True, but the property being freed up downtown near the convention center and Greystone makes for a nice piece of hotel property.

 

I doubt that the church will be torn down in favor for a hotel. There are a few surface areas without building structures near the convention center. Demolition isnt cheap.  Personally, there may be a need for a hotel on the south side of downtown if that area keeps seeing growth.

 

 

Is there any word on the new Diebold location yet?

 

 

 

 

It sounded like Diebold was going to Green from the way the Mayor there was talking. I haven't seen anything formal yet though.

 

Economy revs up in University Park

 

Study finds institutions have impact

 

By Betty Lin-Fisher

and Cheryl Powell

 

The major anchor institutions located in or near University Park have a direct total economic impact of $2.5 billion within the area and an indirect impact of $3.5 billion within Ohio, according to a new study released Tuesday.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/top_stories/120760299.html

Urban planners envision vibrant Akron

 

Master plan created by renowned firm divides downtown into districts to utilize 'untapped development potential'

 

By Betty Lin-Fisher

Beacon Journal business writer

 

Akron's downtown and surrounding areas are really made up of three main streets and four distinct business districts, which should be developed into vibrant, walkable spaces for businesses and homes, according to a master plan developed by a world-renowned architecture and planning firm.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/top_stories/121483118.html

Urban planners envision vibrant Akron

 

Master plan created by renowned firm divides downtown into districts to utilize 'untapped development potential'

 

By Betty Lin-Fisher

Beacon Journal business writer

 

Akron's downtown and surrounding areas are really made up of three main streets and four distinct business districts, which should be developed into vibrant, walkable spaces for businesses and homes, according to a master plan developed by a world-renowned architecture and planning firm.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/top_stories/121483118.html

 

Looking forward to hearing more about this.

 

I can't help but imagine that the original O'neals building- before the big teardown that should've never happened- would have made for some amazing residential...that "renovation" was just tragic for me personally.

 

One thing that could really foster development is simply calming the speed traffic.

 

Just as in C-bus, the one way streets create a "highway effect" with speeding cars right in the core of the city. Slow that down, and you open up potential for more foot traffic and business downtown.

 

Check out the UPA Master Plan video...

 

http://tinyurl.com/6xfcbce

 

^^^ Watched the splashy video for the University Park Alliance.  Some interesting fun helicopter footage at the beginning.  Towards the end I slowed it down and paused their ideas of where they see there needs to be new development.  I don't see a lot of it as very likely.  They might get pieces of some but I don't see a "legacy village" development taking over the zip strip.  With all the variety of venues available in Akron, I think it will be a hard sell to put a venue in the place of lock 3 park, the caveat being if EJ Thomas Performing Arts is going to be scuttled.  Some of the buildings around the hospitals look doable.  Some lofts along the canal I suppose is doable.  But I don't see the canal being THAT big of a draw that people want "canal-front" property..  That seems a little over the top. 

  I kept my eyes peeled for any transportation suggestions.  It looks like they didn't really focus on that at least from the video.  I'm curious to see what they may have put into the report.  I'm guessing since they released that on Wednesday, maybe it will be in the Sunday BJ?  It just seemed more like at least in the video's case that where they saw an open space they visualized a big building that might be able to fit in that space.

Nice!  I just drove by that area not two weeks ago and it wasn't at this level yet.

 

As for the UPA video: Some of the proposals in there are more realistic than others, and others I had trouble identifying.  (I was actually surprised that I was able to watch it at work ... maybe the anti-streaming firewall is temporarily down here.)  I was also surprised at how far the UPA vision extended ... well into the heart of downtown (the Canal District and Main/Canal Park proposals) and even out to West Exchange.

 

I know a certain other forumite is going to take particular note of the proposed arena site by Canal Park, but rather than reopen that mod-sealed can of worms from the other thread, I also noted some other things there:

 

(1) "Canal District."  This looks like the area along the Canal roughly parallel to South Main south of Cedar, near the GOJO and AES buildings.  More specifically, *behind* the GOJO and AES buildings, as well as across the canal from them.  That basically buries those proposed retail/loft residential buildings in the back of a very large and not particularly scenic parking lot.  I'd be happy enough if they simply managed to extend the Towpath Trail down through there, out over the canal itself for a short stretch to get past the rear of the Canal Place complex, and reconnected it to the Towpath Trail along Bartges.

