Topic: Toledo: Random Development News & Info

[Columbo]

Toledo City Council majority say they'll OK razing of former United Way building
Plan commission decision appealed
Article published March 23, 2010
BY IGNAZIO MESSINA
BLADE STAFF WRITER

A majority of Toledo City Council members plan to deny an appeal filed Monday against the demolition permit granted this month for the United Way's former headquarters downtown.  Fred Kutz of East Toledo, a former City Council candidate, Monday appealed the Toledo Plan Commission's 3-2 vote on March 11, which granted the nonprofit agency approval to tear down the 41-year-old building bordered by Superior, Jackson, and Summit streets.  Council must vote on the appeal within 45 days.

Mr. Kutz, a member of the Toledo 20/20 Land Use Implementation committee, said he was not convinced council would allow the building to be razed.  “I thought the decision by the plan commission was the wrong decision,” Mr. Kutz said after filing his appeal with council.  “I thought there would have been more public outrage about this other than [Councilman] Joe McNamara.”

Mr. McNamara, along with Toledo architect Paul Sullivan, joined preservationists in calling for a six-month reprieve for the building.

FULL ARTICLE: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100323/NEWS16/100329918

[Columbo]

Rebirth for a downtown Toledo building
Article published March 21, 2010

When completed in mid-April, the main floor of the 24,000-square-foot building at 8 North St. Clair Street will house the showroom and warehouse of NBS Inc., the local distributor for Steelcase office furniture.  The upper floors of the three-story building will be home to Thomas Porter Architects.

EXTERIOR PHOTO OF THE BUILDING

PHOTO: Carpenter Matt Reynolds cuts a plank to repair damaged flooring in a 123-year-old building in downtown Toledo that formerly housed H. Poll Electric Co.

Full article: http://www.toledoblade.com/article/20100321/BUSINESS05/100329973/0/NEWS14

[noozer]

Downtown landmarks face challenge to future
Preservationists battle shaky economy
Article published April 12, 2010
By JC REINDL
BLADE STAFF WRITER

Keeping downtown Toledo's historic and unique building stock intact is a challenge of will and financial means - as was the struggle to get those grand structures off blueprints and in the ground.  "Scores of hotels were built on paper, but one by one, the projects fell through. No one could be found who would risk their money in the enterprise," The Blade wrote in 1908.

Though it's been a century since those words about speculative development in Toledo appeared, current downtown building owners and developers such as James Zaleski can undoubtedly relate to the sentiment as they draw plans and take risks that could save the city's architectural heritage.

But in today's downtown real-estate market of too much space chasing too few tenants, how long Toledo's most historic and unique buildings can remain standing is a delicate and unsettled question with everlasting consequences.

MORE: http://www.toledoblade.com/article/20100412/NEWS16/4120312

[Columbo]

Toledo City Council grants demolition of former United Way building
Article published April 27, 2010
BY IGNAZIO MESSINA
BLADE STAFF WRITER

A majority of Toledo City Council voted Tuesday to deny an appeal filed last month against the demolition permit granted for the United Way’s former headquarters downtown. 

The 10-1 vote clears the way for the nonprofit agency to tear down the 41-year-old building bordered by Superior, Jackson, and Summit streets.  Councilman Joe McNamara cast the lone vote against allowing the demolition to proceed.  Councilman Lindsay Webb was not present.  Ms. Webb previously said she would vote in favor of demolition.

Fred Kutz of East Toledo, a former City Council candidate, on March 22 appealed the Toledo Plan Commission’s 3-2 vote on March 11, which granted the demolition approval.  Council was required to vote on the appeal within 45 days.

Full article: http://www.toledoblade.com/article/20100427/NEWS16/100429685

[Columbo]

City Council clears way for demolition
Former headquarters of United Way could fall in June, CEO says
Article published April 28, 2010
BY IGNAZIO MESSINA
BLADE STAFF WRITER

After a two-year public debate and political battle, nothing now stands between a demolition bulldozer and the United Way's former headquarters downtown.  Toledo City Council last night voted 10-1 to clear the final hurdle for the nonprofit agency to tear down its 41-year-old building bordered by Superior, Jackson, and Summit streets.

The United Way plans to replace the leveled building with a park, and in years, the park could be sold to a developer and built upon, with proceeds benefiting the agency's nonprofit mission.

