Toledo Development News

[Bonjourtoledo]

To start off the Toledo area development news:

O-I Topic:
Toledo's loss is Perrysburg's gain. Just months after announcing it would leave Toledo, Fortune 500 Owens-Illinois company broke ground Friday (7-29-05) on its new corporate headquarters at the Levis Development Park in Perrysburg.

Company officials turned over the ceremonial first shovels of dirt in a 10:30am event. They also showed off architect's plans for the new global headquarters of O-I. Company chairman and CEO Steve McCracken said the building will be about 100,000 square feet, with a price tag of $20 million dollars. It should take about a year to build, with construction starting August 1st.

The current location of where O-I (downtown Toledo in the leased space of the One Seagate building) and currently they occupy 8 of the 30+ floors:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/OneSeagateTower.jpg

New O-I world headquarter to be opened in fall of 2006 in Toledo's most southern suburb of Perrysburg--they wanted to be located on their own property with a campus-style offices and to be close to the researchers that currently work in other buildings--they were going to move out of the area to relocate their world headquarter in Paris, France or Miami, Florida, but it came down to this as they felt it was extremely important to stay in the Toledo region:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/OIchannel11.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/newOIheadquarter.jpg


Town Center at Levis Commons Topic:
J. Preston Levis Commons is a distinctly unique, top quality master planned community built on almost 400 acres in northern Wood County, Ohio . All facets of living and working, including 600,000 square feet of prime retail, entertainment and restaurants, 600,000 square feet of Class A office and over 800 residential units, create the most exciting development in Northwest Ohio in decades.

Built at two main arteries, I-75 and I-475, with over 88,000 vehicles passing per day, the look and feel of the development drives an uncompromised ambiance of understated elegance. The innovative mix of marble, limestone, brick and stucco were chosen to exude warmth and reinforce the welcoming feeling Levis Commons extends. Wide, airy sidewalks and roadways are meticulously landscaped, offering easy access to parking and walking, while pavers compliment the colors and textures of the buildings. Celebrating form and function from Paris, Singapore, Buenos Aires, Milan, Baden Baden and more, Levis Commons meets strict architectural standards established by an architectural review committee. Live. Work. Shop. Dine. Play. - at J. Preston Levis Commons.
This $200-million "Upscale Open-air and lifestyle" mall opened up earlier this past October in Toledo's suburb of Perrysburg with a mixture of retail, residential, commercial developments:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/LevisCommonsmap.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/LevisAerial.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Levis2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/NIghtatLevis.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Levis3.jpg

Shops at Fallen Timbers Topic:
The Shops at Fallen Timbers is designed to become an architecturally appealing one million square foot open-air lifestyle center. The striking streetscape design will become a showcase for upscale retailers. The detailed store fronts and freestanding retail will have the characteristics of a quaint, old-style Midwest main street. The 110-acre lifestyle center is designed to feature two department stores, large book store, 16-screen theater, and a village of distinct shops, and restaurants overlooking a feature lake. The Shops at Fallen Timbers is part of a 350-acre mixed use development that will also include additional retail, an office park and single family residential. This project will be headed by General Growth Properties being built in Toledo's southwestern suburb of Maumee. Barnes & Noble, Dillard's, Marshall Fields are being noted to be part of the project and it's slated to be opened by fall of 2007. Here are some pictures of the proposed development:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/FallenTimbers.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/fallen1.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

This is the Water Street Steam Plant development plans:

Proposed residential/retail conversion in the old steam plant; Developers David Ball and Jim Jackson have been tapped by Toledo to undertake a $20 million conversion of the former steam plant on the downtown side of the Maumee River. The renovated facility would house 111 upscale apartments and condominiums. Planned changes and additions are reflected in the above rendering:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/steamplant.jpg
Pictures of the current steam plant:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/downtown2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/WaterStreetSteamPlant2.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

Toledo Hospital which is located in between University of Toledo main campus and downtown--they are undergoing a $120 million expansion and renovations of their campus. This the largest hospital in the region of SE Michigan and NW Ohio. It's amazing that they changed their minds at the last minute because they were planning to leave the city by closing this hospital and move their entire campus to a surburb called Maumee:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ToledoHospSign.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ToledoHosp.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ToledoHospTowers.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

This is the vacant Acme Plant that was closed down in the early 1980s--right now this property is going to be transformed into an area called "The Marina District" which consists of Ferry terminal, marina docks, residential, retails, and greenspace. This is located on the east bank of the Maumee River across from downtown. There was numerous of brownfield sites, industrials (will be re-located to north Toledo), and warehouses. It's taken the last four years to get this cleaned up because it's so costly. The Acme Plant would be either converted into a new arena or loft living spaces (has not been decided yet--more people want the new arena on the downtown side by the new 5/3 Field. This entire investment will be over $100 million into this project:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/AcmePowerPlant.jpg


This is the skyline direct view from myself standing on the proposed Marina District which is on the east bank of the river:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Skyline2.jpg

This is "The Docks" that is adjacent to the proposed Marina District--The Docks has multiple restaurants, bars, clubs, boating docks, beach volleyball, and fishing area with the view of the entire downtown skyline. This is one of the most successful development in Toledo today and hope to continue expanding the success and take an advantage of the Maumee River:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Docks.jpg

Shipping is one of the major industries in Toledo--what you see here is ships in the Maumee River heading south to the grain elevators with the Anthony Wayne Bridge in the background:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Ships.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

I took the picture from Cherry Street bridge going from downtown to East Toledo--this is the picture of the new Maumee River Crossing Skyway Bridge which is the I-280 freeway. This bridge project started back in 2002 and expected to be completed late 2006 or early 2007. The current freeway bridge has a drawbridge which is heavily used because of the ship liners that goes through Toledo and it creates problems for the freeway traffic. This bridge project cost nearly $300 million and the centerpiece of the bridge with cable will illuminate at night with rainbow colors:

The new I-280 Bridge slated to be completed in late 2006:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/bridge3_lg.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/bridge_pic_wide.gif
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/NewBridge.gif
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/4e_drawing.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/280.jpg

The current 1950s built I-280 Bridge:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/CraigBridge.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

This project is slated to open in late summer of 2006 which is across the street from the Toledo Museum of Art. I've enclosed pictures of the architecture, photos, and surrounding area of the pavilion which is located west of the downtown area. Down at the bottom of this thread talks about the details of the Glass Pavilion. Toledo is also known as the Glass City of the World.

This is the rendering of the Glass Pavilion once it's completed:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Glass_Center.jpg

Glass Architecture Will House Glass Art

The Toledo Museum's Glass Pavilion will be an Architectural Masterpiece

Housing one of the world's finest international glass collections, the new Glass Pavilion at the Toledo Museum of Art will be an international marvel of its own. The implementation of a new process in glass design and fabrication, the expertise of an internationally recognized architectural firm and a postmodern design built on the belief of social transparency make the building an architectural and social masterwork.

Handpicked by a search committee led by architectural and art historians, community leaders and curatorial staff in 2000, SANAA, Ltd. was awarded the design for the glass center, which will house more than 5,000 pieces of glass from ancient to contemporary times. The Glass Pavilion was the first U.S. commission for SANAA, based in Tokyo, Japan; however, since that time, they have been selected to design the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York. Kazuyo Sejima, one of the premiere women in the international architectural arena, is the lead architect on the project.

At 15 feet tall and 76,000 square feet, Toledo Museum's Glass Pavilion combines the most advanced structural, material, environmental and aesthetic knowledge to create an elegant building that could not have been realized a generation ago. The one-story structure with basement will contain a glassmaking facility consisting of two hot shops as well as studios for lampworking, casting, molding, flat and cold-working techniques. The Pavilion also will include support spaces for loading, storage, administration, conservation and photography along with a multipurpose room for both lectures and seated dinners.

Emphasizing the building's ultimate function, glass will be used in innovative ways architecturally. Curved glass walls will divide the various spaces in the building while creating connections between spaces in a new and unique way. Exterior and interior glass walls are made of two panes laminated together for extreme durability. Although some will be larger, most of the glass wall panels will be eight feet wide and 13 feet, six inches high.

The glass is made by the Pilkington Glass Company and shipped to China for the fabrication process. During this procedure, the raw glass is shaped into the exact sizes needed for the construction of the Glass Pavilion. Since there are no right-angled corners on the exterior of the first floor of the building, much of the glass has to be rounded to fit the corner areas, and other pieces need to be shaped to fit specific spaces. The finished glass will be shipped to Toledo for installation in the Glass Pavilion.
The Glass Pavilion's primary purpose is to provide an in-depth examination of the creative process by presenting the Museum's glass collection within the context of all the visual arts. Within the Pavilion, artists and patrons will explore the creative process of glassmaking through the interpretation of the Museum's collection and by emphasizing the relationship between the art created there and the masterpieces in the collection. Some museums focus on the history of glass, and a few others contextualize works in this media by integrating them within the history of art. The Glass Pavilion will be unique in featuring the close physical relationship between its glass collection, related works in other media, and its glassmaking facilities.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Toledo Sports Arena was built in 1948 with 5200 seating and still being USED as of today. The arena hosts many national events and the ECHL Toledo Storm hockey team (farm team for the Detroit Red Wings NHL hockey team)which is very popular in this area. Right now it's being proposed to replace this aging facility with a 12,000+ seating arena in the downtown area:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/SportsArena.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Arena2.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Michi]

Thought I would include some pics of the new Glass City Skyway I found on its website. I LOVE this bridge!

http://www.lookuptoledo.org/uploadimages/p4/05-01-28%20Ramp%20Truss%20Ontario.JPG
Ramp A, Greenbelt Parkway to southbound I-280, is progressing with thirteen spans complete.

http://www.lookuptoledo.org/uploadimages/p4/493%20Ramp%20D%20and%20truss.jpg
Ramp D, northbound I-280 to the Greenbelt Parkway, is underway. Ramp D is the last of four ramps to be completed on the project.

http://www.lookuptoledo.org/uploadimages/p4/493%20pylon%206.jpg

http://www.lookuptoledo.org/uploadimages/p4/493%20travelor%20with%20segment.jpg
All 3,045 segments have been cast, including all 42 delta frames.

http://www.lookuptoledo.org/uploadimages/p4/493%20pier%20work%20north%20end.jpg
All 181 piers are now complete.

http://www.lookuptoledo.org/uploadimages/p4/493%20pier%20segments,%20ramp%20Y,%20pylon%202.jpg
Looking north on I-280 at the erected pier segments.

http://www.lookuptoledo.org/uploadimages/p4/493%20looking%20north%20from%20truss%202.jpg
Looking north on I-280 from the main span approaches.

http://www.lookuptoledo.org/uploadimages/p4/493%20erected%20pier%20segment.jpg
Pier segments are being erected south of the Maumee River.

http://www.lookuptoledo.org/uploadimages/p4/Tpier1.jpg
The Integral T-Piers have a unique design due to their location.

http://www.lookuptoledo.org/uploadimages/p4/Tpier2.jpg
The first of five Integral T-Piers in progress.

[the pope]

but no, 280 is closed now! (well not all of it)

anywho,

bonjour, are you a member of urbanohio.com yet?

[Bonjourtoledo]

but no, 280 is closed now! (well not all of it)

anywho,

bonjour, are you a member of urbanohio.com yet?

I think I-280 should've been closed as soon as the construction began due to the magnitude of the project.

I am not a member of urbanohio.com

[Bonjourtoledo]

Michi--thanks for the great pictures of the I-280 Bridge construction. It will be surreal once it's completed because many folks here thinks this will redefine the skyline of Toledo.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

This is the Bartley Lofts development which is 7-story lofts priced in between $180,000-350K. Right now about half of the units has been sold-mostly the unit with the full view of downtown has been snapped up quickly. This building is 2 blocks from the 5/3 Field which host baseball games of the Toledo Mud Hens since 2002. The first move-in for residents is slated later this fall and the development team is still renovating and retrofitting the building over period of time.

Pre-construction of the Bartley Lofts:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/westsidebartleylofts1.jpg

View of Washington Street going eastward:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/viewofbartley-washingtonst2.jpg

View from the rooftop of the Bartley Lofts looking northward:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/viewfromroof-north1.jpg

Architecture drawing of the completed Bartley Lofts:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/BartlyLofts2.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Big development news for this week in west Toledo was the re-construction of the Westgate Shopping Center to accommodate Costco and other stores to co-exsist with the other remaining stores. This shopping center is a popular area since it's close to the affluent neighborhoods and the university. The Westfield Franklin Park Mall just re-opened the newly expanded wing and new stores with over $120 million investment is about a mile north of Westgate so the ripple effect of redevelopment in this area is happening. Down below is a good article describing the center's history and plans to redevelop.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/0825westgate4.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/0825westgate3.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/0825westgate2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/0825westgate1.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

Here is the drawing of the finalized $160+ million Marina District project that is underway starting this coming spring. Be aware this article is very politically challenged due to the fact the incumbent mayor is running for re-election this November against a 2-term (1994-2001) former mayor which makes this race lively.

Proposed Amphitheatre:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/101205marinaamphitheater.jpg

Marina Apartments:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/101205marinaapts.jpg

Marina Boat Slips:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/101205marinaboatslips.jpg

Marina Ferry Terminal:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/101205marinaterminal.jpg

Marina Town Shops (Retail):
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/101205marinatownshops.jpg

Marina Town Square with mixture of market-rate homes & retail space:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/101205marinatownsquare.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bond James Bond]

Great job of keeping us updated on what's going on in Toledo! Nice to see that it's got a fair amount of stuff going on.

Shouldn't this thread be stickied?

[marek bielski]

that is one amazing bridge that Toledo is getting and great photos of its consruction as well

[Bonjourtoledo]

Toledo Hospital which is located in between University of Toledo main campus and downtown--they are undergoing a $120 million expansion and renovations of their campus. This the largest hospital in the region of SE Michigan and NW Ohio. It's amazing that they changed their minds at the last minute because they were planning to leave the city by closing this hospital and move their entire campus to a surburb called Maumee:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ToledoHospSign.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ToledoHosp.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ToledoHospTowers.jpg


I went to take pictures of the most recent construction project of the Toledo Hospital Campus right before going to work on a fall morning and you can see this huge crane from all around the city. This crane is to construct the 8-story hospital:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/700589e6.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/0190f1d8.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/a984ae70.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/f400d429.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

Despite of the mayoral race--both the current mayor and candidate mayor they support the redevelopment of the Southwyck Mall which is located in the southwest corner of Toledo. This mall was a very popular 1970-80s mall before the onslaught of big box stores. Here is an article and some pictures of the redevelopment of Southwyck which will become an open-air mixed residential and commercial mall. This project is being done by Larry Dillin who opened an open-air mall called Town Center at Levis Commons in our southern suburb Perrysburg.

This is the current aerial shot of the Southwyck Mall:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/1104_Southwyck4.jpg

Proposed Southwyck Mall:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/1104_Southwyck3.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/1104_Southwyck2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/1104_Southwyck1.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

Here is the updated pictures showing the progress of the construction at St. Vincent's Mercy Hospital:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/PB050062.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/StV2.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

This is the Bartley Lofts development which is 7-story lofts priced in between $180,000-350K. Right now about half of the units has been sold-mostly the unit with the full view of downtown has been snapped up quickly. This building is 2 blocks from the 5/3 Field which host baseball games of the Toledo Mud Hens since 2002. The first move-in for residents is slated later this fall and the development team is still renovating and retrofitting the building over period of time.

