Greater Jacksonville Metropolitan Area

[sEAhAwk fAn121 0]

wow thats an amazing region and downtown!

[jacqulina 162]

i am glad you feel im motivating you thats great cause im loving what you are doing,beautifull update my friend i do love the postcard effect for your wonderfull region,excellent work and pics your cj is looking fantastic so far

[PennDOTguy 5]

great job...can't wait to see more!

[Schulmanator 5,812]

Nice stuff! You have a great start here. And the Taj Mahal is a nice touch. Wish I lived in it! lol

[waldner 0]

Nice start...awesome work!

[hunkske 53]

Replies

homandaway : Thanks friend!

sEAhAwk fAn121 : Thanks, this region I had actually created before I started Jackson County, it's not finished yet but it has around 1.5 sims

jacqulina : Thanks for lifting me up as usual!

PennDOTguy : Thanks, hope the get a full update very soon!

Schulmanator : I proudly present you with a visum to visit Bharatpur one day:

Waldner : Thanks mate!

[homeandaway 1]

pleasure my friend, i look forwards to seeing more of your work!, be safe ~alex~

[hunkske 53]

Hi alex, thanks! Really hope to post an update soon, but time is a big issue at the moment aargh! ;-)

[jacqulina 162]

you are very welcome my friend,very nice visum

congrats bruce

[hunkske 53]

Update 4

Hi Everyone! Its been quite a while since I updated my journal, mainly due to lack of time. But here I am again :-)

Anyway, I had some time though to play and expand the region, which now holds a little more than 1 million sims!!

I decided to skip history a bit, and go straight to modern day Jackson County. Since I always love city journals with a flair of history, I won't abandon it though, you'll just get the history tales along as we go...

Hope you enjoy...

Fort Langley is the oldest 'suburb' of Jacksonville, as you will remember from previous updates. But on the other side of the Salmon River, besides Catherine Plains Industry Park, Fort Langley houses a variety of communities and activities. 

Town Centre of New Fort Langley:

One can see Tower Clock Plaza, a gift by the English Queen in 1957 (a replica of Big Ben); the Langley Tigers Stadium, and to the right the new Fort Langley town hall and St Catherine's Cathedral.

The Golf Course, which is very popular with the chique and trendy:

The golf course entrance: it holds a club house, practice grounds, tennis courts and swimming pools.

Offcourse, shopping is also not a problem:

Jackson County holds pride in its diversity, and Fort Langley is home to a large muslim population. They live in Golders Green, but everyone knows it as 'Little Arabia'...

The first muslims arrived in the early 60's.. As more came to live in Jackson County, they were granted the right to build a mosque, eventually two were built.. Today Little Arabia is a bustling community, even holding a weekly 'Bazaar' market..

This mosque was built in Moroccan style..

the Haraah Masjeed (means Green Mosque) is the smaller of the two mosques, and is only used with special occasions..

Last but not least, there's also some farming in New Fort Langley:

An overview of the whole of Fort Jackson:

As you can see, Fort Jackson is a dense area nowadays.. The right side of the map is old Fort Langley, while across the river you can see the industry park, Little Arabia and farming land.. Also on the lefthand side of the map there's Fort Langley Centre with Victoria Park and St Catherine's Cathedral.. Also the golf course is quite visible...

Last but not least, the official Fort Langley town logo which needs to be present on each and every official document:

This is all for update 4.. I hope you folks enjoyed it.. <

[hunkske 53]

Hi folks, the next update will be about Fairfax, another suburb.. I'm still working some things out, but here is a teaser:

[penguin007 27]

Nice cj I like the preview and the earlier update looks great. Good farms

Will

[suplado! 23]

wow an early update...nice images

[Sim_Air 2]

i definitely love it

huge city man!

nice going, keep it up!

[jacqulina 162]

very nice farms my friend,looking great so far your doing well,great teaser too,fantastic work and pics

[hunkske 53]

Update 5

Hi everybody! It’s been a long time since I’ve done an update on this city journal, due to several reasons, one of them most importantly lack of time! 

