Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Wow Bonjourtoledo! You are a very dedicated person. It appears you have 216 our of 250 posts (251 after this). Im glad you keep it up cause I come here and check stuff out.

Expect to see post #217 from me. LOL! :hahaha:

Starting this weekend and throughout next week or so there will be a lot of happenings here in the Toledo region. Don't be surprised to see us on ESPN, ESPN2, some national radio show, and featured papers.

We have the Jamie Farr/Owens Corning LPGA Golf Tournament at the Highland Meadows in our northwest suburb of Sylvania. There's a weekend-long fanfest and International League All-Stars Game (Minor AAA) from today until Wednesday. Tuesday will be the Thunder over Toledo a grand fireworks show on the Anthony Wayne Bridge. The famous Lagrange Polish festival, Warehouse District Arts & Tour festival on Sunday, and many other events that cannot come to my mind at this hour in the morning.

After this is all blown over hopefully I will get some more development news and pictures posted within over the next couple of weeks. Pictures of construction updates at Westgate, Toledo Hospital, St. V's Hospital, O-I Campus; and development news progress on Marina District, Downtown Arena, Southwyck Mall, and other developments.

My goal this summer is to take "neighborhood showcase" pictures of Lagrange, Old Orchard, Westmoreland, and Point Place.

:)

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

:pepper:

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Anthony Wayne Bridge:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/AnthonyWayne.jpg

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

As a resident of the Warehouse District I am pleased to know that this building stated in the article will be getting a new life. I don't have a picture of this building yet which I will make a note to take one sometime this weekend when I go for a walk. I've been here for about six months and it's been a whirlwind and a wonderful to reside in. From the endless firework shows, riverside festivals and concerts, eateries, shops, parades, farmer market, ball games, etc, etc...I feel like being in a lively party that never end which is a good thing.

Took some snapshots in the Old West End neighborhood in the morning before it got hot. Great architectural styles throughout this neighborhood, so many to shoot so little time. Enjoy for now.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/OldWE.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/OldWE2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/OldWE3.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/OldWE4.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/OldWE5.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/OldWE6.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/OldWE7.jpg

Here are the update pictures of the Westgate redevelopment construction, you can see previous posts in this thread in regards to this project:

Soon to be demolished with Costoc; about 25 stores exist in the remaining of the old shopping center:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/WG.jpg

This area is under construction; this used to be the east side of the shopping center which was demolished in late spring and once it's completed the existing stores and new stores will be making its move for Costco:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/WG2.jpg

I took some snapshots around East Toledo which gives you a clear view of what the folks see everyday; I did several posts in this thread about this neighborhood with other pictures:

Peering through the International Park's greenery:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Greenskyline.jpg

Another greenery shot from this neighborhood:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Greenskyline2.jpg

S.S. Willis Boyer Museum Ship and the Warehouse District skyline behind it:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Greenskyline3.jpg

Hi-Level Bridge (a.k.a. Anthony Wayne):
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/HiLevelBlue.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/HiLevelBlue3.jpg

One of the East Toledo streets go under the Hi-Level Bridge which I thought it looks cool:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/HiLevelBlue2.jpg

Anderson's Grain Elevator with one of the European liners:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ShipGrainEle.jpg

Skyline shots from Miami Street along the river:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Skyline7-18-2006.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Skyline27-18-2006.jpg

New housing developments which are the riverview homes called "Starboards":
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Starboard.jpg

Railroad Bridge over the Maumee River:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/RAILbridge.jpg

Lagrange neighborhood is the Polish area of Toledo with a strong heritage and busy annual festival; the residents take huge pride of their ethnicity as they embrace all race:

Looking down on Lagrange Street:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/POLISH8.jpg

Saint Aldabert Catholic Church:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/POLISH7.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/POLISH6.jpg

Streetscape of Lagrange:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/POLISH4.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/POLISH5.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/POLISH3.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/POLISH2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/POLISH.jpg

Maumee is one of Toledo's suburb which right on the south side of the city limits. The population is about 15,000 and it's considered as a "job center" city since there are more employees who work in this town than the number of residents. Maumee was acknowledged as "All-America City" this year as they pride themselves on schools, neighborhoods, businesses, and quaint-like ambience to their community. I have several posts in this thread that showcases Maumee:

Old Linc Inn which has been renovated and now has small offices and an Italian bistro:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/OldLinc.jpg

Maumee Theatre:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/MAUthe.jpg

City Hall:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/MAUcityhall.jpg

Downtown Maumee looking south on Conant Street:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/MAU5.jpg

Downtown looking east on Wayne Street:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/MAU.jpg

Old Depot Station:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/MAU4.jpg

Various of historic homes:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/MAU3.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/MAU2.jpg

Perrysburg, Ohio has about 17,000 residents and it's growing like mad in the southern metro area of Toledo. The Town Center at Levis Commons made its debut in late 2004 and many expensive homes are crowding this community because of good schools. I don't particularly care for this suburbia town but I love their downtown which is filled with shops and cafes. I have many posts in this thread in regards to Perrysburg, O-I World Headquarters, and Levis Commons:

Perry's Landing:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/PBLanding.jpg

City Hall:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/PBcityhall.jpg

Downtown:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/PBcbd3.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/PBcbd2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/PBcbd.jpg

Rossford sits on a bluff of the Maumee River which is southeast of downtown Toledo. Rossford was known for it's Libbey-Ford-Owen Glass companies and many other glass factories. The residents definetly pride themselves with small-town atmosphere and their schools. Their population is over 6,000 and growing as they annex many open lands south of the "old" Rossford; the "new" Rossford has many hotels, restaurants, and big box stores nestled in an area known as "Crossroads of America" (I-80/90, 75, U.S. 20 and S. R. 795):

Former Libbey-Owen-Ford headquarters which specializes in glass-making:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ROSS.jpg

Looking down on the main drag of the town:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ROSS2.jpg

Downtown buildings:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ROSS3.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ROSS4.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ROSS5.jpg

One of the glass factories:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/RossGlass.jpg

Here is the latest update on the expansion project of the Toledo Hospital; you can see several posts in this thread in regards to this development:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/TolHosp2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/TolHosp.jpg

The latest update on the expansion project at St. Vincent's Medical Center as they build a Hearts Center:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/SAINTV.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/SAINTV2.jpg

You want density? You've got it!!!!

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/cbdskybank.jpg

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Always had a thang for Maumee.

Yet I hate Sprawlsburg. Which is exactly what it is.

And yep, we ALWAYS used to go ice skating at the outdoor rinks, and they were always PACKED, especially around primetime.

Forget about UT Rockets joining the venture of the new proposed downtown arena which means the plans of a downtown arena will move on without UT; they've received over $5 million for renovations and expansion of their existing on-campus arena from their alumni. I have two articles (The Blade and The UT News) that talks about the latest development. I'm still hunting for the rendering of the proposed expansion of Savage and I will post as it becomes available to me.

The UT News:
UT announces $6 million gift with $5 million to fund Savage Hall project
By Paul Helgren
Jul 17, 2006

The University of Toledo today announced a $6 million gift, $5 million of which is earmarked for new construction and additions to Savage Hall. The donation from Charles and Jacqueline Sullivan is the largest single gift ever made to the UT Athletic Department.

UT Athletic Director Mike O’Brien said that Savage Hall will retain its current name, but naming opportunities in honor of the Sullivans for the entire athletic complex in and around Savage Hall will be explored. That complex will include a renovated Savage Hall, new offices attached to the current building, the UT Track, the Varsity Tennis Courts, and may also at some point in the future include an indoor practice facility.

“We cannot say enough about the generosity of Chuck and Jackie Sullivan,” O’Brien said. “Their donation for the athletic facilities project is truly inspiring. Their gift initiates the ‘Building Champions’ athletics capital campaign. In turn, their gift will help Savage Hall become one of the premier campus arenas in the Mid-American Conference.”

In addition to the gift for Savage Hall, the Sullivans also will donate an additional $1 million to the University in the form of $500,000 for the Charles A. Sullivan Scholarship Fund in the College of Business Administration and $500,000 to the Patricia Ann Sullivan Alumni Honors Scholarship Fund.

Longtime supporters of UT, the Sullivans made the first major gift of the University’s current capital campaign by donating $1.2 million to the Athletic Department in 2003 for the renovations of the track, tennis courts and soccer field, bringing their total contribution to the capital campaign to more than $7 million. Their overall contribution to UT over the years amounts to more than $12 million, making them the second-highest donors in school history.

The media turned out en masse for the press conference.
“This wonderfully generous commitment from Chuck and Jackie Sullivan speaks to a tremendously important aspect of campus life,” said UT President Lloyd Jacobs. “This gift is transformative in that it greatly improves our ability to accomplish our mission, which is ‘to improve the human condition.’ I expect the Savage Hall project to move forward forthwith.”

Chuck Sullivan, a 1959 graduate of the UT College of Business, is the retired chairman, CEO and president of Interstate Bakeries Corp. He serves as the vice chairman of the UT Foundation Board of Trustees and was chairman of the UT40 Campaign, UT’s last capital campaign, which exceeded its $40 million goal.

“I am proud to make this donation to help the athletics capital campaign,” Sullivan said. “I feel strongly that UT needs a first-class arena on its campus. The students deserve to be able to walk to basketball games and other events held in Savage Hall. Hopefully, this pledge will inspire others to step up and contribute to the athletics capital campaign.”

Although O’Brien said it is too soon to know the exact details of the entire project, the most recent study commissioned by the University calls for dramatic changes both inside and outside of Savage Hall. That plan, submitted by the Columbus architectural firm of Moody•Nolan Inc., includes:

• A new two-story athletic complex that would be built as an addition to Savage Hall. The addition would include a brick and glass building that would be connected to Savage Hall on the north and east sides. Features of the this building would include new locker rooms, a new weight room, a new training room, a pro shop, a hall of fame area, a new ticket office, as well as new coaches and administrative offices.

• A complete renovation of the Savage Hall basketball arena. Features would include new spectator seating, luxury suites, a renovated Joe Grogan Room, and a state-of-art video scoreboard and sound system.

O’Brien noted that the Savage Hall project is the first phase of an overall plan for an athletic complex that also may include an indoor practice facility for football and other sports.

“We feel this is just the first step toward the creation of an athletic complex that will be unrivaled in our conference,” O’Brien said. “When completed, the new athletic complex will be one of the real jewels of our campus.”

Savage Hall, formerly Centennial Hall, opened in 1976. In July 1988, The University of Toledo Board of Trustees voted to rename the building John F. Savage Hall. Savage, a 1952 UT graduate, was instrumental in the campaign to raise funds for the arena, as well as the Glass Bowl Renovation Project. He died in 1993.

One of Savage’s contemporaries involved in both of those fund-raising projects was Chuck Sullivan, who said, “I knew John Savage, and it is important to me that the arena continue to bear his name.”

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

According to our local paper The Blade, the Marina District now has a local developer to take this project to full steam. Larry Dillin, head of the Dillin Corp. created the Town Center at Levis Commons (debut in 2004) which is a open-air mall with residential and commercial mixture. Now with the expansion of the Levis Commons underway and the renovation/overhaul of Southwyck Mall, he will now do the Marina District which will be a full plate for our homeboy. I have several previous posts in this thread in regards to various of development projects (i.e. Southwyck, Levis Commons, etc) that can give you a background of what we are seeing here in our region. I will post more updates and changes as it becomes available in regards to the Marina District.

Latest update in regards to the cost of constructing the new downtown arena. It was interesting to read bias in this article about "it's a blow to the arena proposal that University of Toledo would not be part of"--BULLCRAP! The downtown arena will do phenomenal without the UT sports since the current arena already hosts plenty other sporting and entertainment events. I've heard through the grapevine that UT will use the downtown arena for NCAA Playoffs and other national-coverage events.

Such welcoming news for creation of new jobs in the Toledo region especially in downtown. I work in similar fields as SSOE and I have a very high respect to the firm because of its quality of work and employees they provide. I will update as soon as it becomes available in regards to whether they've got tax credits to expand or not. Their offices is located in between the downtown and uptown area near the Main Library on Madison.

As much as I don't agree with the logic of building a distribution center in Illinois (hence the Ohioan bias), Hickory Farms is well known throughout the midwestern region. Hickory Farms also has a rich history in our region as well as city of Maumee. As they propose to build a new distribution facility but will keep head office here--I'll believe it when I see it. Toledo region has one of the better transportation connection in the country and I strongly believe they should remain here in the Northwest Ohio region. Even building it toward the Indiana stateline along the Turnpike would be better, but the CEO is using the logic of being close to vendors behind this decision.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

OFFICE VACANCY RATES: (As of June 30, 2006)

Metro Toledo: 13.3% (June '05--13.9%)
Suburban: 12.1% (June '05--12.1%)
Downtown: 15.1% (June '05--16.4%)

U.S. Suburban: 14.6%
U.S. Downtown: 12.2%
Source: CB Richard Ellis/Reichle Klein

SSOE has going to expand in downtown Toledo instead of at the other firm in Midland, Michigan. This is the second post in regards to news as to whether if the state grants tax credit to the firm for expansion and job creations. The current downtown firm has nearly 300 employees and will be adding 120 new jobs.

Here's the update to the ampitheatre project in the Marina District and I think by having two of them (one in Marina District and one at the Zoo) will co-exist well in booking and showing various events. With the riverside view and lake breeze at an amphitheatre in the Marina District would provide a full array of ambience to the atmosphere. There has to be more recreational and entertainment activities to correlate with the river which is very popular around the country.

Kudos to more enhancement projects on the way around the downtown area. With Metroparks near the Union Station, the new parks/observation decks/walk-ways at the new I-280 Bridge, and now a bike trail in the International Park where the popular The Docks is located is key to enhance our lifestyle. The International Park/The Docks is on the east bank of the Maumee River directly across from the downtown skyline. This enables to enjoy the urbanity scenery; however, I can't wait to ride my bike over there.

This is it! We are entering the home stretch zone as the I-280 Bridge is set to complete which the project began in early 2002. From my view from the rooftop patio the bridge is looking phenomenal and will redefine Toledo's skyline IMO.

The final plans for the downtown arena is here and now will be revealed today in a press conference. I will post more articles as it becomes available. This is a long, long time coming to build a new arena to replace the older arena on the other side of the river which was opened in 1948. Good riddance!

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

With a huge sprawling campus in Perrysburg Township (Wood County) and enrollment of over 20,000, the board of trustees considering sites in Lucas County Wood County's north neighbor) where Toledo is located. I'm glad someone is taking notice about the gas prices and rising tuition, it makes sense to have college classes near the majority of the population. I will post further news in regards to this development as it becomes available.