Pre-construction of the Bartley Lofts:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/westsidebartleylofts1.jpg

View of Washington Street going eastward:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/viewofbartley-washingtonst2.jpg

View from the rooftop of the Bartley Lofts looking northward:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/viewfromroof-north1.jpg

Architecture drawing of the completed Bartley Lofts:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/BartlyLofts2.jpg

Here are some new pictures of the update of the Bartley Lofts and the units are selling well with over 60% being sold:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Bartley112005.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Bartley1122005.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Bartley1132005.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Southside.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Southside2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/DicksSports.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Champps.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Border.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

Here is a great picture of this Triangle building upclose:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/TriangleBldg112005.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

Here are some pictures around the Warehouse District that surrounds the Fifth Third Field (opened in 2002) where the Mud Hens baseball play and some news in regards to more developments. Warehouse District is the southern side of the downtown area and this coming winter I will be moving there as we purchased a new home at the River West Townhomes. We fell in love with the place with the view and amentities:

Berdan Building Pictures and Development Article:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Berdan.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Berdan2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Berdan3.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Berdan4.jpg

Picture of the Huron Lofts which opened up few years ago--it's a block north of the Erie Street Market and Farmer's Market:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/HuronLofts.jpg

This building used to be an antique store which they moved to another building in downtown and this was rehab to house the expanded Paula Brown Shops which consists of kitchen supplies, bathroom/linen supplies, home accessories, clothing/shoes stores, salon, and art gallery. North of this building on the same block they have full occupancy of other existing stores so this shows downtown retail is doing good:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/PaulaBrown.jpg

St. Clair Street Shops was rehabbed and renovated couple of years ago about the same time as the new ball stadium opened up. It now has restaurants, salons, ice cream store, grocery store, hardware store, coffeehouse, and offices. This is one block north of where is going to be my new home:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/StClairShops.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/StClairShops2.jpg

Swan Creek Candle just opened up this past spring and the famous Tony Packo's is opening a second full-service restaurant which is right across from the stadium by next spring before the 2006 baseball season starts. Tony Packo's has an original restaurant on the east side of the river--they have great Hungarian cuisine and ambience to their establishment:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/SwanCreekCandle.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/TonyPackos112005.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/TonyPackos1122005.jpg

Here is our new home as we move in later this year. Our home unit is the last of the second phase of this project and will be ready for us to move in by then. River West Townhomes is a multiple 4-floor townhomes with rooftop penthouse with full-deck selling in between $200-$275K each and there's about 50 units. Right now they sold over 70% of the units overall with first and second phase. The River West developers began construction for the first time in fall of 2002 whereas the first phase completed in spring of 2004 and the entire first phase of the units are now completely sold. This is located right in the heart of the Warehouse District which is in walking distance of the stadium, river, shops, restaurants, markets, and many other amenities. This place is so gorgeous as we toured the place first time around this past summer we knew we wanted to buy a place to call home:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/RiverWest4.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/RiverWest3.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/RiverWest2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/RiverWest.jpg

[illmatic774]

wow! when i lived in toledo until about 7 months ago, there were holes through those bartley lofts (of course it wasnt the Bartley Lofts back then).

I never would think that they'd be livable.

The area still needs a face lift though.

[Bonjourtoledo]

wow! when i lived in toledo until about 7 months ago, there were holes through those bartley lofts (of course it wasnt the Bartley Lofts back then).

I never would think that they'd be livable.

The area still needs a face lift though.

Once the Marina District is completed, the new sports arena, and population influx into the downtown area--things will shape up with small businesses opening up, older buildings being rehabbed for mixed-zoning use, and new jobs will be created.

[StevenW]

very nice. :)
Any really tall proposals in the works? :?

[Bonjourtoledo]

very nice. :)
Any really tall proposals in the works? :?

Not at this time--but I certainly would love to have a new tall building to be built in Toledo. Right now the city is focusing on new arena, population increase in downtown, high-tech jobs, developments along the river, and repairing/replacing costly infrastructures (bridges, major corridors, etc.). I'm sure once all these projects being underway something such as a tall building(s) will come into reality.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[marek bielski]

^^ got any pics of the bridge construction?

[Bonjourtoledo]

^^^ I have this posted on the very first page of this thread down half-way and you can see that I re-posted it at the bottom of this post. I also posted new pictures from the construction webcam that shows the progress of the construction project.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/mrc-I280-MainBridge.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/280TFDSouthApproach.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/280rivSouthView3.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/280rivSouthView2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/280rivSouthView1.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Here are some pictures of the O-I world headquarters construction I took on 11-12-2005:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/OI11-12-20053.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/OI11-12-20052.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/OI11-12-2005.jpg

This is an artist's drawing of the completed headquarters:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/newOIheadquarter.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/OIchannel11.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

Here are some pictures I took of the Maumee River Crossings bridge project on 11-12-2005:

These shots was just north of the downtown area on the west bank of the Maumee River:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Bridge11-12-20056.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Bridge11-12-20055.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Bridge11-12-20054.jpg

This shot shows that I'm driving onto the old ramp going to the freeway/bridge which will show you the main pillar of the new bridge:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Bridge11-12-20053.jpg

This shot shows you one of the many new bridges in part of this whole project and from where I shot is where I'm driving on the old bridge which you can tell how high the new bridge is:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Bridge11-12-20052.jpg

I took this while driving southbound on the old bridge of I-280 which you can see the new bridge right above me:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Bridge11-12-2005.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

These are the current pictures of the Southwyck Mall that I took on 11-12-2005, this mall opened in the early 70s and was very popular from 1970s to the early 90s until the big box stores took the reigns of the shopping war:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/3881a012.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/a38ac5a9.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/73d75432.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/51551c9e.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/252deaf0.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/63ea8d6e.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

Here are some current pictures of the Town Center at Levis Commons development which I took on 11-12-2005; you can see the magnitude of retail and residential development that is being built in Toledo's southern suburb of Perrysburg. You can see previous posts about this development in regards to the developmental process:

Northern side of the development is the Showcase Cinema:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/MovieTheatre.jpg

The retail and restaurants' "Main Street" development:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Biaggis.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Arhaus.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/LevisCommons.jpg

Residential development on the south side of the "Main Street" of Levis Commons which consists of homes, condominiums, and apartments:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/LevisSigns.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/LevisHomes.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/LevisHomes2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/LevisHomes3.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/LevisHomes4.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/LevisHomes5.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

Here are some pictures and an article in regarding to the $3-million refurbished Maumee Indoor Theatre that was completed and opened in May of 2004. I love this theater and I've got to give props to the Maumee community for polishing this jewel. Maumee is a suburb right along the southside of Toledo's city limit.

I took these shots on 11-12-2005:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Theatre11-12-20052.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Theatre11-12-2005.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

I took this bonus shot for this thread on 11-12-2005 right off the I-75 freeway ramp as it turns right into the downtown. The fall weather was crisp and sunny as the skyline looks great from the south view:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/131b2fbd.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

The city bought the Sports Arena infrastructure and property to put together the Marina District development. The Sports Arena was built in 1947 and it's long overdue for a brand-new one to be built for Toledo which is underway for planning:

Picture of the arena with credit to the urban ohio website:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ToledoEast47.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

I like to give credit to the Urban Ohio folks who shares their love and interest to all Ohioan cities on their website with pictures and topics. These great pictures are from Urban Ohio that is worth sharing:

Looking north of downtown:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/lookingnorthwest0zn.jpg

Looking east of downtown:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/lookingdowneastatcherrystreet3.jpg

Shot from the National City Bank tower:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/oiandhcrtowers0iz.jpg

Looking west of downtown:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/lookingwest9mw.jpg

Looking south of downtown:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/lookingsouth6yq.jpg

Aerial Skyline of downtown:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/aerial_lg.jpg

Riverview Skyline of downtown:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/skylinewithboats7np.jpg

Anthony Wayne Bridge:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/anthonywaynebridgespan8tz.jpg

One Seagate Tower with reflections:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/oneseagateprofile7by.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/oneseagatestar4sk.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/seagatetowerswithboat3sw.jpg

River East neighborhood "mini-East Toledo downtown":
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/rivereast7me.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

Good news for the progress of the Marina District as getting fundings for the boat slips and ferry terminal project. Right now the plans with the ferry terminal will have ferries go from Toledo to Windsor and Toledo to the Erie Islands with Port Clinton and Sandusky. I've always loved the ferry trips as it adds a lot of ambience to the Great Lakes environment. This article was in this morning's local paper:


Grant will pay for slips at proposed marina

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced a $226,500 grant to the city of Toledo to build transient boat moorage at the proposed Marina District’s public marina along the Maumee River.

The Boating Infrastructure Grant will pay for construction of 20 boat slips at the marina that will be reserved for use by boaters visiting the Marina District and the rest of downtown Toledo.

The proposed Glass City Municipal Marina will have a total of 100 boat slips, with the other 80 available for long-term rental.

The Marina District project plan includes a mix of residential and commercial development and a marine passenger terminal capable of receiving Hovercraft as well as conventional passenger vessels, such as cruise ships.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

This news caught my eyes this morning. After delays and stalling for the past 8-years--I'm kind of hoping this project is dead duck in the water. I'm against urban sprawl and against development in the outer ring of the urban areas. Infill developments and redevelopment is the key to urban growth as far as protecting the rural/agricultural/environment areas.

Here is a few pictures of the plans which I posted very early on in this thread:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/fallen1.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/FallenTimbers.jpg

Landowner files lawsuit over Fallen Timbers plan

The owner of land near the Fallen Timbers shopping center project in Maumee yesterday filed a lawsuit in Lucas County Common Pleas Court to stop a new site plan that recently was approved for the project.

Isaac Land Investments, which owns and plans to develop 310 acres next to the Fallen Timbers center, said changes in the revised site plan were unlawful and asked that the plan be reversed, set aside, or vacated.

The approval came on Oct. 24 to accept a site plan that turns Jerome Road into a cul-de-sac, removing an intersection with Russell Road. The change was designed to eliminate mall traffic on Jerome.

However, Isaac Land Investment claims the plans would hinder its ability to develop land near the project.

The lawsuit was assigned to Judge Thomas Osowik.

[Bonjourtoledo]

I took this picture of the "pillar" of the new bridge this morning 11-26-2005 and it's looking pretty tall and mighty:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/1e9aa02e.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

Update construction pictures from 11-26-2005 shoot--this was shot from the backside of the construction where the other pictures from earlier threads was the front side of the building:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/16a515c3.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/171636a8.jpg

Here is the updated pictures showing the progress of the construction at St. Vincent's Mercy Hospital:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/PB050062.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/StV2.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

I took varies of pictures around Toledo today (11-26-2005) while the Downtown Holiday Parade was happening and you can tell we had quite a bit of snow in the past couple of days around the Thanksgiving holiday. Some of these pictures are from the Vistula neighborhood which is right on the northside of the downtown, Uptown District, and Warehouse District:

Adele Funeral Home Building on Cherry Street which was built in 1937:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/1d12d101.jpg

This building in the Uptown District on Adams Street was renovated as offices filled up this beautiful building:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ba2cd387.jpg

This Ashland Avenue Baptist Church is on the end of the Uptown District heading into the Old West End neighborhood:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/818f3264.jpg

Central Catholic High School on Cherry Street:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/55d99d09.jpg

An old house that was renovated into a law firm office right on Cherry Street which is a few blocks from the Central Catholic High School:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/0edee630.jpg

A spanish-style missionary building which is the Fire Station on Erie Street that is located in the Vistula neighborhood north of downtown:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/8f2b970c.jpg

Erie Street Market (opened and renovated in late 1990s) located in the Warehouse District south of downtown--it has a Libbey Glass Outlet, a huge antique store, restaurants, and many varieties of vendors with food, wine, bakery, accessories, gifts, arts, and etc. It also has an outdoor Farmer's Market behind the main street market building; notice the Frog statue in the market lobby which the city had over 200 statues of frogs around the city (happened in the year of 2000) just like Chicago did with cows and Vancouver did with killer whales:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/b0037cb7.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/87fd3fd9.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ba1df5d4.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ad166b81.jpg

The old Hillcrest Hotel was renovated for apartments and condomimiums in 1996 and opened for residents in 1998 which I was glad this building wasn't demolished--it's located in the Uptown District:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ea0f71e8.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/d5df98b8.jpg

Pictures around the Vistula neighorhood north of the downtown area--this area is undergoing a huge gentrification of homes and buildings being restored and renovated:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/HuronStRowHouses.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/LagrangeHotel.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/LocustStCondos.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/MickeyFinns.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/SuperiorStRowHouses.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/VistulaBuilding.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/VistulaBuilding2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/VistulaGreekOrthodox.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/VistulaVictorian.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/VistulaVictorian2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/VistulaVictorian3.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/VistulaRowHouses.jpg

St. Mary's Church of the Assumption located next to the St. Vincent's Mercy Campus off of Cherry Street:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/StMaryAssumption.jpg

Catholic Diocese Regional Office--they went under a massive renovation back in 2000-01 by restoring/cleaning exterior bricks, adding an elevator, all new windows, and renovations inside--this building is located near Cherry Street:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ToledoCatholicDioceseBldg.jpg

This old building used to be "Fire-Police-Alarm" building which was used for safety services back in the 1800s to early 1900s--now it's used for Administrative offices for the police department:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Police-Fire-AlarmBldg.jpg

The building in the middle (more to the right) of the picture is the Toledo Building which was the very "first" skyscraper in Toledo built in late 1800s located on Michigan Avenue; the building is occupied with offices:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ToledoSkyscraper11-2005.jpg

These buildings along Ontario Street which is in the Warehouse District has been renovated for art gallerys, antique shops, and condos; the Willis Day building in the back is now Xerox Corporation office on the first three floors:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/WarehouseOntarioSt.jpg

[Bond James Bond]

That's some nice, quaint old stuff!

Keep us updated, looks like lots of interesting stuff going on here.

[illmatic774]

jesus christ, its damn nice to know that something good is happening uptown at the Vistula. That was once known as one of the most dangerous hoods in the midwest at a period of time.

Thats where my parents grew up, and is still where a large chunk of my family lives. Nice to see the gentrification.

Note: The Vistula was the site of the Neo-Nazi riots about a month and a half ago.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Note: The Vistula was the site of the Neo-Nazi riots about a month and a half ago.

With the "actual" site of the riot from where I took the Vistula neighborhood pictures--it was more up north near Woodward High School at Stickney and Central Avenues on the other side of the GreenBelt Parkway (1.5 miles away). Vistula tends to occupy the first 4-5 blocks all along the Maumee River going north away from downtown to the new I-280 Bridge.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

The merging of University of Toledo (20,000 students) and Medical University of Ohio (3,000 students) as one school to be named as "University of Toledo" is quite undertaking yet exciting. With the long-range plans to develop "Science Technology Corridor" which is a light-rail project connecting Owens State Community College, Bowling Green State University, MUO, UT (both Main and Scott Campus), the Toledo Hospital campus, and downtown; this project strengthens the engineering, bio-tech, and medical field industries to have connections with schools and hospitals. There's an article in this morning's paper that the Board of Regents has approved the merger which this has been the story for the past couple of months I felt it was appropriate to annouce the news until the merger was closer to reality. This merger is going to spur a lot of infill developments in between the two schools. I'll keep posting for more future planned developments as the story keeps coming.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Interesting article in another local paper in regards to the the major shopping areas of Toledo and with their pending redevelopments.

WESTGATE ON THE BRINK
As Westgate struggles, Levis Commons, Westfield surge
By Russ Zimmer
Toledo Free Press Staff Writer

Businesses in Levis Commons are reaping the holiday rewards from the exposure the open-air shopping center in Perrysburg is getting.

"This is huge. This is the future," Italian restaurant Biaggi's managing partner Jason Levy said. "People can't wait to get here."

Several managers in the center, from dining to children's clothing, all said sales have been strong this season.

Rick Clayton, general manager of Books-A-Million, said the store is preparing for the final sales push leading up to the location's first Christmas in Levis Commons.

"Traffic is great, the customers are great and the sales are excellent," Clayton said.

A good mix of retailers and strong promotion of the shopping center has brought out more people this season to Brighton Collectibles, assistant managing partner Cindy Tyson said.

The weather hasn't affected customer flow significantly,

the managers said, and the close parking to the businesses make the center that much more attractive.

On snow days, restaurants and the movie theater see increased business and, once "cabin fever" sets in, people just want to get out of the house, Levis Commons marketing director Casey Irons said.

Horse-drawn carriage rides and Santa strolling around the storefronts are events designed to make the center feel "like being inside a snow globe ornament," Irons said.

"Even with the weather, the events the center has have brought in a lot of people," Sharon Thomas, manager of Strasburg Children, said.

About 40 percent of the primary customers are coming from the Perrysburg area, Irons said, but some are noticing a different trend.

Customer traffic from Toledo shoppers is increasing,

according to Levy.

"This time of the year is like our Super Bowl," Levy said.

The area's largest mall, Westfield Franklin Park, is seeing a holiday sales surge.

"We have seen a number of new shoppers along with the new

expansion and new retailers," said Sara Young, marketing director for Westfield Corporation.

Managers of Westfield stores such as Brookstone, Ann Taylor and Build-A-Bear are reporting a strong sales season, according to Young.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Here is an article in another local paper that talks about the feelings of Costco coming to the redevelopment plans of Westgate Shopping Center that is located in West Toledo near the University of Toledo campus.

WESTGATE ON THE BRINK
Costco at Westgate: A titanic change
By Alan Cohen

"It was the night before Costco and all through the town, not a creature was stirring, not even a Carty ..."

While much of Toledo is sleeping, a giant "box" labeled Costco has been placed under our area's most traditional business tree, Westgate Village Shopping Center. It hasn't been opened yet, but once the "present" is unwrapped, there will be no returns or exchanges. Westgate is advertised as "Your Neighborhood Specialty Center," but a Costco will fast make the shopping center at Central and Secor just another crossroads.

Adored, abhorred or ignored, the invasion of stores such as Costco, Wal-Mart and Sam's Club is like living in a world shared by giants.

Why does it have to be at Westgate Plaza? People point out there are alternative vacant sites within walking distance (Showcase Cinemas, Foodtown Plaza) that would encourage an independent and giant business balance in the area.