The former Community Services building at One Stranahan Square opened in 1969.  The six-story, 100,000-square-foot structure was vacated by the United Way in October, when the agency moved into an adjacent new and smaller $4.9 million headquarters.

PHOTO OF THE UNITED WAY BUILDING

Full article: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100428/NEWS16/4280346

[noozer]

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100518/BUSINESS07/5180392
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Article published May 18, 2010

Ohio's chief for tourism predicts 2010 to be better
Official addresses conference at zoo
By JON CHAVEZ
BLADE BUSINESS WRITER

After a disappointing year of Ohio travel and tourism, the state's top tourism official told a Toledo audience Monday that 2010 will be better.

"Business travel already is up slightly," said Amir Eylon.

He spoke at Destination Toledo's second annual Commissioner's Conference on Tourism, held at the Toledo Zoo. The conference, which included a day-long "Expo" featuring representatives from 70 area attractions, hotels, and restaurants, was attended by about 150 people from attractions, hotels, and restaurants.

Full story at the link above:

[Columbo]

Port Authority agrees to buy former Jeep factory site
Article published August 26, 2010
BLADE STAFF

The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority board of directors has approved a $95,000 purchase of the former Jeep factory site in central Toledo from a company that Chrysler Corp. set up to dispose of surplus property.  The resolution passed Thursday morning by the agency board also sets aside $225,000 from port authority reserves to pay for "environmental insurance coverage," though that money is expected to be reimbursed from state and federal grants.

The tentative purchase, which still must be signed off by OldCar Co. Liquidating Trust and port authority officials, involves 16 parcels totalling 111 acres that run along both sides of Jeep Parkway between Central and Berdan avenues.  The property has been vacant since Chrysler demolished the old Jeep complex there after having moved all of its local operations to its industrial complex on Stickney Avenue in North Toledo.

Full article: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100826/NEWS16/100829750

[Columbo]

The story of the old United Way headquarters on Jackson Street in downtown Toledo is now finished.

Downtown Toledo landmark coming down

[C-Dawg]

^It is creating one hell of a hole. I hope somebody buys the site, but we all know it will take decades. There are other vacant buildings that need to be filled up first (Fiberglas Tower, Madison Building, Nicholas Building, etc.). Thankfully the site won't become a surface lot. The plans are for a park until the city can sell the site to private developers. I just have a feeling the trees will be 70 feet tall before it happens!

After this loss, Downtown will feel more disconnected from the North End. Not only are there the apartment projects on Cherry, but also the empty lots and wide boulevard of Jackson. Further down on Orange Street from United Way, I heard plans are still in place to build a new federal courthouse on the block-sized surface lot (I think it's the largest empty lot in Downtown proper). So I guess that street is going to have both a win and a loss.

[C-Dawg]

Article published January 28, 2011
YMCA to move from North Toledo to downtown location
By IGNAZIO MESSINA
BLADE STAFF WRITER

The YMCA has a plan to move out of its Summit Street location in North Toledo and into a new facility in the heart of downtown alongside the vacant Fiberglas Tower, officials announced Friday. Todd Tibbits, president and chief executive officer of the YMCA and JCC, said the deal is contingent upon securing a new tenant for the Summit YMCA at 306 Bush St. — most likely a social service agency that could serve that neighborhood. Mr. Tibbits said a market study showed a YMCA next to the vacant skyscraper, which is now called the Tower on the Maumee, at Jefferson Avenue and St. Clair Street, would do better than the current facility about a mile to the north.

CONTINUED ON BLADE SITE
http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110128/NEWS16/110129520

[Columbo]

Another report about this from WTOL 11TV.  This does sound very interesting for Toledo's downtown.  Might it help the effort to renovate the adjacent Fiberglas Tower?  Would renovation of the parking garage or a new structure be more desirable?

YMCA may be coming to downtown Toledo
Updated: Jan 29, 2011 6:37 AM EST
By Dick Berry, WTOL 11TV

TOLEDO, OH (WTOL) - Negotiations are underway to open a YMCA branch in downtown Toledo.