With the aftermath of yesterday's press conference and rolling out the plans to build the $80 million arena in downtown, there would be spin-off development news. The media and public has been pretty supportive that this project is finally underway to become a reality.

With the internationally dominated airport 40 miles north of us, Toledo Express is like the underdog saying "I think I can...I think I can" as the Detroit Metro overpowers most airports around (Lansing, Flint, Fort Wayne) as it sucks passengers out. I am floored with the possible direct flight to the Big Apple and it would be great if it becomes a reality.

that would be amazing it if fell through.

that would be amazing it if fell through.

Which would fell through? The direct flight or downtown area?

The day has arrived after a year-long construction project. As one chapter closes in downtown Toledo another new chapter will open. There has been some rumors of the former space of O-I at the One Seagate Tower will be filled which will be announced after the lease is up in mid-September. Stay tune.

Who doesn't love the central city? Central city is not ghetto, it's not bad, it's not poor; it simply needs attention, nurturing, and some love which has a lot of potential sites. To start of this brownstones housing development they are starting with 6 units but it's a 44-unit development project which has between 3-4 bedrooms for each unit. With high gas prices and concerns for the environment green-space this is a way to go by redeveloping central city or infilling, however, the city schools and job outlook is currently improving which is the key to bring people back into the city.

I am so excited for the development of Toledo and it's progress we have seen in the last year (Thanks Carty!!). We just need to make sure everything that is planned to happen actually does happen. I am a young guy (25) but I really want to get involved in developing Toledo into an amazing city. I have about 234 Ideas for things that could be done to really make T-Town a destination for travel/business/jobs/living. Anyways, Thank you so much for posting all of the info/articles that you do. All of this info makes me giddy with excitment.

Which would fell through? The direct flight or downtown area?

Well the arena will happen, once they get all the kinks worked out. I was actually mentioning the direct flight to NYY. Its definetely a nice start, and hopefully direct flights to/from other major cities wont stop there.

I am so excited for the development of Toledo and it's progress we have seen in the last year (Thanks Carty!!). We just need to make sure everything that is planned to happen actually does happen. I am a young guy (25) but I really want to get involved in developing Toledo into an amazing city. I have about 234 Ideas for things that could be done to really make T-Town a destination for travel/business/jobs/living. Anyways, Thank you so much for posting all of the info/articles that you do. All of this info makes me giddy with excitment.

Thank you toledo25 and welcome to skyscrapercity.com! I look forward in seeing your ideas and go into full discussions about Toledo area development and redevelopment projects. There's a reason why Carty is back in office with nearly 65% of the votes, his record speaks for himself despite of his every-so-often passionate, silly outbursts.

Well the arena will happen, once they get all the kinks worked out. I was actually mentioning the direct flight to NYY. Its definetely a nice start, and hopefully direct flights to/from other major cities wont stop there.


Direct flight to NYC would be fabulous! Even though we have direct flights to Chicago--I'd prefer taking the Amtrak which we go couple of times a year. I love taking the train trip to the heart of Chicago downtown. But a direct flight is much needed from Toledo to NYC and vice versa; so hopefully it will work out soon.

The new brownstones will kick ass!

I'm glad they will be affordable and projects like that interest me more than a new arena- though it's awesome to hear it's finally happening!

There's been a lot of good infill in Toledo lately and the new arena will be built on one of the largest surface lots in the CBD. I think a lot of people are starting to listen to Tom Chema (he consulted on the Mud Hens stadium and has said adamently that the city needs to get rid of its surface lots). I'll really miss Club Bijou (great concert venue and there's a lot of history there), but it's coming down for the right kind of project.

There seems to be a fair amount of action in this thread, so I'd like to give it a sticky. Is that cool with you guys?

Cool with me. hehe :)

Here are just some of my ideas... some will never happen i am certain, but hey it's fun to dream right?

1) Indoor/Outdoor Water Park on the river…heavily themed with a connecting resort that provides transportation by water (water taxi/people bridge) to Other side of river to 5/3 field, the new Arena and or The Docks. I was actually working on possibley creating a biz. plan / proposal for Carty back before he was re-elected, however the massive size of the project would have rendered me insane to do by myself.

2) Adding a lot of vibrant/colorful LCD billboards ala times square, Giant Posters of Toledo events/functions from The Opera House to Mudhens Games to Jamie Farr Classic… selling advertising for local/regional/national companies in the downtown area. (revenues for the city)

3) Arts & Entertainment District (Adams St.) for live concerts / clubs / diners / theater / gallery’s. A hip contemporary “themed” district which appears to be like a page from bladerunner, a completely different experience than any other city can offer. From the look and feel to the design of the block. Something that says “This is the city of the future”

4) Indoor Entertainment complex that houses Theaters / Shopping / Dining late at night, the city currently shuts down at 9pm – 10pm. People need an alternative to clubs/bars after 9pm.

5) Incentive to young Toledo Residents / Graduates for starting a small business, providing young people under 30 grants/start up funding.

6) Advertise Toledo, get a professional film crew to Toledo… to make a “QUALITY” film / commercial (ala Michael Bay or Tony Scott) to film a :30 – 1:00 commercial to show what Toledo has to offer, use it as part of the presentation to potential investors/companies…the problem with Toledo is there aren’t enough “Futurists” living/working in decision making roles. We need to sell ourselves as a “new city” a place for businesses to come and grow/evolve with the “City of the future”. Show Toledo as a beautiful, accessible, convenient and cutting edge place to live and work.

7) A Rollercoaster / Ferris wheel / Observation attraction in the downtown vicinity to boost visitors and tourists to the downtown region. Not building a theme park, but in the entertainment district (Fifth Third Field / New Arena) having people passing through actually stop and experience Toledo maybe on their way home from work or Cedar Point or on their way to Michigan / Chicago / Cleveland / Columbus / Pennsylvania . We are the Epicenter/Hub of the Midwest.

8) Recruiting different businesses that this region of the country doesn’t have hardly any of i.e. “Fatburger” “IKEA” “Microsoft” “Google” “Apple” “Gucci”

9) Become one the first cities to have free wireless internet city wide.

10) FILM FESTIVAL that brings people to the downtown area annually.

In order for the city to stay alive we have to be able to move past the “historic landmark” of what was and become a city that Will Be. Creating a downtown experience like non other will create jobs, a place to live, a place to visit. Our city needs to become “an experience” vs. just a downtown city area, from a living/working perspective it has to be a place that is desired by many to come to and our college graduates to stay in. Toledo can be great again. We need to move forward and begin today, not tomorrow.

There seems to be a fair amount of action in this thread, so I'd like to give it a sticky. Is that cool with you guys?

*FAINTS* THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's party time in the Glass City! :scouserd:

Cool with me. hehe :)

Here are just some of my ideas... some will never happen i am certain, but hey it's fun to dream right?

1) Indoor/Outdoor Water Park on the river…heavily themed with a connecting resort that provides transportation by water (water taxi/people bridge) to Other side of river to 5/3 field, the new Arena and or The Docks. I was actually working on possibley creating a biz. plan / proposal for Carty back before he was re-elected, however the massive size of the project would have rendered me insane to do by myself.

2) Adding a lot of vibrant/colorful LCD billboards ala times square, Giant Posters of Toledo events/functions from The Opera House to Mudhens Games to Jamie Farr Classic… selling advertising for local/regional/national companies in the downtown area. (revenues for the city)

3) Arts & Entertainment District (Adams St.) for live concerts / clubs / diners / theater / gallery’s. A hip contemporary “themed” district which appears to be like a page from bladerunner, a completely different experience than any other city can offer. From the look and feel to the design of the block. Something that says “This is the city of the future”

4) Indoor Entertainment complex that houses Theaters / Shopping / Dining late at night, the city currently shuts down at 9pm – 10pm. People need an alternative to clubs/bars after 9pm.

5) Incentive to young Toledo Residents / Graduates for starting a small business, providing young people under 30 grants/start up funding.

6) Advertise Toledo, get a professional film crew to Toledo… to make a “QUALITY” film / commercial (ala Michael Bay or Tony Scott) to film a :30 – 1:00 commercial to show what Toledo has to offer, use it as part of the presentation to potential investors/companies…the problem with Toledo is there aren’t enough “Futurists” living/working in decision making roles. We need to sell ourselves as a “new city” a place for businesses to come and grow/evolve with the “City of the future”. Show Toledo as a beautiful, accessible, convenient and cutting edge place to live and work.

7) A Rollercoaster / Ferris wheel / Observation attraction in the downtown vicinity to boost visitors and tourists to the downtown region. Not building a theme park, but in the entertainment district (Fifth Third Field / New Arena) having people passing through actually stop and experience Toledo maybe on their way home from work or Cedar Point or on their way to Michigan / Chicago / Cleveland / Columbus / Pennsylvania . We are the Epicenter/Hub of the Midwest.

8) Recruiting different businesses that this region of the country doesn’t have hardly any of i.e. “Fatburger” “IKEA” “Microsoft” “Google” “Apple” “Gucci”

9) Become one the first cities to have free wireless internet city wide.

10) FILM FESTIVAL that brings people to the downtown area annually.

In order for the city to stay alive we have to be able to move past the “historic landmark” of what was and become a city that Will Be. Creating a downtown experience like non other will create jobs, a place to live, a place to visit. Our city needs to become “an experience” vs. just a downtown city area, from a living/working perspective it has to be a place that is desired by many to come to and our college graduates to stay in. Toledo can be great again. We need to move forward and begin today, not tomorrow.

1. With Sandusky having 3 waterpark resorts, I don't see why Toledo cannot have one even though there is one building right now in Maumee next to the Turnpike.

2. I love the LCD Billboards, it cost $1 million each which there are six of them around our region. There is one a few blocks from me in downtown which I think it is very innovative.

3. There is an event that starts Sept. 2--the Artomatic 419 and will be held every Saturday in the month of September (4), which will showcase artists/musician work and demo with integration of the Adams Street businesses. Here is the link Artomatic 419 (http://www.artomatic419.org/) to this event--I encourage you to attend along with your family and friends. This will not be the typical art festival like you see in Old West End, Ann Arbor, Crosby Gardens or Bowling Green. This type of an event is to promote arts and music in the midst of urban renewal.

4. I agree--hopefully this will be at the Marina District or even add on to The Docks which would be a good adventure. The Docks has 5-6 restaurants and if they add a cinema next to it--it will be very popular. Shopping will happen if the residential population is higher.

5. I agree

6. I agree

7. Do you know Opal Covey???? LMAO!

8. With the merger of UT and MUO I expect to see a flurries of tech industries boom on the horizon along with the revitalization of downtown.

9. Last year, Toledo was ranked in the top 20 most wired city in the U.S. There are a lot of places around Toledo whether it's bookstore, coffeehouse, library, restaurants, hotels, schools, convention center, etc. are all wireless wired friendly.

10. Film Festival--pitch that idea to the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo ACGT (http://acgt.org/) (ACGT) , BGSU and UT. I love that idea and that would be wonderful with the collaboration of those three organization. They've done a great job with the program called Art in TARTA and here is the link: Art in TARTA (http://artintarta.org/index.html) which integrates poetry writing and graphic arts designs which are displayed on public transit buses.

You've got some great ideas!

Thanks for the feedback on them :) And thanks for info on Artomatic i havent heard anything about it until this post. I will be attending (this time as just a spectator, next year hopefully as a performer). I will definitley be in contact with ACGT regarding a film festival... would be neat if we ended up becoming a hotspot for hollywood/indi films ala Sundance or Tribecca.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

That building is absolutley beautiful. Totally Futuristic, looks like something out of Minority Report, brilliant.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

I noticed a couple of weeks ago that one of the warehouse was sold and the crews were cleaning inside the building. Then a few days later they posted a sign of "To Be Coming Soon...", I was curious of what the actual plans will until I read this morning's article. This will be located right in between the Fifth Third Field and the Erie Street Market, which I'm glad to see another warehouse building being restored and converted. I will post pictures of the building as soon as the rain let up in my area.

The boom continues at the Jeep plant and supplier park right off the I-75/I-280 interchange which is one of a kind in the nation. I am thinking of looking for a new car to replace my 1998 vehicle and the new 2007 Jeep Wrangler is looking pretty good right now. It's time that I break my piggy bank to see how much money I can spend.

Bass Pro Shops is finally coming to the Toledo region--they will be locating at I-80/90 and I-75 which is about 10 minute drive south of downtown Toledo. I anticipate a lot of commercial and hotel developments to follow once this project is completed. I will post further updates as it becomes available to me.

Wow, there's a lot going on in Toledo for a town of its size. It's funny this is one of the threads I always thought were stupid... I should have taken a look in here long ago. :)

I will break the rule about releasing a non-skyscraper/development news. But anyways, while the famous Toledo Mud Hens won International League Championship (Minor AAA) last year, tonight the Mud Hens clinched the Western Division champs by beating Indianapolis Indians 4-0. Back-to-back western division champs give us a much needed boost to the region's moral. I'm so excited the Mud Hens did it and looking forward to the playoffs. I will post more from the local news as they become available to me. GO HENS!!!!! :scouserd: :) :cucumber: :banana: :tyty: :dance: :rock: :nocrook: :booze: :righton: :cheer: :carrot: :bow: :applause: :pepper: :cheers1: :lovethem: :master: :banana2: :horse: :hug:

As the Mud Hens is the #1 farm team (AAA league) for the Detroit Lions--I am waiting to see if the Tigers make it to the playoffs since their golden year of 1984 with Kirk Gibson that gave Detroit the World Series Champ title.

w0000t Go Hens!!!! I was downtown for Citifest on Saturday night to see the fireworks they were AWESOME because halfway through them... the 5/3 Field fireworks started going off. hehe It was a great time, I remember back in the day when they used to have "Party In The Park" and it was wall to wall people down there every friday... that was so much fun.

Whoops, double post.

Hey all, I'm new to the board and thought I'd introduce myself. My name is Steve, I'm 22 years old, and I live in Sylvania with my parents while I finish up my two associate degrees at Owens Community College. I'm engaged with a three year old future step-son, and we're looking at a few houses on the West End. I work at Buckeye Cable System as a computer operator, and hopefully when finished with my degrees, I'll move up to the Tier I Technician position. I've lived in the Toledo area pretty much my whole life and love the area. I've only recently (past 3 years) been hardcore about re-developing the Toledo area and going out and enjoying everything the city and area has to offer. I'm seriously obsessed, it's ridiculous.

