^Link for above:
http://www.wtol.com/global/story.asp?s=9608460

How is the Marina District plan coming along? I think that is what it is called. Is it on hold, is it slowly getting done, or has it been thrown away?

^Link for above:
http://www.wtol.com/global/story.asp?s=9608460

So, does this mean that Dillin helped close Southwyck to help his development in P'burg, Levis Commons? I'm not so cynical to think that Dillin would never have built anything at Southwyck if the market and funding had been there, but I also cannot imagine how a 'new' Southwyck could compete with Levis and Fallen Timbers. I was at FT yesterday, and it seemed to me to be a replacement for S'wyck.

First and foremost, I do not believe the WTOL 11 news bit or Councilman Michael Collin's comments about Larry Dillin being out on the Southwyck redevelopment project. WTOL did not cross-reference its facts/source when Mr. Collins stated that Dillin is out, and I will wait until a credible source comes forward to confirm because at this point it's nothing but soundbites.

Secondly, I know earlier this year Dillin pulled himself out of the demolition phase which the current owners are stepping up to the plate to meet the standard guidelines of a brownfield grant and then Dillin will initially redevelop the property afterwards.

http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090104/NEWS16/901040302/-1/NEWS

First and foremost, I do not believe the WTOL 11 news bit or Councilman Michael Collin's comments about Larry Dillin being out on the Southwyck redevelopment project. WTOL did not cross-reference its facts/source when Mr. Collins stated that Dillin is out, and I will wait until a credible source comes forward to confirm because at this point it's nothing but soundbites.

Secondly, I know earlier this year Dillin pulled himself out of the demolition phase which the current owners are stepping up to the plate to meet the standard guidelines of a brownfield grant and then Dillin will initially redevelop the property afterwards.

I hope you are correct about this. I don't know that SW Toledo can support another mall, but the Southwyck redevelopment is necessary for the health of the area, and the City of Toledo.

Any idea on the Marina District???

^Infrastructure is being put in right now. I used to walk down there to get skyline shots, but now it's fenced off. They've ripped up the old pavement from the arena and are currently building the main street of the development. Basically, I'd call it slow progress, but that's expected given how horrific the economy is in Ohio (the worst it's been since the Great Depression).

I hope you are correct about this. I don't know that SW Toledo can support another mall, but the Southwyck redevelopment is necessary for the health of the area, and the City of Toledo.

There is a very good chance Fallen Timbers will fail. There never was and never will be enough population around it to sustain it. Occupancy is poor and some tenants can't pay rent. The whole thing could collapse by the end of this year if it gets any worse. And the now stagnant population out there in the boons doesn't bode well for the mall. Monclova actually lost population from 2006-2007. Thankfully, Anthony Wayne sprawl is over. The mall was trying to promote sprawl for the sake of sprawl, and they got what was coming to them.

If Fallen Timbers fails, then the Southwest Toledo area can support a new Southwyck.

That's really great news to hear that the campus gateway project is somewhat underway, and that Dillin or somebody local may be involved. I originally grew up around the University and I'm looking to buy a home around there soon (I love the Old West End, but I have neither the time nor the finances to maintain a property around here at this point in my life. Hopefully someday!). Our campus needs that sort of atmosphere in order for UT to take the next step and become a major national player.

Brisbaner, as far as the marina district, I think phase one construction (infrastructure, roads, etc.) is well underway, with vertical construction to begin this spring or summer. It's hard to tell what will occur with the credit market as it is, though, and we're sort of in the dark as to what the final result will be. We were awaiting some sort of major announcement, possibly regarding alternative energy powering the development, but unless I've missed something, I don't recall the announcement being made.

On a side note, my friend plays in a band in Brisbane, and has always spoken very highly of the city, or at least of the music scene! Would love to get there sometime.

ODOT has provided a PDF presentation containing an update and final drawings (which are, unfortunately, low-res.) of the I-475 Salisbury Dussel interchange upgrade project.

http://www.dot.state.oh.us/districts/D02/Documents/Salisbury%20Dussel/Salisbury%20Dussel%20Project%20Notes.PDF

Interestingly, the figure-eight loop interchange takes up much of the open land that surrounds the interchange -- interesting, since Promedica owns the north and south parcels on the east side (Max and Erma's / McDonalds side) -- for years, they've had sign up for a new medical complex. I've always been curious how such valuable real estate could just sit for so long, undeveloped. Now I know why. The state needed it for the interchange upgrade and thus, bought what they needed. Hopefully, once this horrendous economy turns around, the remaining land will be put to good use, and I don't mean for a big-box home improvement store.

Have a great 2009 everyone!

Sweet! A parclo!

It's similar to the interchange at I-475/Airport Hwy., except that parclo is not properly symmetric (the loops are on one side, instead of across from eachother).

Sorry there are no pics of the arena, I didn't know what parking garage to go to the top of and the one I did go to was too close so my shots didn't show much. The rest of the pics are all from the ground.

Hannon's Block - looking great:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3120/3171466892_e10be10f44_b.jpg


Pizza Papelli's - i think someone was in the porta potty when I took this pic :lol:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3078/3171474030_8f47aea479_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3111/3171479446_7c252901cf_b.jpg


This building where a third floor was added last summer - anyone know what it is?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3090/3170652419_753475333d_b.jpg


Triangle Building - windows look really nice in person:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3523/3171273951_26995d5f5c_b.jpg

http://journals.utoledo.edu/headlines/index.php/dorr-street-begins-to-come-into-focus/

"Dorr Street begins to come into focus
On Halloween of 2007, UT President Lloyd Jacobs gathered more than 150 northwest Ohio elected, community and business leaders to discuss a vision he had for transforming the city of Toledo into a community with education at the core of its culture, economy and health. Citing statistics of college towns across the nation, Jacobs advocated Toledo strive to follow the example of the thriving urban centers in Ann Arbor or Gainsville, Fla.

As Sunday’s Blade story makes clear, Jacobs wasn’t describing fantasies, what-ifs or pulling trick-or-treat jokes. The economic development of Dorr Street is the most immediate and probably most visible part of a broad plan to improve the safety and economic prosperity in the neighborhoods bordering all of UT’s campuses.

The most recent news was last month’s purchase of the corner lot where a BP gas station sat. I spoke with Matt Schroeder, vice president for real estate and business development about it:

In good or bad economic times, The University of Toledo and its students and employees are a constant. As UT grows in enrollment, research and health care prominence, bookstores, coffee shops, restaurants, apartment complexes and other businesses will have a ready and fairly constant customer base. All it takes is putting the vision into action. And as the Blade points out, UT is following through on its commitment to do just that."

Solar Valley?

I was thinking like Solar Field, Solar Plains, Solar City or (in honor of the past) Solar Glass City?

great pics nickw how recent are they?? Will Papalis just be on the first floor? if so what will the top floors be used as??

Great news about UT....This plan, The Ottawa river area cleanup project (on Campus project) and the recent Savage arena upgrade all make UT a more attractable place for students and the peopel around campus, hopefully this will help get UT athletics back on track.

Anybody seen anything inside the new sports arena lately? There hasnt been any updates on any of the sites I go to. Was hoping after the new year started that there would be a decent update on the Walleye or bullfrogs sites. Any info will do

That's really great news to hear that the campus gateway project is somewhat underway, and that Dillin or somebody local may be involved. I originally grew up around the University and I'm looking to buy a home around there soon (I love the Old West End, but I have neither the time nor the finances to maintain a property around here at this point in my life. Hopefully someday!). Our campus needs that sort of atmosphere in order for UT to take the next step and become a major national player.

Brisbaner, as far as the marina district, I think phase one construction (infrastructure, roads, etc.) is well underway, with vertical construction to begin this spring or summer. It's hard to tell what will occur with the credit market as it is, though, and we're sort of in the dark as to what the final result will be. We were awaiting some sort of major announcement, possibly regarding alternative energy powering the development, but unless I've missed something, I don't recall the announcement being made.

On a side note, my friend plays in a band in Brisbane, and has always spoken very highly of the city, or at least of the music scene! Would love to get there sometime.



Best time of the year is now to visit. Brisbane and the Gold Coast are always booming in the summertime. Really, anytime of the year we are doing well, we are the "hotspot" of the nation. I will be headed to Melbourne in a few weeks though. Got a new job down south. Can't wait for the cold weather.

I was thinking like Solar Field, Solar Plains, Solar City or (in honor of the past) Solar Glass City?

Why not the Solar Swamp? We gotta own who we are!

As much as I like the idea of Toledo as a "college town", it's probably not going to happen. UT students are not the kind with a lot of disposable income, and often have jobs that soak up the 'hang time' that kids at bigger universities have. The kind of university town infrastructure that we associate with 'college towns' like Ann Arbor, Madison, and even Athens, Miami and Columbus require a large contingent of full time students with cash to burn. These towns are also destinations for other college students whose towns don't have the bars, bookstores and coffee shops. From what I've seen, those kinds of businesses are often built by alumni who love the college and surrounding community. Is there a population of UT grads who can't imagine themselves anywhere else but Toledo? I'm not sure that those environments can be 'built' from the top down.

/2cents

Why not the Solar Swamp? We gotta own who we are!

As much as I like the idea of Toledo as a "college town", it's probably not going to happen. UT students are not the kind with a lot of disposable income, and often have jobs that soak up the 'hang time' that kids at bigger universities have. The kind of university town infrastructure that we associate with 'college towns' like Ann Arbor, Madison, and even Athens, Miami and Columbus require a large contingent of full time students with cash to burn. These towns are also destinations for other college students whose towns don't have the bars, bookstores and coffee shops. From what I've seen, those kinds of businesses are often built by alumni who love the college and surrounding community. Is there a population of UT grads who can't imagine themselves anywhere else but Toledo? I'm not sure that those environments can be 'built' from the top down.

/2cents


While I agree to a certain extent (It will be a while if ever until UT students on the whole have as much disposable income as U MIch students), but UT students certainly have about as much disposable income as BG students or probably even OU students and many OSU students: the establishments don;t have to be high-end. It really is a chicken or the egg scenario, though, as many students with such cash who would probably consider coming to UT probably choose not to due to a lack of campus amenities. This development will definitely help get the ball rolling.

My UT wish list: Mad Mex. Right now the only locations that I know of are in Pittsburgh (used to clean dishes there) and Columbus. It's awesome "fusion" Mex food with a full Tequila bar. If I had $$$ to invest I'd open a small art movie theater around campus, too (or maybe on Adams...). Doesn't matter, don't have any $$$!

Other than within the main campus itself, UT just does not seem very pedestrian friendly to me. Take for instance, the neighborhood across Douglas with the new apartments and tons of rental houses-shouldn't there really be a pedestrian bridge over Douglas here for continuous foot traffic? You could put them over Secor and Dorr as well.
In the so-called college towns, it seems like pedestrians rule and cars look out for them. UT, however is surrounded by 40mph 5-lane streets full of "city" traffic.
I do think they are moving in the right direction. They need to keep attracting more students who want the on campus experience. That's the real difference. OU or Miami have less than 1% of their students from the immediate area. I'll bet UT is close to 80-90%.

From what I've seen of college campuses, once you get to the bigger 3-4 lane roads those tend to define the limits of the campus. That's why the roads within the campus are usually only 2 lanes.

I think UT should build more student housing and be less of a commuter college, but it's already quite built up.

Thanks for the update photos nickw311!!! They look great!

Mmmmm...solar and wind turbine on top of my house? Interesting since we are exploring the possibilities in the next few years and we are current customers of First Energy.http://www.toledoonthemove.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=243827

Other than within the main campus itself, UT just does not seem very pedestrian friendly to me. Take for instance, the neighborhood across Douglas with the new apartments and tons of rental houses-shouldn't there really be a pedestrian bridge over Douglas here for continuous foot traffic? You could put them over Secor and Dorr as well.
In the so-called college towns, it seems like pedestrians rule and cars look out for them. UT, however is surrounded by 40mph 5-lane streets full of "city" traffic.
I do think they are moving in the right direction. They need to keep attracting more students who want the on campus experience. That's the real difference. OU or Miami have less than 1% of their students from the immediate area. I'll bet UT is close to 80-90%.

Pedestrian Bridge from Owens Community College on Oregon Road:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/owensbridge2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/owensbridge.jpg

It looks like it's moving on. Onward with the flying of the dirt....

United Way's New Building: Fence Goes Up
Posted on WTVG 13 ABC website 1-8-09
The controversial plan to re-locate the United Way of Greater Toledo is moving forward. The United Way announced plans back in August to build a new smaller building at Jackson and Superior, and tear down the current building at One Stranahan Square.

Today the fence will go up around the new building site. The new $4.9 million building will be designed to be more green energy efficient. It will also be much smaller than the existing building with only two stories and 25,000 square feet, as opposed to the current 100,000 square foot building.

Some of the construction costs and materials have been donated by local contractors. The new building is expected to be in by Labor Day.

Kroger Gas Station Dispute
Posted on WTVG 13 ABC website 1-8-09

A fight over fuel in one Toledo neighborhood has the attention of city council members tonight. This all stems from Kroger's plan to build a gas station across the street from its grocery store at Holland-Sylvania and Bancroft.

Although this empty space is a commercially zoned plot, residents say it's too close for comfort. There are plans for 7 pumps, just 76 feet away from property lines. Those living in the residential Farm View Court community, a cul-de-sac behind the proposed site, consist of a number of retired couples and veterans. They say they had hoped to live their golden years here, but say this proposal is a pain.

There's already a Sunoco gas station next to the Kroger's. On top of that, this group has a slew of other concerns. "We're not happy about anything. We're very upset, especially the health problems the fumes that may come over," says Wanda Leslie. And Phillip Heckler says, "Obviously we're concerned about increase traffic congestion and the fact that access to this facility is only going to be one driveway in and out."

Kroger's request for a special use permit is up for a vote Wednesday by Toledo's zoning and planning committee. A group in support of the residents is the Reynolds Corners Community Development. They hope the city rejects Kroger's request.

What the Planning and Zoning Committee decides is not final. That will be left up for a city council vote near the end of the month.

It looks like it's moving on. Onward with the flying of the dirt....

United Way's New Building: Fence Goes Up
Posted on WTVG 13 ABC website 1-8-09
The controversial plan to re-locate the United Way of Greater Toledo is moving forward. The United Way announced plans back in August to build a new smaller building at Jackson and Superior, and tear down the current building at One Stranahan Square.

Today the fence will go up around the new building site. The new $4.9 million building will be designed to be more green energy efficient. It will also be much smaller than the existing building with only two stories and 25,000 square feet, as opposed to the current 100,000 square foot building.

Some of the construction costs and materials have been donated by local contractors. The new building is expected to be in by Labor Day.


Toledo Blade's newstory: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090108/NEWS16/901080365

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090107/NEWS16/901070333/-1/NEWS

Credit to BuckeyeCablesystem Cam shots on 1-8-09, it's looking pretty good:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/arena1-8-09.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/arena21-8-09.jpg

$90M+ project construction begins in Elmore
Posted on Toledo Business Journal website January 2009 Edition

After more than two years of planning, construction has begun on Brush Wellman Inc.'s new $90
million facility in Elmore, Ohio.

In 2006, Brush Wellman selected the Ottawa County site as the location for a proposed beryllium
pebbles production facility. The building will manufacture primary beryllium, a feedstock material
used to produce beryllium metal products.

The materials produced by Brush Wellman form components for defense / aerospace,
telecommunications, computers, medical equipment, energy, and homeland security.

The first phase of the project — design and engineering — has been completed. The second
phase has begun and involves construction and start up of the facility; steel erection began
last month, and completion is expected by April 2010.

The three-story, 140,000 square foot building has a footprint measuring approximately 50,000
square feet.

The company considered existing plant sites at Elmore and Delta, Utah for the investment,
which is estimated to exceed $90 million.

At the time of the project announcement, Greg Gregory, project manager, stated, "The Ohio
and Utah alternatives were extremely competitive, which made this a tough decision. Both
sites offered advantages including excellent existing workforces and strong local and state
support."

In either case, he explained, there are benefits for the other facility as part of the beryllium
production and supply chain. By locating this facility at Elmore, for example, Delta could see
an eventual increase in production of approximately 25%. Brush Wellman's Utah operations
mine and mill ore into an intermediate form for Elmore. Another benefit is the preservation of
about 120 jobs at Elmore related to the further processing of beryllium metal.

