buildingcincinnati

Both from the 6/25/07 ABJ: Akron Art Museum's gala to 'Defy Gravity' Opening of building to include big party, first look at galleries By Katie Byard Beacon Journal staff writer About 1,500 people are expected to converge at High and Market streets in downtown Akron the evening of July 7. They'll be attending the sold-out "Defy Gravity'' gala to celebrate the opening of the Akron Art Museum's major expansion. "Defy Gravity'' is a nod to the new winglike roof that hovers over the museum's old section. • Inaugural reopening and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Akron Art Museum: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 17 at 1 S. High St., Akron. • With the reopening, admission no longer will be free. Instead, admission will be $7 for adults, $5 for students and 65 or older, and free for younger than 12; members also get in free. • Museum hours after opening: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays. Closed Mondays. • The Thursday evening outdoor summer concert series -- Downtown@Dusk -- will return to the museum grounds at 8:30 p.m. Aug. 9-Sept. 27. • For information, call 330-376-9185 or go to www.akronartmuseum.org. More at http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/entertainment/visual_arts/17415418.htm

From the 3/25/07 ABJ: Art museum crystallizes By Elaine Guregian Beacon Journal arts and culture critic Like a creature slowly gestating, the Akron Art Museum has been taking shape over the past months. First it developed a glowing silver skin. Then lights began to sparkle on the cantilevered arm that reaches over the 1899 brick building next to the new structure. Finally, a glass lobby heaved out of the ground like a brilliant, light-refracting crystal. The new construction is named the John S. and James L. Knight Building, honoring gifts totaling $6 million from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. In July, the new space designed by the Viennese architecture firm Coop Himmelb(l)au will be opening, tripling the Akron Art Museum's size from 21,000 square feet to 64,000 square feet. The opening exhibition will include 120 photographs, many of which have never been exhibited. Full story at http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/16966103.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_news

Link contains a photo. From the 6/29/07 Blade: July 23 newest date for razing Toledo Sports Arena By MAGGIE REID BLADE STAFF WRITER The wrecking ball set to demolish the Toledo Sports Arena seems to have lost a little momentum as it prepares to bring down the local landmark. The demolition date for the arena, previously set for July 9, was pushed back yesterday to July 23 at the request of the contractor. http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070629/NEWS16/706290358/-1/RSS10

From the 6/20/07 Blade: DEMOLITION CONTRACTS Toledo Sports Arena-razing firm under fire from city Minority role in other pact questioned By TOM TROY BLADE STAFF WRITER The demolition contractor hired by Lucas County yesterday to tear down the Toledo Sports Arena is in hot water with the city of Toledo over his alleged effort to mislead the city about minority subcontracting. Blade Staff Writer Laren Weber contributed to this report. Contact Tom Troy at: [email protected] or 419-724-6058. http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070620/NEWS16/706200392/-1/RSS

From the 6/19/07 Blade: PHOTO: While no official date has been set for the demolition of the more than 60-year-old Sports Arena, Joe Zunk of the Lathrop Co., the project manger, said he expected demolition to start early next month. However, he said initial work, such as getting permits, could start as soon as Monday. Demolition to clear the way for the new arena could begin in mid-July, early August. ( THE BLADE ) County picks demolition contractor for Toledo Sports Arena Cleveland firm is expected to make way for new arena By LAREN WEBER BLADE STAFF WRITER A Cleveland firm is expected to be hired for the demolition of the Toledo Sports Arena on the city’s east side and the seven downtown buildings recently purchased by Lucas County to make way for the new multipurpose arena. The county commissioners will award the $448,700 demolition and abatement contracts to B&B Wrecking & Excavating Inc. at their meeting this morning. Contact Laren Weber at: [email protected] or 419-724-6050. http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070619/NEWS16/70619041/-1/RSS