As a result, the north Toledo YMCA on Summit Street at Bush would close and re-locate to the corner of Summit and Jefferson.  It would be housed in the first floor parking garage attached to the vacant Fiberglas Tower in downtown.  Both structures are owned by the Eyde Company of Lansing, Michigan.

The garage would either be renovated or rebuilt depending on whether a $3 million loan is secured for demolition -- and the YMCA would lease the space from Eyde.  Office space would also be provided to the Lucas County Economic Improvement Corporation.



Full article and video at http://www.wtol.com/Global/story.asp?S=13930766

[noozer]

IMMEDIATE   
Contact: Carla Firestone - Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority Communications Director - 419-260-9981

PORT AUTHORITY DEDICATES RAIL LINE AT IRONVILLE TERMINAL AND UNVEILS FUTURE DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR SITE TOTAL INVESTMENT OF $18 MILLION

TOLEDO, Ohio, August 15, 2011 – Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority President and CEO, Paul Toth and Midwest Terminals of Toledo were joined today by area officials to dedicate the Port Authority-owned rail line currently under construction at Ironville Terminal. This phase of construction was made possible by $5 million in Jobs Ready Sites Grant Funding. Commemorative rail spikes were pounded into the rail line by the officials in honor of the dedication. The total public/private investment into Ironville Terminal will be more than $18 million when the infrastructure projects are complete in 2014.

The Port Authority and Midwest Terminals also shared their joint future plans for Ironville which include three phases of development focused on using the 71 acres of waterfront property for material delivery and handling to support a new manufacturing base located on the 110 acre balance of the property. The flexible waterfront property at Ironville will also have the ability to receive bulk materials and will support and receive goods for other manufacturing operations throughout the region.

Since 2008, the Port Authority has sought funding for the redevelopment of Ironville. In addition to the $5 million Jobs Ready Sites Grant (JRS) Funding, Ironville Terminal also benefits from $7.4 million in grant funding via a State of Ohio Logistics and Distribution Stimulus (LDS) grant and a $3.1 million award from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) is currently pending. The awards are unique as several local entities partnered on each application to ensure our region had the best chance in receiving each award.

“The development of Ironville Terminal has received a tremendous amount of support – due mostly to the incredible potential this property has for commerce and job development,” says Paul Toth, President and CEO of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority. “This public/private partnership is possible not only due to the vast amounts of grant funding, but specifically to our private partners, Midwest Terminals of Toledo, who will invest nearly $5 million into the development of this property when complete. Without this strong partnership, we would not be able to create these future jobs for our community or this new development opportunity for our region.”

Phase One utilizes the JRS funding for the rail installation. Phase Two will involve improvements to the dock face, dredging and associated site work and is funded through both the EDA and LDS sources. The final phase, Phase Three, is focused on the installation of bulk material handling and conveyor infrastructure and will utilize the remaining LDS funds. It is anticipated that the implementation of all three grants will be complete by 2014. 

Ironville Terminal is currently in Phase One – Rail Installation. The JRS grant funding reduced the planned development window by seven years and this was the first time that Lucas County received a JRS award. Approximately 7,200 linear feet of rail and eight switches will be installed when Phase One is complete later this year or early 2012. The Port Authority owned rail line connects with the nearby Norfolk Southern rail line.
 
Phase Two includes improvements of the river channel and shoreline to prepare a deep water marine dock to accommodate barges and lake trading and ocean vessels. Underwater structures, thought to be wood and concrete piers will be removed to provide riverfront access. These structures are located along the dock face just off the existing shoreline. Approximately 65,000 cubic yards of sediment will be dredged to provide access the dock face and 520 feet of the existing dock face will be improved. Nineteen acres of the site will be paved for lay down areas associated with dock and rail.

Phase Three plans include the installation of a multi-modal delivery system. The conveyor and material transfer systems creates efficiencies through rapid freight loading and unloading and is capable of handling any dry bulk material. The material handling by conveyor system includes the components required to load and off load vessels.  Self unloading ships will discharge into a 500 cubic yard hopper which will feed the conveying system. The hopper discharge will also be capable of loading rail cars on the outer loop track.