In selecting the location, Brush Wellman cited state and local incentives as well as the
availability of a workforce experienced in primary beryllium production, start up support, and
proximity to other support services.

Congressional legislation has included $67 million in funding for the new plant and Brush
Wellman will invest $23 million. The Department of Defense Appropriations Act funded the
plant at the request of Representatives Rob Bishop, Marcy Kaptur, and the late Paul Gillmor.

In November 2005, a contract was let through the Defense Production Act program to perform
the engineering design of a new primary beryllium facility. The pre-engineering phase included
site selection in Elmore, environmental assessment, and engineering design.

The creation of approximately 25 new jobs is expected in order to operate and maintain the
facility. In addition, a significant number of construction and support positions will be created
outside of Brush Wellman related to the project.

According to Jamie Beier Grant, director, Ottawa County Improvement Corporation (OCIC),
these positions will include ancillary jobs in the construction and trades industries for site
preparation work and construction of the expansion project.

In a public-private cost-sharing partnership under the Title III program, Brush Wellman will
provide technology, land, buildings, and an ongoing operation for the facility, while the
government will fund engineering, design, and equipment. The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County
Port Authority is providing the financing for the building. Ottawa County is also providing a tax
abatement for the project.

Middough Consulting of Cleveland is construction manager and architect for the project. Two
local contractors have won contracts on the project so far: IPS completed the site preparation
and grading while Mosser Group is providing concrete and building erection services.

Tech firm aims for global water purification: Innovative Water Technologies partners with UT for tech research
Posted on Toledo Business Journal January 2009 Edition

A local start-up company, Innovative Water Technologies, LLC (IWT), recently entered into an exclusive agreement with the University of Toledo (UT) to research a new technology. By using flash evaporation spray technology for purification and/or desalination of water, the company
intends to help battle the global water shortage.

The flash evaporation spray technology will start with a power washer and then nebulize and
spray a liquid (impure water) into a hot box, which will flash evaporate the impure water. The
water becomes as thin as a gas and any impurities, such as salts or other solids, can be
removed.

The technology is in the patent pending stage. IP Dynamics LLC is assisting in the
commercialization of numerous area projects, including IWT. According to IP Dynamics, it is a
commercialization company built around the concept that there are many great ideas in
northwest Ohio that require certain expertise to take them to market.

"It is still an idea in the works," explained Dr. Dean Giolando, PhD, IWT chief technology officer.
"We're very interested in [studying] problems related to having fresh water in the world. It's
going to become even more severe as the snowpack and glaciers continue to go into decline
and fresh water supplies become scarce."

Dr. Norman Rapino, PhD, MBA, added, "There's an enormous problem with pollution. Making
fresh water available is going to be a big problem in the future. A lot of major corporations and
individuals have 'gone into water' and are buying up water rights, and the public's access to
water may diminish."

The goal of the venture is to create a self-sustaining system to not only desalinate and purify
water, but to simultaneously distribute it to locations adjacent and remote from the gathering
site. Uses for the fresh water could include farming, animal care, and human consumption.

According to Giolando, he has been interested in researching this issue for about five or six
years. He has developed ideas regarding the use of renewable energy to convert impure water
into a pure water stream.

Giolando is particularly determined to couple the purification process with research on ease of
distribution. He stated that water can currently be purified through reverse osmosis or filtration,
but transporting the water by pump or truck takes a lot of money and energy. Reverse osmosis
also requires pre and post-treatment of water. If water is transported as a gas, it can be moved
inexpensively and without an excess use of energy. It is also a one-step process.

Additionally, reverse osmosis has a tendency of concentrating boron, which isn't highly toxic
but may result in long-term problems.

"Dean thinks of the entire system as opposed to one small part of the problem," Rapino added.

IWT is currently trying to find funds to build a prototype that could process a few thousand
gallons of water per day in order to do a systems analysis and discover the efficiencies and
inefficiencies of the overall process.

Giolando explained that funding is scarce, as only $10-12 million is available from the federal
government and national foundations for all water studies. He plans to pursue private
investments to put together the prototype.

According to ITW, the goal is to market the system to individuals — such as ranchers and
farmers — as well as to massive facilities that could purify millions of gallons of ocean water
each day and ship it inland across the US.

In addition to ITW, Giolando runs another spin-off company with Alan McMaster called Innovative
Thin Films Ltd. (ITF), a solar research company licensed by the university in 2004. The company
aims to develop a low cost homogeneous ability to produce coatings for the photovoltaic market.

ITF has worked closely with several local solar companies to determine some of the problems
that occur as a result of soiled photovoltaic and solar thermal devices. Over time, the soil
prevents sunlight from reaching the semiconductor and producing electricity.

The company has field-tested samples and is now conducting testing on durability. ITF is trying
to verify in the field that the product is stable with time and keeps the surface cleaner.

Rapino, Norm Johnston, and Peter Gerhardinger are assisting ITF as well. They worked with
Dr. Daniel Kory, PhD to transfer the technology.

According to Rapino, a National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) study determined that
soiling could cause a 5-30% loss in the effectiveness of solar panels.

"These technologies are absolutely cutting edge," he stated. "When they prove out, they could
really have an effect all over the world… We have the infrastructure in place to carry these
things through production. A lot of ideas don't have the team available to commercialize them.
We have a significant skill set among the players in these projects, and we're very fortunate
that has come to be."

http://www.toledofreepress.com/2009/01/07/keybank-forms-new-district/

Tetra Tech has made their second deposit to continue the Riverwalk-Swan Creek project! :banana:

Deposit Delivered on Swan Creek Development
Part of $4.2 Mil Deal with Tetra Tech
Posted on WSPD Newsradio website 1-8-09

WSPD News has learned the company which signed a $4.2 million purchase agreement with Toledo for the Swan Creek riverfront project... has delivered another deposit for the property. Director of development Dave Amstutz says Tetra Tech officials continue to study environmental cleanup costs which could allow developers to pull out.

I do think they are moving in the right direction. They need to keep attracting more students who want the on campus experience. That's the real difference. OU or Miami have less than 1% of their students from the immediate area. I'll bet UT is close to 80-90%.[/QUOTE]


It's actually under half of the student body now coming from the metro area (used to be 80%+ in the 80's and early 90's), but that's still a huge percentage if you want to be recognized as a national university. They've made a large push to draw more students from outside the area, but until they development dorr street it won't be easy.

I completely agree that the surrounding area isn't very walkable. They need pedestriant bridges across Douglas, Bancroft over by campus village, and then Dorr street (they sort of have one over Secor with the Bike trail, through which you can access the other side). I think in the video report they mentioned slowing down dorr street traffic. It seems like they now what they're doing, I'm just anxious to see some actual progress. Someone pointed out to me that Dorr street will always look a little weird until they bury the power lines on the South side of the street too...

Theres an update on the arena at Toledowalleye.com

Short 3 min video showing mostly the inside of the arena....

2008 turned out to be a brutal year in The Glass (and all of Ohio and Michigan), but even with all the economic depression, some great things did happen in Toledo.

An American flag flies high over Scott High School as voters decided to save it during the November election:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3239/2891314112_2b378dca76_o.jpg

^^ Thanks for the thoughtful post with a neat photo shot.

A potential site for Toledo:http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090113/BUSINESS02/901130378http://

Follow-up to the past posts of this thread in regards to challenging the U.S. Census Bureau sampling figures and they've granted us with a much truer population figure: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090113/NEWS16/901130249

Thank You Carty and the US Census Bureau! Back to over 315k population!!!!!!!!!

Been hearing a lot about the 280 trench filling project and I was wondering how and when or even if they are going to redo the Front Street Craig Bridge interchange....

That's BS. Do you have any idea how many jobs Toledo's lost? How many school's have shut down? Even most of Toledo's suburbs are sluggish. There's abandoned homes, half empty shopping plazas and 2 dead malls in Toledo.

These population challenges are BS. Sure they might have missed people in Toledo, but they probably missed people everywhere.

Let's say you get your height measured, and you come out 5'6". Then you say, "No way, I'm an inch or two taller than that! I just wasn't standing straight enough!" Well, fair enough, but then again everyone could claim that and everyone's height would be adjusted upwards.

That's what I feel like happens with these census challenges, in which ultimately they bow to political pressure. The census estimates really only matter in the context of showing which places rank where next to other places, IMO. If the census is systematically missing people (i.e. college students, illegal immigrants, etc.) then this applies to everywhere, and doesn't change the relative ranks of places. Unless you guys think the Census dept. hatched a conspiracy to undercount Toledo in particular.

I bet when they do the 2010 census, Toledo will really only have about 275,000 people, maybe even less.

More in-depth details supporting the figures of the latest population count for City of Toledo: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090114/NEWS16/901140384

That's BS. Do you have any idea how many jobs Toledo's lost? How many school's have shut down? Even most of Toledo's suburbs are sluggish. There's abandoned homes, half empty shopping plazas and 2 dead malls in Toledo.

These population challenges are BS. Sure they might have missed people in Toledo, but they probably missed people everywhere.

Let's say you get your height measured, and you come out 5'6". Then you say, "No way, I'm an inch or two taller than that! I just wasn't standing straight enough!" Well, fair enough, but then again everyone could claim that and everyone's height would be adjusted upwards.

That's what I feel like happens with these census challenges, in which ultimately they bow to political pressure. The census estimates really only matter in the context of showing which places rank where next to other places, IMO. If the census is systematically missing people (i.e. college students, illegal immigrants, etc.) then this applies to everywhere, and doesn't change the relative ranks of places. Unless you guys think the Census dept. hatched a conspiracy to undercount Toledo in particular.

I bet when they do the 2010 census, Toledo will really only have about 275,000 people, maybe even less.


A few things here. I agree with you that most cities that have not challenged their census estimates will probably receive a comparable bump, so this does nothing as far as ranking. We are now technically bigger than Pittsburgh city proper, and having lived in Pittsburgh I can say with some certainty that this probably isn't the case. What probably is the case is Pittsburgh's data is under-reported. Recently, a friend from Cincy was telling me that they successfully challenged their data, and that if it would have failed they would have been technically the 4th biggest city in Ohio behind Toledo. Oh, the shame!!!

But the actual reason for most of these challenges is federal funding. There is a drop in funding at 300,000 people (and other markers, I think it might be every 100,000). Its like if you were right on the bubble of a higher tax bracket, except here you want to get the maximum count rather than the minimum. So it definitely makes sense to contract for a challenge, because it gives them an extra bump going into the census.

That having been said, I do think that this is a relatively accurate projection of Toledo's population (maybe less 10,000), and while the actual population might end up being under 300,000 I don't think its as low as some of the lower estimates like 275,000. But who knows? I guess we'll see in a few years. Ideally we should just be focused on growing jobs and business, but this is a nice moral boost I'll enjoy for a few days.

That's BS. Do you have any idea how many jobs Toledo's lost? How many school's have shut down? Even most of Toledo's suburbs are sluggish. There's abandoned homes, half empty shopping plazas and 2 dead malls in Toledo.

These population challenges are BS. Sure they might have missed people in Toledo, but they probably missed people everywhere.

Let's say you get your height measured, and you come out 5'6". Then you say, "No way, I'm an inch or two taller than that! I just wasn't standing straight enough!" Well, fair enough, but then again everyone could claim that and everyone's height would be adjusted upwards.

That's what I feel like happens with these census challenges, in which ultimately they bow to political pressure. The census estimates really only matter in the context of showing which places rank where next to other places, IMO. If the census is systematically missing people (i.e. college students, illegal immigrants, etc.) then this applies to everywhere, and doesn't change the relative ranks of places. Unless you guys think the Census dept. hatched a conspiracy to undercount Toledo in particular.

I bet when they do the 2010 census, Toledo will really only have about 275,000 people, maybe even less.

Paddington, I respect your opinion but don't be shortsighted of what you see from where you are standing to determine that the latest census count was B.S. or to believe the usual diatribes on local blogs or media. Your own or my own personal perspective is not all cracked up to be of the true telling of this region this is why it's important for this thread to be productive and objective in discussing the developments of this region. Sometimes our own perspectives can be so wrong and it creates the endless negativities of this region, we are our own enemy.

Yes Toledo has lost jobs but that doesn't mean people pick up their things and move out of the region the next day. People adjust daily, they find other jobs, they go back to school, they change careers, they become self-employed, they open small businesses, etc, etc and usually in many social aspects we have ties to families and friends in this region which we will make it work to stay here as much as possible. It is a short commute to find a job in A2 or Detroit metro and still live in Toledo, no one that I know find a job upstate and move physically. Same scenario that we have a lot of people who work in Toledo that are from A2, Detroit metro, Defiance, Findlay, Sandusky, Fremont, Tiffin because the people like living where they are and they will make sacrifices (gas prices, etc) to commute and keep their home.

There is a federal protocol and guidelines to be able to challenge the census count, its not that people sit around the table one day being bored and feel like challenging the numbers on a whim. It is not that simple, other cities such as Kansas City and Cincinnati all have challenged their census count. I have posted numerous of times in the past 5 years of articles where building permits and high density dwelling developments have been high in both City and County offices which supports the recent figure. Also they can and they have correlate datas with the water bills, trash service, school enrollment, apartments, senior housing developments, disability housing developments, downtown developments, etc, and etc which shows evidence that the U.S. Census Bureau sampling count formula is undercounting and distorted.

Public schools have been shut down over the years but new ones have opened up and charter/parochial schools are booming which makes up for the decline of public school enrollments.

Toledo's suburbs are sluggish...OK....what do you mean by that? Of course they are dealing with the current baby boomer population moving out to new developments such as Sylvania to Sylvania Township and Maumee to Monclova Township. Now is the time to see the true population migration of the largest age group in this nation because we are all aging. But other than that, the suburbs are just being suburbs and if you haven't noticed that there haven't been any new housing being built in the cities of Sylvania or Maumee in the past decade which causes many empty nesters to move elsewhere in order to downsize. Sylvania and Maumee focuses a lot on commercial developments only.

Half-empty shopping centers and dead malls, well you ever heard of internet online shopping taking by the storm in the past decade? Ever noticed that maybe malls being placed at bad locations such as North Towne Square will meet its demise? Ever noticed that Franklin Park Mall have expanded three times (on a huge scale) in the past 15 years? Ever noticed that Levis Commons and Fallen Timbers made its debut and it would minimize the chances of revival of the other existing, dead malls? Half-empty shopping centers and dead malls does not indicate a declining city especially where there's expansions, renovations/overhauls and new developments elsewhere, in most classic planning handbooks, the half-empty shopping centers and dead malls are "opportunities" to revise the market and to redevelop the surrounding area. This is what makes the region go around.

There are no speculations or conspiracy to the latest census count for Toledo. To your own estimation of Toledo being 275,000 or less by 2010 is certainly pure your own opinion because if it was true then 1/3 of the city or the region would've been filled with abandonded, dilapidated buildings blocks after blocks after blocks which is hard to find. Fear not, we do have distressed buildings here and there but not in a large concentration which cannot be said for many other U.S. cities.

A few things here. I agree with you that most cities that have not challenged their census estimates will probably receive a comparable bump, so this does nothing as far as ranking. We are now technically bigger than Pittsburgh city proper, and having lived in Pittsburgh I can say with some certainty that this probably isn't the case. What probably is the case is Pittsburgh's data is under-reported. Recently, a friend from Cincy was telling me that they successfully challenged their data, and that if it would have failed they would have been technically the 4th biggest city in Ohio behind Toledo. Oh, the shame!!!

But the actual reason for most of these challenges is federal funding. There is a drop in funding at 300,000 people (and other markers, I think it might be every 100,000). Its like if you were right on the bubble of a higher tax bracket, except here you want to get the maximum count rather than the minimum. So it definitely makes sense to contract for a challenge, because it gives them an extra bump going into the census.

That having been said, I do think that this is a relatively accurate projection of Toledo's population (maybe less 10,000), and while the actual population might end up being under 300,000 I don't think its as low as some of the lower estimates like 275,000. But who knows? I guess we'll see in a few years. Ideally we should just be focused on growing jobs and business, but this is a nice moral boost I'll enjoy for a few days.

rustbeltrevival, I'd like to co-sign your post. Good insight!