From the 6/14/07 Blade: VIEW ARENA * Arena PowerPoint presentation Toledo residents offer arena input Ideas could find way into design, county official says John Gage of Perrysburg wants to see Toledo's strong hockey history represented in the new downtown sports arena. Mary Chris Skeldon wants the arena to offer healthier food options, including ethnic dishes. Amber Hawkins wants world-renowned entertainment acts like Alicia Keys or Earth, Wind & Fire to perform at the arena. http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070614/NEWS16/706140416/-1/RSS10

Here's a link to a photo gallery that the Blade put together. It has 17 photos. http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=TO&Dato=20070630&Kategori=NEWS17&Lopenr=630013&Ref=PH

From the 6/29/07 Enquirer: PHOTO: Todd Ferguson of Evans Landscaping Inc. razes an apartment building in the 1100 block of Scott Boulevard to make way for the future expansion of Covington Latin High School. The Enquirer/Patrick Reddy Buildings make way for Covington Latin BY WILLIAM CROYLE | [email protected] Four apartment buildings on Scott Boulevard were demolished Thursday to make way for the future expansion of Covington Latin High School. The properties were purchased a month ago for $380,000. Covington Latin is in a three-story, 66-year-old building behind those properties on Madison Avenue. With no room to expand, school officials considered moving out of the city until the apartment buildings became available. The school will hire a consultant to do a feasibility study. Development Director Cinda Rudolph said the school needs new classrooms, a gymnasium and auditorium. The land will be used in the meantime as a parking lot for the Cathedral Basilica, which is next door to the school. Covington Latin is an accelerated program for grades 8-12, with each student who is accepted to the school skipping one or two grades. It's believed to be the only school of its kind in the nation. MORE: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070629/NEWS0102/706290390/ Anderson Twp: Horizon Community Church elevation sketches Building Cincinnati, 6/28/07 Sketches of the proposed 160,000-square-foot project off of Newtown Road by the Little Miami River. I hope you can find a parking space! Building Cincinnati: Horizon Community Church project update (6/6/07) Building Cincinnati: Horizon Community Church project (5/8/07) http://buildingcincinnati.blogspot.com/2007/06/anderson-twp-horizon-community-church_28.html Condominiums questioned Georgetown (OH) News Democrat, 7/1/07 An ambitious new 300 unit Planned Unit Development housing project proposal in the White Oak Golf Course area is raising concern among nearby residents, but the project's developer is claiming the company is willing to work toward the community interest. While HBS Development, Inc. points to the potential benefits of the planned White Oak Reserve upscale subdivision, including greatly increased tax revenues that would ultimately go back into Washington Township and the Eastern Local School District, opponents of the proposal fear several of the side effects of building such a large development, such as increased traffic loads and a perceived loss of what is now a quiet and secluded community. Both sides made their arguments at a meeting of the Washington Township Trustees Monday, June 25, and central to the debate were the initial plans for an entrance to the development from Shroufe Road, which dead-ends just behind White Oak Golf Course. Residents of Shafer and the adjoining Wardlow Road voiced opposition to the entrance at a public information meeting, June 19, and more so on Monday as more than 50 people were in attendance, the majority from the Wardlow-Shroufe area. HBS Development Vice President Chris Johns was on hand for Monday's meeting, however, to explain a major change in the project design that would eliminate the need for a Shroufe Road entrance. Although Johns expected the news to quell at least some of the unrest among residents and property owners, several audience members made clear their continued opposition to the development as a whole.

From the 6/28/07 Bedford Sun Banner: Bedford Falls work back in full swing Thursday, June 28, 2007 By Robert Nozar Bedford Sun Banner BEDFORD Any temporary delay in the demolition of the old Taylor Chair buildings has ended and work at the site is back in full swing. And that work will eventually lead to construction of 15 buildings with 53 condominium units priced beginning at $195,000. Each building will house four or five units... Contact Nozar at [email protected] http://www.cleveland.com/sun/bedfordsunbanner/index.ssf?/base/news-0/118304909682570.xml&coll=3 KSUA to receive two donations Monday Ashtabula Star Beacon, 7/1/07 Kent State University Ashtabula (KSUA) will receive two donations Monday toward the new Health and Science Building...