The 2008 $5 million JRS grant application was a partnership with Lucas County, the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, the Lucas County Improvement Corporation (LCIC), the City of Toledo and Midwest Terminals of Toledo, Inc. with the county being the official applicant and recipient of the funds. In 2009, the Lucas County Improvement Corporation (LCIC) applied for and was awarded $7.5 million in the form of a Logistics and Distribution Stimulus (LDS) loan, which can be forgiven upon attainment of specific terms, from the Ohio Department of Development. Finally, the Port Authority has applied for and completed the majority of the process to receive a $3.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration. All of these grants required significant matches, which came in the form of privately invested funds from Midwest Terminals of Toledo.

DGL & Associates is providing architectural and engineering services to implement the grant awards and the consultants and contractors for Phase One include AME Technologies, Bowser Morner, Deitering Landscaping, Hull & Associates, Mannik & Smith, MDA Engineering, Miller Brothers Construction, Inc., Northwest Consultants, Timiny Railroad Construction, Toledo Fence and Viking Trucking.

The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority purchased the former Chevron property for $3.4 million in 2008. The Port Authority formed a private-public partnership with Midwest Terminals of Toledo through a long term lease for the property. That acquisition made the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority the largest land mass seaport on the Great Lakes.

The 181 acres of land was used as an oil refinery from 1890 to 1987 and successfully completed the State of Ohio’s Voluntary Action Program (VAP) when Gulf Oil Company spent $19 million on site remediation, approximately $13 million more than the VAP required.
 
It is the mission of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority to continuously leverage our strategic geographic position, resources and economic development proficiency to provide increased business opportunities—built upon and around our innovative transportation and logistics expertise—while promoting our community and region within the global marketplace. We will accomplish this through unmatched speed and efficiency of service, collaborative and strategic partnerships, community stewardship and the continued generation and execution of new ideas and innovations.
www.toledoportauthority.org – 419.243.8259

[noozer]

Ironville Dock makes inroads as hub
East Toledo cargo site dedicated
BY DAVID PATCH
BLADE STAFF WRITER

For nearly three decades, the former Gulf Oil refinery site along Front Street in East Toledo has been a fallow field in the city's industrial landscape -- 181 acres of emptiness where thousands had once been employed.

Now, three years after paying Chevron Corp. $3.4 million for it, the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority's vision for reviving the property as a central part of multi-modal transportation in the region has begun taking shape. A rail loop is under construction through the 71 acres between Front and the Maumee River.

While dignitaries hammered gold-painted spikes into freshly built track Monday to officially dedicate Ironville Dock, construction workers with heavy machinery continued grading roadbed and laying track for the 100-railcar loop. The track will be used to transfer bulk commodities, such as grain and stone, between trains and ships or trucks.

Read more at: http://www.toledoblade.com/local/2011/08/16/Ironville-Dock-makes-inroads-as-hub.html

[Columbo]

This is from August, but I just came across it:


20/20 panel unveils its details of city's future
Plan readjusts vision based on developments
BY CLAUDIA BOYD-BARRETT, BLADE STAFF WRITER
Published: 8/30/2011

Set aside reality for a moment.  Forget Toledo's high unemployment rate, sinking property values, and neighborhood blight.  Imagine instead a vibrant, prosperous metropolis with a growing population, booming development, and an irresistible downtown.

That's what the Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commission tried to do in 2000 when it came up with the "Toledo 20/20 Plan" that outlined how the city might look in 2020.  Eleven years later and more than a few changes down the road, the panel has updated those plans to reflect developments and provide specific, parcel-by-parcel maps of what Toledo's ideal future might look like.

The plan is based upon 24 neighborhood planning areas, and the update was crafted over a two-year period with input from residents, businesses, community development groups, and various city stakeholders.  Most of it builds on the city's existing residential, commercial, and historic areas, expanding out to identify preferred uses for vacant land and abandoned or under-utilized structures.  The plan also seeks to identify and protect valued historic areas, include new ideas such as urban agricultural zones, and to shelter residential neighborhoods from unwanted encroachment of businesses.

The update reflects changes already made or under way, such as the establishment of Fifth Third Field and the Huntington Arena in downtown, as well as the soon-to-be-opened Hollywood Casino on the East Toledo riverfront.

MORE: http://www.toledoblade.com/local/2011/08/30/20-20-panel-unveils-its-details-of-city-s-future.html

To view the 20/20 Plan go to http://ci.toledo.oh.us and search for the Plan Commission on the left.