As a Toledo resident, I am happy to see the bump in population for the simple reason that it increases our piece of federal money. Hooray for that.

As for the accuracy of the actual count....there is no way. But its not worth arguing about. We get the extra money so let's leave it at that.

To change the subject, anyone else hear that Cousino's Navy Bisto and Tango's may be closing???

As a Toledo resident, I am happy to see the bump in population for the simple reason that it increases our piece of federal money. Hooray for that.

As for the accuracy of the actual count....there is no way. But its not worth arguing about. We get the extra money so let's leave it at that.

To change the subject, anyone else hear that Cousino's Navy Bisto and Tango's may be closing???

I have not heard anything in remote that they may be closing and I hope it's nothing but a horrible rumor. I'm there at least couple times a month and The Docks are either busy or steady.

The day after New Year's Day, the Legend's Sports Grill on St. Clair/Washington is closed for the winter until early March a month before Mud Hens season start. I will certainly miss their delicious Legend Burger because they are to die for.

Pizza Papalis Taverna on Washington/Huron has installed exterior signages and lights this week and it looks so cool. I hope to get a photo shot once the snowy condition clears up.

From ABC WTVG 13 station,the fancy Mezzmerize Restaurant in Maumee on Dussel/Holland has been shut down due to lack of repayment in loans to 5/3 Bank.

Also last night on FOX WUPW 36, the high-end retail store "Honey I'm Home"on Monroe in Sylvania Township will be closed end of this month.

Ruby Tuesday closed their "leased" location at Westfield a week ago citing the economy and their expensive lease expired. IMO, that restaurant was always busy everytime I was at the mall.

http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090114/NEWS14/901140235

http://www.toledofreepress.com/2009/01/14/chrysler-chief-jeep-brand-will-not-be-sold/

We're gettin losts of nice bright signage downtown, cant wait to see Papalis new sign!!

How bout this cold weather? Hope everyone is stayin warm........


Walleye and Bullfrog sites have new interior pics of the arena up

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090116/BUSINESS03/901160366

http://www.toledofreepress.com/2009/01/15/mayor-block-pursue-preservation-of-united-way-building/

http://www.thenews-messenger.com/article/20090116/NEWS01/901160305/-1/newsfront2

Ongoing and updated story:http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090117/NEWS16/901170373

http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090117/NEWS16/901170380

Too bad all stores will be closing due to lack of new ownership: http://www.wtol.com/global/story.asp?s=9689321

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvg/story?section=news/local&id=6608881

It might have something to do with the elimination of corporate income taxes that was passed in 2006. Although Ohio still has pretty high taxes, it's a good place to headquarter your company because you only pay a very small tax on business you actually do here, not a huge penalty on profits that you earn globally.

When I was in the U.S. I heard Ohio had one of the worst taxes for businesses. Is this true? What is being done to make it better?

Theres some new apartments being built in perrysburg on Roachton rd east of rt 25. Pretty far along, I havent drove down Roachton in about 2 months and when I did they were just clearing land. From what I can see, they seem resemble apartments like Tracy Creek out on Tracy Rd... Im guessing that the buildning thats already constructed is a club house for the complex. I'll try to get some pics but the digi cam I have is maybe a 3 MP so they may not turn out good

Took this shot from new Blackberry last night:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/PizzaPapalis1_21_2009.jpg

Man, I can't wait for that to open! I'm really impressed with the building, too, it blends in beautifully with the stadium. It seems like if you're working with the 'Hens on something it's going to be done right.

On a more sour note, I too have been hearing this rumor that the Bistro, and actually that all Cousino's restaurants, are going under. I cannot find this anywhere online, but a friend of a friend's sister (you know, these types of relationships are the baseline for the word "rumor") apparently tried to book her wedding reception there and couldn't get it because it may/will be cosing. However, a very close friend of mine is having his wedding reception there in July, and to the best of his knowledge they are not closing, at least not until after that time.

This goes back to an article that appeared last summer in the Blade:

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080704/BUSINESS03/807040379

Of course, the owner said that they would not be closing any restaurants, but
if they owe that much on their main location (that they've owned since 1946, or is that a newer location?), they might be in trouble.

I hope they aren't. I want any local restaurateur to do well, and they've been around for a while. That being said, Navy Bistro especially has become a Toledo icon, and I hope if these rumors are true someone picks up that in something close to its present form. That is, so long as it isn't Carty operating the thing from City payroll, which might actually be worth the comedic value. As far Tango's, I think it's overpriced crap, though the margs are really, really good. I ate at the original once, it was pretty good.

Anyways, does anyone have any more solid information on this than speculation???

Man, I can't wait for that to open! I'm really impressed with the building, too, it blends in beautifully with the stadium. It seems like if you're working with the 'Hens on something it's going to be done right.

On a more sour note, I too have been hearing this rumor that the Bistro, and actually that all Cousino's restaurants, are going under. I cannot find this anywhere online, but a friend of a friend's sister (you know, these types of relationships are the baseline for the word "rumor") apparently tried to book her wedding reception there and couldn't get it because it may/will be cosing. However, a very close friend of mine is having his wedding reception there in July, and to the best of his knowledge they are not closing, at least not until after that time.

This goes back to an article that appeared last summer in the Blade:

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080704/BUSINESS03/807040379

Of course, the owner said that they would not be closing any restaurants, but
if they owe that much on their main location (that they've owned since 1946, or is that a newer location?), they might be in trouble.

I hope they aren't. I want any local restaurateur to do well, and they've been around for a while. That being said, Navy Bistro especially has become a Toledo icon, and I hope if these rumors are true someone picks up that in something close to its present form. That is, so long as it isn't Carty operating the thing from City payroll, which might actually be worth the comedic value. As far Tango's, I think it's overpriced crap, though the margs are really, really good. I ate at the original once, it was pretty good.

Anyways, does anyone have any more solid information on this than speculation???

At this point it's pure speculation. We ate at Zia's last night and the parking lot was completely full around 5:45PM. Navy Bistro and Seafood Co. was the busiest, followed by Zia's then Tango's; I was quite surprised how busy it was considering it was a Wednesday night.

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090122/NEWS16/901220367

Long time since we've heard the last news in regards to this project: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090122/NEWS16/901220409/0/ARCHIVES30

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090121/NEIGHBORS04/901200265/-1/NEIGHBORS

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090121/NEWS16/901210330

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090121/NEWS16/901210357

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090121/NEWS16/901210387

TechTol Imaging: Technology companies bring new jobs to Toledo
Posted on WTVG 13 ABC website 1-22-09
Direct link: http://abclocal.go.com/wtvg/story?section=news/local&id=6618621

It seems as if every day we're hearing about companies closing the doors and people losing their jobs. But one group is working to create new jobs by re-inventing the local economy.

It's not often you hear someone say 2009 will be a great year for this region considering the automotive industry. But they're referring to start-up technology companies. Phil Cox is an inventor. He wants to make Toledo the 3d imaging capital of the world.

Phil Cox the CEO of Techtol Imagining says, "The internet is going to be 3d whether it's going to be us doing it or not, but someone will be."

Last year he launched his company Techtol Imaging with financial and business consulting help from Rocket Ventures and Launch, the technology programs of Regional Growth Partnership. RGP is a private, non-profit development corporation. Its goal is to establish the northwest Ohio region as a location for technology advancement.

Launch director Tasha Hussain says, "It's the way we are going to re-invent ourselves and it's the way we are going to sustain ourselves."

Rocket Ventures, a division of RGP, offers $50,000 start-up grants to small tech companies. Additionally, up to one million dollars in venture capital. The funding comes from the state and private investors.

Cox shared his success story at an RGP networking event at Navy Bistro last night. He says it all started with a simple idea that, with the click of the mouse, could revolutionize the web.

"You can stand there and have your picture taken in about 50 milliseconds. Just a snap of light and within a minute the picture is all processed in our computers. It is rotating and we can download it on the internet," says Cox.
Cox expects it to be popular with Facebook and MySpace, even shoe, jewelry, and clothing sales. RGP says it has 20 more start-up tech companies in the pipeline.

http://www.toledofreepress.com/2009/01/20/update-contractor-defends-united-way-proposal/

When I was in the U.S. I heard Ohio had one of the worst taxes for businesses. Is this true? What is being done to make it better?

Brisbaner, according to our State Senator Wagoner, it is far from the truth depending how you look at it. There are so many reports, surveys, and calculations out there that is distorted or inaccurate depending on what the angle is.

Here is a post from a blog in regards to the taxes for businesses and direct link to give credit: http://glasscityjungle.com/wordpress/?p=5388


Wagoner announces: Ohio’s tax environment as the 14th best in the nation
21 Jan 2009
This in via email from the office of State Senator Mark Wagoner:

Wagoner Touts Ohio’s New Tax Climate Ranking, Best in the Midwest

Columbus – Citing further evidence that the recent tax reforms implemented by lawmakers are having a positive effect, State Senator Mark Wagoner (R-Toledo) today announced that the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council has ranked Ohio’s tax environment as the 14th best in the nation, making it the only state in the Midwest to be included among the Council’s top 15.

“This report is evidence that the comprehensive tax reforms passed three years ago are taking hold and helping to improve Ohio’s business environment,” Wagoner said. “However, given the current state of our economy and the challenges we are facing, there is a lot of work that still needs to be done in order to get more Ohioans back to work.”

The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council pulls together 16 different tax measures and combines them into one tax score, allowing the Council to compare all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The Council cited the following as reason why Ohio was included in the top tier:

· Reduced operating costs – No tax on inventory or corporate income
· Enhanced productivity – No tax on investments in machinery or equipment
· Attracting talent – Lower labor cost through 21 percent personal income tax cut
· Level playing field – All companies taxed at same rate
· Boosting returns on investments – No tax on products sold to customers outside Ohio
· Rewarding entrepreneurship – First $1 million in gross receipts are tax-free

Additionally, the Council determined that Ohio’s state taxes are on track to being the lowest in the Midwest for companies making new capital investments, and by 2010, they will see an overall tax burden reduction of 63 percent.

Chrysler and Fiat? Interesting and encouraging. What does this mean to the company, the national economy and our region? Stay tune.......

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090120/BUSINESS02/901200269/-1/BUSINESS
http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090121/BUSINESS02/901210320/-1/BUSINESS
http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090122/BUSINESS02/901220357/-1/BUSINESS

Most Toledo GM Powertrain Employees Back to Work
Some 3rd Shifters Remain Off Till February 9
Posted on WSPD Newsradio 1370 AM website on Jan. 22, 2009

It's full-speed ahead for more than 300 production workers at Toledo's GM Powertrain plant who are back on the line this week after an extended holiday shutdown lasting about four weeks. However... Plant spokeswoman Wanda Montion says some third-shift assembly workers won't return until February 9th. The plant makes GM's six-speed... rear-wheel drive transmissions for trucks and other models. Elsewhere, workers at the Jeep Toledo North Assembly Plant are schduled to return to work Monday, January 26th, following an extended holiday shutdown of their own.

Theres some new apartments being built in perrysburg on Roachton rd east of rt 25. Pretty far along, I havent drove down Roachton in about 2 months and when I did they were just clearing land. From what I can see, they seem resemble apartments like Tracy Creek out on Tracy Rd... Im guessing that the buildning thats already constructed is a club house for the complex. I'll try to get some pics but the digi cam I have is maybe a 3 MP so they may not turn out good

Isn't the residential developments at Levis Commons enough for that end of town? :wtf:

http://www.wtol.com/global/story.asp?s=9716334

Good News!: http://http://www.toledoonthemove.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=250130

http://www.toledofreepress.com/2009/01/23/suites-special-seats-selling-out-at-local-arenas/

http://www.toledofreepress.com/2009/01/23/united-way-makes-way-for-energy-efficient-building/

http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090123/NEWS16/901230332

Good News!: http://http://www.toledoonthemove.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=250130

More story to this development: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090123/BUSINESS02/901230323

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090122/NEWS16/901220367

If Metroparks is going to start putting parkland in Fulton County are Fulton County residents going to have to start paying taxes for it?

If Metroparks is going to start putting parkland in Fulton County are Fulton County residents going to have to start paying taxes for it?

I would think so too.

Cool article: http://www.toledofreepress.com/2009/01/23/pizzapapalis-to-open-first-ohio-location-in-toledo/

Wow..... Awesome updates Bonjour...... You're definatly the heart n soul of this awesome thread!!!!! Papalis is lookin awesome drove by there the other day and saw it for myself. Cant wait to try it out.

Dont know what to tell ya on the housing issue Bonjour...... A few weeks ago there was an article in the blade that had a picture from one of the houses currently being constructed in my neighborhood by Seneca builders and in the article it said they would be doing most of the home in a 160 home subdivision going somewhere out here in perrysburg.

In last weeks Metro Press an article titled Oregon economy "slow and steady" they talk about some projects in Oregon that are underway. It says on Navarre (rt2) a motel and Sonic restaurant is being cleared. The transaction of the land was last week and theres LUXURY APARTMENTS being built on Navarre across from Pearson park. The plaza with BW3's near Walmart will have a new American Pizza buffet.

And last but not least I finally got to go see the new Savage arena. I went and saw the game tuesday vs Central Michigan.... Some nice gentlemen sold my friends and I four third row seats at half court for 2.50 a piece.... 10 bucks for the lot! The place is awesome definatly a first class venue. You walk in and on your left is a giant window to the weight room and you have the varsity T hall of fame above ya in a great looking lobby and this is just walkin in the door! When your actually in watching the game its unbelieveable. the bowl shape definatly makes for better seating and sight lines. I cant wait to see a big game there! And the Luxury boxes were packed! Thats why it looks so empty on TV everyone is in the restuarant and Boxes. Everyone needs to go check out a game there

I've found out straight from the source that Navy Bistro has absolutely no plans to close. That's a relief!

Thanks for the update rustbeltrevival. Did you speak to Tom directly?

Well, I just spoke with the person who books their special events (I was genuinely calling them for this purpose anyways), so I guess it wasn't the TOP source... It could be possible that the staff is in the dark on something, but they're booking 8 months in advance currently, so, I don't know. The person I spoke with didn't know anything about it (closing, that is). What had you heard before this?

Can you guys recommend a good place to get snow tires? I need service too.

Anyone been down by fifth third lately? The original Left field video board has been removed. Anyone know anything about this?? I have pics of the missing scoreboard and a ew of the new arena from a few days ago....... Not sure how to crop or post pics..... If someone wants I can email them and you can go from there??

From the LCA webcam you can see the missing scoreboard and you can also see part of the loading dock doors in the arena ... I have pics of that area and a few others around the arena... Wanted to get more but it was snowing and the camera battery died......

Anyone been over the old 280 lately? Its crazy getting off the old craig bridge onto summit now. Instead of takin the right curve back over 280 then curving onto summit its just one hook onto summit.... You have to check it out for yourself

Well, I just spoke with the person who books their special events (I was genuinely calling them for this purpose anyways), so I guess it wasn't the TOP source... It could be possible that the staff is in the dark on something, but they're booking 8 months in advance currently, so, I don't know. The person I spoke with didn't know anything about it (closing, that is). What had you heard before this?

Let's consider this....they are NOT closing.

Can you guys recommend a good place to get snow tires? I need service too.

Three places that comes to my mind along with good customer:
1. Bob's Tires on Monroe & 17th
2. Tom's Tires on Central west of Alisdale next to Animal Emergency Care Center
3. Capital Tires on Cherry & E. Woodruff

Anyone been down by fifth third lately? The original Left field video board has been removed. Anyone know anything about this?? I have pics of the missing scoreboard and a ew of the new arena from a few days ago....... Not sure how to crop or post pics..... If someone wants I can email them and you can go from there??

From the LCA webcam you can see the missing scoreboard and you can also see part of the loading dock doors in the arena ... I have pics of that area and a few others around the arena... Wanted to get more but it was snowing and the camera battery died......

Anyone been over the old 280 lately? Its crazy getting off the old craig bridge onto summit now. Instead of takin the right curve back over 280 then curving onto summit its just one hook onto summit.... You have to check it out for yourself


Perhaps a replacement of the board is taking place which I've noticed glitches in the screen this past year.