Westgate is and has been an integral heart and soul of the surrounding residential community as well as a commercial home of dozens of independent businesses. Like the neighborhood bar on "Cheers," everybody knows your name. In the case of former 22-year tenant, Bassett's (which saw the warnings and left), they even knew your personal health.

It is not hard to compare the endangered shopping center's current state of uncertainty to the last voyage of Titanic. As the big ship Westgate and the gigantic iceberg called Costco are getting closer, shopkeepers are trying to keep a happy face during the holiday season, but everyone knows there is a collision ahead.

The lights are up at Westgate. Holiday music pours out of the sidewalk speakers. There is an air of celebration and fun.

Then, there's that big shiny package lying there. It may be too late to resist it, now that so many political kids and local media have hyped it as a "must-have" present. It whirls (higher-than-average boxstore wages), it spins (low product prices) and it relieves landlords of hassle and fatigue (one solid giant monthly rent check).

Maybe it should come with a warning label; "This product may be hazardous to small local businesses and surrounding neighborhoods."

"They heard Costco exclaim as it rode into sight, Merry Christmas to all and to Westgate ... Good night?"

[Bonjourtoledo]

I guess this paper is really focusing on the Westgate development news in all angles--here is another article:

WESTGATE ON THE BRINK
Independents deal with uncertainty
By Scott McKimmy
Toledo Free Press Staff Writer

With Toledo City Council approval of Costco Wholesale Corp.'s development plans at Westgate Village Shopping Center, independently owned businesses move closer to losing a niche to market their specialty wares.

The debate surrounds the publicity the situation has received in the media, according to Donna Cohen, co-owner of the Happy Badger. She said Westgate management claims the decline proves the need for change, but she believes it's all part of the agenda.

"The say that Westgate is dying, but I think it was murdered," she said.

Cohen and her husband plan to move their store early next year, but not by choice. The niche the plaza has provided can't be duplicated anywhere in the city.

"We really love Westgate; I've always wanted to be at Westgate" she said. "To me it's the epitome of the creative small business niche. It's just sadly ironic that of all the plazas in our whole town, it has to be Westgate."

Many tenants suggest Westgate spokespeople blame poor occupancy, but proprietors such as Jerry Johnson of The Vineyard claim otherwise. Reasons behind the center's demise fall on the management and owners' shoulders.

"[Westgate] left the impression that the retailers are abandoning the center; that's why they've had to go this way," Johnson said. "We aren't abandoning it; we're being forced out because they haven't been willing to write any leases or do anything for the last five years. So they really haven't put any money into the center to maintain it."

Liz Holland, president of Abbell Credit Corp., a Chicago firm that owns Westgate Village, confirmed the change in leases, saying both parties can terminate with a predetermined amount of notice. The policy allows flexibility while Westgate negotiates the development.

"That's both to enable us to redevelop as well as to give our tenants the opportunity to move to another location on their time frame," she said.

Holly Podzinski, owner of Red Sky Surf and Snow, said the encroachment of big-box stores with out-of-town owners leaves little room for independents. Costco's arrival marks yet another chain elbowing the small retail business owner in the ribs.

"It seems like all the independent stores in Toledo are getting pushed out by all these big-box stores so all the Toledo dollars are going somewhere else. So I'm just not real pleased about that at all," Podzinski said. "There's nothing that can be done; we just seem to be forced out."

Holland said she must consider tenants' credit history because of the size of the loans her company will make to finance the project. Westgate could accommodate every business owner meeting the credit requirements.

"Because we are going to be borrowing a great deal of money to do this project, I'm going to have a lender looking over my shoulder and making sure that every lease that I sign is with a credit-worthy tenant. Because the only way I can pay that lender is if I can collect the rent," she said.

Neil McGregor, owner of Port Royal, expressed his stance against the project because of the impact on small business. While Costco will appeal to many local shoppers, he said, small retailers will struggle.

"It's just another big box. For the people who like big boxes, that's great. It'll change the texture of retail not only at Westgate, but all of Toledo," McGregor said. "It's another indicator of the demise of independent businesses. I'd like to see more independent businesses, but that's not happening."

Westgate management met with storeowners in the plaza to make arrangements for some merchants to stay. But, according to Jerry Grindstaff, owner of Culture Clash, the inevitable increase in rent further discourages independents.

"I'm not sure that Costco is the answer, although I certainly feel that Costco is a better alternative than some," Grindstaff said. "But I think what we're finding sad here is the lack of concern for the small, independent stores. Obviously, they're going to make changes, which will create a situation that will make it less advantageous for the small, independent store."

With many owners planning relocation or already leaving, the fate of Westgate may draw bleaker for those remaining until March, when development is expected to begin. Ben Savino, owner of The Toy Store Collector's Gallery, said he anticipates departing after the holidays, mostly because of the dramatic inconvenience of packing up for about 12 to 16 months during the construction process.

"In general, the independent business man is very disappointed in the fact that for years Westgate was going to be developed with the specialty-store neighborhood community plan in mind," Savino said. "And now what Toledo is going to get is a big-box, mass-merchant store that will take a significant amount of land and space and leave very little room for the independent specialty store."

Holland said plans consist of two phases, allowing tenants to relocate temporarily to other units within the plaza while new units are under construction. No tenants will be forced out of business, she said, for longer than it takes for them to move.

Compounding the problem has been a lull in holiday sales, which has hurt the small-business owners, according to Out of Africa's Francis Nimene. He said he'll have to relocate. Another move, his fourth, after low revenues from the shopping season, will have its impact.

"Last year at this about this time, this place was booming. Because of this bad news, people are not coming here any more," Nimene said. "My neighbors had to move. That reduces the traffic. Most people who come here buy from us and buy from them. Since they moved, we have lost

50 percent of our customers."

The paramount issue for Ben Roby, sales manager for Hardware Unlimited, is whether Toledo really needs another big box. And how does it affect Toledo's economy?

"Simply and plainly, I think Toledo needs more shopping centers with small shops where people can walk around and take their time outdoors, and needs less of the box stores because you lose sight of the local economy when you do that," Roby said.

Holland countered by saying the big-box format applies to any larger retailer and should not be confused with discounters. A big box is a big box, she added, citing the former Lions Store as an example.

"And there's no question that the vacant Dillards store is a bigger box than the box we're proposing to rebuild on that site," Holland said. "Now when you look at the type of tenant that we're bringing in, we're not duplicating something else that's already in the Toledo market."

As a result, not all shop owners completely oppose the arrival of Costco. John DuVall, owner of Honey I'm Home, expects a good draw from the box-store crowd if he decides to remain. He said his main concern surrounds losing the plaza's independent flavor, which management has addressed to him.

"I'm not opposed to Costco. I would prefer if it wasn't here, but if it is then I'm hoping they're going to work with independents here to try to keep that flavor," he said. "I talked to the owners, and they said that's their goal. They want to keep some of the small businesses here as well as bring in a big, national chain that would be a big draw."

Sami Saleh, of New York Collection, emphasized the lack of information from Westgate management throughout the ordeal. He noted his reluctance to move, especially considering that management has said little to help tenants form plans.

"It's been known all over the city that Costco's already got the plaza, but the management of the plaza's not saying anything. All they said was they were gonna let us know by the end of the year what they're going to do. But obviously it's a done deal," he said.

Holland said no contract has been signed yet, and Westgate intends to notify tenants when a deal has been reached officially. She said she answers tenants' questions as thoroughly as possible, but the public already knows most of the information available.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Oh my--another piece on this story; I have a feeling the editor of this paper has personal sentiments toward the glory days of Westgate and he is very wary of the new plans for redevelopments.

WESTGATE ON THE BRINK
Westgate tenants may feel relocation pinch
By Scott McKimmy
Toledo Free Press Staff Writer

The development of Westgate has led Miranda Johnson, owner of Papaya Island, to wonder if area commercial property owners have taken the opportunity to raise rates excessively. Tenants who decide to return after Costco opens face potentially high rent, as much as twice the current rate.

"We don't know how much rent is going to be. I'm expecting it to be at least double," Johnson said. "We've told Westgate we're interested in coming back when they rebuild, because we do expect a lot of people, but you know money talks, and it really depends on how much it costs."

She's priced area property and cited an average of about $14 per square foot. At locations across from Westgate, she said she looked at rates of about $16 to $18 plus common area maintenance fees of $3.50 per square foot.

"If I wanted to rent a 1,000- or 1,200-square-foot store over there, it was going to cost me well over $2,000 a month, which to Costco or Stein Mart or McDonalds that's not a lot of money, but to mom and pop it is. I'd be paying a whole lot more for a whole lot less space than I have now," she said.

Current demands don't necessarily justify higher rents, according to Johnson, because of the abundance of suitable locations throughout the area. Certain features affect price as well, such as convenient parking, road access and security. However, she said none of the current available sites compare dollar-for-dollar to Westgate.

"There are just tons and tons of small shopping centers around Toledo. I can't believe they're building them all over, then they wonder why they're half empty," Johnson said.

Glenn Fitkin, owner of Cricket West, said his rents have remained the same since raising them "a little bit" about six months ago. He thinks a rise in demand may spur an increase in the next two or three years. While rents are lower along parts of Sylvania Avenue about a half-mile north, he said his are still below those at Westgate because of the smaller shops he has as tenants.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[wheelingman]

I am enjoying reading all that is going on in the Toledo area.

[Bonjourtoledo]

The day after Christmas 12-26-2005, I took some shots to see the progress of the St. V's Heart Center construction and here they are:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/12-2005UpdatePic.jpg

This is the skywalk that is being built to connect the new Heart Center to the existing hospital:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/12-2005Skywalk.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

Here is an update shot of the I-280 Bridge project (looking westward)--notice all the snow but most of it was melted from an all day rain on Christmas Day and also take a look at the level of the existing freeway to what it's going to be once the project is completed:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/122-2005BridgeSkyline.jpg

This shot is from the mouth of the Swan Creek which goes into the Maumee River as you can see far in the background of the picture there is the main pillar of the new bridge:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/12-2005BridgeSkyline.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

The Old South End Toledo neighborhood was always known historically as the dominate Irish neighborhoods with a lot of storefront buildings and churches. Old South End is about a mile south of downtown along the Broadway Street corridor. Today it's occupied with the older generation Irish groups and a large influx of hispanic population. This neighborhood is fighting to keep older buildings and rehab them as they often fall to victim to new construction or abadonment. I took a few pictures of this area and I'll keep posting more in the near future:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/12-2005OldIrishChurch.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/12-2005QueenCathSchool.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/122-2005OldIrishChurch.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/123-2005OldIrishChurch.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/124-2005OldIrishChurch.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

This is a small post which I will be adding a lot of pictures in the near future to show distinctions of this area. The Lagrange neighborhood which has a large Polish population and holds the famous Polish festival every year which is one of the largest in the area. Today this area is consists of older Polish population groups along with the African American population. The neighborhood association in this area is the most active Community Development Corporation in the entire city--they do a good job in keeping homes rehabbed, their mini-downtown clean and kept-up, and promote heritage of their neighborhood.

This is the new neighborhood library that was opened up earlier this year which signals a renewal committment to urban redevelopment:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/12-2005LagrangeLibrary.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

This is worthy to discuss the rebuilding of Toledo City Schools since this is the costliest construction project in the history of Toledo. Here are a few notes about this project and I will update with pictures of demolitions and constructions as this project progresses. This program is called Building For Success which is the single largest building project in the history of the City of Toledo. Funded by state and local monies, this $800 million program to rebuild and renovate all district schools will transform the landscape of Toledo and improve educational opportunities for generations of students to come.
This massive and complex project started in 2002, projected to take approximately 10 to 12 years, which has involved many decisions and actions by thousands of people. There are nearly 37,000 students that goes to Toledo City Schools with 9 high schools, 8 middle/junior high schools, and over 40 elementary schools. Some school will be renovated, some schools will be closed and not replaced, and some schools will be replaced with newer school buildings:

The Westfield Elementary School which is located in the Old South End neighborhood--right now the school is being demolished to make way for a new school building:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/123-2005WestfieldES.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/122-2005WestfieldES.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/12-2005WestfieldES.jpg

The Glenwood Elementary School which is located in the Old West End neighborhood--this school is also being demolished to make way for a new school building:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/122-2005GlenwoodES.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/12-2005GlenwoodES.jpg

The Robinson Junior High School which is located in the Old West End neighborhood as well--this school will be going from junior high to middle school with a new building; notice the old building (in the first picture) also stands until the new school is open then it will be demolished:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/robinson.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/123-2005RobinsonJH.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/125-2005RobinsonJH.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/122-2005RobinsonJH.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/12-2005RobinsonJH.jpg

Here are some of the schools that made the cut from being demolished--these schools will undergo massive renovations:
Scott High School (located in Old West End neighborhood)
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/scottsp.jpg

Old Orchard Elementary School (located in Old Orchard/Westgate neighborhood):
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/oldorchard.jpg

Harvard Elementary School (located in south Toledo the affluent part of the city along the river):
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/harvard.jpg

Here are some schools that were the first to be rebuilt with new schools with redention of the drawings (I will post pictures in the near future):
Oakdale Elementary School (located in East Toledo):
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/oakdale.jpg

Ottawa River Elementary School (located in Point Place neighborhood far up north near the lake):
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ottawariver.jpg

Waite Middle School (located in East Toledo):
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/waitemiddleschool.jpg

There is one school that is not sitting very well with the residents and alumnis as they advocate to save this building; the school district is planning to close this school with no replacement:
Libbey High School (located in Old South End neigborhood):
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/libbeysp.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

I took this picture on 12-26-2006 on a cold morning to show the progress of the construction for the Toledo Hospital expansion which will be adding 600 new jobs in the hospital with a new 8-floor structure; for more information you can see previous posts in this thread about this project:

You can see they've got three huge different beams for the elevators--I guess they start this part of the project before installing steel beams to make the framework of the actual 8-floor structure; first picture is looking north, second picture is at the exact spot, and the third picture is looking south:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/123-2005.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/122-2005.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/12-2005.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

Here is the updated pictures which is the progression of the new Glass Pavilion Museum which will be open this coming Summer of 2006 across the street from the world-famous Toledo Museum of Art; you can see earlier posts in regards to this project:

This pavilion structure will be all glass (no steel, no wood, no concrete will hold this structure together); and yes I mean ALL GLASS!:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/122-2005GlassPav.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/12-2005GlassPav.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

Here are some updated pictures of the Warehouse District which lies right south of the downtown area; this area was revitalized with the brand new baseball stadium which opened in 2003; you can see earlier posts in regards to this topic and this area will also be my new home which I will be moving into this area few days after the New Year's holiday:

Ottawa Lofts which was converted from warehouse to lofts a few years ago; this lofts is nearly 100% occupied; this is located on Ottawa Street right along the Maumee River:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/12-2005OttawaLofts.jpg

Going south on Ottawa Street from the Ottawa Loft, I saw a perfect spot to take a cool shot which shows the underneath of the Anthony Wayne Bridge (looking east):
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/12-2005AWBridge.jpg

This a skyline shot of downtown from the Warehouse District looking north:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/122-2005WaterStreetSkyline.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/12-2005WaterStreetSkyline.jpg

This is a skyline shot of the Warehouse District from the riverside looking west:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/12-2005WarehouseSkyline.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

Here are some cool shots I took today on 12-26-2005 right after the snowstorm on Christmas evening:

Madison Street skyline looking east from standing near the downtown library:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/12-20052Madison.jpg

Rows of shops along 10th Street near the downtown library with retail and offices:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/12-2005TenthStreet.jpg

Good stock of rehabbed storefronts along Madison across from the downtown library:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/12-2005Madison.jpg

Downtown library which was renovated and expanded three times its size back in 2000-01; beautiful place to spend for a day inside and out:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/12-2005Library.jpg

St. Clair Street skyline looking south and you can see the historic renovated (2001) Valentine Theatre to the right of the picture:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/12-2005StClairSkyline.jpg

Downtown skyline from the east side of the river from where the Marina District will be built with a combinations of residential, commercial, retail, boating, restaurants, entertainment venues and recreational trails with over $200 million of investments into this project (see earlier posts in regards to the Marina District project)--whomever moves into the Marina District will have a great view of the skyline which would be priceless:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/12-2005DowntownSkyline.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[wheelingman]

Those skyline shots are gorgeous!!

[Bonjourtoledo]

From our local CBS affiliate for following-up on Carty's press conference yesterday:


City Leaders, Business Owners Disagree with Finkbeiner
Dec 27, 2005, 01:50 PM EST

TOLEDO -- Just Monday, Mayor-Elect Carty Finkbeiner was making waves about the proposal to build a Costco store on the site of the soon-to-be demolished Westgate Village Shopping Center. But while Finkbeiner says he doesn't want the Costco built there, shop owners and other city leaders are saying we need the economic progress.