Direct link: http://ci.toledo.oh.us/Departments/PlanCommission/tabid/88/Default.aspx

[KJP]

Cross-posted in "GM, Ford, Chrysler: News & Info" in the business section....

Published: 11/8/2011

Chrysler Toledo plan expected Nov. 16
CEO visit possible; firm mum on details
BLADE STAFF

Chrysler Group LLC is expected to announce plans for its Toledo Assembly complex on Nov. 16.

The long-awaited announcement, key details of which have been reported since August by The Blade, is expected to include $357 million in investment, adding 1,105 jobs, and an $8 million expansion at the complex’s factory which now makes Jeep Liberty and Dodge Nitro vehicles.

Some details of the plans previously were disclosed by the automaker through documents it provided to state and Ohio officials. However, the company has not made an official announcement.

It was not immediately clear whether Chrysler Chief Executive Sergio Marchionne would be present, but some experts expected he would be. Chrysler said on Monday that it was not providing details on next week’s announcement.

READ MORE AT:
http://www.toledoblade.com/Automotive/2011/11/08/Chrysler-Toledo-plan-expected-Nov-16-2.html

[Columbo]

$16M project unveiled for former steam plant
YMCA, UT clinic, apartments planned
BY TONY COOK, BLADE STAFF WRITER
Published: 4/21/2012

For nearly 27 years, the former Toledo Edison steam plant has sat vacant on downtown Toledo’s riverfront.  But under a plan unveiled Saturday, the big brick building with its two signature smokestacks would become home to a YMCA, a University of Toledo health clinic, and 67 market-rate apartments.

Developer David Ball, who owns the property, cited a strong downtown real estate market and partnerships with the YMCA of Greater Toledo and the University of Toledo Medical Center as the key reasons he’s pulling the trigger on the $16 million project, which will be known as Water Street Station.

MORE: http://www.toledoblade.com/local/2012/04/21/16M-project-unveiled-for-former-steam-plant.html

WATER STREET STATION: AT A GLANCE

[NEOBuckeye]

I was in Toledo just this past week. I could definitely pick up on a different energy in and around Downtown than what I observed the last time I was there about a year ago. The Mud Hens were getting ready to play at Fifth Third Field and plenty of people were walking towards the stadium. There appeared to be more restaurants around the stadium than before, and from what I could tell they looked fairly busy, even for a weekday. It also appears that some additional housing/apartments/lofts have become available. What before seemed like a city downtown ready to roll up the sidewalks at 5 pm now looks like a city downtown on the verge of a revival, at least in some parts.

Elsewhere, particularly around Adams Street, I noticed a few more businesses open than during my last trip. Several attractive yet vacant/underused buildings in that area hold quite a bit of potential for redevelopment. It's too bad the University of Toledo exists on the city's outskirts, as the presence of a major university in or near downtown would serve as a catalyst for further investment and redevelopment, much as the University of Akron, Youngstown State and Cleveland State have done for their respective cities. Even locating branch of UT or Bowling Green downtown could make a meaningful difference.

I'm admittedly not a huge fan of casinos as a form of economic development, but I can't help but wonder what effect Toledo's casino might have had on its downtown, had it been located there instead of further away, given what's currently happening in Cleveland. Granted though, Cleveland already has a lot to see and do around its downtown, so a casino there seems like icing on an already quite tasty cake.

Toledo definitely looks like it has some promising projects in the works and potential for the expansion of existing ones, but I also can't help but feel like it is still missing some key pieces and a more detailed economic development strategy that will carry it forward long-term. Unless I have overlooked something?

[MuRrAy HiLL]

^ Thanks for the report. 

What was the reason for Toledo not putting the Casino Downtown?  I agree that near the Mudhens stadium and near the new loft conversions would have created that multiplier effect.

[dmerkow]

SeaGate Center used to offer classes for UT, but that goes back 15 years to another era in Toledo history. Toledo had no say in the location of their casino. The casino guys wanted cheap I-75 frontage.

[mrnyc]

begs the question -- did any city have a say as to where the casinos went? if so then why not toledo? thx if you know.

[dmerkow]

No city had a say, the casinos were entirely brought about by privately funded state constitutional amendment to legalize casino gambling in four cities with the specific sites named in the amendment. Columbus had to pass another state-wide constitutional amendment to move it about five miles.

