yanni_gogolak

Corbin Bernsen planning next Akron movie By Rich Heldenfels Beacon Journal popular culture writer Corbin Bernsen will meet with people interested in supporting his new movie, 3 Day Test, at 6:30 tonight in the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn hotel. The movie will be the second Bernsen shoots in Akron, following 25 Hill, which was inspired by the All-American Soap Box Derby. http://www.ohio.com/special-projects/2.367/corbin-bernsen-planning-next-akron-movie-1.243432

I went to Crop last weekend. First and formost, the food was very good. I only had two apps, the deviled eggs and the scallops, but both were great. My neighbor at the bar offered me a fig that was ordered by accident. I didn't really like that, I think it was roasted leaving the skin tough and chewy and not much flavor. Onto the space. I personally have never liked the space at Dante and the same now goes for Crop. They put a ton of money into restoring the ceiling and walls, which look great, but this is not the proper space for a restaurant. The ceiling is at least 30 feet high, for the whole space, and there is no lighting or anything to bring the feeling of this height down. The main space has marble floors. What this does is create an ocean in the middle of the space that has no intimacy. I hope you like your neighbors because you will be hearing everyone around you as there are no soft treatments to absorb the sound, everything bounces. Again, the lighting; the whole space is dark, they have a good bit of lighting pointed at the ceiling to accent it. Again, nice, but not good for a restaurant, I like to see what I'm eating. All in all, I would go back for the food and that alone.

Earlier this summer it was nothing but an empty dirt patch where the building used to be. I walked into the neighboring subway and asked my "sub artist" if she knew what was going on next door. According to her, the owner of the subway franchise also owns that lot, and his plan was to demo the building and install a parking lot. Even the employee seemed bummed about it. So who knows, you could still be right. But as far as I know, this is nothing more than a local businessman who decided that the empty parking lot behind the building wasn't enough-- he wanted another one at the corner. I guess it could be temporary. Purely speculation on my part, but if I was that owner I tore the building down to make the land more appeasing to potential buyers like UPA and The U of A. ...oh, and it's "sandwich artist", ha

correct: "The city would contract with Carmen Construction in Tallmadge for the improvements, which include redoing the electrical and heating, ventilation and air conditioning; removing asbestos; <b>and demolishing the southern half of the building that has a collapsing roof. </b> Parking would be added to the space where the building is being removed. City officials hope the work can be completed by the end of the year."

Yes, great news.

I wouldn't doubt that area is part of the master plan that University Park Alliance is working on. I also expect the old plama bank building at the corner of Exchange and Brown to be demolished in the future.

Former Carousel Theatre to become home to Community Baptist Temple By Colette M. Jenkins Beacon Journal staff writer Published: October 27, 2011 - 12:38 AM The former Carousel Dinner Theatre soon will be home to Lakemore’s Community Baptist Temple. Gary Didado, president of J.W. Didado Electric Inc., said Wednesday he has sold the property to the church. http://www.ohio.com/news/local/former-carousel-theatre-to-become-home-to-community-baptist-temple-1.242298

Maybe, maybe not. They probably wouldn't be doing the feasability study if they already knew the answer. Personally(and I have nothing to substantiate this), I wouldn't be surprised if someone built a new stadium in the next few years. Coach Dambrot probably would have something to do with this... That's not necessarily true. 1.) They probably have to show due dilligence and that they are not willfully wasting money b/c they want a new arena, 2.) they can skew the study any way they want to show the outcome they desire. and on that note: UA basketball teams get new lounges at Rhodes Arena By Tom Gaffney Beacon Journal sports writer Published: October 26, 2011 - 12:30 AM University of Akron basketball players have a new home away from home. The men’s and women’s teams now have separate lounges and a common weight room at Rhodes Arena. The project was started in March and completed late in the summer. http://www.ohio.com/sports/ua-basketball-teams-get-new-lounges-at-rhodes-arena-1.242089