Haney Elassar of the Coney Island Restaurant welcomes a Costco store at Westgate. He realizes some surrounding residents might oppose a big box store in the neighborhood but thinks it's good for development. "I think when Costco comes, we'll have more business from Costco for shopping areas and the offices across the street," said Elassar.

Neil McGregor of the Port Royale Cigar Shop agrees Costco would create a new dynamic for the Toledo retail scene. But he says Westgate owners have kept him in the dark about future plans, so he will move to a new location next year. "How expensive is it going to be? How much square footage could I afford here with a new operator?" asked McGregor. "I don't have any idea. I had to look after our continuity."

Jerry Johnson at The Vineyard is leaving Westgate, too. He thinks Westgate should remain a shopping center for locally owned, small businesses. "I have nothing really against Costco," said Johnson. "But I believe that it's destroying what the center has always been."

Any new development for Westgate must be approved by the Toledo-Lucas County Planning Commission. Members are expected to take a look at it next month. The current L-shaped site will be replaced by four buildings -- one of them Costco. There will also be space for smaller, locally owned businesses like the ones you now find at Westgate.

Toledo City Council member Ellen Grachek represents the area and disagrees with Mayor-Elect Finkbeiner. "My thoughts are that we're looking at a $40 million dollar investment and 200 good paying jobs," said Grachek. "So once we go through the plan commission process, we're looking at a really good revitalization for the entire area."

Ultimate approval must come from Grachek and the city council.

[illmatic774]

yay carty!

seems like the only thing left for downtown to accomplish is attracting the businesses back. I'd imagine that with the arrival of baseball season, (mud hens) many of the renovated buildings would be filled again.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

WOW! I didn't see this coming--this Park Lane Hotel building is so beautiful which sits in between the downtown area and Old West End neighborhood. Interesting article down below and I suspect this building will be bought by someone perhaps using this as a market-rate residential living. But who knows and I'll post further developments on this story. I posted a few pictures of this beautiful building.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ParkLaneHotel.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ParkLaneHotel2.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/122-2005BridgeSkyline.jpg

[illmatic774]

Christ, will that damn thing EVER finish?

[Bonjourtoledo]

I think they've underestimated the time span in completing this project which started in 2000-01. Every time I go by there its overwhelming of how large of the project and the magnitude of trying to put it together. The bridge is definitely changing the skyline of Toledo and its going to be really exciting place to see once it's completed.

[Bonjourtoledo]

At the County Commissioners' state of the union address they've announced and finally push for the project of the new Sports Arena to be a reality.

Here is one of the interesting article from our local CBS affiliate which explores this issue from all sides:


Plans for Downtown Arena Moving Forward

TOLEDO -- After years of debate, a new arena may finally have a home in downtown Toledo. Lucas County Commissioners made a big announcement Monday morning during the annual State of the County address.

Commissioner Pete Gerken is getting the ball rolling to build a new arena downtown. He says many people support the idea but no one has taken action to make it happen. No specific location has been named but they say there are plenty of options, including the Fiberglass Tower.

"All you have to do is look east, north, west and south of the convention center and there are spots that will work," said Gerken. He's putting together the same team that built the Fifth Third Field. Early estimates put the price between $50 and $80 million dollars.

Gerken says a new arena will help support the convention center, keep the energy going for the baseball field and keep downtown housing projects moving forward. "I think the only thing that could put the brakes on it is the cost. We need, again, to put a financing package in place that's responsible to the citizens and doesn't burden the taxpayers in a way that's unnecessary," said Gerken.

Kathy Steingraber, Director of Toledo's Warehouse District thinks a new arena would magnify what Fifth Third Field has already done for the area, bringing in people, businesses, and new jobs. Steingraber believes downtown businesses could really enjoy the extra benefits from a sports arena. "We got to create jobs. We have to make Toledo fun again. People are looking for something that's good and fun and uplifting and perhaps that's (arena) the trick," said Steingraber.

Peter Garforth, a local business owner and Vice Chairman of Downtown Toledo Inc., sees a downtown sports arena a little differently. "If it's well placed, it's fine. I think we shouldn't necessarily see it as a huge catalyst for development," said Garforth.

The county's decision is bittersweet. Folks like Stan Sagan, who just opened a DVD and game shop on the east side two weeks ago, say the news is disappointing. Sagan said, "somehow it doesn't surprise me."

"It's a disappointment, but being across the river we'll find ways to get people back to the east side. I'm not really worried about that," said Moussa Salloukh, Vice President of Cousino's Restaurants, which includes several restaurants at The Docks.

Commissioners say they won't turn their back on Toledo's east side. Taking the Sports Arena away from the river opens up more options for a well-developed Marina District along the Maumee River. "We understand we have to be committed for a world-class development there with something else that will complement this," said Gerken.

Commissioner Gerken says he will meet with Gateway Consultants soon. He says they can skip over the feasibility studies and get right to work figuring out how to fund the project.

Meantime, Steingraber says the next step is to determine the best location for the arena. In her opinion, it should be built North of the Seagate Center. "They could implode that fiberglass tower [200 N. Sinclair Street], and I don't think anybody would miss it. It's kind of been a sign of defeat because they can't put anybody or anything into it," said Steingraber.

The owner of the property at the corner of South Erie and Newton, just off Interstate 75 feels the new sports arena would be ideal there. A sign that reads "Ideal Property for Sports Arena" is hanging from two utility poles at that location.

[Bonjourtoledo]

With the news of the proposed downtown Sports Arena, there are 4-5 other sites they are looking to build around the CBD area. The most sought after site is across from the Seagate Convention Centre where the vacant 30-story Hytower building (former Owens Corning building); Owen Corning moved out to the river to their new sprawl-like modern glass building in 1996. With the possibility of the Hytower being gone from the skyline would be totally surreal. I will post further developments in regarding to this Sports Arena/Hytower news as it comes to me. Here are a few pictures of the Hytower building that could be demolished to make way for the new downtown arena:

Hytower Building tallest building in this shot:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Skyline.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/OwensCorningWrldHdqtr2.jpg

Hytower is the far right brownish building:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/HendricksatBALL.jpg

With the mixture of older buildings in the skyline you can see the modern one in the right side of the picture which is the Hytower:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/viewfromroof-north1.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Here is the latest development news on 1-11-2006 in regards to the Water Street Steam Plant that is slated to convert into lofts/condominiums:

DEVELOPMENT: Ball, Jackson close on steam plant property
By Scott McKimmy
Toledo Free Press Staff Writer

Final or near final drawings of the planned riverfront residential complex have arrived at Water Street Development Corp., LLC, according to David Ball, one of the firm's partners. He said he and Jimmy Jackson have closed on the property and await approval of a tax-credit program to begin construction.

The project hinges on receiving the credits, which will allow Water Street Development to "firm up end financing," Ball said. To date, a few government obstacles have been overcome, and the company can take no further action until it receives the OK for the tax credits.

Ball said approval is imminent, and he has been "massaging final details" in preparation.

"We have pulled our foundation building permit," he said. "We have also received a sign-off for the flood-plain issues that we had to deal with; that's been resolved. We have done absolutely everything to the site that we can do without jeopardizing our tax credits. We're ready to go in the ground as soon as we get that done."

Pictures of the Steam Plant:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/WaterStreetSteamPlant2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/downtown2.jpg

Rendering of the proposed renovated Steam Plant:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/steamplant.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Interesting news from local CBS affiliate in regards to possibility of arena being located in the Warehouse District:

Warehouse District Mixed on Arena
Jan 13, 2006, 05:56 AM EST

TOLEDO -- City leaders have talked about the synergy Seagate Centre, Fifth Third and a downtown arena would create if they are built in close proximity. That could mean the proposed arena could end up in the warehouse district. That doesn't sit well with the executive director of the area.

"We love Fifth Third Field being here, but we can't withstand another large entity like that in the warehouse district," said Kathy Steingraber, Warehouse District Executive Director.

She also says they have a problem with businesses being compromised on baseball days because the customers can't find a place to park.

There is mixed reaction among the business owners in the district. "My preference is on this side, which is the southerly side of Seagate Centre, which is most adjacent to Fifth Third Field," said Joe McCaffery, Owner of The Market on St. Clair.

County Commissioners haven't picked a location or announced a plan to fund the arena yet, but they did announce earlier this week in their State of the County address that they do plan on working on it this year.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Latest development in regards to the $200+million Marina District project:

Toledo Mayor Tries to Lure Bass Pro Shops to Marina District

(Toledo, OH) --- NBC24 has learned Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner traveled with a team to Missouri last week in hopes of luring Bass Pro Shops to be the centerpiece of the Marina District.

The mayor hopes Bass Pro will build a multi-story mega-store behind the old Acme Power Plant, a story that could open in early 2007.

The Marina District master site plan calls for a 150,000 square-foot "destination retailer" to anchor the whole project. NBC-24 saw firsthand that site is ready to build on, meaning the Bass Pro project could be on a fast track if a deal gets done soon.

NBC-24 has learned Mayor Finkbeiner, Lucas County Commissioner Pete Gerken and Marina District developer Ron Pizzuti traveled to Bass Pro headquarters in Springfield, Missouri, to meet with officials from the outdoor retailer.

"Certainly Bass Pro would be a great retailer for the Marina District with the amenities we have there: the waterfront, Lake Erie just down the stretch," admitted Gerken.

"I expect there to be more meetings in the future," said Bob Reinbolt, Mayor Finkbeiner's chief of staff.

City officials emphasize there's no deal signed yet, and they're chasing other potential retails for the Marina District.

But sources tell NBC-24 Bass Pro Shops would be a perfect fit between a public marina/boat launch, and a boat repair/storage facility that would located in the old Acme Power Plant.

The concept is a big of one-upsmanship to the successful Cabela's store in nearby Dundee, Michigan.

"I think we better be rivaling Cabela's," said Gerken. "I'd like nothing better than to see those sales tax dollars come to Lucas County rather than Monroe County."

This is the second try to lure Bass Pro Shops to the Marina District. Former mayor Jack Ford hoped the outdoor outfitter would go into the former Acme Power Plant, a deal that failed because city officials could not guarantee asbestos would be removed from the site in time for a 2007 grand opening.

[Bonjourtoledo]

A short good news but I will expand the news as more details come out for this development project:

Levis Commons Expanding
Jan 17, 2006, 05:21 PM EST

PERRYSBURG -- Perrysburg has a new mayor and some new members of city council. They were updated on Tuesday on the future of Levis Commons, which sits off State Route 25 in Perrysburg.

The town center opened in October of 2004 with a mix of shops and restaurents. Now, Levis Commons will undergo a $150 million expansion. The Main Street retail section will be extended to include a hotel and conference center and entertainment district. Separate from this will be Brownstone Village featuring 160 condos.

"All the things we have in the planning are elements that will raise the bar of quality of what we're doing and help set us apart" says Levis Commons developer Larry Dillin.

Dillin says negotiations are under way for new tenants at the Main Street extension but won't reveal who they are.

[Bonjourtoledo]

This is a follow-up update from earlier posts in regards to the merging of University of Toledo and Medical University of Ohio in Toledo:

UT, MUO prepare institutions for merger
By Matt Zapotosky
Special to Toledo Free Press

Officials at UT and the Medical University of Ohio are hoping on July 1 they can change the rules of basic addition.

Pictures of Medical University of Ohio:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/MUO1.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/MUO2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/MUO3.jpg

Pictures of University of Toledo:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Rocket-clocktower.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/UTClockTower.jpg

On that date — when the two institutions are expected to merge — officials hope to make one plus one equal four. "Any combination of any institutions, you're going to find synergies," said James Tuschman, former UT trustee and member of the Ohio Board of Regents. "Just a combination of two administrations into one eliminates duplication."

Though specific details of the merger are still being worked out, MUO President Dr. Lloyd Jacobs, who is expected to remain president of the merged institution, said he is about 90 percent sure it will happen. He said the potential economic and academic benefits from the merger would be enormous.

"If we purchase electricity together we could probably get it cheaper," Jacobs said. "If we purchase paper together, we could probably get it cheaper ... I think we'll be better able to attract students, better able to attract faculty ... and those things are good for the economy of Toledo."

Economic analysts overwhelmingly agreed with Jacobs that the merger would be financially advantageous for UT, MUO and the city of Toledo. Mark V'Soske, president of the Toledo Area Chamber of Commerce, said the merger would attract higher caliber professors and increase Toledo's national prominence.

"The merger of the two institutions will create a stronger and more visible entity in terms of attracting credentialed professors," V'Soske said. "It's going to build into a major institution to benefit our region and our community."

Eliminating overlap

A report from Ryan Beck & Co., a financial services business based in New Jersey, listed more than a dozen benefits of a merger between UT and MUO. Among them were improved financial performance, improved political positioning, improved school rankings and improved faculty and student recruitment.

Dan Brennan, chairman of UT's Board of Trustees, said while the economic benefits are important, improving quality of students and faculty is the primary motivation for the merger.

"Number one would be to create a great institution," Brennan said. "Clearly we're going to be looking for efficiencies, but savings is not the predominant reason we're doing it."

Economies of scale and increased efficiency are important parts of the combination, as the merged institution will have a budget of about $650 million, Tuschman said.

V'Soske said some jobs might be lost as overlap was eliminated, but the displaced employees could fill new roles as the university expanded its mission. He said the net result of the merger might actually be increased employment.

"When you create efficiencies, you free up capacity to perhaps strike out into other areas," he said.

Dr. Lawrence Elmer, president of the MUO faculty senate, said a workforce reduction was likely, but he did not see much need for reduction from an academic standpoint.

"I'm not under the impression that there is a lot of overlap with regards to educational [employees] or faculty," Elmer said. "It sounds to me like they really complement each other rather than duplicate each other."

Jacobs said he expected workforce reductions, but these reductions would occur regardless of a merger.

"The business of education and health care are both tough businesses: people are losing their jobs anyway," Jacobs said. "The economic pressures will continue whether there is a merger or not. I do not see any mass layoffs in the future."

Steve Weathers, president and CEO of the Regional Growth Partnership, said the net loss might be zero as displaced employees were simply put in new positions created by the merger.

"Like many companies, I think you might see a re-positioning of skill sets," he said.

Tentative plans

Though details of the merger are still being worked out — particularly from an academic standpoint — the two institutions have released a memorandum of understanding outlining some tentative plans.

Among those plans are:

The name of the merged institution will be The University of Toledo.

The two universities will approach the combination as "equals."

The merged institution will have one board of 11 trustees — two of whom will be students.

Jacobs will be given a five year contract to serve as president of the merged institution.

UT President Dan Johnson said Jacobs will be president of the merged institution because Jacobs has more medical knowledge. Johnson said he will remain at the school working in economic development and presiding over the development of the science and technology corridor. "I just think that the prospect of the merger bringing a health institution into the university requires that there be an understanding of the medical side and the hospital," Johnson said. "While these are areas I have some expertise in, [Jacobs] certainly brings more expertise."

Jacobs said he is excited to be potentially taking over at a historic point.

"This is something that everybody should be holding out as something we should be proud of," he said. "It will be a great accomplishment if we can pull it off."

Faculty left out

The plans are not without some controversy. Faculty members from both institutions were only recently made aware of merger discussions. Jacobs and Johnson began discussing the merger this summer, though discussions of a merger have been occurring sporadically for decades, Jacobs said.

Jacobs said faculty members have been involved for all of the 20 years of discussion, and they were brought in at the appropriate time after talks became serious this summer.

Johnson said in any proposal such as this there will always be questions, and trying to answer all of the questions before the merger would result in its demise.

"If you're going to do something like this, there will be challenges, there will be obstacles, there will be a lot of questions," he said. "If we tried to answer all of the questions ... prior to a merger, it would never happen."

Andy Jorgensen, chairman of UT's faculty senate, said he did not think it was right of the two presidents to keep merger discussions quiet, but he was glad no important academic decisions had been made without faculty input.

"The point we're making now is the faculty need to be on the table before the important decisions are made," Jorgensen said. "I'm not aware of any firm decisions that have been made that are faculty related issues."

Jorgensen said the faculty had not taken any definite stances on faculty-related issues, but had formed a committee in conjunction with MUO faculty members to discuss the merger.

That committee will begin meeting in January, Elmer said.

Elmer also said it made sense for administrators to talk about the proposal initially before approaching faculty.

"Whenever you're in a position of leadership, it really makes sense to have the leaders talk initially and then let others know what's been under discussion," he said. "I think whenever you find out that leadership has been talking about something, and you haven't really been involved from the ground up, you always have questions."

Not far enough

While the merger proposal drew praise from economic analysts interviewed for this article, one analyst said he did not think the merger went far enough.