[Tobias C]

I was in Toledo just this past week. I could definitely pick up on a different energy in and around Downtown than what I observed the last time I was there about a year ago. The Mud Hens were getting ready to play at Fifth Third Field and plenty of people were walking towards the stadium. There appeared to be more restaurants around the stadium than before, and from what I could tell they looked fairly busy, even for a weekday. It also appears that some additional housing/apartments/lofts have become available. What before seemed like a city downtown ready to roll up the sidewalks at 5 pm now looks like a city downtown on the verge of a revival, at least in some parts.

Elsewhere, particularly around Adams Street, I noticed a few more businesses open than during my last trip. Several attractive yet vacant/underused buildings in that area hold quite a bit of potential for redevelopment. It's too bad the University of Toledo exists on the city's outskirts, as the presence of a major university in or near downtown would serve as a catalyst for further investment and redevelopment, much as the University of Akron, Youngstown State and Cleveland State have done for their respective cities. Even locating branch of UT or Bowling Green downtown could make a meaningful difference.

I'm admittedly not a huge fan of casinos as a form of economic development, but I can't help but wonder what effect Toledo's casino might have had on its downtown, had it been located there instead of further away, given what's currently happening in Cleveland. Granted though, Cleveland already has a lot to see and do around its downtown, so a casino there seems like icing on an already quite tasty cake.

Toledo definitely looks like it has some promising projects in the works and potential for the expansion of existing ones, but I also can't help but feel like it is still missing some key pieces and a more detailed economic development strategy that will carry it forward long-term. Unless I have overlooked something?

Adams Street seems to be the "hip" burgeoning entertainment district. Theres still plenty of buildings undeveloped and run down, but the vibe is suitable for the types of people hanging out down there. Kinda the prime place to go out for LGBT, artsy people, hipsters, etc. Close proximity to the Old West End (where a lot of these people live) bolsters the neighborhood.


I agree that there are certain key pieces missing from the success & progress puzzle of Toledo, and that we definitely need more detailed plans, ideas, and strategies. At least were definitely seeing progress in the right direction. The balls rolling. We just had a new pub called Ol' Cock n Bull Tavern open up by the stadium, and a new upscale restaurant called Registry Bistro, open across from the arena....as well as a new coffeeshop called Bleak House Coffee open in the Spitzer Bldg. So the balls rolling, slowly, but at least theres some bit of momentum.

[C-Dawg]

^I'm sad to hear about Adams becoming a hipster hangout, though I guess it was bound to happen given the location. Toledo's greatest point of pride was there weren't any hipsters (Toledo didn't take kindly to those types, and they always ended up moving away). "Welcome to Toledo: No Hipsters for 50 Miles!" A few years ago, all the potential hipsters went to Village Idiot in Maumee, which did a good job keeping them out of the city. Toledo always had an alternative crowd, but it never devolved into hipsterdom like you'd find in most cities. I guess that proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that hipsters aren't just a fad. They're another peg down the cultural ladder of America. If it can happen in Toledo, it can happen anywhere. I still think whatever "scene" develops in Toledo is going to be extremely limited. Toledo culture just isn't aligned with hipsters (Toledo is way too masculine and hard-headed). It will never have a hipster scene like Chicago, Columbus, or from what I'm hearing, Cincinnati. It will be contained to a couple of bars, you can be sure of that. In an ideal world, there would be no hipsters, but in a city the size of Toledo, I guess there are bound to be a few bad apples in the bunch.

[eastvillagedon]

^lol

[ColDayMan]

Hotel, retail proposed for 13-acre former theater site in Toledo

The 13-acre site of a former theater in Toledo that has been closed since 2005 is in line for a $25 million redevelopment plan that could include a new hotel with about 114 rooms, the Toledo Blade reports.

Key Hotel and Property Management Inc. bought the 3500 Secor Road property from Dedham, Mass.-based National Amusements Inc., the former theater operator, for $2.5 million, the newspaper reports.