Anyway, since the last update the region has grown quite a lot, from a population of around 450.000 to a current population of around 1.400.000, I figured I could show you all a lot of updates.

As you look at the previous updates, you will see that the region is called Jackson County, with its capital city Jacksonville (but make no comparison to any existing Jacksonville, since there ain't none!) The region is ecologically based upon Washington and British Columbia.

Since this update is quite a large one (all my cities are on large tiles - so each tile usually has several cities/suburbs/towns), I’ll do the whole update it in separate smaller updates! This also gives me a chance to clean up some broken links in my previous updates..

So sit back, relax and enjoy.. 

Update 5.1

Fairfax - The new Old

The history of Fairfax begins 1850, when a certain Jonathan Fairfax builds a trading outpost for the Fort Langley Company. Today, nothing remains of the outpost unfortunately, but Fairfax has grown into a bustling community. By the end of the 19th century two towns had developed, Cherokee and Fairfax Towne. By 1910 the two towns officially merged together to form the City of Fairfax.

Due to the Incorporation Act of 10th of April 1982, Fairfax was incorporated into the Jacksonville Metropolitan Area. Basically, the act stated that all towns or cities bordering the Jacksonville Area (JA), with a population less than 300.000 on 31st of December 1981, had to be incorporated to form the Jacksonville Metropolitan Area (JMA). All cities or towns bordering the JMA with a population over 300.000 and less than 450.000, had to be incorporated to form the Greater Jacksonville Metropolitan Area (GJMA). I won't bore you with specific details, but the Incorporation Act grants certain rights and duties to the incorporated centers.

Since the City of Fairfax (including Cherokee and Port Ridge) had a population of 105.235 by the end of 1982 it became part of the JMA.

But first let us have a look at what we’ve seen so far, and where Fairfax is located on the map of the Greater Jacksonville Metropolitan Area:

Now let us have a proper look at some pictures, which were offered by the Fairfax Board of Tourism office.

Here we have a quick overview of Downtown Fairfax, so you will all find your way:

Grand Ave has some of the main attractions or sightseeing highlights of all of Fairfax. Depending where you come from, you’ll either enter Fairfax via Grand Ave or one of the main parallel avenues, Market Ave or Penn Ave. The business core is situated between Town Square and St George Cathedral. 

Here are some views around downtown:

Downtown on a rainy day:

The junction on Grand and Penn Ave:

Town Square and St George Cathedral:

A close-up of the junction at Howard and Clinton Street with the famous Prentiss Office Tower, the Fairfax Daily Gazette Building, and if you look closely you can see some rowhouses in the residential areas:

Penn Avenue on a hot and sunny summer’s day:

Town Square, aka Station Square - trains in this station run to all parts of Jackson County:

The Mayor's house along Upper Grande Ave:

Grand and Market Ave, where the post office is located as well as some of the finest hotels in Fairfax:

In Fall and Winter it can get quite stormy in Fairfax, this picture was taken last Fall:

Now to end this update, some nightshots:

Fairfax Downtown:

Station Square by night:

[hunkske 53]

Update 5.2

Berverly Sands

As we leave downtown, and travel along Upper Grand Ave, we arrive in Beverly Sands.. Once nothing but sand dunes, now a fancy area to live in. There’s an abundance of fancy shops, nice houses and green parks.

Due to its location between the river and the hills, it enjoys a mild climate! (notice the palm trees...)

The Jackson Records Building is a great place for local artists!

Palm Park and Heritage Site:

Beverly Hills Station, with St Norbert Church and graveyard:

Soccer field:

Overview of Sports' Park Area:

North Fairfax (aka Central Park High)

North of downtown Central Park is the place to be on summer days. Let us have some look around the area.

Central Park Road is lined with luxurious high-rise apartment buildings, and on weekdays traffic is humungous. 