Please do share your pics of the arena.

Yes, I've been on the old I-280, it's called "Pardon Our Dust" as they are retrofitting both sides of the bridge with new intersection formation, traffic lights, and landscaping. They are also getting rid of excessive ramps and asphalts of roads that will no longer be used as well. I'm quite curious of what it's going to be like when it's all done because it is looking good.

http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090130/NEWS16/901300358

The poor airport never gets a break:http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090129/BUSINESS03/901290215

Hey bonjour.... My account says i cant post attachments can i email the pics to you?

Theres now 4 cat walks on the leftfield scoreboard at 5th/3rd field... This wasnt like that before..... Just drove by yesterday.... This was done in just the last 3 days.....

Papalis to open this week???? Tables looked like they were ready for customers yesterday!!!!

Pizza Papalis apparently opened last night according to this blog post:
http://enjoyingtoledo.com/2009/02/pizza-papalis-now-open/

Hey bonjour.... My account says i cant post attachments can i email the pics to you?

See your private message. :)

Thanks for the Pizza Papalis update mudhen419 and tk29. This past Friday night was the VIP Downtown & Friends night which had a huge turnout and traffic was horrid as I tried to go home.

I heard their "official" grand opening was today and it looked very busy during lunch when I went by today. I cannot imagine the parking situation.

This is quite surprising and hope it works out for us. Direct link: http://abclocal.go.com/wtvg/story?section=news/local&id=6636736

Jet America scouting Toledo ExpressMonday, February 02, 2009
Low-cost airline would offer cheap trips and local jobs

Toledo is in the running to be the first base of operations for a new airline. Toledo Express airport is one of three airports in the running to become the hub of what's being described as an ultra-low fare airline. Jet America is the parent company launching this new airline, which has yet to be named.
According to information we received today, it'll fly to 14 destinations in its first year with the average fare being $69 each way.

Jet America is hoping those numbers will attract about 5.6 million potential customers in a 75-mile radius around Toledo.

Jet America also says this new line will hire 950 workers in the first year, with an average salary of more than $48,000 per year.

The company isn't specifying the other two airports being considered. What they are saying is that Jet America founders are meeting with business and community leaders in each city and whichever one demonstrates the most enthusiasm and support will get the job, so to speak.

Direct link to the story:http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090129/NEWS24/901290377/-1/NEWS

Direct link: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090201/NEWS16/902010331

Thanks for the Pizza Papalis update mudhen419 and tk29. This past Friday night was the VIP Downtown & Friends night which had a huge turnout and traffic was horrid as I tried to go home.

I heard their "official" grand opening was today and it looked very busy during lunch when I went by today. I cannot imagine the parking situation.

I ate there for lunch today, it was totally packed (and it's HUGE), and the pizza was awesome. I can't wait to go back Friday so I can order a few pitchers with my pizza :-). They did a great job there, it should do very well; especially as it's the only genuine Chicago style deep dish in town, to the best of my knowledge.

I ate there for lunch today, it was totally packed (and it's HUGE), and the pizza was awesome. I can't wait to go back Friday so I can order a few pitchers with my pizza :-). They did a great job there, it should do very well; especially as it's the only genuine Chicago style deep dish in town, to the best of my knowledge.

I'm starting to get hungry for a deep dish with spinach, mushroom and lots of cheese or a meat's lover kind. I cannot wait to go there and check it out.

I've uploaded pictures of the new arena for MudHen419 and give him full credit. It's looking good so far especially with the glass panels now being installed.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/GEDC0173.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/GEDC0172.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/GEDC0171.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/GEDC0168.jpg

Thanks Bonjour! I'll Probly go out again with my friend in about a month or so and snap some more pics. We'll make sure to have a full battery this time.... In the meantime i'll be sendin ya those scoreboard pics in a day or 2 unless something else unfolds on that issue...........


I Found out some interesting info in this weeks metro press

First, the Luxury apartments I posted about going in on Navarre across from the park will be single story apartment homes. 1,150-1,200 sq ft of living space 2 bed 2 bath, 1 or 2 car garage.... No stairs easy accessable. Being built by Redwood Management for people who have special needs, those who no longer wish to care for a home or those who prefer apt living without having people above or below them... Construction is underway on the first unit of 18 model should be open by the end of march weather permitting. A model home is available at Arbors of Perrysburg which is similar and owned by Redwood..... Rents are $825-$895 per month

Second, Theres an article about the Marina District and the Garfield neighborhood talking about The Committee called Connecting Pieces with there ideas of eliminating stop lights on Main Street replacing them with stop signs, creating more parking on Main Street, Reverse deterioration in the Garfield neighborhood, create new street scapes, DEVELOPING AN XTREME SPORTS COMPLEX in the Acme Power plant or Edison Park... Also goes on to talk about how Dillon wants to make this a Destination point and how the Marina District opens so much public access and how you could fish down on the rocks but thats really all there was access to down there.


And on another East Side/Oregon note...... Theres construction goin on near Ralphies on Navarre. Im guessing this is for the Motel/Sonic thats supposed to be coming!

The arena's looking good. I'll have to check this thread once in a while. I'm actually planning a trip to Toledo (along with Cleveland) next summer. :)

Thanks Bonjour! I'll Probly go out again with my friend in about a month or so and snap some more pics. We'll make sure to have a full battery this time.... In the meantime i'll be sendin ya those scoreboard pics in a day or 2 unless something else unfolds on that issue...........


I Found out some interesting info in this weeks metro press

First, the Luxury apartments I posted about going in on Navarre across from the park will be single story apartment homes. 1,150-1,200 sq ft of living space 2 bed 2 bath, 1 or 2 car garage.... No stairs easy accessable. Being built by Redwood Management for people who have special needs, those who no longer wish to care for a home or those who prefer apt living without having people above or below them... Construction is underway on the first unit of 18 model should be open by the end of march weather permitting. A model home is available at Arbors of Perrysburg which is similar and owned by Redwood..... Rents are $825-$895 per month

Second, Theres an article about the Marina District and the Garfield neighborhood talking about The Committee called Connecting Pieces with there ideas of eliminating stop lights on Main Street replacing them with stop signs, creating more parking on Main Street, Reverse deterioration in the Garfield neighborhood, create new street scapes, DEVELOPING AN XTREME SPORTS COMPLEX in the Acme Power plant or Edison Park... Also goes on to talk about how Dillon wants to make this a Destination point and how the Marina District opens so much public access and how you could fish down on the rocks but thats really all there was access to down there.


And on another East Side/Oregon note...... Theres construction goin on near Ralphies on Navarre. Im guessing this is for the Motel/Sonic thats supposed to be coming!

Thanks for the Marina District update...I'm always interested in reading/hearing/watching this project.

The arena's looking good. I'll have to check this thread once in a while. I'm actually planning a trip to Toledo (along with Cleveland) next summer. :)

Welcome and most of us don't bite. :lol:

Good News: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090205/NEWS16/902050299

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090205/BUSINESS07/902050370

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090204/NEWS04/902040321/-1/NEWS

Fulton County Processing launches new slitting line
Company investing $3.7M and creating 25 new jobs
Posted on Toledo Business Journal website Feb. 2009 Edition

Fulton County Processing (FCP), a northwest Ohio-based coil steel service center, is adding
a fourth processing line in the form of a new SMS Slitter. The addition will raise the Delta, Ohio
plant's capacity by 18,000 tons per month, according to the company.

The move is part of an 85,000 square foot expansion effort that will increase the facility's size
to 250,000 total square feet. According to the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD), the
$3.7 million project is expected to create 25 positions and retain 47 jobs.

Jim VanPoppel, FCP president, explained that the investment will go a long way toward
enhancing the company's reputation as a preferred supplier in the region. He stated. "It's all
about offering the latest and greatest service in steel processing. And we like where this new
slitter is going to take us in terms of meeting needs and providing prompt delivery down the
road for both our Ohio and Michigan customers. In fact, this is a first step in preparation for a
new pickle line that we anticipate will be operational in March."

The new slitter will have a maximum coil weight of 60,000 pounds, a Korflex in-line shape
correction unit, and a steel production range of 0.010-0.187 inches by 72 inches. These
capabilities are designed to enhance FCP's ability to attract new business and expand its
product range into light gauge products.

VanPoppel sees the expansion as part of a natural evolution for the company.

"The best is yet to come," Jeff Kunkel, FCP's plant manager added. "We know that choosing
the right business partner is critical in today's business environment. In FCP, we believe our
customers will find everything they're looking for."

FCP was awarded a 40% job creation tax credit for a five-year term for the facility expansion.
The value of the tax credit is estimated at $44,000 over the term, and the company is required
to maintain operations at the project site for ten years.

"From bioscience and biomedical firms to region-shaping manufacturing opportunities, [this
project represents] the creativity and collaboration that will shape Ohio's new economy," stated
Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher, who also serves as director of ODOD. "Our state's commitment
to investing in what matters will grow Ohio's economy in a healthy, sustainable, and forward-
thinking fashion."

Headquartered adjacent to the NorthStar/Bluescope mill in Delta, Ohio and founded in 2002,
Fulton County Processing is the product of a joint venture among Van Poppel Enterprises,
Heidtman Steel Products, and Kelco Metals Inc.

In 2007, FCP began production on a new Red Bud SCS Coil Line at its Delta service center.
SCS stands for "smooth clean surface."

The SCS Cleaning System is designed to give hot-rolled black material a smooth, clean, rust-
resistant finish that represents a cost effective and environmentally friendly alternative to pickled
and oiled material, according to its developers, The Material Works and Red Bud Industries.

The system works by "brushing away" all of the surface scale except for a micro-thin layer that
provides corrosion resistance without oiling. SCS Cleaning Systems are available in both coil
and sheet cleaning configurations.

Fulton County Processing's line, which can handle 72-inch wide by 0.250-inch thick coils,
consists of a coil stage and load system, uncoiler, heavy-gauge peeler breaker, crop shear,
Butech leveler, heavy-gauge edge trimmer, Butech choppers, SCS cleaning unit, closed-loop
water filtration system, air knives, drag tensioner, alignment system, tension-type traversing
recoiler, and coil band / inspection coil stage and load system.

Curwood's Fremont
Expansion to create 50 jobs
Posted on Toledo Business Journal website Feb. 2009 Edition

Curwood, Inc., a division of Bemis Company, Inc., plans to expand its operations in Fremont,
Ohio. The company explained that – due to growth in existing product lines as well as the
development and production of new packaging for the meat, cheese, and coffee markets – it
requires additional space, equipment, and people.

The Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) has stated that
Curwood is investing $5 million in northwest Ohio with the 128,000 square foot expansion.

In choosing where to make the expansion, the company considered both the Fremont plant's
safety performance and positive workforce attitude, according to Curwood. The site was
selected over three other possibilities, all out of state.

"We're extremely proud of the growth and success that we're experiencing and really looking
forward to the positive impact this expansion is going to have on the community here in
Fremont," stated Bill Kraut, operations manager at the Fremont plant.

The plant currently employs 141 people, and it plans to add 50 new positions over the next
three years as the expansion goes into effect. The expansion is contingent upon the approval
of State and local incentives. At this time, the Fremont School Board has approved a 15-year
tax abatement for the company.

Curwood, founded by Howard Curler and Bob Woods in 1958, is a supplier of packaging
materials and systems for the food, beverage, household, industrial, and personal care
industries. Bemis acquired Curwood as a wholly-owned subsidiary in 1965.

In 1992, it acquired a rigid / thermoforming operation in Fremont.

The company's core markets include cheese (natural and processed), coffee, consumer and
industrial non-food products, liquid and beverage, meat (fresh and prepared), pet food / treats,
and specialty prepared foods. Its core products include packaging solutions for retail, bulk,
industrial, and foodservice applications (forming webs; lidstock; portion-control packaging;
pouches; rollstock; semi-rigid and rigid thermoformed cups, tubs, and trays; and shrink films
and bags).

CurwoodÕs services include equipment manufacturing and service; pouch making and die
cutting; prepress and graphics management; proprietary manufacturing including custom
sealants, extrusion, lamination, and thermoforming; research, development, and product
analysis; rotogravure and flexographic process printing; and structural design / package
engineering

Curwood maintains manufacturing and service centers throughout North America, South
America, Asia, and Europe. It is headquartered in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Bemis Company is a supplier of flexible packaging and pressure sensitive materials used by
food, consumer products, manufacturing, and other companies worldwide.

Founded in 1858, the company's flexible packaging business has a technical base in polymer
chemistry, film extrusion, coating and laminating, printing, and converting. The company's
pressure sensitive materials business specializes in adhesive technologies.

Headquartered in Neenah, Wisconsin, Bemis employs about 15,700 individuals in 56
manufacturing facilities in 10 countries worldwide.

Annex plans revealed
Commissioners hold public forum about project
By MATT MANNING • Staff writer • February 4, 2009
Direct link: http://www.thenews-messenger.com/article/20090204/NEWS01/902040303&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL


http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/SanCountyAnnex2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/SanCountyAnnex.jpg

The new 16,521-square-foot building will be behind the county courthouse and the old county jail, with a connecting atrium between the structures.

Brad Smith, serving his last week as commissioner, stood beside computer renderings and drawings that reveal designs and parking improvements.

"We're leaving the future commissioners in a good place," Smith said.

The current proposed plan would close off a section of Court Street for parking spaces.

He told the public that the project was needed because of space, security and to solve some technological problems present at the current courthouse.

"We wanted to solve everyone's problems (in the courthouse)," Smith said. "The (old) courthouse was built for the way business was done, but business changes."

Smith said the project would be broken down into two phases. The first phase would be the additions as well as the exterior renovations to the courthouse. Phase two would be interior courthouse work, including remodeling of the offices that will remain in the courthouse.

During the presentation, Smith broke down the estimated $5 million cost, with $2.8 million going toward the new building construction, $1.2 million toward exterior work of the current courthouse and $1 million going toward the interior work.

Commissioners have set aside $1 million for the project from the selling of the Fort Stephenson building, and plan to borrow government bonds for the rest of the funding. Commissioners would then pay off those bonds at a rate of $300,000 per year with lease income from the Countryside Continuing Care Center, a county-owned facility. The building averages $350,000 per year for the agreement.

Smith said the project has been in the works for the last five years and the cost of both phases could fluctuate, since decisions have not been finalized. Smith wanted to take bids this summer because of low interest rates and because "the bidding climate looks good."

Sonny Hamizadeh of Poggemeyer Design Group of Bowling Green, who's heading the project, said he and officials performed space surveys for departments in the courthouse.

"We did every room by sketches," Hamizadeh said.

Commissioners at the end of their presentation opened the floor for comments from the nearly 30 members of the public who came and generally liked the design.

Fremont resident Tom Scherf made several comments including about parking, but said he was generally happy with the design.

"I can see people driving through the lot (to get to Clover Street)," he said. "I liked it ... the building is needed."

Looks like I-73 project will be making a comeback which connects Toledo to Columbus (think U.S. 23): http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/1233826463167920.xml&coll=2

Also as stated in the Governor's State of State Address that all and I mean ALL new road projects will be a toll road since we are all broke. What do you think or how do you feel about I-73 being a toll road from Toledo to Columbus? My position on the toll would be favorable as we can generate revenues from all the heavy travelers from Michigan and even the Border Battle games (UM versus OSU); however, I would like to see more entrance/exit ramps than we have on the current I-80/90 highway to provide more access.

Another I-73 link: http://www.roadfan.com/i73ohio.html

And another one: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_73

[B]Looks like I-73 project will be making a comeback which connects Toledo to Columbus (think U.S. 23): http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/1233826463167920.xml&coll=2

Also as stated in the Governor's State of State Address that all and I mean ALL new road projects will be a toll road since we are all broke. What do you think or how do you feel about I-73 being a toll road from Toledo to Columbus? My position on the toll would be favorable as we can generate revenues from all the heavy travelers from Michigan and even the Border Battle games (UM versus OSU); however, I would like to see more entrance/exit ramps than we have on the current I-80/90 highway to provide more access.


I could live with a toll road if it meant not traveling on 23 the way it is now north of Columbus

I could live with a toll road if it meant not traveling on 23 the way it is now north of Columbus

ITA, driving on U.S. 23 anywhere from Waldo to Columbus is pure hell. I dread it every time I'm dispatched down there.

yeah, 23 sucks north of Columbus. I hate getting getting on 270 from there when traffic is heavy too.