More below:
http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/morning_call/2012/09/hotel-retail-proposed-for-13-acre.html

[Tobias C]

^I'm sad to hear about Adams becoming a hipster hangout, though I guess it was bound to happen given the location. Toledo's greatest point of pride was there weren't any hipsters (Toledo didn't take kindly to those types, and they always ended up moving away). "Welcome to Toledo: No Hipsters for 50 Miles!" A few years ago, all the potential hipsters went to Village Idiot in Maumee, which did a good job keeping them out of the city. Toledo always had an alternative crowd, but it never devolved into hipsterdom like you'd find in most cities. I guess that proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that hipsters aren't just a fad. They're another peg down the cultural ladder of America. If it can happen in Toledo, it can happen anywhere. I still think whatever "scene" develops in Toledo is going to be extremely limited. Toledo culture just isn't aligned with hipsters (Toledo is way too masculine and hard-headed). It will never have a hipster scene like Chicago, Columbus, or from what I'm hearing, Cincinnati. It will be contained to a couple of bars, you can be sure of that. In an ideal world, there would be no
 hipsters, but in a city the size of Toledo, I guess there are bound to be a few bad apples in the bunch.

Haha. Ottawa Tavern is probably the most hipster-ish bar, probably like 90% hipster. Then the Attic is probably like 50% hipster. Then Wesleys is probably like anywhere from 10% to 80% hipster depending on the night. Manhattans is probably like 5% hipster, and the rest are cool older people into blues and jazx music.

That's my Adams Street Guide to Hipsterdom.

[Columbo]

The Blade had a recent piece about downtown Toledo, looking at the state of downtown living.  It focused on the existing downtown living options and the downtown businesses that exist, and don't exist, to serve the needs of those residents. 

Below is the link to that article.  Also below is a map that shows the downtown area being looked at.  A much larger version of this map is at the article link: 

Toledo Blade: More people choosing to call downtown Toledo their home - Residents seek nearby businesses that meet basic needs

[Columbo]

Townhouse rentals planned for former downtown Toledo eatery
BY TYREL LINKHORN, BLADE BUSINESS WRITER
Published: 12/1/2012

A Toledo-area developer has plans to turn the former EasyStreet Cafe into five townhouse-style rentals, adding a new option to a popular and growing downtown housing market.  Lorenzen Realty completed purchase of the 19th-century building at 822 Washington Street about two weeks ago.

The historic building, built in 1890, had been a bar and restaurant for years, and formerly featured five apartments on the upper level.  But it recently had been sitting vacant.

Building co-owner Justin Lorenzen said the company had its eye on the property for some time and felt it would make a good spot for townhouses.  The plan calls for five 2,000-square-foot townhouses that include a full basement and two indoor parking spots.

READ MORE: http://www.toledoblade.com/Real-Estate/2012/12/01/Townhouse-rentals-planned-for-former-downtown-Toledo-eatery.html

[Tobias C]

That article in The Blade that talks about what downtowns residents need hits the nail on the head. A grocery store of some sort, and also a smaller pharmacy store would help out a lot. Part of the appeal of choosing to live downtown, is being able to live an urban lifestyle, so to speak, and in a central business district, I think people expect walkability and amenities to be a part of their lifestyle. Theres a sufficient amount of dining, drinking, and entertainment venues downtown to secure peoples interest, on that end of the equation, but the basic necessities of every day living are missing. I like the idea of the Andersons or Churchills investing in downtown. People throw around names like Trader Joes and Whole Foods, and those places obviously are not bad, but they are big national chains that overlook mid-size, rust belt, downtown Toledo so im not sure we stand a chance with them, at least not in the near future. The Andersons family lives in Toledo, and it would be a greater possibilty that they might see the opportunity downtown. Im not counting on it, but perhaps the city and the Andersons could work together to make a store happen. A store like the Andersons Market thats out in Sylvania would be great downtown.

[Columbo]

Maumee Valley breaks ground on first residence hall
BLADE STAFF
Published: 12/5/2012

Maumee Valley Country Day School in South Toledo broke ground today on a new on-campus residence hall that will be used to board both international and regional high school students.  The $1.5 million facility will provide living quarters for 28 students in the ninth through 12th grades.



READ MORE: http://www.toledoblade.com/Education/2012/12/05/Maumee-Valley-breaks-ground-on-first-residence-hall.html

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NeighborWorks Toledo Region plans to construct 40 more prefabricated homes near downtown
BY FEDERICO MARTINEZ, BLADE STAFF WRITER
Published: 12/8/2012

From neighborhood blight to new, energy-efficient homes in two months.  That's the goal of NeighborWorks Toledo Region, which launched construction Friday of two new houses on the 300 block of Toledo's Chapin Street.