Blair Kamin Talks Architecture in Columbus, Ohio, Critiques Its 'Filing Cabinet' Skyline 10/23/2011 The Columbus Dispatch, Ohio Text size: AA By Jim Weiker, The Columbus Dispatch, Ohio Oct. 23--Blair Kamin likes to say that he "kicks tires for a living" -- another way of saying he's an architecture critic. The Pulitzer Prize-winning writer for the Chicago Tribune visited Columbus last week to offer a few thoughts on the state of architecture -- and the state of the Columbus skyline. Kamin praised some Columbus neighborhoods such as Sessions Village, German Village and the Short North, but he took aim at the Greater Columbus Convention Center and Downtown's nondescript high-rises, which he colorfully described as "filing cabinets" and "buildings with hats on them." http://archrecord.construction.com/yb/ar/article.aspx?story_id=165049420

KUD has done a lot of projects on a lot bigger scale than Akron. I don't think they would waste their time, money, and resources if they were not serious. Check out their website: http://www.kudllc.com/

At least 5 years ago that building was deemed unsafe by the City Engineer. There was an investor who gutted it and was going to make it into student housing, but it would have required and enormous amount of unanticipated structural work. Back then the only real option was to tear it down, which is what I suspect the City will do.

International firm in marriage with UPA for Akron downtown redevelopment By Betty Lin-Fisher Beacon Journal business writer The head of an international economic development firm says he believes the University Park Alliance and Akron leaders have come up with a great master plan to revitalize four districts around downtown. “A lot of people have asked me, ‘Why Akron?’ My gut response is, ‘Why not Akron?’ In fact, there are better reasons than that. We do projects all around the world. We look for public/private partners who meet criteria,” such as groups of people who are working together, said Marvin J. Suomi, KUD International president and chief executive. http://www.ohio.com/business/international-firm-in-marriage-with-upa-for-akron-downtown-redevelopment-1.241079

Our new word is “regeneration” For a former industrial city, this is a big week. Actually, for any city, this would be a big week. Today Akron and University Park Alliance announced that KUD International of Long Beach, Calif., was making a long-term commitment to Akron to help build out UPA’s core vision for Akron’s core. On Wednesday, the community will welcome KUD CEO Marvin Suomi to town to meet local officials. The relationship with KUD will dramatically accelerate the economic activity and redevelopment in Akron, contributing to the city’s growing vitality. http://www.upakron.com/wordpress/?p=111 Massive redevelopment coming near Ohio’s University of Akron October 17, 2011 | Staff Writer | Print Article | Email this Article University Park Alliance (UPA) on Oct. 17 announced the signing of a master services agreement with real estate developer KUD International LLC. to tackle the redevelopment of a good chunk of Akron, Ohio. UPA is coordinating Akron’s core city master plan centered on the redevelopment and revitalization of University Park, the 50-block urban neighborhood surrounding The University of Akron. http://www.rejournals.com/2011/10/17/massive-redevelopment-coming-near-ohios-university-of-akron/

Agreed, although I did stick my foot in my mouth last week and was talking a little "junk" on the place to a person who worked there, unbeknownst to me. They then mentioned they worked there, not as a server, and they also said it was not the business. I too am having a hard time figuring out the whole ownership roles and who was getting what money. I liked the place, but when I was there, there were only ever a handfull of people. All in all I think the concept was great, but it's too much of a niche market for a small city to support.

Some demolition news; the former car dealership at the corner of Forge & E. Market St. downtown has been demolished and the old Subway / Car Wash at the corner of Exchange & Spicer, next to the U of A Stadium was demolished. This was supposed to be a Skyway at one point, but I'm sure the University made a better offer. The U of A hired Populous to perform the feasibility study on JAR Arena. I doubt an international firm is going to go after a little feasibility study without their being a hit of building a new arena in the near future. I think their findings will point to this. Populous was the firm for the new Yankee Stadium to put things in perspective.

Restaurants are always coming and going. Minus VegiT, this is more of an issue that these were all previously well established and community loved at one point. If you notice however, all of them had been sold to a different owner at one point. You always run into quality and management issues with that. Those were for the older generations and the younger generations now, X & Y's are moving more towards places Bricco and Crave for local establishments.