Like Toledo25, I like coming up with ways Toledo can improve and developing suggestions. I'd like to eventually start my own business in the downtown area and I'd actually like to see a group developed of young Toledoans with like-minded goals of seeing Toledo improve and meeting just to talk. Go grab some coffee at the Downtown Latte and just talk, throw ideas out, network, whatever. There's something similar that I've been trying to attend, the Community Voices Forum.

Anyways, great work on the reporting Bonjour. I check the forum out daily for anything new. And yes, GO HENS!!! I wasn't able to make it to the game, but I watched it on the internet through minorleaguebaseball.com. Hopefully next year I'll have season tickets.

Maybe I'll go out and take some photos around town and post them here. I have a folder of about 200 photos of downtown, the parks, the museum, the zoo, architecture, concerts, etc.

w0000t Go Hens!!!! I was downtown for Citifest on Saturday night to see the fireworks they were AWESOME because halfway through them... the 5/3 Field fireworks started going off. hehe It was a great time, I remember back in the day when they used to have "Party In The Park" and it was wall to wall people down there every friday... that was so much fun.

Hey TOL25, I was at the fireworks as well and boy was it great?!!! The fireworks show off the river started 9:25p.m. while the Mud Hens fireworks started at 9:35p.m. and ended at 9:45 while the river's show ended 9:55p.m.--talk about doubling up the pleasures. It was a great time for my family and friends to view it from our downtown rooftop patio. :scouserd:

Hey all, I'm new to the board and thought I'd introduce myself. My name is Steve, I'm 22 years old, and I live in Sylvania with my parents while I finish up my two associate degrees at Owens Community College. I'm engaged with a three year old future step-son, and we're looking at a few houses on the West End. I work at Buckeye Cable System as a computer operator, and hopefully when finished with my degrees, I'll move up to the Tier I Technician position. I've lived in the Toledo area pretty much my whole life and love the area. I've only recently (past 3 years) been hardcore about re-developing the Toledo area and going out and enjoying everything the city and area has to offer. I'm seriously obsessed, it's ridiculous.

Like Toledo25, I like coming up with ways Toledo can improve and developing suggestions. I'd like to eventually start my own business in the downtown area and I'd actually like to see a group developed of young Toledoans with like-minded goals of seeing Toledo improve and meeting just to talk. Go grab some coffee at the Downtown Latte and just talk, throw ideas out, network, whatever. There's something similar that I've been trying to attend, the Community Voices Forum.

Anyways, great work on the reporting Bonjour. I check the forum out daily for anything new. And yes, GO HENS!!! I wasn't able to make it to the game, but I watched it on the internet through minorleaguebaseball.com. Hopefully next year I'll have season tickets.

Maybe I'll go out and take some photos around town and post them here. I have a folder of about 200 photos of downtown, the parks, the museum, the zoo, architecture, concerts, etc.


Hey Steve, welcome to the Toledo region thread! Thanks for the compliments for myself posting development news and other snapshots. I can't wait to see your pictures on this thread and look forward to engage conversations about developments and issues around the region. And like yourself, I am obsessed as well about redevelopments and new developments around our region like Westfield Franklin Park, Westgate, Toledo Hospital, Fallen Timbers, Coking Plant, Bass Pro Shops, Ferry Terminal in the Marina District, Glass Pavilion, Dorr Street Brownstone Homes, TPS school buildings, I-280 Bridge, Keil Farm proposed Metropark, etc, etc.

It's interesting you brought up about meeting at Downtown Latte, they have a group that meets periodically there called the "New Urbanist" or something like that which they talk about what ways to improve in our city. The latest developmental grassroot process they did was to advocate in converting the current two one-way streets of Jefferson and Madison into two-way streets which will take place sometime by end of this year into early next year. Also the city and TARTA will be tearing down the Promenade transit station soon which blocks the view of the river in between Summit and St. Clair streets. The reason is to "open" up the area to provide friendliness atmopshere for pedestrian and have traffic convert from Summit street into the downtown area. This is a huge bonus for new small businesses to open up around the downtown area with friendly traffic pattern and wayfinding. These are all good news and I cannot wait for these small developments to take place.

Once again, welcome Steve!

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

I was ULTRA excited about Fallen Timbers back when it was an enclosed mall and was talked about being placed near Arrowhead park (right near Levis Commons) back in the day before either project started construction... at anyrate another open air mall is for the birds... too long of winters here and not to mention its like a more elaborate strip mall and the one thing toledo and surrounding areas DONT need are more strip malls... however, it will be cool to see 4 major shopping centers in and around the T-Town area..> Westfield / Southwyck (once that starts) / Fallen timbers / Levis Commons. w00t

I am looking at starting a small business actually downtown... Like with most things in life it's a big risk. I think I will wait until we actually break ground on the new arena before I set up shop, because once that goes in/up t-Town will be off the charts for tourism / events / shopping / living etc... can't wait. :)

I was ULTRA excited about Fallen Timbers back when it was an enclosed mall and was talked about being placed near Arrowhead park (right near Levis Commons) back in the day before either project started construction... at anyrate another open air mall is for the birds... too long of winters here and not to mention its like a more elaborate strip mall and the one thing toledo and surrounding areas DONT need are more strip malls... however, it will be cool to see 4 major shopping centers in and around the T-Town area..> Westfield / Southwyck (once that starts) / Fallen timbers / Levis Commons. w00t

I am looking at starting a small business actually downtown... Like with most things in life it's a big risk. I think I will wait until we actually break ground on the new arena before I set up shop, because once that goes in/up t-Town will be off the charts for tourism / events / shopping / living etc... can't wait. :)

What kind of small business/shop are you thinking of? I've always thought a coffeehouse with used/new books and a bakery in one that opens from 5:30a.m. to midnight 7 days a week would be a great hangout. Even a Jamba Juice would be great as well, I'd be the first customer there if they open one.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

From past post in this thread, there was a rumor a few months ago about establishing a direct flight route from Toledo to NYC. I heard from the local news last night that Toledo-Lucas Port Authority will be making an announcement about a direct flight to NYC will be a reality. This is very good news and I will post further information as soon as it becomes available to me.

If you are familiar with this thread, I have posted pictures and texts that showcases a Polish neighborhood of Toledo. This neighborhood is located 2 miles north of the downtown area and it's known for it's rich ethnic history, annual festival, and abundance of great architectures. I post an article from the local paper in regards to the redevelopment of their "downtown" in the neighborhood which is nothing but welcoming news. I am all for redevelopment in the old/central part of any urban cities in the good ol' U.S. of A.

From past post in this thread, there was a rumor a few months ago about establishing a direct flight route from Toledo to NYC. I heard from the local news last night that Toledo-Lucas Port Authority will be making an announcement about a direct flight to NYC will be a reality. This is very good news and I will post further information as soon as it becomes available to me.


"I have been bamboozled, hoodwinked, and lied to..." quoted by Al Gore during the outcome of 2000 General Presidential Election. Apparently the rumor was half-true, we are getting additional direct flights at the airport but not to New York City as indicated by the local media. The Port Authority has announced direct flights from Toledo to St. Petersburg/Clearwater starting this December and vice versa. As much I believe there is a huge demand for a direct flights between NYC and Toledo, I will be patient and hope for the best, however, another connection to the sunny state of Florida is still a good thing.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Awesome!! It really does feel like we are on the verge of something amazing happening really soon... It feels like all the pieces are coming together finally and this city will be in the next stratosphere.

As far as what kind of business I want to start... a version 2.0 on the old "internet cafe" concept... focused on art with gormet lunches/healthy foods for the young professional.

Awesome!! It really does feel like we are on the verge of something amazing happening really soon... It feels like all the pieces are coming together finally and this city will be in the next stratosphere.

As far as what kind of business I want to start... a version 2.0 on the old "internet cafe" concept... focused on art with gormet lunches/healthy foods for the young professional.


That would be a great thing to add in the downtown/Warehouse District area. Be sure it's open till midnight and every day because you would get that demand from the young professionals in the area.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

The more and more I hear about Larry Dillin the more and more this guy sounds like "The man who saved Toledo" or "NorthWest Ohio" for that matter... I have wanted to do a LOT of the things Mr. Dillin is making happen... So that is great news for Toledo because we need more of a COMMUNITY here. Alot of us don't even know our own neighbors because we dont have the sense of Community anymore. I remember back in the day there would be almost weekly Block Parties throughout toledo.

If anyone on here knows the best way (with the least amount of risk possible) for starting a business please message me or email me with tips or advice, I have about 9 ideas that I would love to make a reality.... several big ones... :scouserd:

My main questions are
1. How do I go about getting financing for one or all of these business Ideas?
2. What is the best way to start a business with the least amount of risk to me (Basically i dont want to loose my house if the business fails) ?

Thanks.. i love this site so much it gets me all energized for the future of this great city!

:cheers:

The more and more I hear about Larry Dillin the more and more this guy sounds like "The man who saved Toledo" or "NorthWest Ohio" for that matter... I have wanted to do a LOT of the things Mr. Dillin is making happen... So that is great news for Toledo because we need more of a COMMUNITY here. Alot of us don't even know our own neighbors because we dont have the sense of Community anymore. I remember back in the day there would be almost weekly Block Parties throughout toledo.

If anyone on here knows the best way (with the least amount of risk possible) for starting a business please message me or email me with tips or advice, I have about 9 ideas that I would love to make a reality.... several big ones... :scouserd:

My main questions are
1. How do I go about getting financing for one or all of these business Ideas?
2. What is the best way to start a business with the least amount of risk to me (Basically i dont want to loose my house if the business fails) ?

Thanks.. i love this site so much it gets me all energized for the future of this great city!

:cheers:

1. Most people get start-up funds from friends/investors, savings, SBA loans, home equity loans, or credit cards...Likley in that order.

2.You should probably look into seeing if you can get some tax incentives. Im not sure if downtown is councilmen Mike Ashfords or Mike Craigs district but they may be able to give you a direction assuming you present to them a good BUSINESS PLAN thats approved by a bank or some other financial institution. If your looking to reduce your risk you may want to look at buying a franchise like Chick-Fil-a or something an putting it beside 5/3 Field (I say this only because Chick-Fil-a is so popular in Westfield Mall and Toledo lacks any other locations).

As for Dillin Im starting to think he's buying a bit too much. If everything goes according to plan he'll own practically half the city :tongue3:

The downtown area is District #4 with Michael Ashford representing. Here is the link to the webpage of City of Toledo that can give you information about starting up a small business within the city limits or even the downtown district:

Local tax incentives (http://www.ci.toledo.oh.us/index.cfm?Article=751)

Loan Programs (http://www.ci.toledo.oh.us/index.cfm?Article=749)

Grant Programs (http://www.ci.toledo.oh.us/index.cfm?Article=750)

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

toledo25...I think a coffee house 2.0 would be a great idea. I think several start up businesses could be successful downtown, and if I were in the position to do so I'd jump on the opportunity. I too have been wanting to open shop downtown. We should all meet up sometime down at downtown latte or grab a beer at night or something and talk. I think my enthusiasm for the transformation of downtown would rival yours :). I think my family, fiance, and her family are all sick of me touting the downtown area haha. Email me sometime: freshoutoftalent@msn.com. If Toledo is to transform, it needs us ambitious young people to take charge.

Also check out this link on the Toledo Blade: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060924/NEWS16/609240303

There is no doubt that there is increased foot traffic downtown. One thing I think is missing is advertising. Three-quarters of the people in the burbs no nothing of whats going on downtown except when that the Mud Hens have a bad ass ball field. Also, in that article it mentions a UT student who even says that the only thing they promote on campus are campus bars.

Toledo25, email me or AIM me: FurbysAnExorcist. I'd like to hear more about some of your business startup ideas.

Thanks for the great work on keeping us up-to-date on Toledo. I'm an avid reader.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Oh boy while Westgate Shopping Center is undergoing massive redevelopment, some of the existing tenants are bailing out to the nearest vacant space around the Westgate neighborhood. I guess the construction project is taking a toll on the businesses.

A new day and a somber moment for the East Toledoans as we remove an ugly, tight bridge which will be replaced by a new biking/hiking trail bridge. It will certainly be wider and open up the view from East Toledo toward the skyline of downtown.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

From the newsdesk of FOX 36 our local affiliate reported more retail developments in the Perrysburg/Rossford area. Of course there is no proper land use plans or even a planning concept to ensure green space and pedestrian-friendly access in that area. This area will be a repeat of the "other mess" which is on Airport Highway in Holland which is west of Toledo. Good riddance!

More Retailers Plan To Build On US-20

Business is booming along US-20 in Perrysburg Township, as more retailers set their sites on open land. And now at least six big name stores are ready to begin building.

They're already building a Super Wal-Mart on US-20. And Bass Pro is nearing a deal with Rossford in the same area. But now Best Buy and Old Navy have decided to join their ranks in a "growing retail jungle."

A piece of land next to Lowes on US-20 and Thompson Road could be the future site of Old Navy, Bed Bath and Beyond, Party America, OfficeMax, Marshals, and Best Buy. Township Administrator, John Hrosco says, this addition would be a huge asset to the area, if it's approved. "It's a great thing for Perrysburg Township and its residence. The shopping will be a little closer."

And this additional shopping will draw even more of a crowd, helping local small businesses like Vicky Larrows shop, Health Yourself. "It's interesting cause I'm so busy now, I'm thinking I may have to hire more people."

Business owners aren't the only one's that are excited. Shoppers say they're looking forward to having more choices closer to home.

But with a Best Buy, Bed Bath and Beyond and even an Old Navy in Holland just minutes away from Perrysburg Township, it did surprise Hrosco that they're interested in setting up shop here. "Unfortunately it impacts other areas where they've been, but we hope that doesn't happen, we don't do that to allow those things to effect other areas."

This plan still needs to be approved through both Perrysburg and Perrysburg Township's Zoning Committees and then the Township Trustees make the final decision. But if all goes as planned the legal work will be finished by November and ground breaking could start in December. Best Buy hopes to open their doors next September.

As much as I love Andersons, but I'm jealous that we don't have one here in downtown. However they would be perfect in the Erie Street Market or near the baseball stadium to serve the downtown/Warehouse District residents. Instead they will be opening a Whole Foods Market-like store in northwest suburb of Sylvania. There has been rumors that Whole Foods Market has been shopping for a site in West Toledo near the Westfield Franklin Park area and the closest Whole Foods Market to the Toledo region is in Ann Arbor.