Construction of the prefabricated houses is expected to be completed by February, said Bill Farnsel, executive director of the nonprofit investment group.  The homes will be sold to low-to-moderate income residents through the city's federally funded Neighborhood Stabilization Program.

The organization plans to start construction of 40 similar houses in the Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center area near downtown in February, said Mr. Farnsel.  All of those homes will be completed by Dec. 31, 2013.

READ MORE: http://www.toledoblade.com/local/2012/12/08/NeighborWorks-Toledo-Region-plans-to-construct-40-more-prefabricated-homes-near-downtown.html

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51 miles of road repaving, new fire station part of Toledo capital budget
BY IGNAZIO MESSINA, BLADE STAFF WRITER
Published: 12/8/2012

Toledo Mayor Mike Bell's proposed capital improvements budget released on Friday sets aside funding for paving 51 miles of road lanes along with money to build a fire station and renovate another. ... More than $44 million, which includes state and federal matching grants, was proposed for roads.  Major projects in the plan include Secor Road between Central Avenue and Monroe Street as well as part of Collingwood Boulevard in the Old West End. 

The Bell administration is also committing $1.7 million to renovate Fire Station 3, the city’s oldest fire house.  The city in September shuttered the 85-year-old building at 701 Bush Street because of cracks in the floor of the fire engine bay and plans to repair the main station house and add additional space for fire apparatus.

The mayor has also agreed to allocate $2.7 million for a new fire station, which will become Fire Station 12 — the name of a former firehouse at Suder Avenue and Manhattan Boulevard that was closed in 1980.  It is to be built on the site of basketball courts in Blair Park, at Adrian and Chase streets.

READ MORE: http://www.toledoblade.com/local/2012/12/08/51-miles-of-road-repaving-new-fire-station-part-of-Toledo-capital-budget.html

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City to rezone urban property for UpTown Green project
BY KELLY McLENDON, BLADE STAFF WRITER
Published: 4/11/2013

Toledo's City Plan Commission today voted unanimously to rezone property in the UpTown urban district from office commercial space to parks and open space, allowing a park project for the property to move forward.
 
The goal of the project, called UpTown Green, is to promote sustainable recreation and development in an environmental park setting.  The property consists of 2.5 acres located within the borders of 18th Street, Madison Avenue, Laburnum Lane, and 20th Street.  It is slated to open at the end of this year.
 
The project is a collaboration between The UpTown Association and the City of Toledo.  The green space is expected to include a splash pad, walking paths, a performance area and several natural enhancements, such as a bioswale and native plants.  A bioswale is an alternative to storm sewers, which will help improve storm water quality.

Read more at http://www.toledoblade.com/local/2013/04/11/City-to-rezone-urban-property-for-UpTown-Green-project.html

A rendering of the UpTown Green project is available at the above article link.  A follow-up article from the Blade which contains a detailed plan of the UpTown Green project is available at http://www.toledoblade.com/local/2013/04/12/Park-in-works-to-add-splash-of-green-to-neighborhood.html

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First phase of $46M Collingwood Green Senior Community dedicated
BY SAM GANS, BLADE STAFF WRITER
Published: 6/5/2013

The ribbon-cutting unveiled the first phase of what some officials called a “new face” of affordable housing in northwest Ohio. ... The 65-unit building, which cost $12.7 million, was completed Friday.  It is on Division Street and Belmont Avenue in central Toledo, and replaces former LMHA complexes Brand Whitlock and Albertus Brown.
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The building is the first phase of a $46 million project which will include 272 housing units for both low and middle-income families, a community building, and a seven-acre park.  LMHA Executive Director Linnie Willis said, “We have at least two more phases to complete on this campus while we are simultaneously moving forward with other housing development and preservation activities of affordable housing in this community.”  Mrs. Willis said LMHA hopes to break ground on the next phase in 2014.  The senior community will house residents 55 and older.

READ MORE: http://www.toledoblade.com/local/2013/06/05/First-phase-of-46M-Collingwood-Green-Senior-Community-dedicated.html