Construction
Construction at St. Johns Town Center: Traffic Congestion During Holidays
2024-12-02
Jacksonville, Florida is witnessing a significant transformation at the St. Johns Town Center. The addition of several stores and restaurants is set to bring both excitement and challenges, particularly during the holiday season. Traffic congestion has become a major concern, and construction activities are already underway at some locations.

Navigating Holiday Traffic at St. Johns Town Center

Holiday Season Traffic Challenges

During the holiday season, the St. Johns Town Center experiences a surge in foot traffic and vehicle movement. The addition of new stores and restaurants only adds to the existing congestion. Signs of construction at West Elm and Louis Vuitton are visible, indicating that the changes are imminent. 1: The increased traffic during this time poses a significant inconvenience for both locals and visitors. Commutes that should take 20 minutes are now stretching to an hour, causing frustration and delays. 2: Gracie Hartley's experience highlights the reality of the traffic situation. Being stuck in traffic led her to make the most of the time by doing some shopping. This shows how the traffic issues are affecting people's daily lives.

Construction and Store Additions

Mayor Jewelers, Dave’s Hot Chicken, Crocs, and Oakley are among the stores that will be undergoing construction or added to the Town Center. These additions are expected to enhance the shopping and dining experience but come with the downside of traffic disruptions. 1: The construction process will require careful management to ensure minimal impact on traffic. Without specific plans in place, it remains to be seen how the authorities will handle the situation. 2: The addition of these stores will bring more variety and options to the Town Center, but it also means that traffic patterns will need to be adjusted.

Managing Traffic

Although there are no specific plans on how traffic will be managed in the area, News4JAX will provide updates as soon as the information becomes available. This is crucial to keep the public informed and help them plan their trips accordingly. 1: Effective traffic management is essential to ensure the smooth flow of vehicles and pedestrians during this busy period. 2: The community is eagerly awaiting the implementation of traffic management strategies to alleviate the congestion and make the holiday season more enjoyable.
The Public Road Connecting Willoughby and Kanner at Stuart Costco's Construction Site
2024-12-02
On Monday, December 2, 2024, an extraordinary sight unfolds at the future site of the Costco store in Stuart. The ongoing construction showcases a visionary plan by M&M Realty. Alongside the store, an impressive 398 apartment units are set to rise, accompanied by an 18-pump gas station, a variety of restaurants, and other stores. Spanning across a vast 49-acre site, this development is set to transform the local landscape.

Transforming the Local Landscape

The construction on the Kanner Highway access road is a crucial part of this grand project. It will serve as a vital link, connecting Willoughby Boulevard and Kanner Highway. This public road will not only enhance accessibility but also bring a new level of convenience to the area. The addition of a traffic signal at Kanner Highway will further improve traffic flow and safety.The 398 apartment units are designed to offer comfortable and modern living spaces. They will provide a home for many families and individuals, adding to the vibrancy of the community. The various stores and restaurants will offer a wide range of choices for residents and visitors alike.The Costco store itself will be a hub of activity, offering a vast selection of products and services. It will bring economic growth and job opportunities to the area. The entire development is a testament to the vision and commitment of M&M Realty.The construction process is progressing steadily, with workers pouring their efforts into creating this new urban oasis. Each day brings new progress, and the end result is sure to be a sight to behold.The future of Stuart is taking shape before our eyes, and this Costco development is at the forefront of it. It will have a lasting impact on the community, providing a place for people to live, work, and play.
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Quarterly Multifamily Construction Data: Rents & Condos
2024-12-02
According to a detailed analysis by NAHB of quarterly Census data, it has been observed that the count of multifamily, for-rent housing starts witnessed a significant decline during the third quarter of 2024. In this particular quarter, a total of 94,000 multifamily residences embarked on the construction journey. Out of this substantial number, an impressive 88,000 were built specifically for rent. Strikingly, this figure was almost 14% lower than the corresponding period in 2023.

Market Share Shifts and Historical Trends

The market share of rental units within multifamily construction starts took a downward turn and dropped below 94% in the third quarter. This occurred as the built-for-sale, multifamily condo market witnessed a notable gain. It is interesting to note that the historical low market share of 47% for built-for-rent multifamily construction was set during the third quarter of 2005, a time when the condo building boom was in full swing. On the other hand, an average share of 80% was registered during the 1980-2002 period, highlighting the significant changes in the market over the years.

Multifamily Condo Unit Construction Starts

For the third quarter, there was a notable increase in multifamily condo unit construction starts. The count rose from 3,000 a year ago to 6,000. Although still a relatively small market, this represents the highest quarterly count since mid-2022. It showcases the evolving dynamics within the multifamily housing sector.

Average and Median Square Footage of Multifamily Construction

An elevated rental share of multifamily construction is having an impact on the typical apartment size. According to the third quarter 2024 data, the average square footage of multifamily construction starts saw a slight increase and reached 1,061 square feet. Additionally, the median also edged up to 1,013 square feet. These estimates are close to multidecade lows, indicating a shift in the spatial characteristics of multifamily housing.
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