yanni_gogolak

It is a really nice neighborhood. That whole are over there has had some great improvement in the past 10 years, and the zoo is right there as well. I think what the idea of the development as a whole is to have all types of classes live there. That's really what every city strives for with housing. Here's a pic I snapped a couple weeks back.

Here's a shot of the Advanced Auto Parts store that is in the location of the old Burger King in the Wallhaven area. They have some funky color treatments going on with the CMU. I have a hard time thinking this will look good in the end.

Portage Crossing development progresses in Cuyahoga Falls By By Gina Mace Special to the Beacon Journal CUYAHOGA FALLS: Developers of the former State Road Shopping Center site say they are having success luring tenants. By the time construction begins this fall or next spring, most of the retail spaces in the Portage Crossing development could be leased, Stark Enterprises Chief Operating Officer Steve Rubin said. It also is likely that work will begin on more of the available retail space than was previously expected, he said. “As you recall, this was a project that could be taken in stages,” Rubin said. “When we’re done [negotiating], we can take it down in total and can commence on the total property. That is better for all of us.” http://www.ohio.com/news/local-news/portage-crossing-development-progresses-in-cuyahoga-falls-1.223047

KSU, Kent collaborate on walkway extension University and city share investments in downtown development projects that could benefit both financially By Carol Biliczky Beacon Journal staff writer KENT: For decades Kent State has been cut off from downtown thanks to a four-lane bypass lined with chain-link fence. But that's poised to change. The university has bought up enough properties to extend its esplanade — or walkway — from campus into the heart of a $100 million redevelopment project that aims to turn downtown Kent into a mecca for students, residents and visitors. http://www.ohio.com/news/local-news/ksu-kent-collaborate-on-walkway-extension-1.215625

New Marriott Residence Inn to go up in Fairlawn Project on four acres on Embassy Parkway expected to start in fall By Marilyn Miller Beacon Journal staff writer The $11 million project is expected to be completed in 12 months. The hotel will be built on a four-acre site at 4080 Embassy Parkway. The property was annexed from Bath Township in 1995 and zoned for a hotel. http://www.ohio.com/news/124254318.html New Advance Auto Parts store slated to open in West Akron By Betty Lin-Fisher Beacon Journal business writer An auto supply store will take the place of a Burger King in West Akron. National retailer Advance Auto Parts will put a new store at 1892 W. Market St., its 10th store in the Akron region. http://www.ohio.com/business/124254263.html They already demo'd the Burger King and started the new earthwork. Boston group to return to update UA plan Sasaki Associates hired to direct the university's growth next 20-30 years By Carol Biliczky Beacon Journal staff writer The University of Akron has hired a consultant to update the plan that paved the way for $626 million in improvements over the past decade. Sasaki Associates Inc., from the Boston area, will spend the next year designing a guide for university growth over the next few decades. http://www.ohio.com/news/124173469.html how about this comment, haha: Curtis said there has been some talk of ''using [the JAR] as a practice gym and building a new arena on campus or as a joint effort with the city of Akron and Summit County.'' However, with projected costs at $60 million to $70 million for a new arena and money tight for all potential partners, the current facility instead might be renovated, Curtis said.

UA buys Mill Street property University to pay $1.4 million for bakery site By Carol Biliczky Beacon Journal staff writer University of Akron trustees agreed Wednesday to buy long-sought land on the north side of campus. UA will spend $1.4 million for the store and 1890s-era bakery on Mill Street owned by Hostess Brands of Houston. ''Since we surround the property on three sides, it's a natural for us to own it,'' said Ted Curtis, vice president of capital planning and facilities management. ''We are extremely happy to get it.'' http://www.ohio.com/news/123981674.html

Design set for federal courthouse in Toledo $96M project proposed for downtown Toledo BY SARA FELSENSTEIN BLADE STAFF WRITER The new, contemporary design for the federal courthouse in Toledo may be far from traditional, U.S. District Judge James Carr said, but if it is built, the building will be both "fulfilling to the purposes of a courthouse" and "a magnificent piece of architecture." The new courthouse -- to be built on the Civic Center Mall if federal funding comes through and it comes to fruition -- is expected to cost $96 million. It would face the Lucas County Courthouse. http://www.toledoblade.com/Courts/2011/06/15/Design-set-for-federal-courthouse.html

I know they sold some of those townhomes. I think one was purchased by a corporation to house out of town employees. If you go on that website though it looks like all of them are still listed. I wouldn't be surprised if they were purchased by investors who would still sell them. The one in Northside that is foreclosed on seems to be a decent deal. 2,200 s.f. for 116k. Its probably not finished though and they may not be offering a buildout package with that price.

I don't think they have released their plan around the Spicer Village area. They may be keeping them hush-hush until further funding and properties are secured. The Northside townhomes must have started Phase II? I haven't seen anything on that yet. Supposedly all of the first phase are sold.