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From the 7/1/07 Lima News: Amnesty Un-American? Immigration issues boil over? Brian Evans | [email protected] - 07.01.2007 LIMA — Working as a border agent for more than 27 years, Larry Wren, of Elida, saw a lot of crazy things in the line of duty. In the early 1970s, he remembers stopping a car coming across the U.S.-Mexican border on a bridge and searching it for contraband. “We would look through the whole car, inside, in the seats, the trunk, we’d check the tires.” Lastly, he remembers, in this case he looked under the hood. “I couldn’t believe it,” Wren said. “I found a Mexican guy hiding under the hood. He was on a piece of cardboard, all curled up, on the engine. … He was a little guy. I would never get in an engine like that.” Wren said the problem with illegal immigration has gotten much worse during the past couple of decades; it’s flourished through the years, in fact, and now it’s one of the most controversial issues in American politics. With statistics showing the majority of Americans are against granting the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants in the United States amnesty, many local residents are angry with political leaders supporting a bill voted down Thursday in the U.S. Senate — Senate Bill 1639 — which would have done just that. Wren is among the bill’s vocal opponents. MORE: http://www.limaohio.com/story.php?IDnum=40164

Link contains a photo. From the 7/1/07 Enquirer: Smitherman eyes council BY BEN FISCHER | [email protected] Local NAACP president Christopher Smitherman will run for city council in hopes of regaining the seat he lost in 2005 and he says he will not give up his position with the civil rights organization if elected. Click on link for article. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070701/NEWS01/307010009/

From the 7/1/07 Elyria Chronicle-Telegram: Changing times Couple says developing the land could make $400k a year for schools Rania Shakkour | The Chronicle-Telegram George and Marge Small never thought the day would come when their 57 acres of land in Amherst would be anything except farmland. Times have changed, however, and the Smalls realize the area around their home on North Lake Street adjacent to state Route 2 has changed drastically. Contact Rania Shakkour at 329-7127 or [email protected]. http://www.chroniclet.com/2007/07/01/changing-times/

First link contains a photo. Both from the 7/1/07 Newark Advocate: Special Report: Licking Valley making preparations for future growth Communities get ready with sewer, school upgrades By L.B. WHYDE Advocate Reporter HANOVER -- Just like the theme from the movie "Field of Dreams," village officials, township trustees and school officials think Licking Valley is primed for development. Since they built it, they say, people will come. The Licking Valley Local School District is on the east side of the county, away from the Ohio 161/37 expressway project. Four lanes already run from Newark to Frazeysburg, thanks in part to the development of the Longaberger Homestead. Licking County's population is projected to increase by 37 percent by the year 2030. So, will the Ohio 161/37 expansion bring more growth, development and ultimately people to the Licking Valley area? Read more at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070701/NEWS01/707010310/1002/rss01

From the 7/1/07 DDN: Antioch explains deferred payments, jump in expenses Questions about the college's finances have emerged after closing announcement. By Stephanie Irwin Gottschlich Staff Writer Sunday, July 01, 2007 YELLOW SPRINGS — Additional financial details provided by Antioch University last week shows that 2005-06 total compensation for two administrators included one-time deferred compensation of around $200,000 each. The university's accountant also explained how a portion of the university's overall expenses jumped 66 percent between fiscal years 2004-05 and 2005-06. Full story at http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/06/30/ddn070107antioch.html

