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May 1, 2011
1661 Riverside - The Best Address in one of America’s Best Neighborhoods
This week, the roses and magnolias are in bloom. Crape myrtles are putting on a dazzling display, an outpouring of color that lasts all summer long. And the intoxicating aroma is courtesy of Confederate jasmine. The view alone from your l661 Riverside Avenue townhome makes you realize that you've found an extraordinary place to call home.
A lot of folks would agree with you, too. 1661 not only overlooks one of Jacksonville's most iconic riverfront parks, it's at the heart of the super-chic community that was named one of the "10 Great Neighborhoods in America" by the American Planning Association, an accolade shared by such prestigious places as Boston's historic Back Bay. The coveted citation hails this community as "Jacksonville's hidden gem," a secret that Riverside residents have always known.
Most townhomes at 1661 have a commanding view of the riverfront botanical treasure known as Memorial Park. At the center of it's lush foliage is a circular lawn - a magnet for sunbathers, picnickers and Frisbee players-while the surrounding promenade draws cyclist, joggers and walkers. However, the No. 1 pastime seems to be watching sailboats drift quietly by, while the sun dances on the water. The second runner-up is relaxing with a good book and waiting for the fish to bite.
Memorial Park was dedicated in 1924, the culmination of 31 civic groups working and planning together - the genesis of Riverside's deeply rooted sense of community.
Designed by the renowned Olmstead Brothers, the focal point of the park is a magnificent bronze sculpture called "Winged Victory." The silhouette of this glorious free spirit is also the logo for 1661's incomparable lifestyle.
To get here from downtown (a mere seven minutes away), travel south on Riverside Avenue. Going beneath the Fuller Warren Bridge is like traveling through time. Your mind tells you that it's 2011, your heart convinces you that you?ve just entered an authentic vintage neighborhood.
In 1895, Riverside was a laboratory for aspiring architects of the day. Here, riverfront mansions showcase Spanish Eclectic, Italian Renaissance, Tudor Revival, Victorian, Colonial Revival, Georgian and American Craftsman architecture. After the famous fire of 1901 that destroyed downtown, modern-minded residents built more moderate, but no less interesting, dwellings, including many designed by Henry John Klutho, famed apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright. With their people-friendly front porches, the design of these homes naturally fostered a more social society.
In bygone days, Main Street America was the center of most communities, with retail establishments on the ground floor and homes above ? the original "live, work, play" urban center. 1661 Riverside has revived this ultimate-urban concept. In its ground floor on Margaret Street, tenants include retail shops, eateries and a fitness center. Right across the street is a beautifully designed Publix Supermarket and more great places to eat and shop. You can even hop on the Riverside Trolley to visit the Shops of Avondale to the south or all that downtown Jacksonville offers to the north. Recently, the community launched the "Go Local. Buy Local" campaign supporting local merchants, because they are so essential to the area?s vibrant economy, as well as preserving the charm and character of the historic neighborhood.
One block away is Five Points, Jacksonville's Bohemian district with eclectic enterprises that are 180 degrees different from the homogenized stores so common all over America. Park Street is also home to the 5 Points Theatre where you can catch independent films or attend avant garde events like the innovative Pecha Kucha nights. (Google it). Like a colorful tattoo, the creative subculture of Five Points is here to stay.
On Saturdays, it seems like everyone streams to the Riverside Arts Market (RAM) located right under the bridge. Booth after booth abounds with one-of-a-kind pieces of art, jewelry and wearable art-all made by local artisans. It's a fabulous farmer's market, too. So while you're there, pick up fresh and organic produce, local honey, and even homemade pickles and jams. RAM offers food for the soul, too, because festivities include lots of local music and performance artists. Riverside residents can easily walk, ride their bikes or take the trolley here. Other visitors come by car-some even arrive by water taxi!
Just up the block from 1661 is The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, where you'll not only see great works of art, but also learn how to create your own. The beauty of the museum's magnificent gardens is an overture to the richly landscaped parks and homes that have evolved through decades of care in Riverside, and a tribute to the abiding respect its residents have for the environment.
Riverside may be one of America's best pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, but all that walking can work up an appetite. Fortunately, there are lots of tempting options to refuel, including an Irish pub, a Mediterranean bistro and a sushi bar, as well as cafes serving up Italian, fusion, Tex-Mex and good old-fashioned American cuisine. There are even choices for both fast food junkies and health fanatics. A number of sidewalk cafes offer the added treat of people-watching. Again, all this is just steps from your front door.
The lobby entrance to 1661 is on May Street, along with private entrances to the townhomes. With rich architectural accents, the exterior design of this remarkable residence blends seamlessly into it's historic surroundings.
The exquisite exterior is just a prelude to the wow that awaits you inside. Townhomes have private terraces and offer living spaces of approximately 1,500 square feet. With the first floor boasting 11-foot ceilings and lots of natural lighting, the first thing that impresses you is how spacious these homes feel. Featuring urban contemporary design with open floor plans, exposed structure ceilings and sleek minimalist lines, these townhomes offer stained concrete flooring or wall-to-wall hardwood options. Second-story bedrooms are tree-top level, so you're likely to wake up to a songbird serenade.
Creature comforts include a gourmet kitchen with European cabinets, stainless-steel appliances, granite countertops and luxurious finishes. Two-bedroom townhomes feature two full bathrooms upstairs and a powder room on the first floor. The extra large master-suite bath has a tub and large walk-in shower, tile floors and convenient vanity. With laundry, pantry, storage closet and storage unit, your townhome has a place for everything.
1661 is also designed with great places to gather with friends and family. Private patios open to a landscaped courtyard, expanding your space for entertaining. However, the rooftop lounge is where you'll want to truly toast your cosmopolitan lifestyle. Accessible by elevator from the private lobby, it offers a panoramic perspective of the neighborhood and awesome views of the river and downtown skyline, making it a favorite spot for watching fireworks. It's also ideal for an intimate supper under a starry night. If you're lucky, you might even hear a romantic Spanish guitarist playing in the nearby park.
Perhaps the most appreciated luxury for owners with active lives is the concierge service at 1661. Whether it's giving the cleaning service access to your townhome or signing for a delivery, one call affords you valuable personalized services.
In addition to guest parking at the front door, owners enjoy gated garage parking for two cars, plus controlled building access. Rachel Burney, realtor with Traditions Realty and director of sales for 1661 Riverside, is also quick to point out the building's superior concrete and steel construction, which is comforting to remember in light of Florida weather.
In many ways, 1661 Riverside seems timeless, but the opportunity to be one of the fortunate homeowners is not. Just four townhomes out of 90 total homes in the community remain. Priced at $215,000, they won't last long. For more information, visit www.1661Riverside.com or call (904) 384.4838.