 

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see more residential on the south side of downtown, I'm excited to see the 105 Lofts coming on the old Parrish McIntyre site, and I readily admit that the southern reaches of downtown are one of the more land-rich areas in terms of underdeveloped and developable land within the downtown core area.  That said, I'm trying to envision the demographic that might move into residential lofts along there and I'm drawing a mild blank--and I work in the AES building.

 

(2) The "University Square" idea likewise seems a little bit of a stretch, given that Spicer Village has struggled a little bit in that area so far, and that might be fairly called the first pebble intended to create ripples into the development of higher middle-class homes, shops, and offices in that area.  Sadly, downtown Akron already has a significant amount of vacant office space, and though newer buildings might be able to offer Class A office space that many downtown offices currently don't, it still might well not be enough to swing the difference.

 

(3) West Exchange, ironically given that it's the farthest from the university, is the one that I was most excited about and that looked realistic if they get buy-in from the city and from the hospitals (Children's and General) in that area.

 

Obviously, I'll keep my fingers crossed for all of their visions, and I wish them the best across the board.

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.

Let's remember that UPA's mission (and it is a good one) is to develop the 50 block area around the campus and not the campus itself. It seems that this architect has gone beyond the mission statement of UPA. Archtects are dreamers and many, like this one dream to edify themselves as opposed to the area. By the way, there is no proposed arena site. That proposal will come strictly from UA and not UPA. The video depicting the arena downtown is nothing more than a pipe dream by a few individuals with greedy political agendas.

Let's remember that UPA's mission (and it is a good one) is to develop the 50 block area around the campus and not the campus itself.

 

Which of those shots involved building on the campus itself?

The part that put the UA arena downtown that's what shot involved the campus itself. Also, UPA's presentation involved more than video shots. Try reading the quotes from Stanton Eckstute. You want to start with your minutia that got the other thread locked? Bring it. Wanting to "Blur the distinction between the city and campus" is involving the campus."

 

Stop being disengenuous and provoking.

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.

 

I still have a soft spot in my heart for Northside Lofts, though I have to admit that the sales figures are on your side.  I visited an open house (open condo?) last fall at Northside, just after the leaves had turned colors but before they had fallen.  The view really was gorgeous.

 

Are those plans for UPA around Spicer Village on the Web somewhere?  I didn't find anything on http://www.upakron.com/ and Google was otherwise letting me down.  (I did see that UPA just recently started a <a href="http://www.upakron.com/wordpress/">blog</a> on the UPA Web site, though.  That's good to know.)

And I see that they are starting to build more townhouses at Northside. The townhouses are moving south (up the hill) along Howard Street toward the W&LE railroad bridge. Great to see!!

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.

NEOtropolis did a great story on the University Park Alliance's plan on revitalizing Akron. Start the video around 7:40 to view the segment.

The renderings look great, and I believe with a vision like this it will truly make Akron a great place to live.  Exciting to hear that they hope to get a phase of this off the ground in 15-18 months! :)

 

Here is the video:

NEOtropolis did a great story on the University Park Alliance's plan on revitalizing Akron. Start the video around 7:40 to view the segment.

The renderings look great, and I believe with a vision like this it will truly make Akron a great place to live.  Exciting to hear that they hope to get a phase of this off the ground in 15-18 months! :)

 

Here is the video:

 

This is a tremendous vision and it does look amazing.

 

Thanks for posting!!

No problem! I am very excited about this project, and I can not wait to see this happen.

 

I hope to sit down with Eric Johnson (President of the University Park Alliance) sometime in the next month in hopes to discuss a project I am working on with the University of Akron chapter of  Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE).