City frees $413,000 for land at MetroWest site Building Cincinnati, 6/28/07 Cincinnati City Council has identified two sources of funding to help purchase the last four properties in the future MetroWest Commerce Park. The City had to acquire these four parcels to be eligible to receive $3 million in Clean Ohio Revitalization (CORF) funds for demolition and environmental remediation of the site. The City's sale of the former Phoenix International Life Sciences property in College Hill (5642 Hamilton Ave) to Children's Hospital has brought in $400,000. An additional $13,657.59 was transferred to the Strategic Program for Urban Revitalization ’07 (SPUR) capital project account from the Columbia Square capital project account, which had a surplus due to project development costs being less than expected. To date the Department of Community Development and Planning has spent $2.615 million on property acquisition in the project site and has paid $373,505 for tenant relocation. The $25 million MetroWest project will consist of light industrial, flex and office space and will likely include existing businesses and buildings at 911 Evans St, 1910/1911 South St and 1908 W Eighth St. Four or more LEED certified buildings will likely be constructed. Buildings will be constructed along street frontages and parking will be screened and shared. (Look at the site plan below and tell me if that is what you see!) The developer estimates that the redevelopment of the 18 acres could create a minimum of 400 jobs. Buildout is expected in 7 to 10 years. Winning CORF applicants will be announced at the Clean Ohio Council meeting on July 25. The CORF's Round 4 has been budgeted $43 million. http://buildingcincinnati.blogspot.com/2007/06/city-frees-413000-for-land-at-metrowest.html

From the 7/1/07 DDN: Riverside tax on Wright-Pat to end Strickland approved state budget and provision to end the income tax imposed on base's civilian employees. By John Nolan Staff Writer Sunday, July 01, 2007 RIVERSIDE — Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland on Saturday approved a new state budget with a Republican-inserted provision that apparently will end an income tax Riverside began imposing this spring on civilian employees at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base... http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/06/30/ddn070107riverside.html

From the 7/1/07 Blade: After 1 year, merger of UT and MUO still a work in progress Parts of process ahead of schedule By MEGHAN GILBERT BLADE STAFF WRITER Two universities in the same city, less than five miles away from each other, had distinctive cultures revealed over the past year as they worked to become one. On this day last year, a new University of Toledo was created with the merger of UT and the former Medical University of Ohio, which previously was the Medical College of Ohio. CREATING THE NEW UT The University of Toledo and Medical University of Ohio, which was formerly known as the Medical College of Ohio, officially merged on this day last year. But the process of forming a combined institution actually began in late 2005 and will continue for years to come. • Nov. 15, 2005 — UT and MUO leaders announce they are discussing the combination of the two universities. • Feb. 14, 2006 — The Ohio House unanimously approves the UT-MUO merger. • March 15, 2006 — The Ohio Senate unanimously approves the UT-MUO merger. • March 31, 2006 — Ohio Gov. Bob Taft signs the UT-MUO merger bill into law. • May 5, 2006 — The new names of the campuses are announced. The UT campus on West Bancroft Street will be known as the ‘University of Toledo Main Campus’ and the former MUO campus on Arlington Avenue will be known as the ‘University of Toledo Health Science Campus.’ • May 13, 2006 — The UT and MUO alumni associations vote to merge into one group. • June 16, 2006 — The UT Retiree Association votes to merge with MUO Retirees. • July 1, 2006 — The institutions officially merge into the new University of Toledo. • July 6, 2006 — The first joint meeting of the boards of trustees from UT and MUO takes place. The joint board has 17 trustees and two student representatives. Mr. Taft attends the meeting. • Sept. 19, 2006 — MUO Retirees votes to merge with the UT Retiree Association. • March 19, 2007 — The UT Board of Trustees approve a strategic plan for the joint institution called ‘Directions: The University of Toledo.’ • April 2, 2007 — The UT police department holds captain and lieutenant promotions solidifying the command staff of the joint department. Jeff Newton, who had been interim chief since the merger, is named chief. • June 4, 2007 — Results of a faculty vote on a draft constitution for a merged faculty senate are announced. The document was approved by 95 percent of faculty on the health science campus, and 79 percent of voters on the main campus. • June 28, 2007 — The fi rst meeting of both the UT and MUO foundation boards takes place. Members vote to officially merge, effective today. • Today — The new University of Toledo celebrates its one-year anniversary. More at http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070701/NEWS21/707010325/-1/RSS

From the 7/1/07 Cuyahoga Falls News-Press: Falls Council OKs GOJO subdivision by Lauren Krupar Reporter Cuyahoga Falls -- A new industrial employment complex, which city officials have said could create more than $60 million in new investment for the city, was given the green light by Council June 25. Councilmembers unanimously approved preliminary and final subdivision plans for the Wyoga Lake Preserve complex, a private industrial development to be located in the more than 83 acres of the GOJO Inc. Lippman campus between West Steels Corners, Wyoga Lake and State roads. The industrial subdivision will be anchored by GOJO's new more than 385,000-square-foot warehouse, which workers have begun constructing. The new building will sit on a 31-acre parcel in the rear of the campus. Read More...

