meeting people and making phone calls. JEA was here last week trying to find our water valve so they can cut it off. Why? Our landlord, Craig Van Horn, has not been paying his bill.

There may be a silver lining to the Craig Van Horn legacy with the proposed purchasing of the Halsema building by Mack Bissette (SRG) and Jack Meeks (Meeks, Ross, Selander, CPAs). It is “under contract to be purchased”. SRG/Meeks still have to do due diligence including inspections and environmental. Provided due diligence doesn’t turn up anything unexpected, contract should go through. The Halsema building is located about 30 yards from 121 E. 8th Street so maybe there

Update! Bikevemberfester Birthday Bash at Burrito Gallery with Biggie Tea, Triclops I, Airport Factory and Tough JunkieNovember 13

Bikevemberfest

Update! DJ Joey Pants will be spinning digital tracks to bring this party into the 22nd Century.

One of my very best friends Tony Allegretti will be celebrating his birthday this Friday at the Burrito Gallery. Not only is he a fine supporter of Downtown and all things Springfield, he also only drinks beer from a can, (still, apparently) possesses vinyl records and is a damn fine illustrator.

From 8 till Midnight you can hear the sounds of DJs Biggie Tea and Triclops I, Airport Factory and Tough Junkie. That’s two bands and two DJs for the price of none! $2 orange parks, $2 millerburgs and hourly shot specials.

In addition to the birthday bash, it’s also a fund raiser for the Bikes, Bags, and Beats shop in Springfield, aka The Buyers Market Lodge. Open you wallet and your heart for these hard working Springfield retailers. All proceeds go towards keeping