yanni_gogolak

Akron solar project shines light on smart-battery builder Design Flux Technologies January 24, 2016 Updated 19 hours ago By JUDY STRINGER Electricity cost savings, projected between $30,000 and $40,000 per year, will cover the city of Akron’s $173,000 investment in equipment and installation in roughly five years. “We are enabling our client to advance [its] technology, a pretty significant technology, in a way that ultimately we would still get a payback on and a return on our investment,” Margida said. http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20160124/NEWS/160119862/akron-solar-project-shines-light-on-smart-battery-builder-design#utm_medium=email&utm_source=ccl-akronmorning&utm_campaign=ccl-akronmorning-20160128 I'm very interested to see them meet that window of payback.

Couldn't agree more. Even the way they describe it makes it sound exactly like Crocker Park.

Telling a developer that is investing a substantial amount of money in the future of downtown that they need to add what is basically amounting to no return on investment "ornament" shows a lack of respect, IMO. This design is very contemporary. Globally this typology gets away from anything ornamental that does not serve a purpose.

Akron's new El Gato Taqueria already planning expansion January 22, 2016 Updated a day ago By JENNIFER CONN Photo by SHANE WYNN El Gato owner Danny Basone Restaurateur Danny Basone opened El Gato Taqueria, a street taco restaurant, in late December, but he’s already making plans for warmer weather and bigger crowds. El Gato, at 209 S. Main St., currently is a deep, narrow, 40-seat eatery, but construction is currently underway on an additional 60-seat room in the back of the restaurant, with a separate bar, set to open in April. http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20160122/NEWS/160119860/akrons-new-el-gato-taqueria-already-planning-expansion#utm_medium=email&utm_source=ccl-akronmorning&utm_campaign=ccl-akronmorning-20160122

I think their guac. is better than Momocho and they have great margaritas.

Akron’s Nuevo eatery to open a second location in big lakefront development in downtown Cleveland; new Nuevo to open in July By Katie Byard Beacon Journal business writer Not yet two years old, locally owned Nuevo Modern Mexican & Tequila Bar in downtown Akron will open a second location — in a new building in a planned lakefront development in Cleveland. “We’ve already broken ground on the building. … We hope to be complete for the RNC [Republican National Convention]” in July in Cleveland, said Dick Pace, a Cleveland developer, who is spearheading the lakefront project. http://www.ohio.com/news/local/akron-s-nuevo-eatery-to-open-a-second-location-in-big-lakefront-development-in-downtown-cleveland-new-nuevo-to-open-in-july-1.654725

Are you familiar with Blu Jazz which is right across the street? That's the reasoning. Never heard of Radisson Blu, but I only stay in a hotel maybe a couple times a year. Jazz-themed Blutique Hotel will soon grace downtown Akron By John Harper, cleveland.com on January 13, 2016 at 7:30 PM, updated January 13, 2016 at 7:31 PM AKRON, Ohio -- By the end of the year, developer Tony Troppe wants to have a 65-room jazz-themed boutique hotel operating inside the United Building at the corner of Main and Market streets, the apex of downtown Akron. Troppe's work to transform the once dormant downtown into a noteworthy entertainment district has been underway for the better part of two decades, but with his new hotel Troppe is hoping to start something bigger. http://www.cleveland.com/akron/index.ssf/2016/01/blutique_hotel_featuring_jazz.html#incart_m-rpt-1

Bustling West Akron to get an Ace Hardware store in early February By Katie Byard Beacon Journal staff writer A family that has been in the hardware business for more than 140 years in Stark County is building a presence in West Akron. The store likely will open in early February, with a grand opening set for April 1, in long-vacant space in Wallhaven Plaza off West Market Street. http://www.ohio.com/news/local/bustling-west-akron-to-get-an-ace-hardware-store-in-early-february-1.654465#

No one is disputing the guy's right to name the hotel whatever he wants, but that doesn't mean anyone has to like it. Would you tell someone who didn't like the design of plans for a new building to "pony up your own money" and build it? That response doesn't allow for critique and opinion. Yes, I probably would. Typically people who are negatively vocal don't understand or have any appreciation for 1. something that is different and 2. the time, energy and thought process that went into the decision. They also don't typically represent the majority, so it's a wash anyway.