Jerry Jakes of Lake Erie West said he thought the merger was positive, but he wanted to see collaboration on an interstate level — between Bowling Green State University and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

"We're thinking too small instead of thinking big," Jakes said. "If I'm looking at it from a global perspective, and that's the way you've got to be looking at things these days ... you can't just limit yourself to one city."

Jakes said the merger might have an impact statewide, but not nationally or globally.

"Anything where two plus two can equal five is OK, and certainly the University of Toledo and the Medical University of Ohio are more powerful together than each one is separately," Jakes said. "I'm not saying that's bad. That's good. But it's too small. Who from Germany, Japan or China is going to pay attention to that?"

Johnson said the merger — which would give the institution the third-largest university budget in the state behind Ohio State University and the University of Cincinnati — would increase national prominence, particularly in the area of research. He said UT — which currently ranks in the mid-200s in research areas — might improve by more than 100 positions.

"We would jump by nearly 100 points, 100 positions," he said. "That means the degrees ... are literally worth more to the students."

Weathers of the Regional Growth Partnership said the merger would not only draw national attention, but global attention as the merged institution was able to better market its research, draw large federal grants and possibly manage large federal projects.

"It will just by virtue of its size be a bigger elephant in the room, so to speak," Weathers said. "That size gives it the ability to really go after large federal grants and possibly even manage federal projects. The idea is you now have the ability to apply for and manage multi-million dollar projects and those would be large job creators."

[Bonjourtoledo]

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[Gambit]

Interesting development news looks like Cartys finally getting it. Im originally from Toledo and about to move back in the Old West End Area pretty soon. The city has been selling itself short for quite sometime, all it was missing was a decent entertainment district. Its good to finally see some activity going on. Very exciting.

[Bonjourtoledo]

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We finally moved into our new home in the Warehouse District of Toledo. We started moving into the new place the last week of Jan. '06 which took about 5 days--we love it. From last night's snow I decided to take a few snapshots out in the cold from our full rooftop deck of our home and show you the view that is priceless and also which prompts us to buy this place. Enjoy!

These are the row townhouses which we live in and all the exterior brickings and amentities match the downtown ball stadium:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/RWestSkyline.jpg

Looking south on Saint Clair and Superior Streets from the rooftop and you can see the old brewery which could be rehabbed into commercial or lofts:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/SouthStClairSkyline.jpg

Looking west from the rooftop you can see the Farmer's Market and Erie Street Market:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/FarmerMarketSkyline.jpg

Looking northwest from the rooftop you can see the latest residential development which is the Bartley Lofts in the far right of the picture; you can also see a building (Triangle Building) which is left of there and that has been bought by the Bartley Lofts to be rehabbed into residential/commercial space--I've mentioned this in earlier posts of this thread:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/BartleySkyline.jpg

Looking north from the rooftop on Saint Clair Street with the downtown skyline--all along the Saint Clair are shops, markets, salons, restaurants, and etc. which given renewal of life surrounding the new ball stadium:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/NorthStClairSkyline.jpg

Looking northwest from the rooftop you can see the development of the new Maumee River Crossing Bridge and the main pillar is in full view from where I'm standing--I cannot wait for it to be completed because the main pillar illuminates at night with multiple colors which will signify the skyline; you can see many earlier posts in regards to the bridge project in this thread:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/NewBridgeSkyline.jpg

Looking east from the rooftop you can see the Anthony Wayne Bridge (aka Hi-Level Bridge) and the Oliver House which is an historic brewery with multiple restaurants and bars:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/HiLevelSkyline.jpg

Looking southwest from the rooftop is toward the Union Station (Amtrak and multiple regional government offices) you can see the Great Lakes Warehouse Building with the water tower and nothing's been planned to redevelop this beautiful warehouse for other purposes but I'm sure it'll be soon:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/GLWarehouseSkyline.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

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It looks exactly the same (Arbor Place) as this one which is located in another part of the city in the Old West End neighborhood:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/P6040129.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/P6040128.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

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The Secor Road-Central Avenue area is considered the "Westgate" area:

'Urban village' moves to the planning stage

Toledo City Council's zoning and planning committee yesterday agreed to have the Toledo Plan Commission begin work on a proposed "urban village overlay district" for the Secor Road-Central Avenue shopping area.

Stephen Herwat, commission director, said he would appoint a committee of 12 to 15 to propose boundaries and design rules for the district.

He said the group would include property owners, neighbors, and architects.

Public hearings would be held before the proposed ordinance is submitted to council for adoption, he said.

Mr. Herwat said he received clear direction from both council and the administration last night to begin work.

Mayor Finkbeiner called for an urban village zoning overlay two weeks ago after losing a battle to have the 20/20 Comprehensive Plan followed in the design of a proposed $30 million Costco store development at the Westgate Village Shopping Center.

Mr. Herwat said the plan is a guideline, not a law.

The 20/20 plan adopted by council in 2000 called for urban village design standards in the Westgate area but envisioned "big box" stores as well. An urban village differs from a traditional shopping center by having smaller parking lots, ample sidewalks, and mixed uses.

[Bonjourtoledo]

From the local NBC station, the Jeep supplier companies are about to be completed with over $2 billion invested in the new Jeep plant which opened in 2001 and Daimler-Chysler has been adding more jobs and more opportunities around the new plant. You can see this huge plant right off I-75/I-280 when coming down from the Detroit metro area or even heading into Michigan from the south. Currently the plant has about 4000 employees with 1000+ more it will provide a renewal of development for this region. This plant makes Jeep Wranglers, Jeep Liberties, and some parts for Cherokee and others. They will begin the Dodge Nitro this summer. Now we are waiting for news in regards to the possible $500 million expansion at the General Motors Power Train plant--stay tune:

1,200 Jeep Supplier Jobs Open

(Toledo, OH) --- More than a 1,000 full time Jeep supplier jobs are up for grabs.

The news is a direct result, of new expansion at Jeep's Toledo North Assmebly Plant.

Some of the top jobs include working for companies like the OMMC, Dana Corporation and Toledo Metal and Dye.

UAW Local 12 spokesman Bruce Baumhower says in addition to the supplier jobs created by the Dodge Nitro, Jeep Wrangler and Liberty, some 200 workers who were laid off will have the chance to come back and work on the Nitro's third shift.

Baumhower says for now, most of the jobs will pay the non-union rate of $11-13 an hour.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Ms. Holland is the owner and developer of the Westgate Shopping Center. This local paper has provided an interesting article in regards to her view of why certain things back in 1950s are not the same as today and people have to change if they want to survive:

Holland: Costco is dream anchor
By Stacy M. Kess, Toledo Free Press Staff Writer

Cleveland has one. Cincinnati does, too.

By fall 2006, Columbus residents will have their very own.

That's why Costco looked to Toledo for its next Ohio store.

"It's a natural extension," said James D. Sinegal, Costco president and chief executive officer. "Toledo is a very attractive market. It's got all the right attractive ingredients."

Costco already has a connection to Toledo, Sinegal said: Costco's executive vice president, Doug Schutt, attended high school in Toledo at St. Francis de Sales.

If all goes as planned, Costco will serve as the anchor store for Westgate Village Shopping Center when the complex undergoes redevelopment later this year.

"If I could have listed all my dream anchors to help re-spur the Westgate area, Costco would have been at the top of my list," said Westgate owner Liz Holland, CEO of the Chicago-based Abbell Credit Corporation.

In 1954, Holland's grandfather began acquiring land for Westgate, which was built soon after.

"For my grandfather, it was a labor of love," Holland said. "Three generations later, it's a labor of love for my grandfather."

She said when she looks at the redevelopment project, she sees a path to actualizing her grandfather's vision for the Secor-Central area.

"I think it's going to be tremendous. The Food Town location is vacant. The theater location is vacant. There's a lot of underutilized land to the north of us," she said. "By bringing Costco to Westgate, we are getting some longer looks."

But Costco initially was not just at the center of Holland's redevelopment plan; the warehouse club also landed in the middle of debates about Westgate redevelopment.

Some small businesses currently in the shopping center pulled out, while area residents argued the box store doesn't fit the neighborhood. Mayor Carty Finkbeiner criticized bringing Costco to Westgate. Nonetheless, the plans passed through the Plan Commission.

Holland said she "never thought [Costco opponents] were doing what was wrong," but she said people who know Costco want Costco.

"I think it's received a warm welcome from people who know what Costco is," she said.

That includes Westgate icon Barry Bagels.

Mark Greenblatt, general manager of Barry Bagels, said the changes to Westgate have been long coming. As long as Holland has wanted to redevelop — since about 1998 — Barry Bagels has expressed a desire for Holland to bring new life to the aging shopping center.

"We've been talking with the landlords for the better part of five years now," Greenblatt said. "I just think the new Westgate is going to look great."

He said the shopping center needs a store with the ability to draw a crowd, and Costco does.

"It's been a long time coming," he said. "Us and SteinMart might be the big draw there [now]."

He waved off concerns about competition from the warehouse chain, which does sell bagels.

"They're bagels will be a frozen, par-baked bagels," he said, adding Barry Bagels sells fresh bagels and Westgate is the local chain's best-performing store. "We're not too concerned."

Barry Bagels isn't the only tenant staying. SteinMart and Honey, I'm Home have also agreed to stay at Westgate after the redevelopment, Holland said.

Sinegal said his business needs small businesses, especially with 50 percent of its sales being rung up for small business customers.

"One of the major tenants of our business is to be able to supply small business," he said, adding the company spends a great deal of time on product assortment for that sector of shoppers. "They're a very important customer for us."

Although clearing the hurdle of the Planning Commission put much of the debate to rest, the tax abatement that will affect the shopping center's school district, Washington Local, caused another issue for some.

Before new construction begins, Westgate, which is considered a brownfield due to some contamination, must be cleaned up. The clean-up has made Westgate eligible for the abatement, meaning money that would have gone to the school district from property taxes would not. Instead, the city will make payments to the school district over five years for $300,000 from the added income taxes the city will collect from new jobs at the site.

"When the tax abatement is over, you'll have a much more valuable project on the books of the city and in Washington Local [district]," Holland said. "I think what Washington Local saw was Westgate was on the tax roles at a little more than $9 million, and when we're done, it will be on the tax roles for more than $30 million."

At the center of this is, again, Costco, a company known for paying its employees far above its competitors wages, plus benefits. The company starts employees at $10 per hour. A cashier with four years' experience can earn $40,000 with full medical benefits.

"I think there's probably been a little more notoriety when people have been doing comparisons." Sinegal said. "It's something we've always done. We just think it makes good business. If you hire good people, you pay them good wages."

Costco as neighbor

For the cities of Auburn Hills and Madison Heights, Mich., both of which have Costco stores, the benefits of the warehouse are real.

In 2000, Costco opened in Auburn Hills.

"They're very good. They're very supportive of us," said Molly Shamma, the administrator of the Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce. "The area has expanded and we didn't have any retail to speak of [before]."

She said the store has been a "good corporate neighbor," participating in the community and serving the area's small businesses.

The Costco in Auburn Hills is in an area of corporate retail including Bass Pro and Target, said Director of Community Development Brian McBroom. He said the store has been good for the community and spurred retail growth. McBroom said the city has had an account with Costco.

"It's helping to serve the retail needs of this part of Oakland County," he said. "Thousands of jobs are here as a result of all the retail."

About 15 miles south, in Madison Heights, Costco is located in a mixed industrial area, but the small business district is only a mile away, said Mary Sames, executive director of the Madison Heights/Hazel Park Chamber of Commerce, adding Costco has been a member since 1998. Located close to Costco are a small flower shop and a tile store.

"They're very, very good to the community — exceedingly generous, exceedingly good to the community," she said, adding only one business, competitor Sam's Club, relocated after Costco moved into the area.

She said initially, the local flower shop worried about competition, but the business remained.

It's that kind of mix — big and small retail together — that fills out Holland's dream for Westgate.

She said the plans for Costco call for a building smaller than the former Lions Store building at Westgate and she wants to retain the big-and-small mix.

"We don't intend to change that mix at all in the redevelopment," she said.

What she does plan to change is the look. The plan calls for several buildings instead of one long L-shaped building as stands now. She said she's also planning on adding more green space and artwork from local artisans.

"It's going to be tremendously green. It's almost going to look like at garden, there's going to be so much green space," she said. "I think things are going to be great. My plans are to own it for another 52 years."

[Bonjourtoledo]

Here is the update in regards to the Water Steam Plant conversions to lofts/retail site. You can see earlier posts in this thread in regarding to the development; the reasoning why these type of development takes longer than building something new because when you are rehabbing historic significant or a landmark you have a lot of obstacles and previsions to follow as it is stated in the article down below:

Don't get steamed
Developers say the steam plant is on schedule
By Steve Steel, The Toledo City Paper


Riverfront – For Rent: dozens of upscale residential spaces in newly renovated historic building with adjacent park and docking facilities. Townhouse suites available.

Sound like a desirable locale? It is the vision and intent for the redevelopment of the former Toledo Edison steam plant Downtown.
Renamed "Water Street Station" after its Water Street location, the project is currently in the final design phase and construction will begin this spring, ac-cording to lead developer David Ball of STS Management.
"This is a big project," said Ball, "and we are committed to doing it right. That will take time."
Ball and his partner Jimmy Jackson won the rights from the City of Toledo to redevelop the property after submitting proposals that included constructing a building on the river side of the existing plant providing additional commercial and residential space and adding an internal courtyard.
One of the most time-consuming aspects of the project, according to Ball, is qualifying for historic tax credits from the State of Ohio. "We have completed absolutely everything that we possibly could without having our tax credits at risk," he said, including design, site preparation, title transfer and permits.
"The steam plant is on the National Register of Historic Places," said Ball, "so we must submit all designs for approval to the state historic commission and National Park Service to qualify for a tax credit worth 20 percent of our costs." He said the project needs that credit to remain economically viable and would not qualify if any construction was started before designs are approved.
Currently engineering and design drawings and elevations have been completed for the project and submitted for approval. "We had to address a few concerns and are in the process of submitting new designs," said Ball. "But I would say we are no more than a few months away from the approval we need to move forward."
Marc Baniszewski, project manager from Sandvick Architects, noted that after approval the construction must move forward carefully. Echoing Ball, he said, "We must resolve a few design issues and should have final construction documents by the spring."
"We only get final approval after construction is completed," he said. "Since the tax credits are essential to the project we must ensure compliance throughout construction. That can slow the project considerably.”
Sandvick Architects specializes in redevelopment of existing structures, especially those with historic designation. Baniszewski has experience with similar projects. "Old buildings are unique, so it is hard to compare," he said, "but we have completed projects on a similar scale. I would say the process is moving forward at a good pace, since the City has given us as much support as could be expected. We realize everyone is looking at this project and want to see it move forward. We have moved through the design and engineering phase quickly and are now pricing contractors to make sure it is affordable. This hasn’t taken an extreme amount of time."
Paul Sullivan, architect formerly of The Collaborative, agreed that historic redevelopment is time-consuming. Sullivan, who was closely involved with the development of St. Clair Village near Fifth Third Field, said that project took five years from conception to finished product. "The steam plant is five times as massive, so one could expect it to take five times as long."
While Ball noted that much preliminary and cleanup work has already been done on the structure, Baniszewski predicted the first noticeable results will be seen this spring. "We are ready to pull the foundation permits for the new building and should get started when the weather allows it."
Baniszewski predicted that Water Street Station would be a signature part of Downtown development. "Typically we redevelop historic structures in an area where there is not much activity as a catalyst to get that area moving again," he said. "In Toledo we have a Downtown area that is vibrant, with activity, the river, [Promenade] Park, boatslips. This project will benefit from its surroundings to make it an immediately desirable place to live."
"This will be a wonderful addition to Downtown," said Ball. "Believe me, I have plenty of other things to do. I wouldn’t be working on this if I wasn’t committed to seeing it through and making it work. We, meaning The City of Toledo departments of development, utilities, transportation, real-estate, law, planning, mayors office, Sandvick Architects, various contractors, Jimmy [Jackson] and I, as well as others, have invested a tremendous amount of effort to get this project going. I think we’re close and when done, it will be a treasure."
"I won’t be rushed into anything under media or political pressure," he said. "We’re going to do this right."

[Bonjourtoledo]

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The redevelopment and the comeback of the Toledo Shipyard is on its way. The local NBC station broke the news today about the shipbuilding development announcement There is a strong committment from the relocated company and the regional stakeholders which they know that the Maumee River and Lake Erie is a great waterway for shipbuilding just like the hey-days in 1900-1960s. I will be taking pictures and posting it on this thread very soon. The shipyard area in Toledo is in the northeast part of the city near the Maumee Bay which has a great view of the skyline of Toledo.


Ironhead Marine Relocates to Toledo Shipyard

(Toledo, OH) --- The Toledo Port Authority, along with Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, Lucas County Commissioners, and city officials will announce Tuesday that Ironhead Marine has relocated to the Toledo Shipyard, NBC24 learned Monday.