Hastings Street is lined with some older apartment buildings, and the newly constructed "the Hastings" (appartment prices start at §150.000):

As we know it can also rain in Fairfax, even in Spring:

Early mornings always go hand in hand with fog.. Here's a view at Columbus Circle, which connects Central Park Rd with General Patterson Rd (leading to Cherokee along the hills) and Warden Street (which also leads to Old Mary Chapel and the St Xavier High School). At Columbus Circle the main entrance to Central Park is located, and you can also visit Gregorians Baptist Church.

A picture dated 1956, showing Hastings Str and Central Park Rd at Velasquez Roundabout:

Well, that's all for this update. Next update I'll be showing you Cherokee and Port Ridge.

[penguin007 27]

Wow you havnt been here for a while have u? My last comment here was like a year ago but gd to see the cj back and there are some great pics here.

Will

[dfnva 34]

When I first saw the name, I immediately thought of Pickled Pig's great Jackson County CJ of 2-3 years ago (https://www.simtropolis.com/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=36&threadid=70970&STARTPAGE=7 if you want to check it out).

Anyhow, great work, particularly all the parks and the rural areas look lush and green. Downtown Fairfax looks great as well, is it named possibly after Fairfax County, VA?

-Dan

[hunkske 53]

Replies

Will:  Hey, haven't been on for a while indeed.. As I said, a lot of reasons - but i'm back  I've been working hard on the region past few months so that also kind of limited my time to kick the CJ back into life... thanks for your comments!

Dan: Thanks! No, it's not named after Fairfax County - just an imagination of the mind  I checked the link btw.. Looks great.. however, as you'll see, this Jackson County is quite different..

[FatalRook 0]

All I can say is wow!  Really happy to see your great CJ updated again.  It will be one I regularly check from now on.

[hunkske 53]

Replies

Fatalrook: Thanks, am really glad you like my CJ. I hope I can keep up your expectations!


Update 5.3

Cherokee

Cherokee... where time stood still.. A quiet little town north of Fairfax, situated on the plains near the Trubekkah Hills..

And that dear folks, is all there is to be said about this little town.. Okay, maybe there are some facts you might be interested in.. So after a quick search in Simipedia, this is what I found:

About the Cherokee:

The Cherokee (ah-ni-yv-wi-ya, in the Cherokee language) are a people native to North America, who, at the time of European contact in the sixteenth century, inhabited what is now the Eastern and Southeastern United States. Most were forcibly moved westward to the Ozark Plateau in the 1830s. They are one of the tribes referred to as the Five Civilized Tribes. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, they are the largest of the 563 federally recognized Native American tribes in the United States. [1] 

The Cherokee refer to themselves as Tsa-la-gi (pronounced "chaw-la-gee") or A-ni-yv-wi-ya (pronounced "ah knee yuh wee yaw", literal translation: "Principle People"). In 1654, the Powhatan were referring to this people as the Rickahockan. The word "Cherokee" may have originally been derived from the Choctaw trade language] word "Cha-la-kee" which means "those who live in the mountains" – or (also Choctaw) "Chi-luk-ik-bi" meaning "those who live in the cave country".[2] The Cherokee were called "Alligewi" by the Delawares. (Heckewelder) Iroquois called them Oyata’ge'ronoñ', "inhabitants of the cave country" (Hewitt). 

The characteristics of the Cherokee people were described in the writings of William Bartram in his journey through the Cherokee lands in 1776:
"The Cherokee…are tall, erect and moderately robust; their limbs well shaped, so as generally to form a perfect human figure; their features regular, and countenance open, dignified, and placid, yet the forehead and brow are so formed as to strike you instantly with heroism and bravery; the eye, though rather small, yet active and full of fire, the iris always black, and the nose commonly inclining to the aquiline. Their countenance and actions exhibit an air of magnanimity, superiority, and independence. Their complexion is a reddish brown or copper colour; their hair, long, lank, coarse, and black as a raven, and reflecting the like lustre at different exposures to the light. The women of the Cherokees are tall, slender, erect and of a delicate frame; their features formed with perfect symmetry; the countenance cheerful and friendly; and they move with a becoming grace and dignity" (R. C. Pritchard, Researches into the Physical History of Mankind (Volume V, 1847), p.403-4)