Downtown Akron Marriott debut delayed again By Katie Byard Published: January 13, 2016 Officials with the Northside Courtyard by Marriott, downtown Akron’s first new hotel in decades, now say the hotel will not open until mid-March. Cindy Sherman, who heads sales and marketing for the hotel, said the new scheduled opening date is now March 15. Late last year, hotel officials said it was possible the 10-story hotel could open by mid-February. http://www.ohio.com/blogs/your-business/your-business-1.567844/downtown-akron-marriott-debut-delayed-again-1.654337

Funny, everyone's concerned with the name. Pretty smart actually, branding that area with two establishments that tie together with name and theme. I guess is you don't like the name, maybe pony up your own money and call it what you want?

3 mayors aim to boost Chapel Hill Mall; rezoning could help cope with Macy’s loss By Jim Mackinnon Beacon Journal business writer Because Macy’s will soon close its anchor store at Chapel Hill Mall in Akron — and three other significant tenants will also close shop there — three mayors say they are looking at helping keep the struggling mall viable. Meanwhile, the long-time manager of one of the two remaining anchor stores says there are positive things happening at Chapel Hill as well, including a soon-to-happen significant new line of products at his store, JCPenney. http://www.ohio.com/news/local/3-mayors-aim-to-boost-chapel-hill-mall-rezoning-could-help-cope-with-macy-s-loss-1.653819

That reminds me there is a supermarket right there on Exchange. That isn't far at all from this project. True, I guess Middlebury / Dave's Market is not that far from these apartments.

I'm undecided on this after reading the article. It seems like they have done some good things already with the money. Why change that? As harsh as this statement is: Council President Dan Brady said he agreed with the concept, but he doesn't want to fund "building gazebos and flagpoles that don't make much of a difference. I think it's correct.

Yes, I'm aware of all of that. There are no amenities in that area though to support living. That's why I'm surprised. It basically the same circumstances that Northside Lofts faced / faces. High prices and no amenities.

Rock Mill Climbing bringing world-class rock climbing to Akron (photos) By John Harper, cleveland.com on January 07, 2016 at 7:45 PM AKRON, Ohio -- The rock climbing wall at Rock Mill Climbing, soon to open on Carrol Street near the University of Akron, tops out at nearly 20 feet tall, and runs around three walls of a 6,000-square-foot room. "We wanted people to walk in and go, 'Wow!'" said co-owner Nathan Yokun. http://www.cleveland.com/akron/index.ssf/2016/01/rock_mill_climbing_will_bring.html#incart_m-rpt-1

In digging further on their website, it looks like the only plan they are showing may actually be the largest apartment. Others look smaller, but they don't talk about size. But they are showing a 745 s.f. apt. and saying rent starts at $750, making me think $1 s.f. when it will probably be $2+ s.f. for the smaller layout.

That's also enough to make a significant contribution to the construction of the multi-modal station to further connect the convention center, med mart and hotel with regional and intercity transportation, as well as a staging area for conventioneers' charter buses. That $25 million could leverage at least as much in federal rail, transit or intermodal transportation funding. I'd hate to see it go to a use that doesn't leverage additional dollars for our region. I read that article as $10 mil of that was going to the underground walkway.

Yes, you would hope new construction the problematic things are figured out. I would just be nervous about announcing it with a lot of work to go still.

I'm not sure what the push is for "micro-apartments" in areas that aren't really dense. They would work in NYC and San Fran, but Kent and Columbus? Also, from what I'm seeing a micro-apartment is just a new term. These are 745 s.f.. I live in an apartment that is just over half that size and I just call it a boring old "apartment". These even have a private bedroom and walk-in closet. Look at some of the NYC plans for micro-apartments. Even the Columbus ones are more true to "micro".

Nice, and this is the most exciting part of the announcement: Ezra Stark wouldn't divulge project costs, potential rents or aesthetic details. But he said the developer is working with two architectural firms – Westlake Reed Leskosky in Cleveland and Boston-based Nadaaa – on a design. I wonder if they are going to redesign the soon-to-be podium?

/\/\/\ 6 months left and they are already calculating leftover contingency? I guess all of the big headaches are out of the way.

Fitting article: Tallmadge mayor says development projects his priority for 2016 By Angel Evans Special to the Beacon Journal Another Testa project, also located near the Tallmadge Circle at North Avenue, already is under construction at the site of the former Bob’s Big Boy restaurant. Jimmy Johns, Sutton Bank and Crimson Cup Coffee Shop have signed leases for space in the building, which is expected to open by early spring, Kline said. A fourth space still is available for lease. http://www.ohio.com/news/local/tallmadge-mayor-says-development-projects-his-priority-for-2016-1.651977

Looking back on some of the old articles, it says 22 affordable, 105 total. Honestly surprised they are almost full charging $1.15 - $2 s.f.

Are they market rate or affordable housing?