Ironhead Marine will relocate from their offices in Temperance and Monroe, MI. They have already started work at the Toledo Shipyard which was vacated when the Manitowoc Group left last fall.

Lucas County Commissioner Pete Gerken tells NBC24 that federal, county and city officials will provide grants for Ironhead Marine. Congresswoman Kaptur will provide $4.5 million is federal money. The county is expected to provide $1 million over the next several years.

Ironhead Marine already has some 40 workers at the Toledo Shipyard. Gerken says they expect to hire at least another 150 over the next three years.

"This is a revitalization of our shipyard," Gerken said. "We want to become the centerpiece for winter layovers and emergency repairs during the summer."

Gerken says there will be some demolition going on at the Toledo Shipyard as Ironhead Marine rebuilds a the high-based facility with upper and lower cranes capable of working topside as well as on the hauls of ships.

[Bonjourtoledo]

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I took some pictures early this morning of the contruction progress at the St. Vincent Mercy where they are building a Hearts Center. You can see earlier posts of the pictures for this construction project in this thread:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/StV2-25-20062.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/StV2-25-2006.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

Early this morning while I was on the east side of the river I took a shapshot of the progress of the Maumee River Crossing bridge:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Bridge2-25-2006.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

WOW! I live a few blocks from the new Tony Packo's downtown restaurant--they are opening first day of this year's ball game season this coming April. I notice the new signage went up this past Thursday and I love it! You can see earlier post in this thread of the this project:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/TonyPackos2-25-2006.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/TonyPackos2-25-20062.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

I was on my way to the grocery store early this morning and saw this cool angle of the Berdan Building which I took a snapshot of it. This angle is the back end of the Berdan Building where its going to undergo a construction project to convert into lofts/offices this spring. I've got an earlier post in regards to this project and pictures in this thread:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Berdan2-25-2006.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

The beauty of this ball park which opened up in 2002 is the integration of older buildings and the ball park. Multiple of old buildings were rehabbed into lofts, offices, and restaurants with the distinct view inside the ball stadium. Here are some interesting snapshots:

Snapshot from Perry Street--street level view to the backside of the field:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/5-3Field2-25-2006.jpg

Snapshots of the older buildings completely rehabbed as part of the stadium infrastructure:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Frickers2-25-2006.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/5-3Field2-25-20062.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

I guess I went on a binge with my camera this morning. I took some various of snapshots of the Warehouse District which I live there now:

Grumpy's Restaurant and law offices are housed in a rehabbed buildings several years ago--this about two blocks from the Erie Street Market:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Grumpys2-25-2006.jpg

Emporium a new club/restaurant/hang-out and more law offices located in these older rehabbed building--notice the main gate of the Fifth Third Field is down a block from here:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Emporium2-25-2006.jpg

You can see a small building in the front which is a popular cigar bar called Bronze Boar and notice the two buildings in the background. One of them is the Triangle Building and the other to the right of the picture is the Berdan Building. I've mentioned in earlier seperate posts that they are going to be converted into residential/commercial spaces:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/BronzeBoar2-25-2006.jpg

Another warehouse-wholesale buildings (Bassett Nut Co.) was rehabbed to another law offices in the district:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Bassett2-25-2006.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

I took a couple of more pictures in the downtown area of the older buildings with great architectures:

Looking upwards at the side Commodore Perry Hotel--which is now condos and apartments:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/CommoPerry2-25-2006.jpg

Looking down the Madison Street which a very dense area of older buildings clustered--they have various of restaurants, retails, banks, firms, and offices (Gardner Building: front, Spitzer Building: middle, and 5/3 Bank Building: at the end):
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Madison2-25-2006.jpg

[Gambit]

Very nice

[Bonjourtoledo]

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[Bonjourtoledo]

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[Bonjourtoledo]

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[Bonjourtoledo]

Old West End neighborhood sits two miles west of downtown and north side of the world famous Art Museum:

Collingwood Arts Center: Living quarters for the local artisits
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/CollingwoodArtsCenter.jpg

Holy Rosary Cathedral Church: Sits in the heart of Old West End
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/HolyRosaryCathedral.jpg

Toledo Museum of Art with the construction photo of the Glass Pavilion (all glass structure--no beams or nails) which will make its debut this July '06:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ToledoMuseumofArt.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ArtMuseumSouthEntrance.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/UTArtCenter.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Glass_Center.jpg

High-density condos and apartments surrounding the Art Museum:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/MuseumPlace2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/MuseumPlace3.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ThePlaza.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ParkLaneHotel.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/MuseumPlace4.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ExecutiveTower.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ParkLaneHotel2.jpg

"Mini" Downtown of Old West End neighborhood:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/OldWestEnd.jpg

Arbor Place Condominiums:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/P6040129.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/P6040128.jpg

St. Martin de Porres:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/GallagherHall.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/StMartinPorresChurch5.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

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[Bonjourtoledo]

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[Bonjourtoledo]

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[Jeff_in_Dayton]

Is there not another farmers market in that warehouse district? I thought there where two, and this market that was shutting down is a newer one?

[Jeff_in_Dayton]

Heres an interesting site on the Brimingham neighborhood of East Toledo

The Birmingham Project (http://www.birminghamproject.org/index.htm)

The Birmingham Project was developed as an offshoot of Tom Garey's Master's Thesis from the Geography and Planning Department at the University of Toledo. Tom, a native East Toledoan who married a Hungarian girl from Birmingham, looked at the Birmingham Ethnic Neighborhood from historical, geographic and sequence occupance perspectives. He found many interesting maps, newspaper articles, photographs, and data in the process.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Heres an interesting site on the Brimingham neighborhood of East Toledo

The Birmingham Project (http://www.birminghamproject.org/index.htm)

The Birmingham Project was developed as an offshoot of Tom Garey's Master's Thesis from the Geography and Planning Department at the University of Toledo. Tom, a native East Toledoan who married a Hungarian girl from Birmingham, looked at the Birmingham Ethnic Neighborhood from historical, geographic and sequence occupance perspectives. He found many interesting maps, newspaper articles, photographs, and data in the process.

This is such a small world--how could I forget the famous Tom Garey's Birmingham neighborhood thesis. I was an undergrad in his class for "Urban Environments" back in '01. University of Toledo's Geography and Planning Department is my second home and also my alma mater. This spring semester is last term as I complete my thesis in April and graduate with my Masters. Go Rockets!!

[Bonjourtoledo]

Is there not another farmers market in that warehouse district? I thought there where two, and this market that was shutting down is a newer one?

No, Erie Street Market and Farmer's Market is all at one site. The Erie Street Market has all the shops, delis and vendors while Farmer's Market is at the back side of the building outdoor-wise for all the fresh produce, plants, and flowers.

[Bonjourtoledo]

This is such a small world--how could I forget the famous Tom Garey's Birmingham neighborhood thesis. I was an undergrad in his class for "Urban Environments" back in '01. University of Toledo's Geography and Planning Department is my second home and also my alma mater. This spring semester is last term as I complete my thesis in April and graduate with my Masters. Go Rockets!!

Here is a few pictures of the Birmingham neighborhood that I took last year:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/BirminghamChurch.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/280Bridge.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/TonyPackos2.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

No, Erie Street Market and Farmer's Market is all at one site. The Erie Street Market has all the shops, delis and vendors while Farmer's Market is at the back side of the building outdoor-wise for all the fresh produce, plants, and flowers.

Here is a couple of pictures that I took of the Erie Street Market and the Farmer's Market:

Back side of the Erie Street Market:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/87fd3fd9.jpg

Farmer's Market:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ba1df5d4.jpg

Front side of the Erie Street Market:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/b0037cb7.jpg

Main entrance into the Erie Street Market--notice the "Reining Frog" statue that the community made with all different dressed up frogs and displayed all over the city in 2000-01; there were over 200 frogs:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/ad166b81.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

What a great scoop--this was mentioned tonight on our local ABC affiliate and I think it's great that the municipalities explore this to get away from the big utility corporations--they certainly sure know how to make you pay a lot of money for energy. Hopefully the local paper will have a more in-depth article in this development and I'll post as it becomes available:

Possible municipal electric utility system in downtown:
March 7, 2006 - City leaders say Toledo has the highest electric rates of any major metropolitan area in Ohio.

Tuesday Mayor Carty Finkbeiner announced he will ask the city council to accept an ordinance to form a municipal electric utility system in downtown; a decade ago he opposed the idea.

High electric bills changed the Mayors mind. He says it's time the city reduces its long term electric costs.

"Anytime businesses in downtown save money, it creates an incentive to locate downtown."

That's one reason why Mayor Finkbeiner wants city council to adopt an ordinance to explore a municipal electric utility system. The system would allow the city to create its own power plant and save money on electrical costs.

If the ordinance is passed, city leaders say the only customers who will see relief in the high-energy prices are downtown business owners.

Mayor Finkbeiner says, "If adding One Government Center and Seagate to the plant creates savings for the operation, they should evaluate the benefits connecting to the county's central utility plant."

However, Toledo City Council women, Ellen Grachek says, "it's a long time down the road that the entire city would benefit from it eventually we would all like to see that."

The announcement put a smile on the face of County Commissioner Pete Gerken. "With out the municipal power ordinance we really couldn't reach the buildings or some of the other downtown buildings." The county recently passed a resolution to create a central power plant.

Gerken says estimated cost for the county 14-18 million dollars. However, there are no hard numbers for the city.

The proposed site for the plant is the old Children's Study Institute building located at Tenth Street and Jackson downtown.

[illmatic774]

i miss those damn frogs

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Jeff_in_Dayton]

Wow..Toledo is moving to municiple power! Thats a real contrarian position given the trend to privatize everything in site nowadays.

Sacramento would be a good model for you guys..the SMUD, Sacramento Municiple Utilities District, used to have some of the lowest power rates in the US.

[Bonjourtoledo]

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[Bonjourtoledo]

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[Bonjourtoledo]

Does this thread deserve to be stickied?

[Gambit]

Does this thread deserve to be stickied?

Yes, I regularly look at the Toledo redevelopment. I also think Chicago should be sticked but hey...

[jpIllInoIs]

BonjourToledo, I admire your tenacity in tellin the world about Toledo, It is a great story to tell. But the lack of any other Toledo posters is a problem. I'm OK with it stickied because I do check on it often, but rarely post. I have read enough about the UT/MCO merger to last a lifetime, but hey it is your thread.

I wish more people from Toledo would add content. Toledo's warehouse district is AWESOME!

[illmatic774]

i'm actually a toledo native as well (and i check this thread everytime its bumped up), but i can say the lack of activity on this thread is not too surprising. In Toledo, 15 minutes turns to an hour, which then turns into three. (our last mayor did absolutely nothing) Time stands still, the warehouse district redevelopment is moving pretty slowly, and the damn bridge has been pushed back about 3 years.

At least we are now heading in the right direction, once the snowball starts to pick up some.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Yes, I regularly look at the Toledo redevelopment. I also think Chicago should be sticked but hey...

Yea--what's up with that?

[Bonjourtoledo]

BonjourToledo, I admire your tenacity in tellin the world about Toledo, It is a great story to tell. But the lack of any other Toledo posters is a problem. I'm OK with it stickied because I do check on it often, but rarely post. I have read enough about the UT/MCO merger to last a lifetime, but hey it is your thread.

I wish more people from Toledo would add content. Toledo's warehouse district is AWESOME!


Thanks--I noticed there are some other Toledo forumers on other website such as Urban Ohio which does a pretty good job in posting pictures and news about development and etc.

[Bonjourtoledo]

i'm actually a toledo native as well (and i check this thread everytime its bumped up), but i can say the lack of activity on this thread is not too surprising. In Toledo, 15 minutes turns to an hour, which then turns into three. (our last mayor did absolutely nothing) Time stands still, the warehouse district redevelopment is moving pretty slowly, and the damn bridge has been pushed back about 3 years.

At least we are now heading in the right direction, once the snowball starts to pick up some.


In my professional opinion sometimes people are obsessed with the project development's timeline too much and they say "it is done yet?....is it done yet?" just like a kid asking their dad "are we there yet?" without considering the magnitude starting a project. As planners and engineers always know--we be patient, be conservative, be proactive, be organized, be knowledgable, and the project will be completed correctly but you can never estimate perfect timing because we would rather see it built right than built on time. Too many folks get too excited and demand too much of a project which they really need to understand the timing of planning phases, engineering phases, and construction phases that need to work together seamlessly.

[Bonjourtoledo]

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[Bonjourtoledo]

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[Bonjourtoledo]

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[Bonjourtoledo]

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[illmatic774]

I have posted previous posts with pictures of the new downtown Tony Packo's in this thread. I will be taking some pictures in the near future of the completed project. I can tell you right now--the place is gorgeous from exterior to the interior which really complements the surrounding area.

6th Packo's opens today near downtown ball park

By HOMER BRICKEY
BLADE SENIOR BUSINESS WRITER


Tony Packo's Inc. opens its sixth restaurant today, across the street from Fifth Third Field in downtown Toledo, a site executives said will soon draw revenue of $2 million to $3 million a year.

"This is going to take a little bit of business away from the Front Street store," said Rob Hor-
vath, chief operating officer of Packo's, referring to firm's original site on Front Street in East Toledo, where annual revenue is about $3 million.

Tony Packo, Jr., chief executive, said the new Packo's at the Park, at 7 South Superior St. near Washington St., seats 240, has 7,000 square feet of space, and employs 95, about the same as the Front Street unit.

The decor was intended to be reminiscent of the original Packo's, which dates to 1932, but it has booths and lamps that make it different from the Tiffany-style fixtures of the east-side location.

The items in the baseball motif - featuring many Toledo Mud Hens photographs and seats from the old Swayne Field ball park - were collected mostly by John Husman, a retired Blade human resources manager and baseball historian who has written several books, including Baseball in Toledo.

The downtown site opens to the public at 11 this morning, just over two months after a Tony Packo's Cafe opened in Findlay, joining units in Sylvania and in The Andersons General Stores in Maumee and on Talmadge Road in Toledo.

But hundreds of people have sampled the fare, which includes the chain's famed Hungarian hot dogs, during pre-opening events in recent days.

Company leaders hope to keep up sales at the original store by building more tourism, such as tourist buses, in a "Hungarian village" they envision.

The menu of the downtown location, Mr. Packo said, is the same as at the others, with the addition of bratwurst, Italian sausage, Chicago-style hot dogs, and some other hot dogs. It will be open for lunch and dinner.

The new baseball field has generated several new store and restaurant openings in that area, and talk of a new arena nearby could further spur development.

Mr. Packo said he welcomes a competitor, The Blarney Irish Pub & Grill, which is planned on the opposite side of Fifth Third Field, at 601 Monroe St. at the corner of Huron Street.

Ed Beczynski said he hopes to open The Blarney by June, on the first floor of a building that was headquarters for Gilbert Mail Service for many years. Gilbert moved nearby.

"I've always loved that area," said Mr. Beczynski, who owns Focaccia Delicatessen on Summit Street and EB's Express in Edison Plaza. "I love downtown [and] that area is underdeveloped."

well thats great news for sure

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Bonjourtoledo]

^^ As of 10a.m. on 3/31/2006--University of Toledo and Medical University of Ohio is now one institution by law, it was signed by the state governor. This becomes effective starting July 1, 2006. Good day for this region.

[Bonjourtoledo]

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[Bonjourtoledo]

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[Bonjourtoledo]

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[Bonjourtoledo]

I like to dedicate this post with various of pictures to the merging of two state institutions University of Toledo and Medical University of Ohio as it becomes one school starting this July 1, 2006:

UT Clock Tower:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/UTClockTower.jpg

UT Art School:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/UTArtCenter.jpg

UT has downtown classes @ the Seagate Convention Centre:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/dc14c14f.jpg

Goooooo Rockets!:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Rocket-towerfuzz.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Rocket-clocktower.jpg

Glass Bowl:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/victory.jpg

Potential New UT Law School in downtown's Berdan Building (mentioned in previous posts):
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Berdan3.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Berdan4.jpg

MUO Main Building with Library:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/MUO1.jpg

MUO various campus buildings:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/MUO2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/MUO3.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

The famous Tony Packo's which is an hungarian restaurant that serves delicious sausages, hot dogs, chilis, and many others made a debut in downtown on March 29th and it was a huge success. It brought a lot of attention to the Warehouse District as it provided foot traffic to other restaurants and shops. Such a good day in Toledo.