Spicer Village has been unsuccessful due to the high cost to own/rent, the same problem with Northside Lofts. UPA has a great plan in place for the whole area around Spicer Village. It's going to be a mix of more townhomes and apartment buildings. These should be at a better price point, allowing more people to move to that area.

Some materials going on the facade at Bridgestone.

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt expected in Fairlawn June 8, 2011 by Lisa Abraham Leave a Comment Filed under: Dining Tagged with Expected to open in Fairlawn this summer is a franchise of Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, which will be in the Shops of Fairlawn next to the new Earth Fare grocery store. http://the330.com/dining/menchies-frozen-yogurt-expected-in-fairlawn/ Tim's Pizzeria owner returns with new eatery Pasta, homemade soups, sandwiches, in addition to pizza at Falls location By Lisa Abraham Beacon Journal food writer This time, Tim's Pizzeria and Pub, at 2823 Bailey Road in the Falls, is more than a carryout. It's a casual sit-down restaurant with a bar, offering a full menu as well as pizza. Carrabine, who is doing the cooking, said pizza is the specialty of the house, but there's also pasta (including mussels marinara for those still missing DiLullo's), homemade soups and sandwiches. Carrabine makes his own dough and bread daily, along with desserts. http://www.ohio.com/lifestyle/123440504.html Tito’s Mexican Grill in Fairlawn expected to open June 8, 2011 by Lisa Abraham Leave a Comment Filed under: Dining Tagged with Springfield resident Fernando Leon said he expects to open his Tito’s Mexican Grill in Fairlawn within the next two weeks. Leon is going into the former Egg Castle at 25 Ghent Road. The restaurant is ready to go, but Leon is waiting on final approval for the restaurant’s liquor license. ”We are very eager,” he said. This is Leon’s first restaurant. His father operates the El Meson, formerly El Rincon, on Portage Trail in Cuyahoga Falls, while his business partner also runs the El Rincon on South Arlington Street. http://the330.com/dining/titos-mexican-grill-in-fairlawn-expected-to-open/

Akron OKs Goodyear deck Company to build five-story parking structure, skyway to go with headquarters By Stephanie Warsmith Beacon Journal staff writer A big building needs a big parking deck. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.'s new headquarters will be 639,000 square feet and seven stories. The company's new employee parking deck will be 994,550 square feet and five stories. http://www.ohio.com/news/123305038.html New housing, presumably, going in across from the Falls Sheraton. They don't have a project sign up. Some new construction I don't remember hearing about, S. Summit St. Downtown. I think it said it was some type of plastics engineering center.

Farmers markets, new and old, to start opening this weekend Highland Square to host event; other changes planned in area By Lisa Abraham Beacon Journal food writer Farmers markets will be putting up their awnings this weekend and next to start the summer season — including new markets in Akron's Highland Square, Peninsula and North Canton. The Countryside Conservancy moves its Thursday market at Stan Hywet Hall to Wednesdays on Conger Avenue in Highland Square. http://www.ohio.com/lifestyle/122557029.html

I think they either had a soft opening or they just invited some food critics. Oh, and its Vida, with a 'D'.

Lots of restaurant news: State of the Plate: Best Restaurants 2011 http://clevelandmagazine.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=E73ABD6180B44874871A91F6BA5C249C&nm=Article+Archives&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=1578600D80804596A222593669321019&tier=4&id=A792CCE3DBEE4454BD0FC7152E008FCE Metro Bar + Kitchen closes in Cleveland's Warehouse District, making way for Bar Louie: Restaurant Row Metro Bar + Kitchen is out, and Bar Louie is moving in at the corner of West Sixth Street and St. Clair Avenue in Cleveland's Warehouse District. Joe Saccone, principal partner for Beachwood-based Hyde Park Restaurant Systems, confirms that his company has sold rights to the space at 1352 West Sixth St. http://www.cleveland.com/dining/index.ssf/2011/05/bar_louie_to_take_over_metro_b.html Brandt Evans' Pura Vida, Sam McNulty's Market Garden among new Cleveland restaurants to make the scene in coming weeks: Restaurant Row • Pura Vida, popular chef Brandt Evans' latest place, will be first to open -- early next month, right on Public Square in downtown Cleveland. The 100-seat restaurant, plus 30 patio seats, looks out onto the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. Evans will initially focus on breakfast and lunch, with casual dinner service to come a few weeks later. http://www.cleveland.com/dining/index.ssf/2011/05/brandt_evans_pura_vida_sam_mcn.html