I don't mind paying modest tolls on interstate highways; it's common in many countries. It's a quick and dirty way to pay for highway improvements, particularly on the front end. I think the Findlay to Columbus route should be controlled access, and I 75 north to Toledo should be six lanes. I don't know that it needs an interstate designation.

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090206/BUSINESS01/902060338

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090206/BUSINESS03/902060293/0/BUSINESS10

Pizza Papalis Official Website: http://www.pizzapapalis.com/

Looks like I-73 project will be making a comeback which connects Toledo to Columbus (think U.S. 23): http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/1233826463167920.xml&coll=2

Also as stated in the Governor's State of State Address that all and I mean ALL new road projects will be a toll road since we are all broke. What do you think or how do you feel about I-73 being a toll road from Toledo to Columbus? My position on the toll would be favorable as we can generate revenues from all the heavy travelers from Michigan and even the Border Battle games (UM versus OSU); however, I would like to see more entrance/exit ramps than we have on the current I-80/90 highway to provide more access.

Another I-73 link: http://www.roadfan.com/i73ohio.html

And another one: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_73
I wouldn't mind seeing it being a toll road until the project gets payed off. But after that it should be open to the public free of charge, in my opinion.

This isn't an I-80/90 interstate across America type thing that the state should be milking revenue from for the next 1000 years. Yes, I understand that you have to pay for maintaining of the freeway, but there has got to be a better way than to stop every freakin' motorist and trucker everyday and extract a toll.

I'm just going to throw this idea out here. And I'm not necessarily saying that this is a good idea or a doable idea, or anything. This is just an idea to get the ball rolling in this discussion, perhaps. But if you do think that it should be set up as a toll road permanently. What about making a hybrid toll road of sorts. One where toll booths are set up at the state lines to charge out-of-state motorists and truckers entering and leaving the state, and then have cities and counties that actually have a freeway entrance/exit ramp to the interstate pony up the remainder of the cost of maintenance for the freeway, since they're the ones that would benefit the most economically from having a new freeway running through their area.

Just a thought.

That's great news about the Sandusky County Courthouse. It is a beautiful building that has been neglected. Hopefully with this addition it will spur some general investments in the older part of the building to bring it back to it's former glory. At least with this we will know for that the Sandusky Court House won't suffer the same fate as Tiffin's.

I don't mind paying modest tolls on interstate highways; it's common in many countries. It's a quick and dirty way to pay for highway improvements, particularly on the front end. I think the Findlay to Columbus route should be controlled access, and I 75 north to Toledo should be six lanes. I don't know that it needs an interstate designation.

Tolls bother me less than those cameras at lights that are used purely to generate income for private companies (an Arizona company that then gives a small amount to the City of Toledo).

Furthermore, with tolls on roads maybe it will spur more development and interest in rail travel. :banana:

I like the direct link from toledo to columbus. I dont go this way much but its somethin that should have been done years ago...... I wouldnt mind if it was a Toll road forever but it should atleast be cheaper than the turnpike (80/90).....

We are gettin some warm weather the next few days..... How bout some pics? Im gonna try and get out and get some random construction projects

Why are people so hung up on tolls? If you don't like the toll, you can take one of several existing redneck routes through the depressing Central/NW Ohio backcountry to get to Columbus. For the rest of us, we can pay a few dollars to drive on a modern expressway to get to Columbus.

Without toll = no expressway ever.
With toll = expressway.

I don't mind the tolls. Especially now that Ohio will be adopting EZ pass it will be quite convenient to navigate tolled roads.

really dont mind the tolls at all... but if this is gonna be an ohio only thing it should be cheaper than 80/90 or cheaper for ohio residents.

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090206/BUSINESS03/902060293/0/BUSINESS10

Pizza Papalis Official Website: http://www.pizzapapalis.com/

Pizza Papalis = the most amazing Chicago-style pizza ever, at least until I go to Chicago and try the pizza over there. I ate at the one in Greektown, Detroit.

LCA webcams are down... :( Going thru withdrawls lol.......

Bad news first:

Brewed Awakenings has closed. :-( I feel guilty because I did not go there often only because I don't currently live near there, but I always loved it there when I did make it. Really beats the atmosphere in Biggby and Starbucks (the proximity to which, along with possibly Dunkin Donuts, were likely the reason for BA's demise). I hope something along the lines of a tea house/hookah bar takes it place, we need one of those and the location is great, close to UT and Old Orchard (where I'm hoping to buy a home, if I wasn't constantly being out-bid). I wish I had the capital to open it myself!

Good news:

Pizza Papalis is a hit! It seems to have ignited things on that corner, as the Blarney is now more packed than ever.

The Attic on Adams seems to have established itself as a popular chill drinking spot, which is great because they have Maumee Bay beer on draught, and it's much better than Pub St. George which came before (but I don't like clubs).

Shakin' Street Records looks like it might be open. I'm glad to see it go in there, it should do well on Adams being so close to the Old West End, but I'm not sure I can turn my back on Culture Clash.

Caffeini's Coffee has opened on Secor near Dorr. I hope it does well over there, if it does it will help catalyze further growth around UT (still must be the only university in the history of time that doesn't have a really strong student-oriented commercial corridor, every time I give it a good hard think my head almost explodes). Especially if Larry Dillin is behind the planning, as previously reported.

Food Town, across from the afore-mentioned BA, is set to open soon, marking it's triumphant return to Toledo. I can't remember if I used to like Food Town or not, but I need it there so I can avoid the headaches from the crowd at Kroger's on Monroe when I need items they don't have at Churchill's and Schorlings.

That's it for now. I've read plenty of other stuff in the news this week, but I'll let Bonjour throw it up in a Mega Post (sorry Bonjour, we should really be picking up the slack from time to time!).

Hopefully the stimulus package helps to stop the bleeding, but I would say Toledo is doing it's best to dig in and weather the storm (probably since we've been weathering a crappy economy here for pretty much the whole decade, so we don't have to much further to dig). For those of you who have the recession blues, just remember that great places like BA and others dear to our hearts are closing around the country, and with any luck doors will open up and new great places will take their spot.

Mahalo.

This is the arena aerial from January. Talk about urban integration! Toledo really got this right and it will be looked at as an exemplary urban arena. It's also going to be the first LEED-certified arena in the country, beating out Brooklyn. I have no doubt this will be very beneficial to the CBD:

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/8691/arenasf9.jpg
http://www.toledowalleye.com/arena/exterior/

When all is said and done:

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/7804/toledojv8.jpg

Pizza Papalis = the most amazing Chicago-style pizza ever, at least until I go to Chicago and try the pizza over there. I ate at the one in Greektown, Detroit.

Mmmmmhmmm. I've been there twice thus far and it is a sure welcome establishment in our region. The deep dish spinach/mushroom pizza is to die for and those strombolis.....o....m....g....

Bad news first:

Brewed Awakenings has closed. :-( I feel guilty because I did not go there often only because I don't currently live near there, but I always loved it there when I did make it. Really beats the atmosphere in Biggby and Starbucks (the proximity to which, along with possibly Dunkin Donuts, were likely the reason for BA's demise). I hope something along the lines of a tea house/hookah bar takes it place, we need one of those and the location is great, close to UT and Old Orchard (where I'm hoping to buy a home, if I wasn't constantly being out-bid). I wish I had the capital to open it myself! I agree but I guess the Brewed Awakenings owners didn't want to ride out the economic storm since they do have their niche and core group that support the business.

Good news:

Pizza Papalis is a hit! It seems to have ignited things on that corner, as the Blarney is now more packed than ever. Mmmmhmmm..even last night (Wednesday) both places were packed.

The Attic on Adams seems to have established itself as a popular chill drinking spot, which is great because they have Maumee Bay beer on draught, and it's much better than Pub St. George which came before (but I don't like clubs). I agree that Attic on Adams is 110% better than Pub St. George.

Shakin' Street Records looks like it might be open. I'm glad to see it go in there, it should do well on Adams being so close to the Old West End, but I'm not sure I can turn my back on Culture Clash. A great addition for the Uptown/Old West End area and perhaps the Downtown/Warehouse District as well. Story from the Toledo City Paper: http://www.toledocitypaper.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1399:shakin-things-up&catid=37:listen-hear&Itemid=448 and official website: http://www.shakinstrecords.com/

Caffeini's Coffee has opened on Secor near Dorr. I hope it does well over there, if it does it will help catalyze further growth around UT (still must be the only university in the history of time that doesn't have a really strong student-oriented commercial corridor, every time I give it a good hard think my head almost explodes). Especially if Larry Dillin is behind the planning, as previously reported. Very interesting.

Food Town, across from the afore-mentioned BA, is set to open soon, marking it's triumphant return to Toledo. I can't remember if I used to like Food Town or not, but I need it there so I can avoid the headaches from the crowd at Kroger's on Monroe when I need items they don't have at Churchill's and Schorlings. I've been waiting for this place to open because I am tired of Kroger's crowded stores and lack of "live" cash registers.

That's it for now. I've read plenty of other stuff in the news this week, but I'll let Bonjour throw it up in a Mega Post (sorry Bonjour, we should really be picking up the slack from time to time!). You better believe B-A-B-Y!

Hopefully the stimulus package helps to stop the bleeding, but I would say Toledo is doing it's best to dig in and weather the storm (probably since we've been weathering a crappy economy here for pretty much the whole decade, so we don't have to much further to dig). For those of you who have the recession blues, just remember that great places like BA and others dear to our hearts are closing around the country, and with any luck doors will open up and new great places will take their spot. This should be a lesson for all us and the next generation in regards to shady sub-prime home loans, credit racketeering, and gouging fuel prices that had this country spiral out of control.

Mahalo.

I co-sign this post. :)

Thanks for the arena post Pilliod, loooove the aerial shot.

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090219/NEWS16/902199995

Interesting ongoing issue in our region: If the vote was today, I would vote for sales tax to have the transit authority provide services across the county. It's time to embrace "regional" transit in our area and enough of this fragmented areas where public transit cannot go such as Oregon, Perrysburg Township, Springfield Township, Whitehouse, etc, etc. Plus it makes sense to have sales tax so everyone pays instead of just the property owners and it would accessible to "all" instead of to "some". If Akron, Dayton, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Canton public transit can be sales tax, why can't Toledo?

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090219/NEWS16/902199972

TARTA Preliminary Comprehensive Operations Analysis PP: http://tarta.com/PDFs/TARTA_preliminaryCOA.pdf

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090219/BUSINESS03/902199940/-1/BUSINESS

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090217/BUSINESS05/902170420/-1/BUSINESS

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090217/BUSINESS01/902170258/-1/BUSINESS

A library in a township setting? Uh?! There's nothing wrong with the library in village of Holland or Sylvania city.

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090218/NEIGHBORS05/902189895/-1/NEWS

http://www.toledofreepress.com/2009/02/13/two-startup-firms-establish-local-high-tech-businesses/

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090209/NEWS16/902090330

FYI: The Toledo City Council has passed to approve the tax incentives this past Tuesday's meeting but I couldn't find any news story on this.

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090218/BUSINESS02/902189907

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090218/BUSINESS03/902189923

Is that Johnny's Lunch place successful? They've been making a lot of noise about how they're going to expand to 1000 units in 5 years (right now they have seven). I drove by the one near Franklin Park, which I assume is their flagship location, and it was empty. I personally haven't been inside it as I'm not into that kind of food.

How do you think the funding will change TARTA? I would love it if Toledo had better public transportation that made it convenient to get from the campus area to downtown and other areas of Toledo.

The biggest problem is that Toledo is so sprawled out, it makes planning bus routes very difficult and underutilized.

I wish Toledo would do a light-rail starter line that started somewhere like McCord and Dorr and went downtown and did a loop then came back. Dorr would work very well because it is 4 lanes almost the whole way - just lay the tracks in the outside lane and do the regular stops.

Cant wait till the aerial shot gets updated again! Was just down there last night checkin it out with my friend..... Theres been cars (with there lights on) parked inside the fences at the arena site..... Seems weird since I saw this both times after 9 pm..... Is this security maybe? Hope they dont think im suspicious since I like to drive around there once or twice a week at late times...........


Everyone be carefull if you use Front street near 280...... Traffic is comin both ways and some people dont seem to know that since they are floatin at 50 going towards Birmingham. I'd like to see a design of what this project is going to look like (Front Street Craig Bridge interchange...


Im not sure If it already happened or not but Oregon is finalizing the last phase of the bike trail. When completed the bike trail will Connect Oregon from Starr and Wheeling Area to Pearson Park (completed in early 90's) to the recreation center (completed about 3 years ago) to Clay High (same) north to Bayshore rd Southshore park{Boardwalk} then down Bayshore to Maumee Bay State Park

Also I heard that the hotel thats going on navarre near Bob Evans will either be a Mariott or a 3 story Hilton. Sonic will go in shortly after.

well what do you know... Ask and Ye shall recieve..... There is a new aerial shot on the walleye website....

Wow, I like Toledo's arena more than Columbus'

Oh, won't there be major traffic problems since the arena is smack dab in the middle of downtown? I'd hate for people to reconsider a trip to the arena on the basis of traffic alone.

Oh, won't there be major traffic problems since the arena is smack dab in the middle of downtown? I'd hate for people to reconsider a trip to the arena on the basis of traffic alone.

There are actually a lot of surface lots and parking garages in downtown, also, similar to Mud Hens games, there will probably be special bus service to the games.

Besides, who would want to go to an arena in the middle of a sea of parking out in the burbs with no atmosphere/bars/restaurants to walk to before and after the games?

Everyone be carefull if you use Front street near 280...... Traffic is comin both ways and some people dont seem to know that since they are floatin at 50 going towards Birmingham. I'd like to see a design of what this project is going to look like (Front Street Craig Bridge interchange...

Here's a pdf of the entire project including site plans and construction schedule:
http://www.dot.state.oh.us/districts/D02/Documents/I-280%20Trench%20Project%20Information/I-280%20Trench%20Project%20Information.PDF

The Walleye site has updated arena interior construction photos which compares them with project renderings.

Oh, won't there be major traffic problems since the arena is smack dab in the middle of downtown? I'd hate for people to reconsider a trip to the arena on the basis of traffic alone.

There's a parking garage attached to the arena.

Actually theres 2 connected to it.... Theres a parking lot under the Seagate Center (You can park under there and walk thru the Seagate and get to the arena without having to go outside........ Also theres a parking garage across St Clair by the Fiberglass tower.... Not to mention also the one on Monroe Street across from 5/3rd 1 block away from the arena....

Thanks for that post TK. Very informative......


The Walleye Run is almost here...... Hopefully the water temp gets up and we can start fishin in a few weeks!!!!!!

Wow, I never knew there was a garage under the Seagate Center. That's pretty cool and good planning.

The Walleye Run is almost here...... Hopefully the water temp gets up and we can start fishin in a few weeks!!!!!!

Yeah, I'm thinking of learning how to gut and cook my own fish. In case the depression gets much worse and food supplies were to be interrupted, it's not a bad skill to learn.

And nothing says Toledo like fishing for walleye...

Wow, I never knew there was a garage under the Seagate Center. That's pretty cool and good planning.

http://www.parksmart.org/p/DTPAmap6-07.pdf

That's great news about the Sandusky County Courthouse. It is a beautiful building that has been neglected. Hopefully with this addition it will spur some general investments in the older part of the building to bring it back to it's former glory. At least with this we will know for that the Sandusky Court House won't suffer the same fate as Tiffin's.

ITA.

How do you think the funding will change TARTA? I would love it if Toledo had better public transportation that made it convenient to get from the campus area to downtown and other areas of Toledo.

The biggest problem is that Toledo is so sprawled out, it makes planning bus routes very difficult and underutilized.

I wish Toledo would do a light-rail starter line that started somewhere like McCord and Dorr and went downtown and did a loop then came back. Dorr would work very well because it is 4 lanes almost the whole way - just lay the tracks in the outside lane and do the regular stops.

I agree that it is sprawled out, however, accessibility is the key for the general population of this county. It will be an economic gain for the county to have public transit county-wide so the average folks can go to jobs, shopping, doctor's appointment, and many other places.