Commodore Perry is one of the many jewels in Toledo downtown and has a rich history. The Wells-Fargo bank wants to foreclose on a loan but we will see greener pastures as they get through the process. It's a beautiful building and in many cases across the country it is very risky to renovate a historical building which requires time and capital. Most of the time it is not profitable unless it's set at a market rate to keep up with the loan payments. I for one is happy that this building was renovated and used for condos and apartments because it is one of the better places to live in the metro region.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/CommoPerry2-25-2006.jpg
Far right bottom corner of this picture:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/lookingsouth6yq.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/CommodorePerry.jpg

It's finally a done deal as of this morning's press conference. Bass Pro Shops will be in Rossford which is 5 minutes south of downtown Toledo and it'll be interesting to see the spin-off developments once the place opens. I will post further development news in regards to this area as it becomes available.

Bass Pro Shops® News Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bass Pro Shops Coming to Wood County, Ohio
October 17, 2006

Rossford, Ohio- October 17, 2006 - Bass Pro Shops, has announced plans to build an outdoor superstore in the new Crossroads of America development at the intersection of Interstates 75, 80 and 90 in Wood County. The store may also include their famous Islamorada Fish Company restaurant. More information about the store and development will be released at a later date.

Bass Pro Shops unique, award-winning, outdoor stores are known for combining retail with entertainment, conservation and outdoor education.

"Bass Pro Shops is a dynamic outdoor retailer and we are excited to have the opportunity to work with them, and welcome them to our community," commented Tim Brown of the Wood County Commission.

"We are extremely proud to be announcing our second Ohio store and look forward to becoming a part of the Wood County community and surrounding region," stated Bass Pro Shops President Jim Hagale. "This highly visible and accessible location will enable us to better serve our many customers and all outdoor enthusiasts that visit and live in this beautiful area of the country."

Starting with just 8 feet of retail space in a small store in Springfield, Missouri back in 1971, Bass Pro Shops began by offering a selection of the latest gear from the fledgling bass tournament fishing trail. Today, the name Bass Pro Shops is world renown. Named the #1 outdoor retailer in America by Sporting Goods Business Magazine, the company has won numerous awards for their innovative store designs.

Bass Pro Shops stores are much more than just a retail store. The sights and sounds of the outdoors are brought indoors through museum-quality wildlife dioramas, huge murals and chandeliers depicting outdoor scenes, massive log and rock work, waterfalls, and other water features, and aquariums stocked with native fish species. The attention to the finest detail from wildlife tracks in the concrete, to wildlife carvings on logs and rafters is what helps add to the uniqueness of a Bass Pro Shops store.

A local theme can be felt throughout all Bass Pro Shops stores with use of artifacts and memorabilia from the area as well as historic photos of local outdoor enthusiast that pay tribute to the great outdoor heritage of the region. Laser galleries, climbing walls, archery ranges, NASCAR shops and more add to the family entertainment.

The store will also include an expansive boat showroom featuring a complete selection of Tracker, Nitro and Tahoe boats built by Tracker Marine Group- the world's largest manufacturer of fishing boats.

Known as a very conservation-minded company, Bass Pro Shops provides major support to national and local organizations for their conservation projects and has received more awards for their conservation efforts than any other outdoor retailer in America.

Outdoor education is also a key component to Bass Pro Shops strong commitment to our natural resources and the sportsmen and sportswomen who enjoy them. Weekly free outdoor skills workshops are offered at all stores for kids, women, novice adults and families. It is also not unusual to see various groups, including Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, as well as school and church groups, and others on field trips to Bass Pro Shops stores to learn about the great outdoors in the comfort of the great indoors of Bass Pro Shops.

More than just a fishing and hunting store, Bass Pro Shops will also offer equipment and clothing for hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing, camping, outdoor cooking and more. A gift and nature center will also serve up a wide variety of outdoor-related items from lamps and dishes to bird feeders and furniture.

Known for their great customer service, Bass Pro Shops is expected to hire approximately 300 passionate outdoor enthusiasts from the area.

I passed through Toledo in July. I was impressed by the Maumee River Crossing/I-280 Bridge - it is a true engineering marvel and a great symbol for the city. Do you guys have any recent pics of this bridge?

Here is a picture from the site lookuptoledo.com. It's a picture during construction, but gives an idea of what the full picture will look like at the end. It truly will be not just an engineering success but a work of art.

http://cmhimg01.dot.state.oh.us/images/280rivSouthView3.jpg

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Here are some recent pictures of the Marina District developments:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/11-01-20063.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/11-01-20062.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/11-01-2006.jpg

You can also view other posts in this thread in regards to the Marina District project.

Here is the most recent pictures of the new I-280 Bridge which is almost completed and I got this off the webcam from their construction website. It is gorgeous and you can see it in plan view from anywhere in town. This will redefine our skyline:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/mrc-I280-MainBridge11-1-2006.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/mrc-I280-FrontStRamps11-1-2006.jpg

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Holy... thats the first time i've seen the bridge since LAST July...

it really sticks out like a sore thumb, in a good way...

My mom loves Andersons too... here out west we're stuck with Vons (safeway), Smiths, and Albertsons...

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

On the move again! :banana: You can see previous posts in this thread in regards to this project.

Developer: Steam plant ‘moving forward'
By Justin R. Kalmes
Toledo Free Press Metro Reporter
jkalmes@toledofreepress.com

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/WaterStreetStation12-11-2006.jpg

A local real estate developer wants Toledo's mayor to know he's doing everything he can to move forward on a prominent Downtown project.

David Ball, president of STS Property & Facility Management Inc. and one of the lead developers of the conversion of the vacant Toledo Edison Steam Plant on the Maumee River's west bank into upscale townhouses and apartments, said his project is moving forward despite a letter from Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner stating otherwise.

“The mayor thought the day my tax credits were approved, I would dig a hole in the ground,” Ball said, noting Finkbeiner accused him in the letter of having priorities other than finishing the steam plant development. “He's pushing the wrong guy. I'm one of the guys out there trying to do stuff.”

Ball sent out full bid packages to contractors Oct. 27 after receiving word in early August from the National Park Service that it had approved the project's historical tax credits as submitted.

Ball said contractors must submit their bids by Nov. 17.

“This isn't like I'm not doing anything,” Ball said. “Every detail of this building is designed.

“We're on schedule,” he said. “This is just a big project.”

Ball initially hoped construction on the development, dubbed Water Street Station, would have begun this fall, but said delays pushed the start date to March 1. He said he did not budget to work through winter.

“This delay hasn't helped me,” he said, noting steel and concrete prices have risen significantly since he first projected costs. “There's only so much I can do and I'm doing it.”

Brian Schwartz, Finkbeiner's spokesman, did not return calls seeking comment at press time.

Ball said his past projects should be evidence enough to show he's committed to making Downtown Toledo a better place. His company's recent endeavors include renovations at the Woolworth Building, which houses First Merit Bank and TalentTrack, Fort Industry Square, a building at 601 Monroe St., that houses The Blarney Irish Pub and Grill and soon-to-be offices for Toledo Free Press, and the Ohio Building.

“The demand for Downtown housing has increased,” Jimmy Jackson, a Toledo native and 14-year NBA veteran who is partnering with Ball, said in August. “We feel that because of what has been going on Downtown, we have the best product in the market based on its location.”

Jackson said he believes people associate activity with seeing cranes and other common construction symbols. He said new construction is necessary to continue to breathe new life into Downtown Toledo, but people should be patient because it will eventually come.

“Perception-wise it's tough,” Jackson said of Toledo residents' view of their community. “But if we continue to do things like this, slowly that perception can change.”

Construction on the steam plant development, which will contain 75 units in the existing building and 34 townhouses in a new structure to be constructed on the plant's south side, should take 12 to 14 months, Ball said. He expects tenants to move in sometime in March 2008.

Ball stressed his relationship with Finkbeiner is a good one, despite the mayor's letter.

“The mayor has the right to be pushing all these projects, but we're on ours,” Ball said. “My priority has been about keeping jobs in Toledo and I've done that.”

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

^^ Wow...I didnt know about this, an alternative energy lab would be a huge boon to the area. It could add momentum to the projects in East Toledo.

That bridge is the balls.

^^ Wow...I didnt know about this, an alternative energy lab would be a huge boon to the area. It could add momentum to the projects in East Toledo.

Hopefully we will know if this is a "go" by early next year. If you ever drive down State 25 in between Perrysburg and Bowling Green you can see 4 of the windmills spinning in the rural scene, IMO it's a very surreal view.

As you may have seen numerous of posts in this thread in regards to this Steam Plant redevelopment. Here are more pictures of the rendering and the website link about this project:

http://www.waterstreettoledo.com/index.html

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/WaterStreetStation12-11-2006.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/elevation-west.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/elevation-north-south-update.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/elevation-east-update.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/elevation-courtyard.jpg

- edit

That bridge is the balls.

As of right now it looks like that the bridge will be completed by Spring of 2007 and from the view from my rooftop townhouse it looks awesome and its really defining the skyline of Toledo. I cannot wait until they light this bridge up at night. I hope to post current pictures of this bridge and its progress soon.

can someone shoot me a number by dollar amount of the total value of projects within the city of Toledo?

please

can someone shoot me a number by dollar amount of the total value of projects within the city of Toledo?

please

Here are the ongoing projects (posted in this thread), their costs, and total amount of investment within the city of Toledo:

1) Southwyck Mall & Reynolds Road corridor--$125m
2) Toledo Hospital expansion--$156m
3) Westgate Shopping Center redevelopment--$30m
4) Westfield Franklin Park Mall's second expansion--$15m
5) General Motors Powertrain expansion--$500m
6) Veteran's Glass City Skyway Bridge (I-280)--$250m
7) Wastewater Treatment Plant new facility--$100m
8) Downtown Arena--$85m
9) St. Vincent's Mercy Medical Heart Center & Cherry Street corridor--$100m
10) Marina District--$250m
11) American Biodiesel Plant--$17m
12) Pilkington land redeveloped for new housings by I-75/Maumee River--$22m
13) U.S. Coking Plant--$800m
14) Water Street Station--$20m
15) New and Rebuilding of Toledo Public School Buildings--$635m
16) Merge of UT and Medical of Ohio campuses new buildings--$130m
17) Triangle Warehouse Building convert to lofts--$15m
18) Berdan Warehouse Building convert to mixed lofts--$15m
19) Toledo Area Regional Paratransit Offices and Facility--$10m

Total investments within the city of Toledo: $3,295 billion

Other projects in the Toledo's suburbs:
20) Shops at Fallen Timbers (Maumee)--$60m
21) Levis Commons's second expansion (Perrysburg)--$50m
22) St. Luke's Hospital Diabetes Center (Maumee)--$15m

Projects completed that were mentioned in this thread:
23) Glass Pavilion--$30m opened August 2006
24) Owens-Illinois World Headquarters--$40m opened in September 2006
25) Jeep Plant and Suppliers Park--$3.3 billion to date as the plant is still expanding

- edit

- edit

- edit

From previous posts in this thread, here are the updated pictures (supplied by our local ABC station) of the new Water Park hotel in Maumee which is right at the exit of I-80/90 Ohio Turnpike and U.S. Route 20:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/MaumeeWaterPark212-27-2006.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/MaumeeWaterPark12-27-2006.jpg

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

I thought Ohio's economy was horrible? But from the looks of the Toledo thread there are many hundreds of millions of dollars being invested in dozens of expensive new projects. Is Toledo in the booming part of the state?

I thought Ohio's economy was horrible? But from the looks of the Toledo thread there are many hundreds of millions of dollars being invested in dozens of expensive new projects. Is Toledo in the booming part of the state?

Ohio's economy is horrible; we are the 3rd highest tax burden state in the country and 2nd highest public college/university tuition costs in the country, the list go on and on. With government corruption of outgoing Governor Bob Taft, Tom Noe, Bob Ney, Betty Montgomery, etc, etc. The state had a one-party rule for number of years which has not been good. However, Toledo has been going through a renaissance period since the mid-1990s and will continue for the next decade because of the manufacturing jobs will be diversified and slimmed down due to globalization as professional and high-tech jobs jobs will grow in the long-run. With all the significant investments and developments going on it will pay off by giving this region a bounce.

We have a new democratic governor starting in Jan. 2007 and the state house is now split with two parties as many of the Republican incumbent swere voted out this past November (no more one-party rule). Although I suspect that we have no where to go but up and the urban areas of Ohio will be given more attention (i.e. public transit, infrastructure, high-tech jobs, brownfield developments, public schools, etc) which will help the economy. For far too long the state has been pouring money and investments into Columbus which leaves all the other urban cities like Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, Canton, Mansfield, Lima, Youngstown, Akron, and even Toledo with little or no money.

As far as Toledo booming in this part of the state, I would say 50/50 because we are losing the blue collar jobs as it being replaced by professional/high-tech jobs as to why the population of our region in stable. The blue collar families and individuals are moving to states like North Carolina, Georgia, Nevada, and Tennessee to seek employment. It's a matter of time for this region to go through the transition of globalization since majority of the midwest was the dominate maunfacturing region in the world.

There are several posts in this thread in regards to this project and our tallest building in the region, which will soon to be 2nd tallest since the new Glass City Skyway (I-280) Bridge will surpass it as #1. There are several major local businesses (i.e. insurance, finance, engineering) are on the verge of expansion in the next year which will be nice to see them occupy some vacant office spaces around downtown.

Awesome Updates! Can't wait for all the new developments for 07. Happy New Year! :)

There is quite a bit of redevolpment on Sylvania and Douglas thats in conjunction with the rebuilding of the junior high Deveaux...

There is a new starbucks going in @ reynolds rd. and airport hwy.

A new McDonalds being built @ Southwyck.

And of course westgate is coming together quite nicely. :)
I will get some pictures and post them.

Cheers!

There is quite a bit of redevolpment on Sylvania and Douglas thats in conjunction with the rebuilding of the junior high Deveaux...

There is a new starbucks going in @ reynolds rd. and airport hwy.

A new McDonalds being built @ Southwyck.

And of course westgate is coming together quite nicely. :)
I will get some pictures and post them.

Cheers!


Are you referring to the Deveaux Shopping Center? If so, I'm anxiously awaiting what they are going to do with the last piece which is the vacant Food Town Plus store because it could be redeveloped for more retail space due to the high-soaring rental cost around the Westfield Franklin Park area.

I noticed the development at the corner of Airport/Reynolds and I'm surprised it's going to be Starbuck's considering the new and improved widened road of Airport Highway from Reynolds to Byrne Road.