Bar Louie Describes Plans for Downtown Expansion into Metro Space Posted by Douglas Trattner on Tue, May 24, 2011 at 10:23 AM News of Metro Bar and Kitchen's (1352 W. Sixth St.) sudden closure in the Warehouse District after a 10-year-run was a shock to almost everybody except the new tenant: Bar Louie. "The ownership of Metro decided they no longer wanted to be in the downtown Cleveland market," explains Erika Buesing, senior director of marketing for Bar Louie restaurants. "So they approached us knowing that we were planning to expand." http://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2011/05/24/bar-louie-describes-plans-for-downtown-expansion-into-metro-space

More New Quality Housing is Coming to the Edgewood Area Published: Tuesday, May 24, 2011 Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic today announced a major new housing project that will revitalize and enhance a neighborhood in southwest Akron through the construction of 25 new single family homes and the rehabilitation of five single-family homes in the area bounded by Moon and Mallison Streets in the Edgewood Urban Renewal district. http://ci.akron.oh.us/news_releases/Display.asp?RecNum=384

I have a friend that was working there. As was already stated, they weren't doing bad, they just got a great offer for the place. A hot trend starts to pop up in Cleveland Blog entry: May 23, 2011, 11:08 am | Author: KATHY CARR Red Restaurant Group is acquainting the Cleveland market to one of the latest food industry crazes — the pop-up restaurant. Brad Friedlander, CEO of the Beachwood-based company, said the temporary eatery will materialize for two weeks sometime in August at a yet-to-be-determined site. The pop-up will preview the company's latest concept — Rosso — a contemporary Italian restaurant that is scheduled to open in November in Boca Raton, Fla. http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20110523/BLOGS02/110529962/-1/BLOGS

Summa builds health center in needy Akron neighborhood Published: Sunday, May 22, 2011, 5:00 PM The Plain Dealer By Sarah Jane Tribble, The Plain Dealer AKRON, Ohio -- A quick drive down South Hawkins Avenue to a part of West Akron that city planners targeted for redevelopment reveals shuttered shops and vacant buildings. Front yards in this once-middle-class pocket are full of for-sale and foreclosure signs. "We have a lot of people out of work," the Rev. Herman Matherson explained one recent morning as he stood in front of the neighborhood's 7,000- member megachurch, the House of the Lord. http://www.cleveland.com/healthfit/index.ssf/2011/05/summa_builds_health_center_in.html

Kent approves student housing City Council allows zone change for 596-bed complex despite objections from some neighbors By Paula Schleis Beacon Journal staff writer KENT: The City Council changed a neighborhood's zoning designation to allow for a 596-bed student apartment complex despite residents' fears that the dense housing will ruin the largely single-family neighborhood. Officials spent months considering a request by Edwards Communities Development Co. to create a ''residential redevelopment overlay district'' that would allow for student housing on a 10-acre tract bordered by South Lincoln Street, East Summit Street and Morris Road. http://www.ohio.com/news/122284289.html rendering there

The Eater Cleveland Heat Map: Where to Eat Right Now Thursday, May 12, 2011, by Gabe Ulla Today we head to Cleveland, a city not yet under the Eater purview, and focus on ten newish locales that have been garnering serious buzz. For this edition, local expert Douglas Trattner, who's the dining editor at Cleveland Scene as well as a guidebook author, has taken the reigns and shared his thoughts on the hottest drinking and dining his city currently has to offer. http://eater.com/archives/2011/05/12/the-eater-cleveland-heat-map-where-to-eat-right-now.php List; Sweet Moses, Cropicana, Fat Casual BBQ, Happy Dog, Washington Place Bistro, Deagan's Kitchen & Bar, AMP 150, ABC the Tavern, Dim and Den Sum, Market at the Fig

Bridgestone moving along:

Medical school prepares for more research New building will house center for education, study on campus in Rootstown By Cheryl Powell Beacon Journal medical writer ROOTSTOWN TWP.: The region's medical school is breaking further into research, commercialization and job creation. To reach these goals, the Northeast Ohio Medical University broke ground Monday for a $42 million Research and Graduate Education building on its Rootstown Township campus. http://www.ohio.com/news/121977148.html Kent zoning board OKs plans for hotel By Ben Wolford | Staff Writer Plans for a Kent State University hotel and conference center are OK by the Board of Zoning Appeals, board members said Monday. To clear one of the last lines of red tape, representatives from the hotel's developers requested a variance to a zoning provision that requires 70 percent frontage along a downtown section of Haymaker Parkway. Only 24.5 percent of the triangular-shaped hotel would front Haymaker Parkway once it's finished in 2012. http://www.recordpub.com/news/article/5036425

Setback possible in bridge project City's construction manager says fence coating likely to deteriorate; fixing problem could hold up work By Stephanie Warsmith The plan to add a fence to the All-America Bridge has been stalled because of a problem with the fence's coating. An analysis showed the brown coating with black speckles would be defective in a few years — either flaking off, breaking up or leaving a white, chalky texture. http://www.ohio.com/news/top_stories/121876383.html