There has been two (2) official studies done thus far: 1) Research Science-Technology Corridor and 2) Regional Core Circulator within our region via TMACOG. Sales tax county-wide may be the key for a potential light-rail project because it would generate more federal dollars to match for the project and the geographic coverage would be greater.

My top five preference in which corridor would benefit the most for a light rail project:
1. Monroe Street (between Sylvania and downtown Toledo)
2. Bancroft Street (between UT Main Campus and downtown Toledo)
3. Dorr Street (between Dana Campus and downtown Toledo)
4. Nebraska Avenue (between UT Main/Scott Park Campuses and downtown Toledo)
5. Glendale Avenue/Airport Highway (between Arrowhead Park and downtown Toledo)
6. **Non-downtown connection: Byrne Road/Secor Road/Heatherdowns Blvd. (between Westfield Franklin Park-UT Main Campus-Scott Park Campus-UT Health Science Campus-Arrowhead Park)

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090223/NEWS16/902239951

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090223/NEWS16/902239959

Also I heard that the hotel thats going on navarre near Bob Evans will either be a Mariott or a 3 story Hilton. Sonic will go in shortly after.

I saw the clearings of the land yesterday where the Seneca Motel is now gone. Anything behind Ralphie's and Bob Evans Restaurants is pretty cleared, and according to the Lucas County Auditor information the parcel(s) is listed under "Navarre Crossings" and they've acquired the land parcels on Jan. 5, 2009.

I wonder what businesses will be involved or would it be an upscale condo-like apartments? I highly doubt it if it will be a Hilton but Marriott would be more likely if they were to come to Oregon. If it's a Sonic, then they would occupy a smaller piece of the parcel because the land that is in question is quite large.

I've also noticed an awful lot of land/buildings for sale along Navarre Avenue from the Kroger store (Navarre/Coy) all the way to Wal-Mart.

Didn't get much of a media coverage but the former Mutts Saloon (I think that's the former name) on Main/2nd Streets is now redeveloped and renamed as "Main Street Bar and Grill" with an investment of over $750,000. The owners redid the inside with a lot of historic pictures and accessories of the rich history of East Toledo; they've also cleaned up the exterior as well. I'll check the place out soon as the weather warm up unless someone can give us the inside info.

Next to the Rockwell Steakhouse at the Oliver House (Maumee Brewing Company), the Petit Fours Patisserie & Cafe is now open on Broadway/Ottawa Streets. They used to be located at the Perry Landing in Perrysburg but wanted to move to downtown Toledo to be closer to the ongoing developments and more centralized in the region. I've been meaning to check the place out in Perrysburg because I heard they have great food along with the to-die-for-sweets. (Think of this place as a typical French cafe/bakery). But now they are in my neighborhood, life's soooooo sweet and hopefully I'll check the place out sometime this weekend, unless someone gives us the inside info first. :)

Here is their direct link: http://www.petitfourspastries.com/index.htm

WOW! This is exciting and it will be a huge boost for the city and region! Link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090224/NEWS04/902249995

I love this place! Link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090224/BUSINESS03/902249923

http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090224/BUSINESS03/902249947

I guess I beat everyone to Petit-Fours. I had two ridiculously good Pain-au-Chocolats that I would have been happy to have gotten in Montreal or Paris. Also got my fiancee a key lime tart, the smell of it mae my mouth water, don't know how she liked it yet. The coffee was a little bit of a let down, but the rest of the food looked ridiculously good. I will be going back soon, probably this week. Atmosphere is nice, too, it overlooks the water.

I went to Caffieni's Coffee yesterday on Secor near campus, as I was in the neighborhood. Their Paninis were really, really good. They only have 4-5 kinds, but I recommend the "Cuban." They have coffee and gelato, too.

http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090302/NEWS16/903020314

A Republican candidate for mayor of Toledo has proposed offering a share in the city-owned Toledo Express Airport to private investors to raise money for the city and to spur development.

What do people think of this? On paper I think it sounds great, but like many privatization plans, they don't work out as planned, and often times it's the consumers paying for the mistakes in the end. :bash:

http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090302/NEWS16/903020314



What do people think of this? On paper I think it sounds great, but like many privatization plans, they don't work out as planned, and often times it's the consumers paying for the mistakes in the end. :bash:

Well, if the officials are correct that any grants received would have to be paid back it doesn't sound like a good idea. The airport also doesn't make money. Also, the city of Toledo doesn't own the land around the airport property, the Port Authority does.

Just what we need - more bad publicity for Toledo. I wish this city would get it's act together. Carty is trying to remake the city into the solar capital of the US but this isn't helping.

Hopefully we get some green energy here soon:

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090303/METRO/903030374/1409/METRO

First Energy's coal-fired Bay Shore power plant in Oregon, Ohio, sits near the point where the Maumee River empties into Maumee Bay. It is an area renowned as a spawning ground for fish species, particularly walleye. Many of those fish migrate through the Detroit River into Lake St. Clair and farther northward. Figures the company supplied show the plant kills 126,000 fish a day -- a number environmental groups say is unacceptable.

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/03/more-to-hate-about-coal.php

Edit: The Blade picked up the story:

http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090304/NEWS16/903040354

^We are becoming the Solar Glass City of America, and if things go right, maybe the entire world.:)

Now in terms of the plant, part of those high kills may be because there are just so many damn fish in the Toledo waters. This is one of the best freshwater fisheries on earth. Still, those numbers do seem ridiculous. Anything to lower that would be good.

http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090302/NEWS16/903020314



What do people think of this? On paper I think it sounds great, but like many privatization plans, they don't work out as planned, and often times it's the consumers paying for the mistakes in the end. :bash:

It's solely a political move that most people will see through. Any actual benefit would probably be minimal to nonexistent.

I guess I beat everyone to Petit-Fours. I had two ridiculously good Pain-au-Chocolats that I would have been happy to have gotten in Montreal or Paris. Also got my fiancee a key lime tart, the smell of it mae my mouth water, don't know how she liked it yet. The coffee was a little bit of a let down, but the rest of the food looked ridiculously good. I will be going back soon, probably this week. Atmosphere is nice, too, it overlooks the water.

Thanks for the update! :)

I went to Caffieni's Coffee yesterday on Secor near campus, as I was in the neighborhood. Their Paninis were really, really good. They only have 4-5 kinds, but I recommend the "Cuban." They have coffee and gelato, too.

I've heard good news about this place and yet I haven't been there. I like their hours since they are open late and I love Paninis. Downtown Latte' makes great Paninis with a soup-of-the-day.

Howdy All!!!

Sorry for the lack of posts recently, however, you will see less of me for the next month or two because I've been working a lot of hours in the past couple of weeks. At this point it looks like my workload will not let up due to the overload of the President Obama Federal Stimulus package. I am currently working on a lot of local projects at work and trying to bring in $$$ for this region and it's quite exciting. I will still come here and read the posts, but I won't have time to post news, developments nor pictures for awhile. I appreciate if you guys continue!

A couple (ok, more than a couple) of quick notes about the current developments in my 'hood:

1. Legend's Grill on St. Clair and Washington will be re-opening from the winter break on March 16th; great burgers!
2. Hotel Seagate will have a new owner soon and it is too soon to tell if they will undergo massive redevelopments (I hope so because it looks hell, IMHO)
3. YWCA on Jefferson & 11th is going full steam with the expansion project
4. United Way on Jackson & Superior is going full steam as well
5. The old 5-floor building adjacent to AT&T building on Monroe (directly across from The Blarney Pub) has been sold and it is too soon to know what's going on there
6. Marina District on the east side is gaining momentum with a lot infrastructure being put in, it is looking good
7. Triangle Building on Erie and Lafayette is going full steam inside when they brought in a lot of lumber supplies last week, windows have been installed on one-side of the building, it looks promising
8. Organic Bliss from Westgate is looking for a downtown site
9. Lucas County Arena is um.....I am speechless at this point because it is becoming the crown jewel of downtown
10. ABLE Law Firm (former Western Union building) is in full steam with new windows, rehabbed exterior, and doing a lot of work interior-wise
11. Craig Memorial Bridge being retrofitted on both sides of the Maumee River and it is going in full steam
12. Cake in a Cup (they have to-die-for delicious cupcakes) is possibly looking at a downtown site to move from their current Sylvania Township location

That's all for now since I am getting tired. Carry on guys! :)

I need to get downtown... I havent been down there in a while and I think the LCA webcam is on a picture from like 2 weeks ago.... You can see snow on the ground!

The apartments in Perrysburg I talked about earlier, On Roachton, are going up fast... Just noticed the other day that the third building is going up...... (These apartments resemble Tracy Creek)

On the Bayshore issue.....

I Fish out there a lot in the summer... great place to Slay some sheephead and Catfish (you can literally catch a decent sized fish every 5 mins all day all night long! Im surprized that they havent done anything sooner with this... If its killing hundreds of thousands of fish daily then this should have been handled years ago...

I also dont like the fact that immigrants illegally fish there..... Its a good spot for walleye before the run and all these non liscense having non green card having sscum like to snag and over bag there limits on walleye..... In the summer they keep every fish they catch. (They can keep all the sheephead and catfish they want) stay away from my walleye and perch!


and one last note.... Theres men in the river!!!!!!!

Thanks for the update Bonjour - That's great news about Organic Bliss, it's a great business run by very friendly people.

http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090308/BUSINESS05/903070233

Workers erect the first six units of a planned 36-unit development on Dorr Street at Smead Avenue in Toledo. The three-story units, to be known as the Brownstones on Dorr Street, will be ready by early May.

http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=TO&Date=20090308&Category=BUSINESS05&ArtNo=903070233&Ref=AR&MaxW=500&title=1

I haven't been around these parts in a while, as I'm sure Bonjour probably remembers. How's the housing market going in Toledo right now? I came very close to buying one of the lofts at Bartley. Obviously with what's going on right now, I'm glad I didn't then. But I would now at the right price.

^I'd have to imagine prices have fallen. Everything is probably cheaper today than it was in 2007.

I haven't been around these parts in a while, as I'm sure Bonjour probably remembers. How's the housing market going in Toledo right now? I came very close to buying one of the lofts at Bartley. Obviously with what's going on right now, I'm glad I didn't then. But I would now at the right price.

May we ask about what you are considering buying? I looked at the Bartley Lofts a few months ago, and the remaining spaces had poor views, I thought. I couldn't afford the one 5th floor place with a stunning view of 5/3rd Field and the Hi-Level Bridge...that one was up for something like $187K, out of my league.

May we ask about what you are considering buying? I looked at the Bartley Lofts a few months ago, and the remaining spaces had poor views, I thought. I couldn't afford the one 5th floor place with a stunning view of 5/3rd Field and the Hi-Level Bridge...that one was up for something like $187K, out of my league.

I'm sure the prices for the rooms with good views are more, but I've seen a sign outside the main door that list a price around $125k.

In another FANTASTIC news, it appears that we now we'll have a route out of Toledo Express Airport to New York / New Jersey, which is a HUGE deal for the business community here, and I hope it gets used extensively.

Also, I was watching Fox Toledo last night, and also read in the Blade today about two possible casino proposals in Toledo/Toledo area. One of them was by Mr. McMahon who would like to see one in Rossford (why?) and then a Cleveland developer and Penn Gaming has a possible proposal for one going in at the old Pilkington site,which I think is off Miami St. right on the river. The developers of that last proposal also would like to establish a casino in Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati. As much as I would love to see a casino in downtown Toledo, I hope that the amendment to allow gambling is legalized for EVERYONE, and not to simply allow for a specific developer to monopolize.

I also took a long walk around downtown yesterday during my lunch hour, and I'm quite happy to see a decent amount of facade upgrades and construction happening around downtown. On that note as well, does anyone know when they will be re-vamping COSI and opening it up to the public?

I'm sure the prices for the rooms with good views are more, but I've seen a sign outside the main door that list a price around $125k.


Likely those are some of the smaller pads with minimal views, and if I remember correctly, discounted perhaps $15 - 20K.

Casino proposals have been shot down multiple times. They should give it a rest. The casino business is probably the 3rd hardest hit business in the country right now after banks and autos.

Maybe 20 years with some foresight Toledo could have been a gambling destination, but the ship has sailed on that one. Detroit was probably the last city to get in on casino gambling in any meaningful way, and even then just barely. Any new casino towns built in America will only recirculate local money.

Bring on the casinos! Im tired of goin to the D to gamble..... I'd rather see it built near the river though... Not this Wood County crap.


Hows the Central/1-75 project comin along? Havent heard much about it except for the delays its causing. I hear they're taking away exit ramps in that area since they are no longer needed because jeep isnt there... But will that be bad or good for the land that is the old jeep?

Pretty good article in the blade today about the Mid American Confrence thinking about moving the Womens basketball tournament to the new Arena in Toledo..... Everyone should check it out..... Please support this too... This would be great for Toledo and The MAC!!!!!!

May we ask about what you are considering buying? I looked at the Bartley Lofts a few months ago, and the remaining spaces had poor views, I thought. I couldn't afford the one 5th floor place with a stunning view of 5/3rd Field and the Hi-Level Bridge...that one was up for something like $187K, out of my league.

Anything between 160 and 190 would probably work. I would only conisder buying to rent anyway.

Pretty good article in the blade today about the Mid American Confrence thinking about moving the Womens basketball tournament to the new Arena in Toledo..... Everyone should check it out..... Please support this too... This would be great for Toledo and The MAC!!!!!!

Would that be a permanent move?

I'm all for the casino proposal. Tons of people travel through this region and it might give them a reason to stay awhile. This is another catalyst to bring people downtown and add entertainment options for northwest ohio. Plus, for people who currently have to drive an hour or more to gamble, the convenience would surely be appreciated.

What I don't like... the SITES. The proposal mentioned locating the casinos in downtown areas. The Rossford river site is not downtown at all. People can't walk on the I-75 bridge. It will be nothing like Greektown where that casino helps anchor an entertainment district & fosters foot traffic. You're telling me with all the empty buildings and lots in the central city, they can't find a better site? C'mon.

I won't even 'go there' for the proposed Crossroads site.

^Casinos are huge buildings. There might not be any lots large enough in downtown (look how they had to close Superior to build The Mud Hens stadium and Arena for example). Keep in mind too that casinos sort of function as islands more than anything else. Greektown is the exception to the rule. And I question how much of that pedestrian activity is related to the casino. The quality restaurants, bars, etc. are to thank for that.

The only lot downtown large enough for a casino would be the former site of the Paramount Theater (bounded by Adams-Jackson, Superior-Huron). There might also be some suitable lots further away in the Uptown area or closer to Cherry (between Cherry and Constitution for example). And actually, there's the former Federal Building site on Summit between Fort Industry Square and the Keybank building. That'd be big enough, though I question if that's the best use of the site. I'm much rather see a mix of housing, retail, office, dining/drinking, etc.

They want waterfront in Toledo though, probably for future boardwalk, hotels, marina, etc. Hell, they could probably do it in the Marina District too. Either way, the site they proposed is the LOF waste pits, so anything is better than nothing.

I won't go if Brian McMahon has his way and gets a casino in Rossford. Part of the allure of going to the casino is not just to gamble, but to have the total entertainment package -- which usually are found in vibrant, metropolitan downtowns. Toledo's downtown is hardly vibrant, but its' not dead empty either. A casino in downtown Toledo would help be a catalyst for further entertainment value downtown and more foot traffic, which will lead to that vibrancy. You have 5/3rd field, the new arena, the proposed marina district, a possible new casino, and the possible Tetra Tech Swan Creek project -- who will be able to say there is nothing to do in Toledo?

I think Bonjour already mentioned it, but I see the yellow building next to AT&T has been bought. I wonder what they will be doing with that...

^I could have sworn I saw renderings for it a year or two back, and it was going to be lofts.

Also, I'm not against the casino downtown as long as there aren't demolitions (we need to preserve our historic building stock). There are two places it can go without demolitions- former Paramount Theater site and former Federal Building site. There's maybe a third site on Cherry, and Cherry could really use some infill.

Then I'm sure there are some empty lots large enough in Uptown too. Hell, they could even build it on the parking lot for OC, just build a garage behind it. Then they could tie it in the with the Swan Creek development. There are realistic options near the core.