The new McDonald's at Southwyck rendering/architectural style will match with the new redeveloped "open-air" mall of Southwyck Mall. I was kind of bummed when they wanted to rebuild it since it was a bank previous but modified it to McD's which was big and nice. Southwyck redevelopment project will begin in a couple of months; however, I think Dillard's will be gone as they go off to Shops at Fallen Timbers unless they plan on having two stores with four miles in between. With the redevelopment of Southwyck and Reynolds Road corridor will improve this area (long overdue IMO) which is badly needed since the area around Westfield Franklin Park is too congested.

As far as for Westgate, I cannot wait for Chipotle Mexican Grill to open up because their wraps are to die for. There will be a Starbuck's as well with a drive-thru. I anticipate Showcase Cinema to reopen and redevelop the vacant theatre on Secor Road since they have not put the building/property up for sale. There will be a definite feel of a urban renewal in this part of Westgate with Costco coming in. I'm sure there will be more new additions to this corridor...let's say Whole Foods Market? *fingers crossed*

Such good news that the developers and city finally have the brains to figure out that there is a need for more access road to the oldest and first ever enclosed mall of the Toledo region. This will provide access to Meijer, Bay Park Hospital, Great Eastern Shopping Center, additional ramp to the I-280 interstate, and the proposed Menards store.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Map of the Water Street Station which is a loft/townhouse/apartment project:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/WaterStreetLofts.gif

On the move again! :banana: You can see previous posts in this thread in regards to this project.

Developer: Steam plant ‘moving forward'
By Justin R. Kalmes
Toledo Free Press Metro Reporter
jkalmes@toledofreepress.com

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/WaterStreetStation12-11-2006.jpg

A local real estate developer wants Toledo's mayor to know he's doing everything he can to move forward on a prominent Downtown project.

David Ball, president of STS Property & Facility Management Inc. and one of the lead developers of the conversion of the vacant Toledo Edison Steam Plant on the Maumee River's west bank into upscale townhouses and apartments, said his project is moving forward despite a letter from Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner stating otherwise.

“The mayor thought the day my tax credits were approved, I would dig a hole in the ground,” Ball said, noting Finkbeiner accused him in the letter of having priorities other than finishing the steam plant development. “He's pushing the wrong guy. I'm one of the guys out there trying to do stuff.”

Ball sent out full bid packages to contractors Oct. 27 after receiving word in early August from the National Park Service that it had approved the project's historical tax credits as submitted.

Ball said contractors must submit their bids by Nov. 17.

“This isn't like I'm not doing anything,” Ball said. “Every detail of this building is designed.

“We're on schedule,” he said. “This is just a big project.”

Ball initially hoped construction on the development, dubbed Water Street Station, would have begun this fall, but said delays pushed the start date to March 1. He said he did not budget to work through winter.

“This delay hasn't helped me,” he said, noting steel and concrete prices have risen significantly since he first projected costs. “There's only so much I can do and I'm doing it.”

Brian Schwartz, Finkbeiner's spokesman, did not return calls seeking comment at press time.

Ball said his past projects should be evidence enough to show he's committed to making Downtown Toledo a better place. His company's recent endeavors include renovations at the Woolworth Building, which houses First Merit Bank and TalentTrack, Fort Industry Square, a building at 601 Monroe St., that houses The Blarney Irish Pub and Grill and soon-to-be offices for Toledo Free Press, and the Ohio Building.

“The demand for Downtown housing has increased,” Jimmy Jackson, a Toledo native and 14-year NBA veteran who is partnering with Ball, said in August. “We feel that because of what has been going on Downtown, we have the best product in the market based on its location.”

Jackson said he believes people associate activity with seeing cranes and other common construction symbols. He said new construction is necessary to continue to breathe new life into Downtown Toledo, but people should be patient because it will eventually come.

“Perception-wise it's tough,” Jackson said of Toledo residents' view of their community. “But if we continue to do things like this, slowly that perception can change.”

Construction on the steam plant development, which will contain 75 units in the existing building and 34 townhouses in a new structure to be constructed on the plant's south side, should take 12 to 14 months, Ball said. He expects tenants to move in sometime in March 2008.

Ball stressed his relationship with Finkbeiner is a good one, despite the mayor's letter.

“The mayor has the right to be pushing all these projects, but we're on ours,” Ball said. “My priority has been about keeping jobs in Toledo and I've done that.”

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/HolidayInnMap.gif

From previous posts in this thread, here are the updated pictures (supplied by our local ABC station) of the new Water Park hotel in Maumee which is right at the exit of I-80/90 Ohio Turnpike and U.S. Route 20:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/MaumeeWaterPark212-27-2006.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/MaumeeWaterPark12-27-2006.jpg

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

I love Toledo. It feels like this city is "on the verge" of something great. I can just feel it, it's like a current of electricity that is running under the city and it keeps building and building. :) :) :)

Here are some few extra pictures of the Cherry Street Bridge:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Skyline2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/SkylinefromBridge.jpg

Here is a picture I got of the repair work being done on the King bridge. Taken from the Wyndham Hotel on Jan. 1st
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/cjr2/PICT0281.jpg

thanx for the shot cjr2......not onlya nice view of the king bridge but also a good view of the marina district land...... anyone think they can get some pics of the new glass city marina on front street or updates on TPS and Oregon city schools building construction?thanx everyone

I love Toledo. It feels like this city is "on the verge" of something great. I can just feel it, it's like a current of electricity that is running under the city and it keeps building and building. :) :) :)

I feel the same way and I think the downtown arena is the biggest of them of all. This city has been without a proper arena ever since 1837.

cjr2, great picture of the bridge from the hotel! Considering that for the past several years we've been with one bridge (Cherry St. Bridge) and very soon we will have 4 altogether with I-280 new bridge, Craig Memorial (converted from interstate to city street), Cherry St. and Hi-Level bridge which should really be more accessible on both sides of the river.

Here is a picture I found from the City of Toledo's website which they are to be credited for taking it:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/BridgefromCityofToledo1-6-2007.jpg

thanx for the shot cjr2......not onlya nice view of the king bridge but also a good view of the marina district land...... anyone think they can get some pics of the new glass city marina on front street or updates on TPS and Oregon city schools building construction?thanx everyone

Mudhen419, here are some pictures that I got from the City of Toledo's website on the new glass city marina:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Marinaupdate21-6-2007.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Marinaupdate1-6-2007.jpg

You can see previous posts in this thread in regards to the TPS schools building construction projects along with pictures that I've posted. I have not done Oregon city schools at all since there are so many projects and so little time. Everyday that I've gone to work, I have been seeing progress on the TPS schools building projects but I seem to keep forgetting my camera. The Libbey Middle School on Nebraska/Collingwood, Cherry Elementary on Cherry north of Central, Bowsher Middle School on Glendale/Byrne, Bowsher High School on Detroit/Arlington, Leverette Middle School on Manhattan/Mulberry, and Robinson Middle School on Monroe/Detroit are all coming very nicely and I love the new architectural styles which compliments the surrounding neighborhood instead of the gawdy 1960s-70s look. There are other projects which I haven't seen yet which are ongoing and they are Start High School on Tremainsville/Laskey and Deveaux Middle School on Sylvania/Douglas. Glenwood Elementary School on Glenwood near Detroit in the OWE neighborhood are in the process of public hearing inputs for the architectural and design aspects.

Here are some of the renderings and pictures of the new schools which will be completed within the next 6-18 months. I hope to post some pictures soon of their progress as time permits for me:

Robinson Middle School:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/robinsonrendering2005.jpg

Bowsher Middle School:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/byrnedale.jpg

Rogers High School:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/rogers.jpg

great finds bonjour do u by chance know where port clinton is planning on building there marina district?

great finds bonjour do u by chance know where port clinton is planning on building there marina district?

I could not find it through the media or development websites on the proposed marina in Port Clinton. But since I am very familiar with Port Clinton because it is near my hometown and we have a lot of family and friends that lives there. Here is a map of where the proposed Marina District in Port Clinton:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/MapofMarina.gif

Here is the update picture on the construction The Andersons Speciality grocery store (think "Whole Foods Market"); you can see previous posts in this thread in regards to this project:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/AndersonsSpecialtySylvania.jpg

There are a few high-rises in South Toledo area near the Southwyck Mall and the University of Toledo Health Campus:

Clarion Hotel south of the soon-to-be revamped Southwyck Mall; you can see this building while driving along the Ohio Turnpike I-80/90:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ClarionHotelSouthwyck.jpg

The former Ramada Hotel which is now a mega-church complex called "Genesis Dreamplex" and its located south of Southwyck Mall as well; you can see this building while driving along the Ohio Turnpike I-80/90:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/GenesisDreamplex.jpg

Northside view of the Hilton Hotel which is near the University of Toledo Health Campus:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/HiltonHotel.jpg

Southside view of the Hilton Hotel:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/HiltonHotel2.jpg

Here are actual photos (1-7-2007) I've taken on the progress of Toledo Public Schools new building construction projects around the city:

Byrnedale Middle School building directly behind the existing junior high on Glendale Avenue west Byrne Road:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ByrnedaleMiddleSchool.jpg

Deveaux Middle School building directly behind the existing junior high on Sylvania Avenue west of Douglas Road; this school is right next to the Devaux Shopping Center:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/DeveauxMiddleSchool.jpg

Bowsher High School is building on Detroit Avenue/Arlington next to the University of Toledo Health Campus about 2-3 miles north of the existing high school on Detroit Avenue/Glanzman Road:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/NewBowsherHighSchool.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/NewBowsherHighSchool2.jpg

Libbey Middle School is building on Nebraska/Junction/Collingwood Streets south of the Gunckel Park:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/NewLibbeyMiddleSchool.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/NewLibbeyMiddleSchool2.jpg

Robinson Middle School is almost completed which is located west of the existing junior high building located on Monroe/Detroit Streets:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/RobinsonMiddleSchool.jpg

Oops...double posts. :nuts:

Here are some photos (taken on 1-7-2007) of the expansion project of Toledo Hospital:

Looking south:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ToledoHospExpansion.jpg

Looking north:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ToledoHospExpansion2.jpg

Looking at the new under-constructed main entrance of the hospital:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ToledoHospExpansion3.jpg

Former bank building which has been renovated/retrofitted for the relocated Flower Market store which is adjacent to the hospital:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/FlowerMarket.jpg

Here is a photo of a new strip mall that was built directly across from the soon-to-be overhauled Southwyck Mall:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/NewSouthwyckStrip.jpg

The strategy of this developer is to assist any of the shops that leaves the Southwyck Mall prior the demolition. The Southwyck Mall project is on time as it is slated for demolition on parts of the structure this coming March.

The Deveaux Village was a popular shopping center during the 1960-70s which is located on Sylvania Avenue and Douglas Road. The center was bought out by new developers about a year ago and begun renovating the center. They've completed the first of the two phases; while they are searching for new tenants and to renovate the vacant Food Town Plus store (the second phase). They currently have a few stores, 5/3 Bank, and El Camino Real Mexican Restaurant as outlots of the center.

Here are some progress pictures I've taken on 1-7-2007:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/NewDeveaux.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/NewDeveaux2.jpg

Here are some photos of some recent changes in the Uptown District area.

The Ottawa Tavern (mentioned in past posts of this thread) has bought this former unique gift store and have begun renovating inside as they installed new windows on the second floor. This will be a welcome addition to many existing restaurants and bars in this district:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/TheOttawaTavern.jpg

The former Toledo Rep annex building is now the relocated Toledo International Boxing Club which was moved from east side of the river to make room for the Marina District; they've cleaned up and renovated the building which looks polished:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/InternationalBoxing.jpg

As many of us call it "urban renewal" which is taking place in central Toledo at the intersections of Monroe and Auburn Streets. At this former McDonald's property which was closed in the early 80s and now it's getting new life with a full service gas store with pizza, coffee, specialty; along with an annex building on the same property for small businesses to lease and open up in the Ottawa neighborhood. IMO this is very good considering private developers are investing in the central area of the city:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Sunoco-MonroeAuburn.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/SunocoAnnex.jpg

great update! thanks for the map with the PC marina district location also... I was actually just in that area last night tryin for some walleye with some friends (right at the lilttle plaza in front of the PC fish company....) Bonjour have you heard of the construction projects goin on out at PIB? I work on the docks during the summer an they had a few projects that started in the fall ie: Broadwalk expansion on the upper level, new colonial confrence center, a pirate ship shapped bar, new go cart track, and i think its called the bayshore resort is putting in a new restaurant. Well thanks again!

The Westgate Village is taking some steam as they are about to complete the first of the two phases of reconstructing the popular shopping center in west Toledo on Central Avenue and Secor Road. You can see numerous of past posts with pictures and renderings in this thread in regards to this project's progress:

New Westgate Village gateway sign:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/NewWestgate3.jpg

New Rite Aid which will open later this week:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/NewWestgate2.jpg

First part of the phase with Chipotle making its debut in Toledo later this month along with Starbucks which is opening at the other end of the strip with a drive-thru:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/NewWestgate.jpg

Here is the last phase of the project which many of the tenants have moved into the new first phase of Westgate or have moved elsewhere up the road in other shopping centers and Westfield Franklin Park. This picture shows what is left of the center infrastructure which will make way for the new Costco department store:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/VacantWestgateCostco.jpg

Here is an example of some former Westgate Village tenants that have moved out and moved into a new strip that was constructed on Secor Road in front of the Elder Beerman Department store:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/NewWestgate4.jpg

As mentioned before in this thread there is a Starbucks Coffee construction project at the corner of Airport Highway and Reynolds Road which is the second busiest intersection in all of Northwest Ohio region (first picture was taken today by me and the second was posted on The Blade website):

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/StarbucksReynoldsAirport.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/BladeStarbucks2007.jpg

Wingate Hotel opened a few years ago in the heart of Sylvania downtown which is a Toledo suburb in the northwest side; the hotel is an excellent addition to the Sylvania downtown developments:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/WingateHotelSylvania.jpg

Here are a couple of photos (1-7-2007) of some recent changes in the Warehouse District in Toledo which is on the southside of downtown.

A couple of months ago this building was rehabbed and opened up with a new Irish Pub called "The Blarney", they have a great atmosphere inside with details, food, and drinks. On the second floor of this building is now the relocated office of one of our local paper which is the Toledo Free Press:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/TheBlarneyToledoFreePress.jpg

I mentioned this before in past post of this thread in regards to this progress of the rehabbing/retrofitting the old warehouse into Swan Creek Candles Distribution Center and residential lofts. You can see the far right side of the picture will be the lofts developments and the far left which is painted is the new Swan Creek Candles Distribution. The renovations is still ongoing because in most warehouses development the process takes a little time:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/SwanCreekDistribu-Lofts.jpg

Since the University of Toledo and Medical University of Ohio campuses have merged this past summer. There has been some new developments on the University of Toledo Health Campus (the former MUO campus). You can read previous posts in regards to the University of Toledo news of this thread.