This is the mothership store of all Tony Packo's which sits on the east side of the river in Toledo located in the Birmingham neighborhood; this place still rocks:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/TonyPackos2.jpg

I took this shot this morning which is the finished downtown Tony Packo's:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/TonyPackos4-9-2006.jpg

I took this awhile back when they were in the middle of construction:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/TonyPackos2-25-2006.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

As the Mud Hens play downtown--there's a firework show after the game every Friday and Saturday night when they are home; since we live in downtown now we will be watching fireworks from our rooftop:

Here is the shot of the skyline from our rooftop prior the game which started 6:30p.m.:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Southview4-8-2006.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

Mud Hens opened their season April 6th with sellout crowd and the area around it was packed--restaurants, bars, shops, and clubs were hopping. They are home for the next 8 games until going out on the road--it is surreal especially now living downtown and they had a huge championship celebration on opening day as the Hens won last season:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/5-3.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Aerial.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/FrontEntrance.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/53_daygame_Dave_Cantor.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/HotAirBalloon.jpg

Mudonna:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Muddonna.jpg

Muddy:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Muddy2_Art20Weber.jpg

Go Hens!:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/GovCupChamps.jpg

[Bonjourtoledo]

From many previous posts in this thread, I have been waiting for this quite some time. Now finally I do see dirt flying and construction equipment on site for the long awaited project called Shops at Fallen Timbers. NBC 24 news reported that the company has announced the stores and opening day for the open-air mall; I'll believe it when they complete it (lol):

Stores Coming to Fallen Timbers

(Maumee, OH) --- NBC24 has told you about the Fallen Timbers Mall. Now sources tell NBC24 that a number of stores have committed to opening up at the mall.

Mall developers hope to open the mall by March 28, 2007. It is expected to feature a "Mainstreet" open-air mall with water features and a patio with fire pit, leading to restaurant row.

This retail resort, complete with Barnes & Noble and a new16-screen Showcase Movie Cinema are expected to be part of the mall.

Other retail stores expected to be included are:

Lenscrafters
Cingular
Toledo Trunk
Eddie Bauer
Ann Taylor Loft
Lane Bryant
Champs
Walking Company
Helzberg Diamonds
Osterman
Aldo
Aveda
Sharper Image
Victoria Secret
Bath & Body
Gap
Kid Foot Locker
Lady Foot Locker
After Hours Formal
Regis
J. Foster
Zales
Acorn
Trade Secret
Claires
Hatworld
Spencer Gifts
Things Remembered
Wilsons
Children's Place
Hallmark
Charlotte Russe
Torrid
H&M
Kay Jewelers
Journeys
Buckle
American Eagle
Starbucks
Pacific Sunwear
Aeropostale
Limited Too
Charlotte Russe
Forever 21
Sunglass Hut
Hot Topic
Barnes & Noble
Coldstone
Olgas

Sources also say that Fallen Timber's developers are in negotiations with Chicos; Hollister; and Express etc. Developers are also talking with big box retailers, Petco; Office Max; Marshalls; and Circuit City.

NBC24 will continue to bring you the latest developments on the Fallen Timbers Mall development as they become available.

Simon Shaykhet

[Bonjourtoledo]

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[Bonjourtoledo]

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[Bonjourtoledo]

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[Bonjourtoledo]

Right now Anderson's share is over $115 a share--YOWZEE!! From last fall, they initiated plans to build 3 ethanol refineries in Michigan (1) and Indiana (2) since then everyone has been throwing money at Anderson's. Anderson's world headquarters is located in Maumee south border of Toledo which has businesses in rail, seaway shipping, grain, fertilizers, agriculture, and retail. After the refineries are opened and operating, I predict this company going to be moving up in the Fortune 500 or 1000 level with this sticker shock gas prices as more people move to alternative energies and buy new cars that takes ethanol.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Deleted due to Toledo Blade's request.

[Pilliod Njaim]

Hello. I'm fron Toledo and new to the forum. I'm a photographer and plan on posting many of my Toledo photos. It really is one of the most underrated cities in America. From the world class art musuem and zoo to the historic architecture, Toledo has a lot going for it. http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=337298

Though a few things have been frightening me, namely talks of tearing down the Fiberglass Tower. From an older post:

With the news of the proposed downtown Sports Arena, there are 4-5 other sites they are looking to build around the CBD area. The most sought after site is across from the Seagate Convention Centre where the vacant 30-story Hytower building (former Owens Corning building)

I really think this is unlikely. The costs would be astronomical not to mention the property is owned by the Eyde Company in Michigan. It might actually be their most expensive holding. The building's asbestos replacement costs are estimated at about 2 million dollars. It is not unreasonable to plan for an office/residential renovation of this tower. I find it shocking that people thinnk no one would miss the second tallest building in the city. Anyway, I did a thread on the building in urbanohio, and will post what I posted there:

Toledo has the unique distinction of having its 2nd tallest skyscraper 100% vacant. The 400 foot Fiberglass Tower opened in 1970 to much fanfare and was the first skyscraper to utilize the "open floor" design. Today, it is abandandoned, water damaged, and has asbestos fireproofing that will cost 2 to 3 million dollars to replace. It was vacated in 1996 by OC after their new Cesar Pelli "Carnival Cruise Ship" headquarters opened on the Middlegrounds area (formerly railyards) between the Maumee River and Swan Creek. Ironically, asbestos lawsuits made the Fortune 500 company declare bankruptcy shortly after.

The Fiberglass Tower's future is up in the air. Toledo is in no hurry to tear it down and no private investors are in any hurry to renovate it. Some possible plans for it include condos, a mixed use loft/office tower, etc. I'd say a residential renovation is the most likely scenario, but at the rate things have been moving in Toledo, that could take another 20 years...

Some stats:
Primary Type: Office
Office Building
Divisible To: 576 SF
Maximum Contiguous: 16,570 SF
Building Size: 437,500 SF
Building Class: A
Year Built: 1969
Date Last Verified: 4/26/2006

Property Description:
Thirty-Story Office Building, magnificent views of the Maumee River, Lake Erie and CBD abound! Fantastic site for conversion to condominium, luxury apartment, mixed use development. Attached 519 +/- space parking garage. Building is linked to cities walk-way system. Former Owens Corning world headquarters, built in 1969. 11 passenger/1 freight high-speed 1,000' per minute elevators serve the building. (Building contains asbestos fireproofing/pipe wrapping, remediation estimated btwn 2-3 million, monies are available at state level to assist in removal)

Location Description:
Downtown Toledo CBD near new 39.2 million dollar Fifth Third Field, Maumee River, University of Toledo Medical School, Seagate Convention Center

No. Stories: 30 Lot Size: 1.64 Acres

It is owned by the Eyde Company of Michigan and is integral to Toledo's skyline. Their website has all the info on it, including floor plans. The black skyscraper is considered by some to be as much a signature of Toledo as One Seagate. In fact, many suburbanites confuse One Seagate with the Fiberglass Tower.

http://www.loopnet.com/looplink/eyde/searchresults.aspx?SearchType=FL&VIEWSTATEID=13433896&PgCxtGuid=0a1a3fb9-234e-43f5-8d9a-edb38f21d2a0&PgCxtCurFLKey=LooplinkSearchPage&name=eyde&LooplinkRadioButton=FL&ForLeasePropertyType=All+Property+Types&ForLeaseIncludeFullyLeased_Hidden=Y&ForLeaseLooplinkSubmit=Begin+Search&ReturnTargetUrl=%2fxNet%2fLoopLink%2fLoopLinks%2feyde%2fqryradio.aspx&R_LL_RB=FL&R_FS_PT=All+Property+Types&R_FL_PT=All+Property+Types

[Paddington]

I'd like it better if they tore down Southwyck and built a new mall there instead of one at Fallen Timbers.

Fallen Timbers is too close to the Perrysburg mall. I think South Toledo/Maumee region would have been a good location right in between Franklin Park and the Perrysburg mall for a 3rd mall on Toledo's west side.

But what do i know. :cheers:

[Bonjourtoledo]

Welcome Pilliod--I can't wait to see more pictures from you and engage some discussions in developments in our area.

Great pictures of Toledo with the link you put on. I would love it to frame it and hang it around my house.

[Bonjourtoledo]

I'd like it better if they tore down Southwyck and built a new mall there instead of one at Fallen Timbers.

Fallen Timbers is too close to the Perrysburg mall. I think South Toledo/Maumee region would have been a good location right in between Franklin Park and the Perrysburg mall for a 3rd mall on Toledo's west side.

But what do i know. :cheers:


I agree with you Paddington, with the current location at Southwyck it's in a very busy traveled area with large number of residents nearby. Too bad that b*astard owner from Kansas City is just collecting his rent and using this mall as a tax write-off. Let's hope something happens soon.

[Pilliod Njaim]

The Southwyck situation sucks. My parents are from Maumee, so that was my mall growing up. It used to be so lively and was a very cool place. Now, it's half empty and basically the "ghetto mall."

I still go there, but since Le Petit Gourmet moved to Monclova/Maumee, I've had less reasons to go there. Dillard's is still good, but I hear that's closing down soon.

Southwyck's location is perfect for a mall, but with Fallen Timbers going in just a couple miles away, it won't be able to survive.

[Cincinnatus]

C-Dawg, is that you!? ;)

[Pilliod Njaim]

Yes indeed :)

[Bonjourtoledo]

The Southwyck situation sucks. My parents are from Maumee, so that was my mall growing up. It used to be so lively and was a very cool place. Now, it's half empty and basically the "ghetto mall."

I still go there, but since Le Petit Gourmet moved to Monclova/Maumee, I've had less reasons to go there. Dillard's is still good, but I hear that's closing down soon.

Southwyck's location is perfect for a mall, but with Fallen Timbers going in just a couple miles away, it won't be able to survive.


According to ABC 13 news tonight that this coming Monday the Levis Commons developer is releasing plans for redeveloping the Southwyck area with over $150 million of investment. They released a new branding of the name and the art design of "The Village at Southwyck" today. He mentioned that the project will be completed late 2007 and so we will see what he will propose for the final plans this coming Monday.

[Bonjourtoledo]

The Southwyck situation sucks. My parents are from Maumee, so that was my mall growing up. It used to be so lively and was a very cool place. Now, it's half empty and basically the "ghetto mall."

I still go there, but since Le Petit Gourmet moved to Monclova/Maumee, I've had less reasons to go there. Dillard's is still good, but I hear that's closing down soon.

Southwyck's location is perfect for a mall, but with Fallen Timbers going in just a couple miles away, it won't be able to survive.


Right now there is only sewer lines going into the ground out at Fallen Timbers which they've been doing this for a few months now. This is going to end up being a horse-race between Fallen Timbers or Southwyck to finish first. So time will tell.

[Bonjourtoledo]

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[Bonjourtoledo]

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[Bonjourtoledo]

It's a gorgeous spring day today 65 degrees and not a cloud in the sky:

My rooftop patio with the skyline view:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/urbanplant5.jpg

I'm trying to do urban gardening on my rooftop:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/urbanplant4.jpg

Begonia--so gorgeous:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/urbanplant3.jpg

Toledo is also known as Frogtown as well:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/urbanplant2.jpg

More urban planting with the turtle:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/urbanplant.jpg

Skyline on a spring morning:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/springskyline.jpg

New patio furnitures for our new home with different views:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/patio5.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/patio4.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/patio3.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/patio2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/patio.jpg

[Pilliod Njaim]

OMG!! Bonjour, your place is AWESOME!! :)

The patio view looks about 4 floors off the street. Is this Riverwest Townhomes?

[Bonjourtoledo]

Yep--I posted several posts in this thread with pictures and details about this place. We moved in once it was finished with construction in mid-January of this year and it is four floors. We love this place to death.

[Bonjourtoledo]

The day has arrived--Mr. Larry Dillin has did a press conference on the redevelopment of Southwyck Mall. Here is the link to the architecture drawing, plans, and information in regards to this project:

The Village at Southwyck (http://villageatsouthwyck.com/)

[Pilliod Njaim]

Great news!

[Bonjourtoledo]

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[Bonjourtoledo]

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[Bonjourtoledo]

This type of move for Stautzenberger College makes sense to be part of a "town-within-town" open air mall. This redevelopment project which I believe will re-energize the southwest urban area of Toledo area which is surrounded by city of Maumee, Monclova Township, and Springfield Township. This area has a high population with over 150,000 residents combined within a 5-mile radius.


Stautzenberger College to becomes tenant at Southwyck 'village'
By Danielle Portteus
Toledo Free Press Staff Writer
news@toledofreepress.com

Stautzenberger College will aid in the renovation of Southwyck Mall with a 40,000-square-foot academic building in the former Lion Home Store, Stautzenberger President George Simons said May 8.

"We are absolutely delighted to be part of this project," he said. "It is a major change for us."

Simons, Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner and Larry Dillin, owner of Dillin Corp., announced the renovation plans for The Village at Southwyck.

Simons said the Board of Trustees has signed a letter of intent to expand into the mall by July 2007.

"It's not going to be another mall," he said. "It will be the re-emergence of the community and our charter is to serve this community."

Simons said academic programs including veterinary technology and private investigation will be available at the new site.

Dillin said the college is a part of the new vision for Southwyck.

"We've accomplished a major milestone and have positive support from the community," he said. "The college will bring a core group of customers back to a center of education and other stores."

Finkbeiner said the success for redevelopment plans for Southwyck depends on the
Dillards Department Store.

"We would really like to see them stay and help develop the center," he said. "We have not finalized anything with Dillards yet, but we thank them for their willingness to stay here and stay loyal to us."

Finkbeiner said he wanted to thank those who have stayed loyal to the mall project.

"I want to thank the mall walkers, but also the vendors who have hung in there through the challenging days," he said. "Citizens have been loyal in the good times and the not so good times."

Finkbeiner said he encourages businesses to look into the redevelopment project and continue to support the community by considering a move to the new facilities.

"If we work together we can promote the reinvigoration of the south end," he said.

Current plans put the renovation project exceeding $100 million in three construction phases, but the price and phases could increase depending on the retailers, Dillin said.

County Commissioner Tina Skeldon Wozniak said the community should say a big thanks to Dillin.

"We are fortunate he is a friend to the community," she said. "Projects like this don't get done unless we collaborate together."

Toledo resident Jeanne Crossen said she was debating on whether to move away from the south end because of the lack of development.

"I'm ecstatic Stautzenberger is coming because it's a great way for them to use the space," she said. "They didn't elaborate on too much, but it's wonderful to hear they are making progress."

She said she is worried about housing development as part of the project.

"There's always the doubt over the housing," she said. "Whether it is upscale homes, assisted living or low income housing, there is a lot of concern. I just want to see Southwyck cleaned up."

Dillin said he has had dialogue with assisted-living facilities.

"There will not be any low-income housing," he said. "But we have had no commitments."

Toufic Arou-Dhech, Toledo resident, said he was pleased
with the news.

"We are waiting for this," he said. "Moving the school here and having Dillards stay is very important for the project — if they stay, it will be good."

Dillin Corp. built Levis Commons in Perrysburg. Despite that development and the increasing stores at Westfield Shoppingtown, Dillin said he is not worried about Southwyck surviving.

"I hate competition," he said. "We will distinguish ourselves from those projects and have merchandise plans that are specific to the south end."

Finkbeiner and Dillin will travel to Las Vegas May 21-25 to meet with prospective anchor stores, existing tenants and new tenants
to discuss the timing of the project.

Dillin said the design phase for the project will take until September 2006 and possible construction can start as early as this winter.

[Bonjourtoledo]

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[Bonjourtoledo]

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[Bonjourtoledo]

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[bungalowbuck]

bonjour, bonjour toledo. i am impressed by your exhaustive documentation of toledo development stories. i have enjoyed your photos of toledo very much. i wonder if you would kindly consider an extensive photo portrait of the olde west end, the old south end, vistula and the ottawa hills areas of toledo? i remember fondly my visits to toledo a number of years ago. i live in florida, so it's not exactly a sunday afternoon drive for me to visit toledo anytime soon. i remember toledo having one of the finest collection of late victorian and arts and crafts era homes in the united states. i would love to see so much more of toledo. again, thanks for all your hard work. it's always a pleasure to read your posts.

[Pilliod Njaim]

Actually, I have a library of over 1000 photos of Toledo on film. The problem is getting them scanned!

Be on the lookout for more Toledo photo threads in the future.

[Bonjourtoledo]

bonjour, bonjour toledo. i am impressed by your exhaustive documentation of toledo development stories. i have enjoyed your photos of toledo very much. i wonder if you would kindly consider an extensive photo portrait of the olde west end, the old south end, vistula and the ottawa hills areas of toledo? i remember fondly my visits to toledo a number of years ago. i live in florida, so it's not exactly a sunday afternoon drive for me to visit toledo anytime soon. i remember toledo having one of the finest collection of late victorian and arts and crafts era homes in the united states. i would love to see so much more of toledo. again, thanks for all your hard work. it's always a pleasure to read your posts.

Many thanks bungalobuck..however I do have some pictures in the previous posts of the Vistula neighborhood. I will be going to the Old West End festival on June 3-4, 2006 and will definetly be taking pictures of this neighborhood. Once again, thanks for your compliments to this thread.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Actually, I have a library of over 1000 photos of Toledo on film. The problem is getting them scanned!