Also, has anyone thought of putting this in the historic Acme Power plant on the Maumee River? That'd be the sweetest casino in the United States...

Also, has anyone thought of putting this in the historic Acme Power plant on the Maumee River? That'd be the sweetest casino in the United States...

Yeah, that would be a perfect location wouldn't it? I'd rather have the casino anywhere in the Marina District than the Miami Street location, which is completely separated from the downtown core. Uptown would be good too but lets just get the Marina District started already!

On another topic,, has anyone heard about any updated plans for the new federal courthouse and where it would be located?

The apartments in Perrysburg I talked about earlier, On Roachton, are going up fast... Just noticed the other day that the third building is going up...... (These apartments resemble Tracy Creek)

:wallbash:

http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090308/BUSINESS05/903070233



http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=TO&Date=20090308&Category=BUSINESS05&ArtNo=903070233&Ref=AR&MaxW=500&title=1

This is a great example of in-fill developments and it is much needed for Toledo. There are some ongoing in-fill developments of new single family homes on Peck/Page/Sherman Streets nearby Cherry Street corridor.

I'm sure the prices for the rooms with good views are more, but I've seen a sign outside the main door that list a price around $125k.

In another FANTASTIC news, it appears that we now we'll have a route out of Toledo Express Airport to New York / New Jersey, which is a HUGE deal for the business community here, and I hope it gets used extensively.

Also, I was watching Fox Toledo last night, and also read in the Blade today about two possible casino proposals in Toledo/Toledo area. One of them was by Mr. McMahon who would like to see one in Rossford (why?) and then a Cleveland developer and Penn Gaming has a possible proposal for one going in at the old Pilkington site,which I think is off Miami St. right on the river. The developers of that last proposal also would like to establish a casino in Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati. As much as I would love to see a casino in downtown Toledo, I hope that the amendment to allow gambling is legalized for EVERYONE, and not to simply allow for a specific developer to monopolize.

I also took a long walk around downtown yesterday during my lunch hour, and I'm quite happy to see a decent amount of facade upgrades and construction happening around downtown. On that note as well, does anyone know when they will be re-vamping COSI and opening it up to the public?

I agree with this post about Bartley Lofts, and IMHO I think they would vastly improve the value and views of the lower floor lofts if they would've demolished the vacant reddish-brick building that is facing Erie Street (it is on the same block) and to replace it with green space. Direct link: http://www.bartleylofts.com/index.htm

Flights to Newark International Airport is a huge boost since you can transfer to any commuter rail or subways leading into NYC or even transferring to any international flights. Newark airport is one of the busiest airport in the country which many people opt to use instead of flying in the already-clogged JFK or LaGuardia airports.

I agree with having a casino in downtown than the Rossford/Toledo line; however, freeway access and availability of open land is the key for a successful casino if you want to capture a larger audience of visitors. I wouldn't mind if a casino were to be in downtown as long they were to occupy a soon-to-be-redeveloped building like the former Fiberglas Tower or somewhere in the vacant blocks of the Uptown district (between Monroe/Adams Streets to 11th to 21st Streets). I am not for any destruction of downtown to make way for a casino or to be in the vicinity of the planned residential area of the Marina District (maybe next to the Glass City Ferry Terminal or The Docks would be sufficient). I'm really fickle when it comes to the Marina District.

COSi will start redeveloping the former Portside Marketplace this coming spring and they are slated to open for the public about the same time as the new downtown arena this October.

Pretty good article in the blade today about the Mid American Confrence thinking about moving the Womens basketball tournament to the new Arena in Toledo..... Everyone should check it out..... Please support this too... This would be great for Toledo and The MAC!!!!!!

I agree and this would be a huge boost for this region to host it every March Madness season.

I won't go if Brian McMahon has his way and gets a casino in Rossford. Part of the allure of going to the casino is not just to gamble, but to have the total entertainment package -- which usually are found in vibrant, metropolitan downtowns. Toledo's downtown is hardly vibrant, but its' not dead empty either. A casino in downtown Toledo would help be a catalyst for further entertainment value downtown and more foot traffic, which will lead to that vibrancy. You have 5/3rd field, the new arena, the proposed marina district, a possible new casino, and the possible Tetra Tech Swan Creek project -- who will be able to say there is nothing to do in Toledo?

I think Bonjour already mentioned it, but I see the yellow building next to AT&T has been bought. I wonder what they will be doing with that...

IMHO, Brian McMahon is a joke and he's the man behind the amphitheatre/arena ponzi scheme in Rossford during the late 90s. Recently, he was trying to get the city to spend tax dollars to build infrastructure and give away land for free around the airport for some Intermodal project with no substance.

I hope whoever bought the yellow building (next to AT&T) on 610 Monroe between Erie/Huron streets does not turn it into a surface parking lot. There is no update of who bought it at this point; however, the owners of Spaghetti Warehouse was the previous owner. I am amazed of how many vacant warehouses and properties Spaghetti Warehouse currently owns in the south end of downtown area.

^I could have sworn I saw renderings for it a year or two back, and it was going to be lofts.

Also, I'm not against the casino downtown as long as there aren't demolitions (we need to preserve our historic building stock). There are two places it can go without demolitions- former Paramount Theater site and former Federal Building site. There's maybe a third site on Cherry, and Cherry could really use some infill.

Then I'm sure there are some empty lots large enough in Uptown too. Hell, they could even build it on the parking lot for OC, just build a garage behind it. Then they could tie it in the with the Swan Creek development. There are realistic options near the core.

Also, has anyone thought of putting this in the historic Acme Power plant on the Maumee River? That'd be the sweetest casino in the United States...


I agree with you in the first paragraph about against any demolition in downtown.

Uptown: yes
OC Parking lot: will never happen
Swan Creek/Tetra Tech developments: NO!
Acme Plant in Marina District: that would be interesting but is the casino developers willing to spend huge amount of money to re-invest?

Yeah, that would be a perfect location wouldn't it? I'd rather have the casino anywhere in the Marina District than the Miami Street location, which is completely separated from the downtown core. Uptown would be good too but lets just get the Marina District started already!

On another topic,, has anyone heard about any updated plans for the new federal courthouse and where it would be located?

The new federal courthouse is slated to be built on the current surface parking lot in between the Ohio District courthouse and Lucas County health department building in between Cherry/Constitution Streets (Orange) and Spielbusch/Erie Streets.

Good riddance of the ugly-looking shopping center that borders the quaint uptown area of Maumee; however, I'd prefer instead of Rite Aid or even Walgreen's they should have a Whole Foods Market or a second location of Westgate's Fresh Market.

Direct link to the story: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090314/BUSINESS03/903140396/-1/BUSINESS

Another good riddance, I dislike Bassett's so much like a platter of liver and onions. They serve no purpose for this region and extremely happy that Walt Churchill is expanding there.

Direct link to the story: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090313/BUSINESS03/903130339/0/BUSINESS03

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090316/NEWS16/903160306

BGSU to begin $40M arts facility
As published in Toledo Business Journal - March 1, 2009
Via website http://www.toledobiz.com/News4.html

Bowling Green State University (BGSU) is moving forward with plans for the new $40 million
Wolfe Center for the Arts. The facility is designed to provide a space on campus where the
arts can flourish and robust collaborations between them can take root. According to BGSU,
the building itself will offer an environment conducive to creativity and synergistic
partnerships.

In addition to being a place for students and faculty to learn and work on theatrical, dance,
musical, film, and digital arts productions, the center will offer the community a venue in
which to see a range of performances.

Construction is expected to begin in late April with completion in 2011. The estimated $40
million investment includes roadway and parking ($2.5 million).

Frederic and Mary Wolfe of Perrysburg provided leadership for the project. Another major gift,
from Thomas and Kathleen Donnell of Findlay, will support the construction of the main
theater. Most of the remainder of the cost will come from State capital appropriations.

The Collaborative, based in Toledo, is the local partner on the project, and Ryan Miller of the
campus design and construction office is the project manager.

Designed by the international architectural firm Snøhetta – based in Oslo, Norway – the
Wolfe Center will be the first project completed by the firm in the US before its 9/11 museum
in New York City opens. The company’s other projects include a new opera house in Oslo
and a library in Alexandria, Egypt.

The Wolfe Center is designed to feature an abundance of natural light and open, welcoming
public and functional work areas.

In the Wolfe Center, Snøhetta has created an open hall that greets the visitor from the main
entrance. The lobby provides views upward to the lounges, classrooms, and studios of the
art, music, and drama departments on the second level of the facility.

According to Snøhetta, “The Wolfe Center has at its very core a unique program that unites a
diverse range of art studies into a socially enterprising facility meant to encourage lively
interaction among students and faculty alike. It will ultimately be a place not only for students
of the arts but for all students to approach knowing that they will find a place of quiet
distinction and boundless energy.”

The firm has taken its inspiration from the smooth planes of the northwest Ohio landscape
with its far horizons and big sky.

Snøhetta explained, “The vast agrarian plains of northwestern Ohio, the gently meandering
rivers flowing northward toward the Great Lakes, and the unbroken horizons across the
cultural landscape of fields and farms allow for a unique framework of context.”

According to the company, every one of its projects begins with landscape architects who
work closely with the structural group to determine the best position and shape of each
building.

At approximately 93,000 square feet, the building will be large enough for classes and
rehearsals while providing performance, design, and office space. It will also be the new
home of the Department of Theatre and Film, currently housed in the aging South Hall.

In contrapoint to the gently angled walls of the building, a tall, vertical “fly tower” above the
400-seat main theater will allow the use of more extensive scenery and backdrops than in
other campus theaters, according to BGSU. The tower will serve as a visual symbol of the
collaborative arts on campus.

Emerging from the green space on the site of the former Saddlemire Student Services
Building, the Wolfe Center is designed to bridge the College of Musical Arts and the Fine
Arts Center. A glassed-in walkway across the building will suggest the connection between
the Fine Arts Center and the Moore Musical Arts Center.

Craig Dykers a principal and founding member of Snøhetta, recently spoke at BGSU. He
stated, “Working with a limited budget, we realized that the least expensive building form is a
box. [The architects] took the lid off the box [to create the major structure of the building]. Life
is made up of both the intuitive and unexpected and the predictable, and architecture can
reflect this duality.”

Snøhetta also tried to retain some of the “spirit of Saddlemire,” Dykers said. The orchestra pit
will be in what was Saddlemire’s basement. The largest theater is also reminiscent of the
past, being rounded but done in a contemporary style. For a performance space, an unusual
aspect of the center is that the “back-of-house” functions are much more prominent than is
typical.

Like Snøhetta’s other buildings, the Wolfe Center is designed to tell a story about its
inhabitants and its place.

Several green initiatives have been included in the building design to reduce energy costs
and make use of environmentally friendly paints and finishes.

BGSU recently named the arts as its first center of excellence in response to the new
University System of Ohio requirement that State colleges and universities identify their
distinctive areas of strength.

Whirlpool to bring
350+ jobs to NW OH
Two major projects to invest $186M
As published in Toledo Business Journal - March 1, 2009
Via website http://www.toledobiz.com/News4.html

Whirlpool Corporation is planning two major projects that will invest $186 million and bring
more than 350 jobs to northwest Ohio. The projects will take place at the company’s Clyde
facility in Sandusky County and its Findlay facility in Hancock County.

In Clyde, a $175 million investment will be made to integrate new energy-efficient automatic
washer platforms. The investment will add nearly 100 new positions to a workforce of 2,500
at this facility.

“Whirlpool’s plan to reinvest in Ohio and create jobs is terrific news,” stated Governor Ted
Strickland. “Ohio has had a proud partner in the Whirlpool Corporation for more than a half
century, and the company’s investment in the city of Clyde is a testament to the strong work
ethic and manufacturing skill found in the community.”

According to Whirlpool, the 2.3 million square foot Clyde plant is the largest automatic
washer facility in the world and the largest producer of the company’s washing machines in
North America.

Additionally, as a result of a recent study within the company’s dishwasher business,
Whirlpool Corporation plans to consolidate manufacturing operations from its facility in
Jackson, Tennessee to Findlay, where production will shift.

"In anticipation of this [economic] environment, we have announced substantial cost and
production capacity reductions to adjust our business cost structure to expected demand
levels,” stated Jeff M. Fettig, Whirlpool Corporation chairman and CEO. “We will reduce our
global workforce by approximately 5,000 positions by the end of 2009. In addition to the four
facility closures we have announced earlier [in 2008] we are also closing our Jackson,
Tennessee facility and transferring production into our Findlay, Ohio location."

Since January 2008, the company has also announced the closure of plants in LaVergne,
Tennesee; Oxford, Mississippi; Puebla, Mexico; and Reynosa, Mexico, which resulted in a
reduction of approximately 2,000 jobs.

The shift to Findlay is designed to create a single source for dishwashers and leverage
resources and assets of the larger Hancock County facility. Findlay had available capacity,
and no new construction was required to relocate the line. The move consolidates
Whirlpool’s dishwasher production to one location, allowing it to leverage efficiencies and
better compete globally, according to the company.

An $11 million investment will be used for equipment purchases and relocation expenses.
The project includes improvements to onsite infrastructure and the purchase of machinery
and equipment. This project is expected to create 263 positions and retain 1,698 jobs.

According to Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher, who also serves as director of the Ohio
Department of Development (ODOD), the project represents “the creativity and collaboration
that will shape Ohio’s new economy. Our state’s commitment to investing in what matters
will grow Ohio’s economy in a healthy, sustainable, and forward-thinking fashion.”

Jill Saletta, director, external communications, Whirlpool Corporation, explained that the
goal of the global operating platform (GOP) strategy is to evaluate the manufacturing
footprint for all product platforms to determine best cost and best quality production
opportunities. All Whirlpool plants and product platforms, worldwide, undergo this same
analysis on an ongoing basis. Whirlpool aims to continually improve its operating footprint in
the face of intense global competition.

Whirlpool has been awarded a 50% job creation tax credit for a seven-year term for the
project. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $907,000 over the term, and the company
is required to maintain operations at the project site for 14 years.

Whirlpool has operated its Findlay facility for more than 40 years.

$58M to be invested in
Clyde-Green Springs schools
As published in Toledo Business Journal - March 1, 2009
Via website http://www.toledobiz.com/News4.html

Four projects are under way throughout the Clyde-Green Springs Schools district in
Sandusky County. The first project, a new $11 million Green Springs Elementary school,
is currently out for bid. It will combine all of the K-3 students in the Green Springs area and
all of the fourth and fifth graders from the entire district.

The other three projects – including Clyde High School renovations, South Main
Elementary renovations, and a new McPherson Middle School – will be bid out through
the end of this month. Construction – to be worked on simultaneously – is expected to
begin in April with all four schools open in time for the 2010-2011 school year.

Bostleman Corporation is the construction manager for all four projects; Buehrer Group
Architecture and Engineering, Inc. is the architect for the new Green Springs Elementary
and Clyde High School renovations; and Fanning Howey is the architect for the new
McPherson Middle School and the South Main renovations.

Gregg Elchert, Clyde-Green Springs Schools superintendent, explained that the projects
are partially funded by the Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC). He stated, “It was
our turn to take advantage of State funds, and the State is actually providing 66%. We
passed a 1% earned income tax for school construction to fund our $19 million of the
project. That is our 34% matching amount.”

He added that one of the district’s oldest buildings, Vine Street Elementary, was
constructed in 1927 and that the two buildings to be replaced – Green Springs Elementary
and the current middle school – were both Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects
built during the Depression.

In accordance with OSFC requirements, the new buildings as well as the renovated
aspects of the facilities will be LEED Silver certified.

“A lot of [elements] have to do with [the use of] natural materials such as linoleum flooring
instead of vinyl and having a new way of cleaning the floors with green products,” Elchert
explained. “The biggest thing is probably that daylight monitors are in the design of the
new middle school, and that is kind of a new thing. We will be bringing natural daylight
into every classroom through rooftop daylight monitors that will be accompanied by
daylight sensors that will automatically adjust classroom lighting depending on how much
daylight is coming in.”

The result of using the green lighting methods is that the school will use fewer lighting
fixtures, subsequently generating less heat and allowing for the air conditioning unit to be
downsized and use less electricity.

All four buildings will also have either new or renovated kitchens that use green water
heating methods.