The expansion to the hospital which will be moving and increasing the capacity of the pharmacy school from the main campus of UT. This will involve multi-million dollar investments to the research and expansions of new jobs in the high-tech job market of our region:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/UTMedicalExpansionPharmacy.jpg

On the UT Health Campus there is a huge land that is being developed into a large office park with a park-like setting; there is a new office building that is about to be completed housing an engineering firm that will be expanding with new jobs as well:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/UTOfficeParkEngineeringFirm.jpg

Couple of questions bonjor,

What happened to Artomatic419, I remember it being some type of artsy place for young people. Did the place tank or did they relocate somewhere else?.I see the boxing club has taking it's place now.

Secondly, what is that project located across the street from the new gas station they are building on Auburn and Monroe..Theres a sign that says somthing like Auburn business district coming soon and theres alot of dirt dug up. Is there a new building going there or is that in reference to the gas station going up?

great update! thanks for the map with the PC marina district location also... I was actually just in that area last night tryin for some walleye with some friends (right at the lilttle plaza in front of the PC fish company....) Bonjour have you heard of the construction projects goin on out at PIB? I work on the docks during the summer an they had a few projects that started in the fall ie: Broadwalk expansion on the upper level, new colonial confrence center, a pirate ship shapped bar, new go cart track, and i think its called the bayshore resort is putting in a new restaurant. Well thanks again!

You are very welcome. I have not heard or read anything in regards to any projects out in PIB; I will keep my eyes/ears open and post at my earliest convenience.

Couple of questions bonjor,

What happened to Artomatic419, I remember it being some type of artsy place for young people. Did the place tank or did they relocate somewhere else?.I see the boxing club has taking it's place now.

Secondly, what is that project located across the street from the new gas station they are building on Auburn and Monroe..Theres a sign that says somthing like Auburn business district coming soon and theres alot of dirt dug up. Is there a new building going there or is that in reference to the gas station going up?

Vader, in my understanding the Artomatic419 will be held every couple of years which they did their first this past September and will not come back until 2008. This building is owned by the Mano's Greek Restaurant and they loaned the building for Artomatic to use for the entire month of September in agreeance of them renovating and cleaning the building at no costs to promote local artists.

That is in reference to the gas station, it's a similar concept to Family Video where they have a building along with annex spaces for other businesses to open up. There will be more developments to my understanding on this corner after this gas station/annex building will be completed.

any high-rises proposed or under construction going on in Toledo?

any high-rises proposed or under construction going on in Toledo?

At this time not that I am aware of, however, if we consider high-rises to be 10+ floors then there is one being proposed but nothing's definite. This photo is the rendering of a mulitple mixed use of a tourist-hotel/condo/retail/boat docking high-rise next to the new I-280 Bridge. A 14-floor high-rise was proposed by a developer about a year ago who is currently seeking additional investments to make this project a reality.

If 5-9 floors, we have one which is in the post such as the Toledo Hospital expansion. With the Marina District I do anticipate some high-rise condominiums to be proposed but it's more of "wait-and-see" because the level of this project is a huge undertaking for the size of our region.

Hey bonjour... or anyone...... have u heard any rumors about Bay Park Community hosptial being expanded? I heard this rumor last year about the same time i heard that walmart in oregon (which is in my back yard) would be made into a super walmart... they're about to start puttin walls up on the expansion of the walmart within the next week or 2.... theres a few other things goin on in Oregon right now.... Speedway on Coy n Navarre EM SMith adn another building will be tore down soon to make way for a new Rite Aide.... why we need another pharmacy on navarre i dont know....... Navarre Plaza the new strip mall in Oregon next to walmart is finally havin business move in... BW3 will be opening up soon hear and i think theres a BP learning center and a check cashing place already in. Pearson Parks expansion is going on now as well...though i dont expect tomuch to be done till spring.... wish i had a digi so i could get some pics for everyone

Hallelujah! Thank goodness there's a new owner on this piece of property adjacent to the Fifth Third Field. I cannot wait to hear the plans from the new owners once it's revealed. This location is by far the best site anywhere around the baseball stadium. As you've seen previous post about the Irish Pub called The Blarney and the offices of Toledo Free Press. They are right across the street from this property.

Hey bonjour... or anyone...... have u heard any rumors about Bay Park Community hosptial being expanded? I heard this rumor last year about the same time i heard that walmart in oregon (which is in my back yard) would be made into a super walmart... they're about to start puttin walls up on the expansion of the walmart within the next week or 2.... theres a few other things goin on in Oregon right now.... Speedway on Coy n Navarre EM SMith adn another building will be tore down soon to make way for a new Rite Aide.... why we need another pharmacy on navarre i dont know....... Navarre Plaza the new strip mall in Oregon next to walmart is finally havin business move in... BW3 will be opening up soon hear and i think theres a BP learning center and a check cashing place already in. Pearson Parks expansion is going on now as well...though i dont expect tomuch to be done till spring.... wish i had a digi so i could get some pics for everyone


I have not heard anything in regards to the Bay Park Community Hospital. Nice to hear about new and existing developments in the Oregon area; I don't travel much in that part of the region unless I go visit my parents out in the sticks. Here's what I know as of now, the U.S. Coking plant will be breaking ground on the Toledo/Oregon border, Menards will be opening a new store on the site in between Brown and Curtice Road, and Mercy Partners (which runs St. Charles and St. V's) bought a huge parcel of land in Rossford near Crossroad Parkway near the proposed site of Bass Pro Shops but haven't revealed any plans.

Sounds like things are starting to get fired up in Toledo. Thanks for all the photo updates of the projects large and small.

Was out in Rossford/Perrysburg yesterday (Buck and LimeCity Rds) got a nice view of the new Penta Vocational School atleast thats what i think it is.. Its huge!!Anyone know when that new nature center on rt 2 near Crane Creek will be open? I have been watchin them build that since summer and looking forward to visiting it sometime soon

Sounds like things are starting to get fired up in Toledo. Thanks for all the photo updates of the projects large and small.

I have to agree especially when you put it all on a list and consider how active the Toledo region is. I firmly believe all this ongoing and future developments will pay-off very well for this region due to massive economic cycle that has been milling for the past three decades.

Was out in Rossford/Perrysburg yesterday (Buck and LimeCity Rds) got a nice view of the new Penta Vocational School atleast thats what i think it is.. Its huge!!Anyone know when that new nature center on rt 2 near Crane Creek will be open? I have been watchin them build that since summer and looking forward to visiting it sometime soon

Yes, it's the new Penta Vocational School and I'm curious if Rossford/Perrysburg Twp. is considering upgrading the Lime City and Buck Road along with turning lanes and traffic lights. It is an upcoming busy road especially since they've upgraded the Buck Road interchange with I-75. The current Penta Vocational School building is located next to the Owens State Community College campus and the vocational school will be selling the building to OCC as they expand their campus to the west. Good to see redevelopments instead of vacancies.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

I am glad to see that Toledo is getting a new arena. That should help the vitality of the downtown and more concerts will go to Toledo instead of skipping the city for Detroit or Cleveland. More businesses may open near the arena too. It will be something for the sports teams and the city residents to be proud of. The current Toledo Sports Arena is awful.

I was just reading on another forum that FedEx has purchased 200 and some odd acres adjacent to the Toledo Express Airport. I drive by there every now and again and I have noticed they have a lot of land cleared over that way. I was wondering if anyone knows what they plan on doing.

Anyone have drawings or plans of the new Glass city marina? I drove by today and saw a sign with what the layout is but i couldn't get a good enough look.

I am glad to see that Toledo is getting a new arena. That should help the vitality of the downtown and more concerts will go to Toledo instead of skipping the city for Detroit or Cleveland. More businesses may open near the arena too. It will be something for the sports teams and the city residents to be proud of. The current Toledo Sports Arena is awful.

The city/county has enlisted the minor baseball Mud Hens organization to bring an indoor football, hockey, and other pro sports to the arena in order to have events all year round. I am more interested in the indoor football since I love football and I think it will do well in the Toledo market. The updated, state-of-the-art arena for Toledo is far overdue and I cannot wait till the day the door opens for the first time.

I was just reading on another forum that FedEx has purchased 200 and some odd acres adjacent to the Toledo Express Airport. I drive by there every now and again and I have noticed they have a lot of land cleared over that way. I was wondering if anyone knows what they plan on doing.

I have heard this as well from different varies of website forums but nothing's been confirmed. I am very curious of what the opportunities lies within this development project.

Anyone have drawings or plans of the new Glass city marina? I drove by today and saw a sign with what the layout is but i couldn't get a good enough look.

I saw the renderings last fall when a design group called Poggemeyer (out of BG) introduced this project at a professional gathering. The ferry terminal will be all dark reddish brick to match the exteriors of the Waite High School and the former Acme Power Plant. It is to blend in the surrounding area of the neighborhood. To my understanding, Poggemeyer did not post this project on their websites nor did any of the media outlet. So you will need to back to the site and look at the actual sign to see the project.

However, this past weekend, there was a developer that is very interested in building a hotel and a waterpark for the Marina District; but nothing's committed as of yet.

Just heard on WTOL that Oregon may be getting a lifestyles center similiar but smaller than the levis commons center in Perrysburg. They said the location of the proposed site is on the south side of Navarre Ave but they wouldnt say where.

Just heard on WTOL that Oregon may be getting a lifestyles center similiar but smaller than the levis commons center in Perrysburg. They said the location of the proposed site is on the south side of Navarre Ave but they wouldnt say where.

Like we don't have enough of them? LOL! We have Levis Commons, soon-to be Shops at Fallen Timbers, and the overhauled Southwyck and Woodville "open-air" malls. IMO Oregon does not need a lifestyle center because they need a downtown first since it is a very odd town the way it's set up. In Oregon case, I would just focus on fancy streetlighting, landscaping, bricks, sidewalks, pedestrian access, public transit access, underground electrical wires, and ground-level signages along the entire Navarre corridor which would definetly enhance the community's look.

I agree with that Bonjour. If Oregon does this it will hurt any chance of woodville mall ever making a come back. I have also heard about national amusments wanting to put a theatre in next to the ball works which would kill off sun dance drive in. Oregon is doing fine how it is we just need to start using what we already have before we start expanding out past pearson park

From many previous posts in this thread about the One Seagate redevelopment, Fifth Third Bank is moving a few blocks to be in the signature tower of Toledo. They've announced last night of the move which will consolidate 400+ employees from Sylvania and other downtown location to one site. This is a good thing considering the new arena will be starting the construction very soon.

Current 5/3 Center on Madison/Huron Streets:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/MadisonStreetSkyline2.jpg

Soon-to-be-new-home for 5/3 Center @ One Seagate Tower:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Riverfront2.jpg

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

IMO Oregon does not need a lifestyle center because they need a downtown first since it is a very odd town the way it's set up. In Oregon case, I would just focus on fancy streetlighting, landscaping, bricks, sidewalks, pedestrian access, public transit access, underground electrical wires, and ground-level signages along the entire Navarre corridor which would definetly enhance the community's look.

Ain't that the truth! Oregon is a poorly planned community. It does desperately need a downtown- at least something as big as Sylvania's (which still sucks comared to Maumee or Perrysburg's). Toledo needs to STOP the damn lifestyle center craze. I'll be surprised if more than one of those fuckers is around in another 20 years (and let's hope it's the one in the city limits- Southwyck)

I'm very happy to see the One Seagate Tower fill up again, but Fifth Third's plan to plaster their ugly name across the top of the tower disgusts me. If there is one skyscraper that was not built for corporate logos, it's One Seagate. The corporate logo will ruin the sleek, all-glass look of the building. It's a completely classless move on Fifth Third's part (then again, they were thinking of needlessly tearing down two historic buildings on Huron, so classy and Fifth Third don't exactly go together).

btw, thanks for posting Port Clinton news. There's a lot of action out there.

As for the downtown multipurpose complex Im hearing commisioners are pushing for some retail establishments to be place inside so people can walk and shop while events arent happening. Im not sure if placing retail in a sports arena is a new concept or not but it sounds like a good idea.

As for 1 seagate I hope they put some new decorative lighting on it like other cities do with thier tallest buidings. I noticed new pink lighting was installed on one of the towers last year and it did wonders. I know new lights are being reinstalled on the Hi-level bridge too. I wouldnt be surprised if some new lighting will be used to brighten up One Seagate when 5/3 moves in.

I noticed new pink lighting was installed on one of the towers last year and it did wonders.

That was the National City Tower (Toledo's 3rd tallest at 370 feet). The pink lights were originally put up for breast cancer awareness month, and they decided to leave them up since they looked so good. The pink and orange lights on the National City Tower looked awesome at night. The original lighting looked good too- a bright green and light blue. I (and many people) consider it Ohio's best art deco skyscraper, particularly at night.

I wish the Catholic Diocese would re-install a new steeple on the St. Patrick's Church on Avondale since it was destroyed in a storm during the early 80s. This church is absolutely beautiful and it would be a wonderful addition to the downtown skyline if the steeple would return. However, last year there was a deceased, dedicated church member left millions to the church with a promise to rebuild the steeple to this church specifically. Now is the perfect time since this church is lighted up brightly at night time.

Got a chance to go to the zoo today. Took advantage of the free admission for Lucas county residents with ID offer they have (Mondays 10-12 stay all day) Havent been there since the section across the trail was added. Prtty impressed even though its winter and not much going on. I like how they have it set up over there. The aquarium badly needs renovation. Hopefully that gets put on the ballot again and passes this time because it really needs some work or addition.

Took a ride down Front and stopped at the MRC observation area.Looks like there going to start putting the lights up the side of the pylon here soon.

Also...... Was wondering if anyone knew anything about the Packos expansion over on Consaul. They aquired a lot of property, demolished atleast a building and were supposed to try and reroute an alley. There's been one of those orange plastic fences along the property they demolished for a while now.

I am crossing my fingers on this building and last thing I would want to see is this building to be demolished. It has a lot of potential since the new downtown arena will be built next door. From many other local news outlet, there has been strong interest in purchasing the building and redeveloping recently; so I have a strong feeling this building will be loved again very soon. You can see previous posts in this thread about this building's history, photos, and developmental updates.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/OwensCorningWrldHdqtr2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Skyline.jpg

"Whether for service industry, office, whatever, that building will be in demand," Mr. Ferrara said.