About Cherokee, JA:

History: Cherokee, JA is named after the Trubekkah Cherokee tribe. After the 1830's, most Cherokees moved westward and a small group had settled on the plains near the Trubekkah Hills. So by the time the first settlers of Jackson County arrived in this area, there existed a thriving community. The settlers and the Cherokee lived peacefully side by side, so that by 1902 the settlement officially became the town of Cherokee. A townhall was erected in 1902, as well as Cherokee Community Park.. Nowadays, Cherokee still holds a large population of Cherokee origin. 

Downtown: Due to the Conservation Act of 1934 Cherokee's 1-block downtown hasn't changed much since its' early beginnings.. Downtown still holds original buildings of the early 1900's. The most prominent buildings are Jacks' Liquor and Drug Store (built 1896, restored 1995), the Jefferson's Trade Store (built 1903, restored 1986) and Miss Julie's Diner (built 1915, restored 2005). The Townhall (erected 1902) holds a collection of early drawings and pictures. 

Population Census: In 1902 Cherokee's population reached 5000. By the 1930's this had reached 9000, and in the official County count of 1983 Cherokee's population reached 15687. Lastest counts shows a population of around 18000.


But without further delay:


A postcard dated 1974.. The same shot taken today, would reveal nothing much has changed..
Jack's Liquor and Drug Store can be found at the corner at Main and Trubekkah Street (you can find this on the left side of the postcard -> look at for the green marquee sign). The Jefferson's Trade Building is located on Main Street (the white building) and Miss Julie's diner two houses further (the beige building with pink signs).


The Townhall can just be seen to the left of the statue, behind this the Cherokee Community Park.

Next update I'll be showing you around Cherokee a bit more (the Cherokee Tourism Office is holding them for approval unfortunately) and Port Ridge, where " livin' is fine... " 

[hunkske 53]

Update 5.4

Last time I showed you just a little of Cherokee.. Here are some more views of  the town and surroundings. I hope you all like it!

Downtown Cherokee from a couple of angles:

Towhall (now a museum):

Some general views around Cherokee:

The richest family in Cherokee, the Daltons, live in this luxurious mansion:

the Old Chapel:

The new Townhall (the old just serves as museum):

the local H E B grocery:

The border - Top right is Cherokee - rest is Central Park High area:

[Schulmanator 5,812]

Great looking suburbs! Wish I was living there!

[dfnva 34]

Interesting historical information and I love the suburban settings, very nice.

-Dan

[hunkske 53]

Replies

Schulminator: Thanks! You're more than welcome to settle yourself in Cherokee

DFNVA: Thanks Dan, I personally love history, so it's nice to be able to incorporate it into a CJ

[jacqulina 162]

excellent work and pics,i love the city its very nicely done.great region you have there my friend

[anarchy0029 2]

I like this CJ. It is one of the most impressive CJ's I've seen so far.

[Twenty20 28]

Wow it's awesome ! Great work, many many details, beautiful cities, I love this realism.

[hunkske 53]

Replies

Jacqulina:           Thanks Jacky! I hope I keep up your expectations..

Anarchy0029:      Wow, that’s really an honour – thanks!!!!

Twenty20:          Thanks, I try to keep a lot of realism in my work – unfortunately that doesn't always go in SC4 ;o) 

A note on the history bits of my CJ.. for anyone who is interested that is ;-)

As you have all noticed I use quite some historical chitchat in my CJ.. Some of it is actually true or rather based on true facts, while others are totally rubbish. The ‘About the Cherokee’ bit is true, ofcourse there is no such thing as a Trubekkah tribe. Fort Langley’s story is partially based on a real fort, there is indeed a real Fort Langley in BC, Canada.. The CJ starts in the early 1700’s – Queen Anne was indeed ruling Great Britain in that period. So, enough about the history bit, now off to a new update!