The new Green Springs Elementary School is being built on the site of the existing
building, which will be demolished to make way for a front parking lot and a parent
drop-off. Vine Street Elementary School and the existing McPherson Middle School –
which is on a separate site from the new building – will eventually be demolished as well.

“Given the current economic situation, we’re excited about local people being put to work
and the stimulus that it’s going to give to our area businesses and the area,” Elchert
stated. “We’re excited about being able to provide that opportunity, and we’re very
appreciative of our community for recognizing the need for new school buildings. The
OSFC guarantees that these [buildings] are going to meet our needs for the next 50
years.”

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090316/NEWS16/903160266

I just got back from a week long vacation in Southern Arizona - I got to use the new light rail system in Phoenix, which was amazing, and found out that Tucson is building one as well, slated to open in 2011.

Tucson is a city about the same size as Toledo, more sprawled out, and has less ammenities - why can't Toledo get light rail or some more modern public transit?

Tucson's system will connect their medical university with the University of Arizona and downtown. Downtown Tucson is a dump - very few skyscrapers and no sports arenas or stadiums.

Toledo would be perfect for a starter line - start on Byrne near the Medical Campus, go north to Secor and Dorr then west to downtown on Dorr. It would hit up the major universities, and the densest part of town (Dorr west of downtown) and would hit much of the university housing.

If anyone is interested, take a look at their website and comment on it:

tucsonstreetcar.org

Ohio Passenger Rail gathers support:

http://www.toledoonthemove.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=274574

Another step in the right direction, great news for downtown: http://www.foxtoledo.com/dpp/news/wupw_news_fiberglas_tower_cleanup_money_031709

I just got back from a week long vacation in Southern Arizona - I got to use the new light rail system in Phoenix, which was amazing, and found out that Tucson is building one as well, slated to open in 2011.

Tucson is a city about the same size as Toledo, more sprawled out, and has less ammenities - why can't Toledo get light rail or some more modern public transit?

Tucson's system will connect their medical university with the University of Arizona and downtown. Downtown Tucson is a dump - very few skyscrapers and no sports arenas or stadiums.

Toledo would be perfect for a starter line - start on Byrne near the Medical Campus, go north to Secor and Dorr then west to downtown on Dorr. It would hit up the major universities, and the densest part of town (Dorr west of downtown) and would hit much of the university housing.

If anyone is interested, take a look at their website and comment on it:

tucsonstreetcar.org

Thank you for the insights on the proposed Tucson Street Car project, I love Tucson and its terrain which I usually go there every winter season. I hope the project becomes a success. In terms of Toledo, here is the link to the Regional Core Circulator study: http://tmacog.org/Transportation/Regional%20core/regional_core_circulator_study.htm which shows the light rail or trolley project for Toledo. It's a matter of public support, political support, infrastructure support, development support, and public/private dollars to make it a reality.

I took a long bike ride in yesterdays beautiful weather and took some pictures of developments happening outside of downtown.

First is the expansion at the University of Toledo on Bancroft Street. It's really taking shape. I don't know the details of that building so anyone who is more informed can enlighten the forum.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3609/3365820606_061d8f8afd.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3580/3365824764_dbc1ee4008.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3417/3365012293_ac5f1d4b5a.jpg?v=0

Next are the Brownstones on Dorr. They are looking great, hopefully they can find buyers in this market. I just wish they were a little closer to downtown or at least on a street with a lower speed limit and street parking. Across the street is a warehouse and an abandoned lot to the east - hopefully those will develop in the future (???)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3577/3365842200_19fb817b32.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3144/3365025453_bc37801800.jpg?v=0

Ohio Senate OKs rail plan, GOP still skeptical (http://www.toledoonthemove.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=274847)

Come on people, support this or the Grand Old Party is going to derail (pun?) any and all progress in Ohio, as is usual.

Another step in the right direction, great news for downtown: http://www.foxtoledo.com/dpp/news/wupw_news_fiberglas_tower_cleanup_money_031709

Great News!

Here's The Blade's take on the story.

Toledo City Council accepts skyscraper funds (http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090318/NEWS16/903180330)

Ohio Senate OKs rail plan, GOP still skeptical (http://www.toledoonthemove.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=274847)

Come on people, support this or the Grand Old Party is going to derail (pun?) any and all progress in Ohio, as is usual.

Not a surprise especially coming from the GOP folks. :bash:

nickw311, great photos! The UT shots that you took is the Stranahan Business School expansion which they received a nice huge donation several years ago from a dedicated alumni. I covered this development news awhile back in some post buried in this thread, it's so nice to see progress of this project.

The Brownstone project already has homeowners because this project sat on the plan for several years waiting for interests. Now with actual home owners they were able to build; it's encouraging to know that the current market isn't dead. I agree with your assessment on the need to build it closer to downtown than having it on Dorr Street because of the current speed and traffic flow. I'm all for these type of brownstone developments to be built in the Uptown District area from 12th to 21st Streets and Monroe to Jackson Blvd. The area would be perfect for brownstone "in-fill" developments.

It's looking good this week, another step in the right direction: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090318/NEWS16/903180263

This week is really shaping up to be good news for Toledo. I'm really excited for the future of downtown Toledo.

It's looking good this week, another step in the right direction: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090318/NEWS16/903180263
I know it's a step in the right direction, and it's for the best and all. I'm just sad to see it go. Many good memories of me taking those long TARTA rides from north Toledo back in the 80s as a kid, just to go shopping and hang around at Southwyck mall.

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/3387/emosadcryingintotissuehpd7.gif

Looking forward to seeing the pics of the new mall when she's completed. I live in Nashville now, and my chances of ever making it back to my old stomping grounds unfortunately seems very slim to me at this point. Please keep posting those photos of Toledo guys. No matter how insignificant the shot may seem. I do enjoy seeing them, and I do appreciate it very much.

http://smileyshut.com/smileys/new/free-sad-smileys-406[1].gif

Not sure if anyone has posted about this yet.... Theres a small strip plaza pretty much completed behind the Smokey Bones out on Dussell in Maumee..... Looks like theres only one tennent so far, some sort of health spa.... Not sure if it was open yet (It was sunday around 6 when I saw this place)

The Glass "Wing" as I like to call it has been started on at the new arena.... Noticed this last week. Its the glass wall that will be over the main entrance to the arena. Right now its just the steel framing to it but there movin so fast it should be done pretty soon now (the Glass wall)

Also last night Downtown was jumping with life..... I was the Designated driver for a few friends and after we were done on the west, On the ride home I decided to roll down by the arena. It was about 220 am and I saw the most life I've seen downtown in a while.. I was suprized to see so many people out and its not like there was a Hens game goin on or anything....... Was very happy to see this.....

Not sure if anyone has posted about this yet.... Theres a small strip plaza pretty much completed behind the Smokey Bones out on Dussell in Maumee..... Looks like theres only one tennent so far, some sort of health spa.... Not sure if it was open yet (It was sunday around 6 when I saw this place)

This strip mall was mentioned in the blade a while ago: New minicenters in Metro Toledo Struggling (http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080817/BUSINESS10/339975714/-1/BUSINESS)

In Maumee, Serenity Nail Spa is the only tenant of a well-landscaped center with dark awnings and antique-look street lamps at Ford Street and Dussel Drive that was finished seven months ago.

It looks like a lot of strip malls are struggling - Hopefully this is a sign of the end of perpetual building of suburban faux-town-center strip malls surrounded by enormous parking lots.

The Glass "Wing" as I like to call it has been started on at the new arena.... Noticed this last week. Its the glass wall that will be over the main entrance to the arena. Right now its just the steel framing to it but there movin so fast it should be done pretty soon now (the Glass wall)

Also last night Downtown was jumping with life..... I was the Designated driver for a few friends and after we were done on the west, On the ride home I decided to roll down by the arena. It was about 220 am and I saw the most life I've seen downtown in a while.. I was suprized to see so many people out and its not like there was a Hens game goin on or anything....... Was very happy to see this.....

Agreed, the arena is looking great, and it's also exciting to hear about a lot of foot traffic downtown.

Last time I went to Pizza Papalis I was surprised at the amount of people walking around.

While on the topic of strip malls - does anyone know what happened to the place across from the University on Dorr St. near the east corner of the campus?

It was built in 2007, and I had some hope for it since it wasn't situated in the middle of an enormous parking lot and it was close to the street. I was hoping it would make the university area more urban and pedestrian friendly but it's been sitting empty for over a year now, some of the windows have been broken and boarded up, and the interior doesn't even look finished.

It looks like a lot of strip malls are struggling - Hopefully this is a sign of the end of perpetual building of suburban faux-town-center strip malls surrounded by enormous parking lots.

That is the hope. The possible silver lining in this economic collapse (with Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan being the hardest hit in the nation) is that it will end suburban, wasteful living. We'll redensify and build coherent, pedestrian-friendly communities. It will be a cheaper way to live. Right now, the United States is completely at the whim of oil spikes. Just imagine what is going to happen when gas breaks $4 again (and it will happen)...

Hell, if anyone wanted to take us out, all the OPEC nations have to do is raise oil prices to $200 a barrel for a couple months and the United States breaks out into chaos.

Yeah you're right about the silver lining being the collapse of the economy, it's unfortunate. This country is so overbuilt with useless infrastructure and has too little well planned and smart infrastructure.

On a side note, I just bought these two books on Amazon today talking about Suburban Sprawl:

A Field Guide to Sprawl (http://www.amazon.com/Field-Guide-Sprawl-Dolores-Hayden/dp/0393731251)

The Geography of Nowhere: The Rise and Decline of America's Man-Made Landscape (http://www.amazon.com/Geography-Nowhere-Americas-Man-Made-Landscape/dp/0671888250)

^"Geography of Nowhere" is one of the best books I've ever read. Kunstler is right up there with Jane Jacobs. Check out this video of Kunstler ripping suburbia a new ass. It's pretty entertaining!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1ZeXnmDZMQ&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eurbanohio%2Ecom%2Fforum2%2Findex%2Ephp%2Ftopic%2C7292%2E750%2Ehtml&feature=player_embedded

March Arena update. Different type of angle this time (overhead, straight down). I kind of prefer the other types of aerials that show more of the surrounding urban fabric...still, our arena is kicking ass!! Toledo is just doing the damn thing right with the sports/entertainment district. The integration of the baseball stadium, convention center, and arena is some of the best in the United States of any city. I especially like that this arena is "urban" in every sense of the word. It goes out to the street, no destructive surface lots were created (in fact they were filled in), it has well-defined public spaces (the Art Tatum plaza at the Madison entrance), and it has a decent facade that's not too flashy it sticks out like a sore thumb with the historic buildings, but also not too dated it looks like we're cheaping out (because at $105 million, we clearly are not). The design is wholly appropriate given the surrounding context of aged, solid Great Lakes urban fabric. This is not just any old box, this is an arena that makes people want to be around it. If we can capture half of the spinoff that our model in Grand Rapids did, Toledo will be in better shape. Everything we did right with the Mud Hens stadium we are doing right again with the arena. As brutal as the economy is in Toledo, at least we are making smart planning decisions. The city is preparing for a better future. Now if only one of these solar companies could enter the Fortune 500 list and move into the Fiberglas Tower...

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/488/arenamarch.jpg

Has anyone else realized we can get bigger conventions now that the arena probly doubles the size of the Seagate?

Has anyone else realized we can get bigger conventions now that the arena probly doubles the size of the Seagate?

That will be great, we now need more hotels downtown. What ever happened to that Marriott that was mentioned last fall?

Has anyone been to the Crowne Plaza since it was remodeled?

Also does anyone know about what the average occupancy at the downtown hotels is?

Now if only one of these solar companies could enter the Fortune 500 list and move into the Fiberglas Tower...


I think the only one with that chance is First Solar, and they only have a manufacturing plant here (Perrysburg) - their headquarters is in Tempe, AZ.

I was just there 2 weeks ago and walked right by their building; it sure would look nice in downtown Toledo :banana:

I heard that Marriott was put on hold due to high land costs downtown. That arena's looking good.

I like this guys response to Councilman Ashford demanding that the Marina District be halted. The author has a lot of foresight and brings up many good points about how the Marina District is an investment in the future of Toledo.

http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090326/OPINION03/903260340

Solar energy firm to start production (http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090326/BUSINESS01/903260366)

Hiring will be handled by the Wood County Department of Job and Family Services. The firm hopes to hire 400 employees by the end of 2009. The firm told the state the jobs would have an average wage of $21 an hour.

The Tim Hortons on Navarre now serves Cold Stone Creamery Icecream and cold stone put signs up along with the hortons sign..... Whats the news behind this?? Are there other Hortons in toledo that are selling cold stone?? I could be wrong but isnt Cold Stone locally owned?

Also..... The Solar firm thats been in the news the past few days...... I can see it from my house and the apartments I have been talkin about in perrysburg are also right there near the plant...... And sorry to inform ya again Bonjour but there is another apartment popping up.....

Since the shipping season is back in swing, I thought I'd add a picture of a classic straight-deck laker still in use. These are big, beautiful ships (this one is 730 feet long, close to Seaway Max). A definitive window into a core sector of the Toledo economy:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3025/2973429355_5ace4dab08_o.jpg

http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090329/ART16/903270254

From their lofty bedroom window, Paul and Jackie Sullivan can see six bridges, four parks, two rivers, and the world headquarters of one Fortune 500 company. (The three or so parking lots are not even on their radar.)


I think this is the building, it looks like a nice place to live with a balcony on the roof, good entertainment in the neighborhood and nice views:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3090/3170652419_753475333d_b.jpg

This pic is from page 39 and isn't that recent - when good weather comes back around I'll go on another picture trip...

New arena video up.... its from an article in the blade... just google lucas county arena and its in an article about a $600,000 electrical reorder they needed to make??

Here is a video I found on The Blade that gives a tour of the house above.

http://advertising.toledoblade.com/newsroom/Sweet_Homes_Downtown_Living/index.html

thats a cool little video that guy hooked that place up!

Metro Press reports that Oregon bought some wooded acres to have set aside for park land. The land is near the newly constructed Coy Elementary School on Pickle Rd, East of Coy rd. The article also said that because of this purchase the new Senior Center thats being planned will be scaled down.

Was over by Southwyck the other day..... Nothing tore down yet but theres a fence being put up around the whole building.

This could be great news for Toledo, which is trying to remake itsself as the solar capital of the world. I just wonder how many other colleges out there are adding new programs in order to benefit from the new found interest in renewable and green energy. Hopefully Toledo is recognized as a leader.

The University of Toledo is known for their College of Engineering and the College of Medicine.

Now, the university may add the School of Solar and Advanced Renewable Energy.

http://www.toledoonthemove.com/news/story.aspx?id=285599

Ya still around Bonjour? this place is a little dry right now with out ya!

Not sure if this is new but I drove over the king bridge and saw that the marina district road is really coming along, looks like black top will be layed down soon the curbs are installed! I tried to drive down into the Glass City marina the same day but the entrance was blocked off by construction from the Front Street, 280 Interchange project. I dont know if its still blocked or not. Hopefully not so they can get some boats in there.

Me and a few of my friends took a walk through downtown last week around the arena and fifth third field to check out what was goin on, we saw that the barrier wall between the arena loading docks and the madison street plaza is up and pretty much complete. Theres also another wall going up on the other side of the arena by the walkway from the arena to the parking garage.... Im thinkin the alley will have a big gate for service vehicles.
Fifth third field's original scoreboard in left field (monroe street) is brand new. They took the old one out with the video board on top and the nine inning scoreboard below with the orange lettering message board, and put in a giant videoboard. It may be taller than the right field video board but definatly not as wide. They also replaced the auxilary video boards that were on the first and thirdbase lines and put in ribbon style scoreboards.... It looks cool but they should have extended them further down the lines.


Other than that the Sonic and Hotel on Navarre is still a hole in the ground pretty much. Being worked on everyday it doesnt rain..

MUDHENS HOME OPENER TODAY !!!!!!!!

A quick shout out to all of you, I will be returning regularly sometime tomorrow after a much needed break from work. Right now, I am soaking in the festivities of the opening game and the weather is just PERFECT! The endless postings will start coming in from me this weekend, so enjoy the weekend everybody! :banana:

GO HENS!