Good to hear.

To tell the truth, almost every large city in Ohio has an empty office tower similar in age to the Fiberglass Tower (Cleveland and Dayton certainly do, not sure about Bustown or Nati).:ohno:

It should be our new state motto, "Ohio: the heart of vacant skyscrapers!"

From previous posts in regards to two seperate projects: Shops at Fallen Timbers and Southwyck Mall. It will be interesting of what the outcome will be and what stores will be aligning themselves at these two locations. Southwyck is a viable location and it's surrounded by a large population; it's too bad the actual owner (from KC area) of the mall is dragging the entire area down because all he is interested is the rent money and using the site as a tax write-off. I think it's time for the city's zoning department to start writing up tickets to death against this mall; and for Dillard's to decide once and for all what the heck they are planning to do so we all can move on. As for Fallen Timbers project, I am not that thrilled for an "open-air" mall which is nothing more than a fancy a la shopping center.

You Must Really Love it here..... And after all these prospective projects to be completed, Toledo has a 1.7 Million Dollar budget deficit, which could lead to more people leaving Toledo like they already are including myself who left Toledo for our big city neighbors in Illinois.....

You Must Really Love it here..... And after all these prospective projects to be completed, Toledo has a 1.7 Million Dollar budget deficit, which could lead to more people leaving Toledo like they already are including myself who left Toledo for our big city neighbors in Illinois.....

Huh?! What baggage are you bringing yourself into this forum? First of all, I was born and raised in this area and I am proud of it. This is my "real" home. We may not be perfect like other a la' places of America but I have nothing but good things to say about this region. IMO Toledo is truely a renassaince region with all the developments changing the cultural/economic landscape.

Yes we have some budget problems right now... and we will until these projects are completed. Gotta spend money to make it. New arena, Docks, etc... will all help to bring in cash. I have TOLEDO PRIDE and moved from outside toledo (perrysburg) to into the heart of west toledo.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Skyway Center developers hope for 2007 groundbreaking
By Megan Schmidt
Toledo Free Press Staff Writer

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/LinKSkyWayModel.gif

After some initial setbacks, the developing team behind the proposed Skyway Center hopes to break ground sometime this year.
“We've been locked and loaded for three years,” said Michael Drew Shaw, who created the concept for Skyway Center, a $10 million venue for shopping, dining and entertainment to be built in the Marina District development near the Veterans' Glass City Skyway bridge.

Shaw's company, American Retrospects, was hired in 2002 to produce a documentary about the construction of the new bridge when he realized there were no plans to include a welcome center to attract tourists to Toledo.

Since then, Shaw has teamed with three developers before settling on the Dillin Corporation, worked on four potential building designs and considered four different Marina District site locations for Skyway Center.

Despite having many different options, questions remain as to exactly where the site will be and how the building will look.

Shaw said it could be weeks or even months before the site selection is made, which will also determine which building design the developing team uses.

“I personally favor a site behind the Acme plant adjacent to the marina and passenger terminal, mainly because the infrastructure is already in,” Shaw said, referring to one potential site for which a three-story building design has been drawn.

Bob Reichert, a member of the Skyway Center advisory board, prefers another option for the welcome center — a 16-story design Shaw says would be built “closer to the Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge.”

“I think the high-rise building would be a lot more striking for the Toledo skyline, even if it's not as practical,” Reichert said.

Uncertainties about when and where Skyway Center will open may cause hesitance among possible tenants, Shaw said, although 30,000 square feet have been reserved for prospective businesses so far.

“It's been difficult to talk to our investors and our tenants in a serious way because the ground keeps coming up from under us,” Shaw said. “But I believe we now have the right people steering the ship to make progress.”

One tenant eager to move in is Bruce Rumpf of Rumpf Development Corporation LLC, who has been searching for a site for a Toledo historical center for more than six years and believes he has found a site for the project in Skyway Center.

“It makes perfect sense for us to put a historical museum here,” Rumpf said. “When tourists come into Toledo, we send them to places like the zoo or the art museum — but those places don't say who we are like a history museum will.”

Shaw also said future visitors of Skyway Center can expect to see businesses such as an upscale restaurant, a jazz café, a virtual golf center and plenty of retail shops.

Instead of including hotel suites in the center as was once proposed, Shaw said the developing team is now concentrating on how to build a corporate and residential condominium complex so the SkyWay Center area becomes “a little community in itself to help support the surrounding businesses.”

“I think it's going to be a very sexy address to have,” Shaw said.

Still, Shaw said there is difficulty in being one of the first to build in the still-developing Marina District, but he remains optimistic because lately his “phone has been ringing” from a variety of business sectors interested in taking part in the welcome center.

“Nobody wants to be the first. Everyone wants to be the first to be the second to build in a newly developing area,” he said. “But I think the SkyWay Center will bring a lot of diversity to the area. If you build it, they will come.”

Hot-dog chain sets its sights on Toledo
Johnny's Lunch to headquarter its training here

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/FINJohnnysLunch-logo2-2.jpg

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Here is an article that I saw in the Blade a few days ago about Bartley Lofts:

http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070227/NEWS16/702270355

Bartley Lofts developers buy 4 units to remove lien

By TOM TROY
BLADE STAFF WRITER

Developers of Bartley Lofts, one of the most visible of downtown Toledo's loft condominium and apartment projects, have had to buy four units to pay off a construction contractor and get a lien removed.

Joseph Swolsky and Bob Gersten, partners in Bartley Lofts Investors LLC, which converted the seven-story warehouse at 745 Washington St. into a residential building, each bought two units for a total of just under $1 million in January.

Lathrop Co., of Maumee, filed an application for a mechanic's lien with the Lucas County recorder Jan. 19, citing nonpayment of $185,470 for work performed last year.

Steve Klepper, vice president and general manager of Lathrop, said the lien was filed as a business necessity. "This is not adversarial," he said. "This is just to protect ourselves.

"Within a matter of a week or so, we had an agreement and we've been paid a significant portion of it, so much so we've taken it off our books in terms of its being a debt," Mr. Klepper said.

He said Mr. Gersten and Mr. Swolsky bought the four units to provide Bartley Lofts Investors with the cash to pay him and other contractors.

The 52-unit, $10-million Bartley Lofts project overlooks downtown Toledo near Fifth Third Field with balconies, large windows, a rooftop pool, and enclosed parking.

So far, 29 units, including Mr. Gersten's and Mr. Swolsky's, have been recorded as sold by the Lucas County auditor for a total of $6.4 million in sales.

Mr. Swolsky said the project is in good shape financially, but that the real estate market has hurt sales. "We lost 15 sales because people couldn't sell their houses," he said.

In addition to the 29 sold units, another four units are ready to close, leaving 19 units still to be sold. He said an issue with the residents is the need for a second passenger elevator, which is in the works.

Mr. Swolsky's and Mr. Gersten's business, Park West Realty LLC, and Timberstone Group Inc. teamed up for the project.

Mike Denman, vice president of Timberstone Group, did not return phone calls seeking comment.

Bartley Lofts Investors bought the building from Willis Day for $1,070,000 in July, 2004.

It was the largest project to that point in the movement to convert offices and warehouses to condominium lofts. Units so far have sold for between $106,000 and $444,000. The building opened in 1913 as a warehouse for the Bartley Co., a grocery wholesale firm.

Bartley Lofts is a very sweet place to live. I checked out the models and it is gorgeous especially with the view. In previous posts, the Bartley Lofts developers got the "green light" to proceed in redeveloping the Triangle Building which sits on the same block as the Bartley. The Triangle Building will be converted from warehouse to 75-unit market-rate apartments and will begin this spring.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Thanks for all your information on Toledo, bonjurtoledo. I live near the university now but hopefully I will be moving to an apartment in the city soon.

Thanks for all your information on Toledo, bonjurtoledo. I live near the university now but hopefully I will be moving to an apartment in the city soon.

You are looking at an apartment junkie for the longest time like myself until a year ago as soon I bought my very first home. Perhaps I can give you some recommendations of which apartments to look at around the city and what amentities you look for.

Well I am a law student at UT so I am on somewhat of a budget. I would like a place that is reasonably quiet, and nice but also somewhat inexpensive to rent. I like the idea of having a place down town within walking distance of the Mud Hens stadium and the various restaurants and bars.

I have a friend who lives in the Hillcrest and it seems nice, what other places are comparable to there?

I just checked out Bartely Lofts myself. They are beautiful lofts to see indeed. I just came from San Diego and it was nice to see it starting to happen here as well. I'm talking downtown living and loft living.

Well I am a law student at UT so I am on somewhat of a budget. I would like a place that is reasonably quiet, and nice but also somewhat inexpensive to rent. I like the idea of having a place down town within walking distance of the Mud Hens stadium and the various restaurants and bars.

I have a friend who lives in the Hillcrest and it seems nice, what other places are comparable to there?

Hillcrest is a great place and too bad I wasn't able to rent there before because I had a large dog.

Several places to check out with reasonable rent ($250-500) near the downtown/uptown area:

1) Park Lane Luxury Apartments on Jefferson/23rd
2) Riverview Apartments on Summit/Madison
3) Executive Towers on Collingwood/Woodruff
4) Westminster Row on Locust near Summit

Of course Hillcrest fits in the $250-500 range as well.

I think I will be looking at those places in the coming months.
What do the demographics of people that live there like? Is it a lot of younger people like young professionals? Are there students? Also what is the occupancey rate? Are most downtown apt. builidings close to full or closer to empty?

I think I will be looking at those places in the coming months.
What do the demographics of people that live there like? Is it a lot of younger people like young professionals? Are there students? Also what is the occupancey rate? Are most downtown apt. builidings close to full or closer to empty?

I think all downtown apartments are close being full but not full nor it is close to being empty. I think younger, professional people are at places like Hillcrest, Riverview and Executive Towers. Park Lane Luxury Apartments are pretty known for UT students. Younger, professionals are more apt to pay more money for rent at places like Museum Place (Collingwood & Monroe), Sunflower Loft Apartments (Ontario & Lafayette), and LaSalle Apartments (Adams & Huron). All the apartments that I have mentioned in this post and the previous are worthy to check out. The ones that I haven't mentioned you should not bother at all if you know what I mean.

Bonjourtoledo:
Do you know anything about the apartment building across from Mano's Cafe and Pub St. George?
They look to be relatively new rather than a remodeled warehouse but nonetheless they still look decent.

Sorry I don't know the name of them or address, I just noticed them once when I ate at Mano's Cafe.

Thanks for your help and sorry I haven't done this research myself, I have been very busy with class these last few weeks. Fortunately I get a break next week and I will be able to do a lot of this on my own.

Bonjourtoledo:
Do you know anything about the apartment building across from Mano's Cafe and Pub St. George?
They look to be relatively new rather than a remodeled warehouse but nonetheless they still look decent.

Sorry I don't know the name of them or address, I just noticed them once when I ate at Mano's Cafe.

Thanks for your help and sorry I haven't done this research myself, I have been very busy with class these last few weeks. Fortunately I get a break next week and I will be able to do a lot of this on my own.

Ohhhh..I forgot that place which is called Cheney Flats (across from Mano's), you could check that out and I think they do rent rates based on your income. Also up a few blocks from Cheney Flats on 14th Street in between Adams and Madison there is an apartments called "Art Square" something. You could check that place out. Both Cheney Flats and Arts Square are fairly new and were built in the early 2000s.

I wonder how that would work with me seeing as how I am a full time student and do not have any income.

I wonder how that would work with me seeing as how I am a full time student and do not have any income.

I'm not sure but it's one of the advantage with the rent complimenting to the income. However, if you are a full-time student I think they may have something to offer but you will have to discuss that with the management of each of the properties. There are considerable high number of UT students living in the downtown/uptown area. This is something I guess you will be doing next week when you go apartment-hunting on your break. Good luck and if anything else, let me know.

Bonjour, which area of town do you live in? Was it you that was talking about moving into the lofts downtown? I can remember somebody mentioning that on here. Not necessarily this thread. But one about Toledo.

Bonjour, which area of town do you live in? Was it you that was talking about moving into the lofts downtown? I can remember somebody mentioning that on here. Not necessarily this thread. But one about Toledo.

I live in the Warehouse District. I did indicated quite some time ago when looking for a house that looking at the downtown lofts was an option.

I live in the Warehouse District. I did indicated quite some time ago when looking for a house that looking at the downtown lofts was an option.


That's good. So you'll be able to see first hand the changes that are happening and about to happen. When are they supposed to start on the new arena? Also, where exactly are they building it? I read somewhere that it would be near Superior and Jefferson. Are they tearing something down? I just didn't see the room near that intersection.

That's good. So you'll be able to see first hand the changes that are happening and about to happen. When are they supposed to start on the new arena? Also, where exactly are they building it? I read somewhere that it would be near Superior and Jefferson. Are they tearing something down? I just didn't see the room near that intersection.


They will be starting the construction after Labor Day this year and anticipating opening the $82 million arena by Fall of 2009. The restaurants and businesses will be relocating around the downtown area this spring and summer to make way for the arena as well. They will be tearing down the Bijou Theatre, Subway building, The Golden Lily Restaurant, Frogtown Alley, abundance of surface parking lots, and the storefront buildings along Huron Street in between Madison and Jefferson as you can see on the map. You can see many previous posts in this thread in regards to the downtown arena project.

They are going to be at location #1 for sure as they've already have oversight committees on construction and design collaborating since a few months ago. The county has already enlisted the management of Toledo Mud Hens to operate the arena and bring in an arena football team which they will manage as they do with the Mud Hens. The hockey issue is still being determined to whether bring the Storms over or start a new one in a higher league which will also be managed by the Mud Hens management. The county officials wants to have an all-year round events at the arena with overflow into the Seagate Convention Centre.

They are going to be at location #1 for sure as they've already have oversight committees on construction and design collaborating since a few months ago. The county has already enlisted the management of Toledo Mud Hens to operate the arena and bring in an arena football team which they will manage as they do with the Mud Hens. The hockey issue is still being determined to whether bring the Storms over or start a new one in a higher league which will also be managed by the Mud Hens management. The county officials wants to have an all-year round events at the arena with overflow into the Seagate Convention Centre.[/QUOTE]


Thanks for the info. I'm glad there is someone like yourself in Toledo that I can turn to on these issues. I just hope you don't mind me asking. I'll learn as I live.

I do, however, have one question regarding the sports scene. What type of support does the Storm get around here? Could you envision them prospering in a higher level league(AHL)? Would the locals support it?