---

Update 6     BURNABY BOROUGH

In the 1860’s a couple of farmers, under the command of a certain explorer, named Robert Burnaby  settled in this region to escape the expanding city. Farms were built, and a little township called Corn Fields (nobody has a clue why it was called that way, maybe because a lot of corn fields surrounded the little town) and by 1892 it got incorporated in the GJMA. It was at that time that the whole area around Corn Fields became known as Burnaby. To this day a statue of Robert Burnaby can be found at the old post office.

 

Burnaby Borough, even today, is rather a rural agricultural area, which serves most markets in the GMJA. Although more housing and shopping areas have been constructed, it has kept its rural and peaceful feel.

 

Where is Burnaby located anyway?

As you will notice, we have covered already two area's in the previous update. Those area's are located top left and top middle...

Here are some close-ups of the area:

Here you can see Lancaster Island, Corn Fields (with airfield located to its right) and Burnaby Common.

Now that we all know a bit what and where, let us move on...

Burnaby Borough – The perfect getaway

 

The best way to show you around the area is to take full advantage of the recommendations of the Burnaby Tourism Office. Here’s what I found in their brochures… (oh yeah, one thing, if you see palm trees.. don’t think you’re in some tropic country, Burnabians just love palm trees every now and then.. heeeey, they live in a cold climate, give them a break!) And don't mind the ad's.. it's a brochure, they have to sell something!!

(From the brochure 'Burnaby Inside' - edition 5...)

 

Enter Burnaby Borough via County Highway 15 and enjoy the rural views.

Take exit 2 “Burnaby Common – Corn Fields” and check-in to 'the County Highway 15 Motor Hotel'.

At Main and Willingdon one also finds the post office, bus station and Robert Burnaby’s statue.

check us out at www.CH15hotel.ja - price deals all year round! (ad)

Go late night shopping or have a nice bite in one of the many restaurants located on Main Street and Willingdon Street.

Visit www.mainstreetburnaby.ja for overview of shops and restaurants! Burnaby, your town! (ad)

Main Street still has a lot of old buildings giving the area an old world charm...

Restaurant enough to choose from!

In the morning, have breakfast before heading out to explore the area.  Plenty of choices around!

Check us out at www.dennys.com - food just got better! (ad)

After breakfast, travel down Willingdon Str and explore the oldest part of Burnaby Borough: Corn Fields.

Welcome to Corn Fields!

Come and grab a coffee at Pelliers Bar - where serving you is our passion! (ad)

After having a nice coffee in Pelliers’ Bar, head down and explore some farms or go to Kingston Market 

(open daily 9h-19h – Sunday there's also a flea market):

Kingston Market and the Agricultural Office (currently holding a exhibition “Farming in the 1800’s” - open daily 09h-16h / admission §7.50 - kids go for free)

Cross to Lancaster Island thru Old Jack’s Wooden Bridge and experience the tranquility of island living!

Methodists and Baptists live side by side on this peaceful island!

Sing praise to the Lord - St. Lukes Methodist Churck (ad)

Small shops and cosy houses.. Lancaster Island, a dream come true... 

Property on the island is limited and an average house comes around §285,000)

Lancaster Realtors - come check us out at Victoria drive no. 15 (ad)

Leave Lancaster Island and take Old William’s Wooden Bridge, and cross over to Lougheed.

Before heading to Lougheed, feel free to grab a nice coffee and some bagels in Starbucks!

Lancaster Island Starbucks - you can get no better! (ad)

Oops… I only got part one of the Burnaby Borough tourist guide. Well, as some of Burnaby’s locals tend to say.. when the cow’s out of milk, ya just got to wait for a while…

 

See you all for the next update… Lougheed, Burnaby High and Burnaby Lake Provincial Park!