From the 7/1/07 Chillicothe Gazette: Activist : A nuclear facility doesn’t always mean jobs for community Lois Gibbs visits Pike County By ASHLEY LYKINS Gazette Staff Writer PIKETON — “Nuclear” isn’t synonymous with “jobs,” said one activist in Pike County Saturday night. A handful of people, including noted author and activist Lois Gibbs, gathered for an intimate town meeting with speakers who touched on topics ranging from the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership to newly discovered earthworks near the Department of Energy reservation. http://www.chillicothegazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070701/NEWS01/70701004/1002/rss01

From the 3/21/07 Gateway News: New businesses slated for Woodmont by Bob Gaetjens Editor Streetsboro -- A host of new businesses could join Streetsboro Commons, city officials say. City Planning Director Linda Kovacs said Fashion Bug, Maurice's, Shoe Show, Sally Beauty Supply and PetSmart are possible tenants in the Commons, a 125-acre retail and commercial development off Route 14 by the Ohio Turnpike, being developed by Woodmont Co. A Chipotle Mexican restaurant and Starbuck's coffee house also are slated for the development, according to Kovacs. The commission March 13 approved several signs for the Starbuck's. http://www.thegatewaynews.com/news/article/1744492

From the 6/30/07 Tiffin Advertiser-Tribune: Anonymous parties’ attorney defends courthouse lawsuit By Zachary Petit, [email protected] Focusing on six anonymous messengers shifts the focus of the courthouse lawsuit away from the actual message, Attorney John Barga said Friday. In a response Thursday to the county’s motion to dismiss the case based upon the anonymity of his plaintiffs, Barga states the request attempts to misdirect the attention of the court away from the real issues contained in his lawsuit against the Seneca County commissioners. http://www.advertiser-tribune.com/articles.asp?articleID=8987

From the 6/29/07 Tiffin Advertiser-Tribune: County’s records need a new home By Zachary Petit, [email protected] Officials face a conundrum: The Seneca County courthouse is slated to be demolished, but the hefty stash of legal records currently housed inside it isn’t. The Seneca County commissioners tossed around ideas and opinions for a potential new building Thursday, and decided to contact a few local construction firms about cost and design estimates. http://www.advertiser-tribune.com/articles.asp?articleID=8963

From the 6/30/07 News-Herald: Freeway project back on the road County officials say work expected to go ahead despite 'reset' of priorities David W. Jones [email protected] 06/30/2007 Lake County is on the road again to complete Lakeland Freeway - the biggest transportation project in its history - county and state officials said Friday. New Gov. Ted Strickland got heartbeats going in February when he ordered that roadwork priorities be "reset" and said he hoped he "wouldn't have to cancel projects." At that time, the Ohio Department of Transportation had awarded a $22.39 million contract to start phase one in Wickliffe and Willowick on the freeway, also known as state Route 2... http://www.news-herald.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18536668&BRD=1698&PAG=461&dept_id=21849&rfi=6

From the 6/29/07 DDN: $500K right-of-way grant accepted Friday, June 29, 2007 DAYTON — The Montgomery County Transportation Improvement District on Thursday accepted a $500,000 grant from an arm of the Dayton Development Coalition to acquire right-of-way land at the site of the planned Austin Road interchange on Interstate 75. The money from Development Projects Inc., an arm of the coalition, is money made available by the state for land acquisition. Montgomery County had asked the coalition to make the money available through the transportation district to boost the funding available for the ongoing process of buying land at the site, said Steve Stanley, executive director of the transportation district. ... http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/business/2007/06/28/ddn062907bizbriefs.html