I used to attend San Diego Gulls games with my wife. We would go every Saturday night the team was in town. The games would draw roughly 12,000. But they're no longer a team. It was ownership issues. Plus the team couldn't draw during the week to save themselves. Now that's a big city playing in a smaller league. Granted San Diego isn't exactly a hockey town. But I'm afraid that the support wouldn't be there for Toledo at the next level.

Are my fears realistic? Or I am creating something out of nothing?

The storm used to get great support.... Especially from the east side....But i think now with the combination of bridge construction projects and with this aging arena people are tired of going to the games.... I have pledged not to go to anymore games at TSA unless I get the tickets for free. We should have built this arena 2 years ago. At first i wanted it on the east side. Now i realize it will do more for downtown than it will on the east side. And screw perrysburg takin OI and the damn Bass Pro i was supposed to get in the marina district only a few mins from my house.

Anyhow....... Whose ready for the Walleye run??? I know i'll be out with the die hards at 6 am the first day the water temp is right....... and only about 4 weeks till im back on South Bass workin the DeRivera Park B dock!!! come out n see us!!!!

What's the Walleye run?

Any artists renderings of the outside of the arena? Or have they not gotten that far yet?

They will be tearing down the Bijou Theatre, Subway building, The Golden Lily Restaurant, Frogtown Alley, abundance of surface parking lots, and the storefront buildings along Huron Street in between Madison and Jefferson as you can see on the map.

This really disturbs me. Bijou is one of the best live music venues in Ohio, period. Losing that will really piss off a lot of young people in the metro.

The storefront buildings on Huron don't need to come down either. There should be enough room between Frogtown Alley and the National City garage to put a 10,000 seat arena without tearing down more than just the Bijou, Subway, and Golden Lily.:ohno:

I persoally prefer the vacant lot of the former Federal Building along Summit Street (location #3 on the map you posted). It'd require NO TEARDOWNS.

Whats the walleye run? If your not into fishing you wont care... But every year from the begining of march till mid/late april, northwest ohio and mainly the maumee river attracts thousands of anglers from around the country even world to fish the annual walleye run (spawn)... People like myself get in our waders and stand in the freezing cold river and try or luck at catchin big walleye or pickerel as some people call it.... Generates lots of money for the area

Whats the walleye run? If your not into fishing you wont care... But every year from the begining of march till mid/late april, northwest ohio and mainly the maumee river attracts thousands of anglers from around the country even world to fish the annual walleye run (spawn)... People like myself get in our waders and stand in the freezing cold river and try or luck at catchin big walleye or pickerel as some people call it.... Generates lots of money for the area


Thanks. I definitely would have never known about that. I'm a runner and I was hoping that it was an actual race. Thought maybe it was something that I didn't already know was scheduled. Any Toledo residents on here part of the Toledo Roadrunners?

The storm used to get great support.... Especially from the east side....But i think now with the combination of bridge construction projects and with this aging arena people are tired of going to the games.... I have pledged not to go to anymore games at TSA unless I get the tickets for free. We should have built this arena 2 years ago. At first i wanted it on the east side. Now i realize it will do more for downtown than it will on the east side. And screw perrysburg takin OI and the damn Bass Pro i was supposed to get in the marina district only a few mins from my house.

Anyhow....... Whose ready for the Walleye run??? I know i'll be out with the die hards at 6 am the first day the water temp is right....... and only about 4 weeks till im back on South Bass workin the DeRivera Park B dock!!! come out n see us!!!!

I second what Mudhen419 is stating about the Toledo Storm hockey team. They currently average 5000 attendance per game despite of the closure of the MLK Bridge due to construction.

Walleye Run is very, very popular here in this Toledo region. You will see litter of people in the Maumee River fishing all weekend.

Any artists renderings of the outside of the arena? Or have they not gotten that far yet?

No renderings as been revealed as of yet because the design committee are still working with the architecture to come up with the "look". From reliable sources, there will be plenty of glass for this arena to signify the reputation of this region.

They will be tearing down the Bijou Theatre, Subway building, The Golden Lily Restaurant, Frogtown Alley, abundance of surface parking lots, and the storefront buildings along Huron Street in between Madison and Jefferson as you can see on the map.

This really disturbs me. Bijou is one of the best live music venues in Ohio, period. Losing that will really piss off a lot of young people in the metro.

The storefront buildings on Huron don't need to come down either. There should be enough room between Frogtown Alley and the National City garage to put a 10,000 seat arena without tearing down more than just the Bijou, Subway, and Golden Lily.:ohno:

I persoally prefer the vacant lot of the former Federal Building along Summit Street (location #3 on the map you posted). It'd require NO TEARDOWNS.


Pilliod, the retail space will be the portion of the arena similar to the Fifth Third Field concept along with a transit center since they are receiving transit federal dollars to pay the portion of the construction. Subway and Golden Lily will be relocating somewhere in the downtown area; however, I like to see Golden Lily somewhere along Monroe Street in between Erie and 10th Streets and for Subway they should be located in the vacant space along Adams Street in between Erie and Huron. The club scene have moved on to Pearl Club and Coyote Joe on the ground floor of the Commodore Perry. Also a new club will be opening in the spring called Club Liquid (I think that's the new name) in the former Club Emporium on Huron Street. I agree with your preference on #3 location because it will be on the former Federal Building land and Promenade Park and I think it is perfect because the arena could be "all or mostly" glass to have the view of the river and the downtown skyline.

I went downtown and looked at the Commodor Perry apts and really like them. While I was there I took this picture since it was a nice sunny day.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l202/nickw311/DSCN0042.jpg

I wish I would have taken more but it was cold and windy out.

I went downtown and looked at the Commodor Perry apts and really like them. While I was there I took this picture since it was a nice sunny day.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l202/nickw311/DSCN0042.jpg

I wish I would have taken more but it was cold and windy out.

That's a great picture! I'll be down there in the next couple of months taking plenty of pictures myself.

Pilliod, the retail space will be the portion of the arena similar to the Fifth Third Field concept along with a transit center since they are receiving transit federal dollars to pay the portion of the construction.

So are they tearing down the buildings on Huron or not?

There seems to be enough space between Frogtown Alley and the Port Lawrence Parking Garage to avoid any teardowns except for Bijou, Golden Lily, and Subway. I honestly don't think anything more has to come down.

If it's supposed to be like Fifth Third Field, that would mean the Huron buildings would be saved, correct?

If they do that, that could be quite interesting. My personal preference for the design of the place is to make it look like an old warehouse, not a glass box. A lot of the best arenas of yesteryear didin't look like arenas from the outside. Something like Maple Leafs Garden would be very cool.

I do, however, have one question regarding the sports scene. What type of support does the Storm get around here? Could you envision them prospering in a higher level league(AHL)? Would the locals support it?

When I was young, the Storm was very popular and I think they used to Triple-A before the hockey restructuring. Today, attendence has gone down (still average for Double-A hockey though) for two obvious reasons:

A. MLK Bridge construction
B. the current arena is a total shithole

The Toledo Sports Arena and its surface parking lot are a waste of valuable riverfront real estate. Luckily, that will all be remedied by the Marina District project.

I think with a new arena downtown, Toledo could easily support Triple-A hockey. The market is large enough. Toledo has a DMA of 820,000 people and a consumer market of 1.2 million. On top of that, hockey is very popular in the Toledo area. The whole Northwest Ohio, Southeast Michigan, and Southwest Ontario region is hockey rabid.

I saw something on WTOL tonight about how a building down town is for sale but I didn't catch the whole story. Is there any information available on the internet? I searched the WTOL site and the Toledo Blade but didn't find anything.

Pilliod, the retail space will be the portion of the arena similar to the Fifth Third Field concept along with a transit center since they are receiving transit federal dollars to pay the portion of the construction.

So are they tearing down the buildings on Huron or not?

There seems to be enough space between Frogtown Alley and the Port Lawrence Parking Garage to avoid any teardowns except for Bijou, Golden Lily, and Subway. I honestly don't think anything more has to come down.

If it's supposed to be like Fifth Third Field, that would mean the Huron buildings would be saved, correct?


I believe the current structures of the Huron Street will be torn down; however, they will incorporate the new street-level retail spaces in the arena infrastructure. This is what I know as of now from what I've gathered from the designing side but it could go the other way by saving the Huron structures. Hopefully we will see the final plans within a couple of months if not sooner.

I saw something on WTOL tonight about how a building down town is for sale but I didn't catch the whole story. Is there any information available on the internet? I searched the WTOL site and the Toledo Blade but didn't find anything.

Which building downtown? I don't usually watch the news on the weekends and their internet updates are poor on the weekends as well. Let me know what it's about if you get a chance.

I'm assuming the sale of the Fiberglass Tower?

I dont think it was the fiberglass tower but it could have been. I will try to find out more information.

I was watchin' U of Toledo play at my campus (LA Tech). That was random, but midwest teams are so much better than southern teams!

Toledo won the MAC West this year so their basketball team is doing very well. Hopefully they keep it up.

Their football team this year wasn't so great but hopefully next year will be better. They got a highly recruited incoming freshman that has potential.

Does anyone know about the LaSalle Apartments? Are they rent controlled? The building looks nice and the rent prices are affordable but I don't qualify for the subsidized housing.

I was watchin' U of Toledo play at my campus (LA Tech). That was random, but midwest teams are so much better than southern teams!

GOOOOOOO ROCKETS! They won the MAC division first time in 23 years--a sweet way to end the long-dry drought.

Does anyone know about the LaSalle Apartments? Are they rent controlled? The building looks nice and the rent prices are affordable but I don't qualify for the subsidized housing.

LaSalle is market-rate apartments. They have a good reputation and it's a gorgeous place to live. I saw a sign indicating they still have some vacancies as of right now when I went by this morning after getting my coffee.

anyonw been by the marina district lately? today i saw some kinda of new power line tower... not sure what it is but i know it wasnt there a few days before.... And since u guys are talkin Rocket basketball...... When is the renovation on savage hall supposed to start?

anyonw been by the marina district lately? today i saw some kinda of new power line tower... not sure what it is but i know it wasnt there a few days before.... And since u guys are talkin Rocket basketball...... When is the renovation on savage hall supposed to start?

I was over there last weekend, the new power line is to replace the monstrous, rusty, ugly power lines that runs in the middle of the Marina District from Oregon over the river to downtown. With this new line, it will be running along side of Front Street and other lines will be underground to achieve the "ambience" of the new development.

Here is the link to the story about the Savage Hall redevelopment and a virtual fly-through video on the "new-look, expanded" Savage Hall: http://utrockets.cstv.com/genrel/071706aaa.html

I believe they are going through the bidding process of who will be doing the construction. As far as the day they begin construction, I'm assuming anytime during the non-basketball season.

Cool story and very interesting concept in ways to "infill" the urban life of a typical midwestern city. There is a very strong arts community here in Toledo which has been displayed in previous posts of this thread.

Collingwood Arts Center:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/CollingwoodArtsCenter.jpg

I'm all for an expansion of any type of icon within the community if it focuses on redevelopment or enhancement for the long-term. Central Catholic High School sits on the north side of the St. Vincent Mercy Medical Campus along Cherry Street and it's a beautiful school. I look forward in the expansion to help improve the surrounding neighborhoods and businesses.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/55d99d09.jpg

^the parking lots are certainly a bad thing.

^the parking lots are certainly a bad thing.

If they are expanding the school building, expanding the football stadim and adding on more athlectic fields--you would assume they are going to need to expand parking lot to accomodate. The proposed parking lot will be next to the brand new Heart Unit of St. V's Mercy Hospital where they will be tearing down 4-5 old houses and a vacant Rite Aid store since it moved up the street few years back.

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

Wyndham Hotel is getting a face-lift
WTVG_ March 11, 2007 - The Wyndham Hotel in downtown Toledo is about to go under an extensive face-lift.

The Wyndham Hotel in downtown Toledo is about to undergo an extensive face-lift. As of last Tuesday, they are calling themselves Toledo Riverfront Hotel, but that will eventually change too.
A Los Angeles based developer named Andy Kim bought the property and will fund a year long renovation of the former Wyndham Hotel and by December, his management company hopes to officially become a Crowne Plaza Hotel. Crowne Plaza is a high end franchise owned by the Intercontinental Hotel Group and has locations world wide.

Changes at the hotel include renovating all the rooms, adding flat screen televisions, building coffee kiosks and redoing the hotel lobby. In addition, the hotel will feature a 19 thousand square foot meeting and banquet room, an 11 thousand square foot ballroom, and a brand new restaurant and lounge area. The renovation is also expected to give a boost to some local businesses. Right now, the hotel's management company says the plan is to increase the number of staff at the hotel and to add anywhere from 20 to 40 new jobs.

Wyndham Hotel is getting a face-lift
WTVG_ March 11, 2007 - The Wyndham Hotel in downtown Toledo is about to go under an extensive face-lift.

The Wyndham Hotel in downtown Toledo is about to undergo an extensive face-lift. As of last Tuesday, they are calling themselves Toledo Riverfront Hotel, but that will eventually change too.
A Los Angeles based developer named Andy Kim bought the property and will fund a year long renovation of the former Wyndham Hotel and by December, his management company hopes to officially become a Crowne Plaza Hotel. Crowne Plaza is a high end franchise owned by the Intercontinental Hotel Group and has locations world wide.

Changes at the hotel include renovating all the rooms, adding flat screen televisions, building coffee kiosks and redoing the hotel lobby. In addition, the hotel will feature a 19 thousand square foot meeting and banquet room, an 11 thousand square foot ballroom, and a brand new restaurant and lounge area. The renovation is also expected to give a boost to some local businesses. Right now, the hotel's management company says the plan is to increase the number of staff at the hotel and to add anywhere from 20 to 40 new jobs.



Here is the The Blade's version of the story in regards to the Wyndham Hotel redevelopment project:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/WyndhamHotel.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/CrownePlazaLogo3-15-2007.jpg

As the Shops at Fallen Timbers moves on......more retails sign on to make its debut this fall. If you ask me, I could care less for an "open-air" mall because I do not want to shop in rain or snow, but again, it's just me.

The only thing that interests me with Fallen Timbers is if there will be an Apple Store there. Apple has a store in the new Open Air mall in Columbus, and it would be nice if we could get an official Apple Store here in Toledo.

The only thing that interests me with Fallen Timbers is if there will be an Apple Store there. Apple has a store in the new Open Air mall in Columbus, and it would be nice if we could get an official Apple Store here in Toledo.

An official Apple Store would be great but I am surprised they didn't open one up at the Westfield Franklin Park Mall since that's where the money is.