Nick Anthe restaurant locks its doors By Lisa Abraham Beacon Journal food writer Published: October 11, 2011 - 12:09 AM AKRON: Add North Hill icon Nick Anthe Restaurant to the growing list of Akron-area eateries that have closed recently. Chrissie Hynde’s Vegi- Terranean on the north side, Yocono’s in Wallhaven and Triple Crown in Munroe Falls all have recently closed their doors. http://www.ohio.com/news/nick-anthe-restaurant-locks-its-doors-1.239564

KSU hotel to be independent Foundation decides franchise costs are too expensive for new $13 million center, which will break ground this month By Carol Biliczky Beacon Journal staff writer Published: September 12, 2011 - 12:49 AM The hotel to be built by the Kent State University Foundation will not be part of a national franchise after all. Gene Finn, executive director of the foundation and vice president for institutional advancement at KSU, said board members decided it would be cheaper and better for the hotel to be a unique “boutique.” Groundbreaking is planned for Sept. 19. The hotel should be finished in December 2012, the last of the pieces of the revitalization to be completed. http://www.ohio.com/news/local-news/ksu-hotel-to-be-independent-1.234608

Downtown Akron Restaurant Week Starts Monday! Sept. 12-15 check out the menu's at: http://www.downtownakron.com/enjoy/downtown-akron-restaurant-week

Yes. If there is other vacant land nearby, if the vacant buildings are in good condition and if they offer more architecturally than a McDonald's, then of course they should be preserved. Cities last for thousands of years. Preserving buildings for 10-20 years until a new user finds a new use for them is very reasonable, in my view. I wish we had the same kind of patience, desire for sense of place and interest in renovating our structures as they do in Europe. But we're still a young, immature country, and we act like it. I'm not saying to just knock down every old building for new. Comparing Europe to the U.S. is near impossible, their buildings are a lot older and their city density is ridiculous compared to the U.S. How do you propose adapting a church into anything else? The only successful way I have seen a church renovated is into a nightclub or a small house. Otherwise is pretty much has to be a church and I have no idea where someone would come up with money to do a church renovation these days. I'm going to guess the Burge designs are about 10 years old.

So they should have just left the two vacant buildings there. That makes sense. There is very little activity in that area as it is.

Akron church to be torn down for McDonald’s, office complex By Katie Byard Beacon Journal business writer A vacant church on a high-profile downtown Akron block is to be torn down to make way for a McDonald’s and an office building. The former Church of the Good Shepherd at Main and Thornton streets, near Interstate 77-76, will be leveled. McDonald’s franchise Rubber City McDonald’s is spearheading the project, buying the church for $500,000. http://www.ohio.com/news/local/akron-church-to-be-torn-down-for-mcdonald-s-office-complex-1.231715 I was going to mention I saw them taking some cores in the parking lot of the old Verizon store on S. Broadway. Usually they do that to make sure the land is suitable for new construction. Looks like it was for this project. Also, across Market St. from Summa, there is an office building, the existing Pizza Hut, and the closed Country Kitchen. I'm pretty sure Summa has purchased all of this land. The office building had a "for rent" sign up for a while, that is now gone. The Pizza Hut is moving West to the location of the old KFC. Construction has started and the new exterior is almost done. Summa will probably use the land for more administrative offices and keep the medical campus all on the same side of the street.

I don't think they are still accepting proposals, but this was in addition to the Northside one, which has yet to break ground.

csu to raze viking hall, its first dorm, to clear way for development Thursday, August 18, 2011 The bunker-like concrete building at the corner of Euclid and E. 22nd was built in 1971 as a Holiday Inn. It became Cleveland State University's first dormitory in 1986. Over the years, Viking Hall has come to be seen as something of a relic -- and a barrier to the new, outward-focused identity of the university. CSU aims to turn the site into a $50 million commercial, retail and residential development. Currently, the university is preparing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to obtain ideas from developers for potential uses of the property. http://www.freshwatercleveland.com/devnews/vikinghalldemolition081811.aspx?utm_source=VerticalResponse&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=csu+to+raze+viking+hall%2c+its+first+dorm%2c+to+clear+way+for+development&utm_content={Email_Address}&utm_campaign=Home+in+the+216

Bagel / quick breakfast place (Panera!), barber, and pharmacy would all be beneficial to the Main / Exchange area.