Be on the lookout for more Toledo photo threads in the future.

I certainly would be waiting for them Pilliod.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Good news for development expansion of Town Center at Levis Commons with the close access of I-75, I-475, and I-80/90. This will be a welcome addition to economic improvements of our region. There are numerous of past posts in this thread about the Levis Commons development for more details.

Here's another tiny news bit from our local NBC station about this development:

Levis Commons Gets $177.5 Million for Expansion Projects

(Perrysburg, OH) --- A brand new hotel, convention center, and two more retail centers. That's what's in the works for a $177.5 million dollar expansion at Levis Ccommons.

The ink is barely dry on the deal approved by the Toledo Lucas County Port Authority on Thursday.

Its a bond package that will surely change the face of Levi's Commons and Perrysburg.

We're talking to the tune of almost $200 million dollars.

The money will go to build 175 room hotel and convention center, and two more retail centers at the Perrysburg site. The funds come from the sale of bonds, and would partially be used for improvements to streets and sidewalks.

Perrysburg City Council still has to approve the deal at their next meeting on June 6th.

[Bonjourtoledo]

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[Bonjourtoledo]

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[MgoBlue91]

I've been visiting this sight for awhile and never even bothered to look for anything about Toledo. Good job. I check out the bridge every now and again, I'll post some pictures next time I go.

Also, I just got in from Florida and can't believe what they did to Westgate while I was gone!

[Pilliod Njaim]

^the bridge will be amazing when it's completed (easily the landmark bridge of Ohio). It will be sad to see the beautiful Anthony Wayne Bridge overshadowed, but hey, it's being shown up by a very worthy bridge. Anthony Wayne will probably still be my favorite though...

Glass City Skyway is behind schedule, but it's better done right than done early. Every time I visit home, I go check it out. It reminds of a something that would be in a major Asian city, but it still looks great in the Glass City.

Also, I just got in from Florida and can't believe what they did to Westgate while I was gone!

Westgate is being leveled. Southwyck might be too!

Both are slated for major redevlopments though, so they should be better than their old selves. Let's face it, both were pretty ugly, suburban-styled malls. I'm glad they're being rebuilt. I just hope they are more urban...and do something a little more creative than a "shopping towne."

[Bonjourtoledo]

Congrats is in order of Toledo's southern suburb for one of the ten winners of the 2006 All-American City which they won last night in Anaheim. Maumee has about 15,000 residents but over 30,000 employment population which in Myron Orfield's book it is categorized as a "Job Center" city. Here is a historical synopsis I got from the city's website:

Since pre-historic times, Indians (notably the Ottawa) were the first to utilize the rich resources at the present site of Maumee, Ohio, in the Maumee River Valley. Throughout much of the eighteenth century, French, British and American forces struggled for control of the lower Maumee River as a major transportation artery linking East and West. A decisive American victory over the British and their Indian allies at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794 (see Historic Landmarks in the Recreation, Entertainment and Special Events section) and the conclusion of the War of 1812 (see Fort Meigs in the Recreation, Entertainment and Special Events section) opened the way for American expansion and attracted Eastern emigrants intent on making a fortune in western lands.
A town plat was laid out in 1817 at the Foot of the Rapids of the Maumee River and within a decade, the settlement was gaining recognition as a major trans-shipment point connecting Lake Erie and the far west. The opening of the Wabash and Erie Canal in 1840 further stimulated the economy and led Jessup Scott, a noted town promoter, to predict that Maumee would become the "great city of the West," surpassing all rivals. By mid-century Maumee was indeed a flourishing center of river trade, commerce and shipbuilding. Nearly twenty mercantile establishments crowded along the three miles of ship docks competing for the retail and wholesale trade. Maumee was chosen as the county seat in 1840 and jurists came from miles around to practice in the imposing Greek Revival Lucas County Courthouse erected by private subscription from local citizens. The federal custom house and post office also were located in Maumee.

Dreams of greatness began to fade in the 1850's as larger ships too deep to navigate up river were introduced and the railroad proved a faster and cheaper means of transportation. Population expanded westward and Maumee lost the county seat designation in 1854. A "gas boom" in the 1880's was short lived and Maumee became, as one observer noted, " a sleepy little town."

It would be nearly a century later; in the 1970's that Maumee would experience a real economic renaissance. Today, Maumee is home to one of the largest business centers in Northwest Ohio. Together, Arrowhead Business Park and Maumee's historic business community (a National Register Historic District) contribute to the 30,000 plus jobs located in the community. Over the years Maumee's original boundaries have expanded and the population has grown from the small group of promoters who applied for a municipal charter in 1838 to over 15,000 residents. Although Maumee has experienced many changes, its neighborhoods retain their small town ambiance and many of the historic homes and buildings of the early residents sill grace the tree lined streets of the architectural districts. For more information about Maumee's history, please browse the Historical Landmarks section under the Recreation, Entertainment and Special Events link.

[Bonjourtoledo]

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[Bonjourtoledo]

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[Bonjourtoledo]

^^

As of this date, I could not find the follow-up newstory in regards to this development. But the employees of the plant has unanimously approved the changes as they felt they would have to adapt to the changes. It's either vote yes and keep the plant in the region or vote no and Chrysler would shut down the plant. It's not really a win-win situation, but the redevelopment of the plant and the long-term committment to stay in the region is better than having a plant shut down permenantly.

[Bonjourtoledo]

Interesting article in regards to a win-win situation for Bass Pro Sports to land in our region which will benefit Toledo and its suburbs (a no-brainer; go-figure):


Toledo could reap windfall from Rossford Bass Pro
By Tony Gonzalez
Toledo Free Press Staff Writer
news@toledofreepress.com

Toledo may have failed to court Bass Pro this spring, but an agreement forged in 1992 will benefit the city if the sporting goods and outdoors retailer builds in Rossford.
Guided by attorney and former mayoral candidate Keith Wilkowski, Toledo and Rossford formed a joint economic development zone agreement in 1992. To fulfill the agreement, Toledo provides water to a designated area in Rossford. In return, Rossford pays Toledo for the water services and gives Toledo a substantial portion of income tax revenue — 27 cents of every dollar generated from employee income tax and net business profits.
Rossford has made regular payments to Toledo since 1992, but Mayor Carty Finkbeiner said the agreement will bring more money if Bass Pro builds within the zone known as the “Golden Triangle” between Interstate 75 and the Ohio Turnpike (south side of Route 795, bordered by I-75 and Deimling Road). Wilkowski estimated Toledo receives $50,000 per year from Rossford.
“With Bass Pro going [to Rossford] we anticipate more income tax,” said Bob Reinbolt, Finkbeiner's chief of staff.
Rossford City Administrator Ed Ciecka declined comment concerning talks between Bass Pro and Rossford. Although Bass Pro has not announced a Rossford location, and the number of potential employees and salaries is undetermined, Reinbolt said Toledo would receive a substantially larger amount of money from Rossford.
“It doesn't cost us anything — we're not putting any infrastructure in and we get a portion of the JEDZ,” Reinbolt said, calling the agreement a “win-win situation” for both cities.
The JEDZ faces review May 2008 and every five years, but a clause in the agreement reads, “The intent herein being that so long as Toledo supplies water to the JEDZ area, then this JEDZ contract shall be in full force.”
Wilkowski said the received money goes into Toledo's general funds for investment or city improvements.
Finkbeiner said Toledo will be in a good position even though Bass Pro did not choose the Marina District. He estimated it would have cost Toledo approximately $40 million in underwriting and tax abatements to satisfy Bass Pro.
“We are really excited we didn't have to spend in excess of $32 million,” Finkbeiner said.
Reinbolt agreed.
“When we dealt with Bass Pro they wanted everything including the kitchen sink, which we threw in,” he said.
Finkbeiner said a Bass Pro in Rossford would attract customers to other Toledo and Wood County businesses.
“While I would have loved them [Bass Pro] to come to Toledo ... now we can keep our fingers crossed their decision is to come into Wood County,” Finkbeiner said.
“If Bass Pro selects a Rossford site within the JEDZ, the city of Toledo will share in income tax,” Ciecka said. “Any type of new development in the Crossroads Centre area, Toledo would share income tax.”
Ciecka said Rossford has paid Toledo increasing payments since 1992 at approximately $100,000 in recent years. Ciecka said Bass Pro has not provided a payroll estimate, so the potential increase in payments to Toledo cannot be estimated.

Income tax
Wilkowski said the JEDZ pays Toledo out of employee income tax, so payments to Toledo would not decrease because of numerous tax breaks Bass Pro may request from Rossford. He said one tax credit, which rebates employers for a portion of employees' income taxes, could apply to Bass Pro if the company creates a designated number of jobs. Wilkowski said Rossford has not used such a credit.
“I don't see the JEDZ not working as everyone intended it,” Wilkowski said. “It was a very forward-looking agreement that gives Toledo a significant share of the regional economic development pie.”
“If there was a tax incentive on the income tax, it could possibly affect the JEDZ, but there haven't been talks of that,” Ciecka said.
Toledo has formed other JEDZ agreements with surrounding cities. Wilkowski said the 1992 agreement with Rossford was “definitely cutting edge” at the time.
The city formed a similar agreement with Perrysburg Township, but the township has not annexed land that would trigger exchange of services. Toledo continues to exchange services with Maumee from a 1991 JEDZ that faced litigation for technical defects, but which was revised in 2002 for enforcement until 2087. Toledo, Maumee and Monclova operate on another JEDZ.
Wilkowski estimated that as of last year Toledo had received at least $2.5 million under existing JEDZ agreements, with funds coming into Toledo at a rate of about $600,000 per year.
“JEDZs are wonderful tools for regional cooperation and tax-sharing,” Wilkowski said. “If we're ever going to approach regionalism it's going to be through individual contracts and collections of agreements where we cooperate with each other like a JEDZ.
“Right now we have a water agreement with the city of Toledo. Our contract will expire, and as we go into negotiations, the city of Rossford will have to consider alternatives,” Ciecka said. “We have to look at alternatives as time goes on — nothing's permanent. It was a logical and fair, proportionate sharing in 1992, but in 2006 ... or 2008, it might not be appropriate.”

[Bonjourtoledo]

Very good news for this region as Daimler-Chrysler has forgoe to hire back the 750 laid-off or new workers for the expanded Jeep plant. I have two articles in regards to this story which broke out today; I guess this is an upswing on the contrary to the other plant in Perrysburg downsizing/converting which I posted in this thread:
This article is from our local CBS affiliate:

DaimlerChrysler to Add Third Shift to Build Dodge Nitro
June 15, 2006 11:37 AM EDT

TOLEDO (AP) -- About 750 jobs are being added at an auto assembly plant in Toledo later this year. The Chrysler Group says today that the jobs are being added to start production on the Dodge Nitro, a new mid-sized SUV. Nearly all of the jobs on the new third shift will be filled by current or laid-off Jeep workers at the Toledo North Assembly Plant, which opened in 2001.

The plant also produces the Jeep Liberty, Wrangler, and will make the 4-door Wrangler once it goes into production.

DaimlerChrysler is spending $600 million dollars to developand produce the Nitro. "Its presence will go a long way to expand the Dodge brand," said Byron Green, DaimlerChrysler's vice president of truck and activity in a story first broadcast on WTOL last fall. "There's nothing on the market quite like it."

The Dodge Nitro will use the same frame, engine, suspension, and transmission as the Jeep Liberty, but the Nitro is a little bit roomier than the Liberty, so drivers who find the Liberty a bit cramped might like it more.

Toledo Jeep currently has 3,800 workers and 200 on a rotating layoff. Initial Nitro test vehicles were built in Detroit this year. Toledo Jeep has been home to early prototypes for about five months.

A 2007 Dodge Nitro had an unlikely unveiling on a Toledo street back in May. One of the prototypes, driven by a Chrysler worker, bumped into the back of a semi truck on a public street. Police ticketed the Nitro driver for ignoring a stop sign. A company spokesman says DaimlerChrysler employees routinely drive new vehicles between the Toledo plant and headquarters in Auburn Hills.

If you like what you see here and want to buy one, you'll have to wait. The Nitro won't be available until later this summer.

Experts say diversifying the Toledo North plant makes good economic sense. Veteran workers tell News 11 they are "ecstatic" about the expansion of products and jobs in north Toledo. "It's very exciting. It's going to offer us opportunity for volume," said John Vannetta, a 22-year Jeep employee, in a story first broadcast last fall. "Should be good for the workers. Bring back some laid off workers that are laid off at this time."

"It's not a huge SUV, it's a smaller SUV, so in this market it will be good," said Rick Shortridge, a 21-year Jeep employee, in that same story from last fall. "The larger SUV market seems to have gone soft."

[Bonjourtoledo]

Thank goodness there are talks and possibility of plans for this vacant 30-story Hytower Building. It's been vacant for nearly 10 years since Owens-Corning moved into their new riverside world headquarters; I'm excited of what's next with this building--so we'll stay tune:

Various pictures of the Hytower Building:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/OwensCorningWrldHdqtr2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/Skyline.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/StClairStreetSkyline.jpg

This article is from our local FOX affiliate in regards to this possible redevelopment project:

Future Of The Fiberglas Tower
Dated: 06/16/2006 04:51:17 PM

On Thursday the Fiberglas Tower was mentioned for the first time in years. That's because firefighters from around the country were training inside the vacant skyscraper. But the building's owners say eventually new life could be coming to this Toledo landmark, bringing it back to its former glory.

On May first 1967 a ground breaking was held for what was going to be the cities tallest skyscraper. The construction took over two years and when it was completed the Fiberglas Tower stood four hundred feet tall and housed thirty floors, many of which were occupied by Owens-Corning Fiberglas.

So what went wrong? Ten years ago the building became vacant and it hasn't been filled since. But it’s now owned by the Eyde Corporation out of Michigan. Mark Clouse with the company says, "We held it down for eight years or so and are still hopeful for the transition, but it just hasn't happened yet."

But a lot of work has been done. All but three of the floors are completely gutted. Clouse also says, "We abated all of the mold, we removed carpet and ceilings tiles and a great deal of dry wall in the building." As for the asbestos it is contained but needs to be removed which will cost over $2 million.

So the possibilities are endless for the property. The Eyde Corporations just put the building on the market. The county appraises the North Saint Claire property for $4 million but the price tag on the land, parking garage and building is $7 million.

As of right now there are three out-of-state parties interested in the property. They are looking to turn the building into a multi-purpose facility with restaurants, shops, a gym and condos.

Tearing the building down was another option. But it would have to be de-constructed floor by floor which would cost around $15 million.

[Zuelas]

I was in Toledo a couple months ago and I wondered why there were no lights on in ^^ that bldg. From my perspective it seemed to be the tallest skyscraper in that area and seemed very odd that there was no life in it. I really like Toledo and hope it sees the redevelopment it deserves.

[Bonjourtoledo]

I was in Toledo a couple months ago and I wondered why there were no lights on in ^^ that bldg. From my perspective it seemed to be the tallest skyscraper in that area and seemed very odd that there was no life in it. I really like Toledo and hope it sees the redevelopment it deserves.

Surrounding this topic I've posted in the past of this thread, the pending planning process and development is about to take place of the new arena which will soon be a reality. The county, city, and business community will be rolling out the plans, financing, and architectural rendering of the new arena. Rumor is that the arena will cost over $80 million and will have 10,000-12,000 seating with a proposed location in downtown right next to the block that the vacant Hytower Building sits on. With the development of the new arena replacing the East Toledo's 1948-built arena it will create a ripple of effect in redevelopment around the new site just like the Fifth Third Field which breathed new life into the Warehouse District in 2002.

[Bonjourtoledo]

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[Bonjourtoledo]

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[Bonjourtoledo]

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[Bonjourtoledo]

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[Bonjourtoledo]

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[Bonjourtoledo]

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[Bonjourtoledo]

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[Bonjourtoledo]

Like many midwestern cities, we are dealing with "brain drain" even it isn't our choice to leave but we have to make personal economic choices to survive. A great article this morning talks about the mayor of Toledo surveying the young folks who left the Toledo region for jobs and other reasonings. I applaud his effort to get a better understanding but in my opinion it will take a region or a state to turn this "brain drain" around. In my own life, I left shortly after high school to the west coast for several years, with great life experiences and warm weather, but it wasn't "home". So I moved back home determined to finishe college and land on a good-paying job. Now that I have a dual degrees (Bachelor's and Master's) and holding a wonderful professional job, I'm thanking my lucky stars that I'm still in my hometown. However I wish it could be for the others to have that same experience because I'm sure many of them would love to come home. Some of my closest friends have moved away in the past decade because of the brain drain factor, they've moved to places like San Diego, Denver, Indianapolis, Fort Lauderdale which I dearly missed them.

[Bonjourtoledo]

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