 

I am project leader, and what we are hoping to do is acquire a vacant building downtown where we may be able to put around 4-5 businesses. These would be storefront businesses such as art galleries, delis, pastry/coffee shops, clothing, etc..  The businesses would come from young local entrepreneurs, and we plan to partner with a couple organizations in order to come up with the proper funding as well as help build their business plans. The objective of this project is to get young graduates and professionals in the city to get excited about downtown and to help make it one of their own. If our cities goal is to help retain local talent we want to make it appealing to them. With this project I hope to do that through proper forms of marketing and events. If anyone has any suggestions I would love to hear them. Thank you.

I really enjoyed the neotropolis story. Very informative. I saw it Saturday and watched again online. The best idea is the canal townhouses. If they are built and priced modestly they will sell. And if Akron could get one of those urban walmarts then downtown living in Akron could possibly boom. There is a current trend of urbanized living. Hopefully it catches in Akron.

 

FYI, the steel structure for the skywalk is put in place at the bridgesrine tech center. Looks like it's at ground level when coming towards it from the south.

uastudent12, thanks for posting the video. Looks like an exciting project.

 

And as a former member of SIFE more than 20 years ago, I'm glad to hear it's still going strong.

Glad to see a fellow  SIFE alumni on here!

 

In regards to UPA's vision for the four areas in Akron it would be great to see the possibility of a streetcar system that might possibly connect them. I realize it's a stretch, but with urbanization such as this I could see it being a viable option for transportation from one corner of the city to another.

University Park Alliance to buy former Fred Martin site on East Market Street

 

By Betty Lin-Fisher

Beacon Journal business reporter

 

Published: August 27, 2011 - 12:46 AM

 

Workers with Cardinal Environmental in Akron prepare the buildings at the former Fred Martin car dealership on E. Market St. in Akron for demolition on Thursday. The University Park Alliance is in the final stages of purchasing the former business. The buildings at the former Fred Martin Chevrolet dealership on East Market Street in Akron will soon be demolished to clear the land for its next owners, who plan a mixed-use project for the site.

 

http://www.ohio.com/business/university-park-alliance-to-buy-former-fred-martin-site-on-east-market-street-1.231820

The University Park Alliance has signed a master plan developer to help them flesh out their vision for the blocks that surround the University of Akron campus.  I figured it was worthy of having its own thread once that happened rather than staying in the random category..  Here's the article from yesterday's ABJ:

 

http://www.ohio.com/business/international-firm-s-partnership-is-jolt-for-university-park-alliance-plans-1.240452

 

International firm’s partnership is “jolt” for University Park Alliance plans

 

By Betty Lin-Fisher

Beacon Journal business writer

 

Published: October 16, 2011 - 07:27 AM

 

The University Park Alliance, a nonprofit group working on the redevelopment of 50 city blocks around the University of Akron and surrounding downtown areas, has entered a partnership with an international real estate firm known for its work on sports stadiums and aquariums.

 

Last spring, the UPA showed off what it called a “Master Plan” put together with the university, business partners and city and county government. The plan divided the area into four districts of downtown along three major roads — Market, Exchange and Main streets.

 

Now KUD International LLC, with offices in New York, London, Long Beach, Calif., and Orlando, Fla., has joined with UPA on what is being called a “master services agreement.” It will give the company responsibility for developing a portion of the projects outlined by UPA.

 

The partnership also allows KUD, whose parent company is Kajima Corp. of Japan, to work on financial and other resource issues to help local and other developers secure financing and reduce risk.

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/

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

As usual, the comments on Ohio.com are pessimistic and detached from reality, but part of me understands their skepticism in this particular case.

 

I know virtually nothing about urban planning and how this sort of thing works. Is it odd that an international firm with offices in SoCal and London decided to invest in such in a large scale project in a mid sized Ohio city?

 

I'm honestly just curious. I don't know how KUD or any of these "international economic development" firms operate. Is this just pie-in-the sky political posturing, or is it likely that these guys mean business? A little bit of both?

After living in Akron for ten years, I always approach this kind of news with a "wait and see" attitude.

 

Change happens there at such a glacial pace...I'd love to see some real improvements there in my lifetime.

 

I guess we'll see what happens.

As a former Akron resident and UofA alumni this is great to see! Akron really needs to address neighborhood development surrounding the downtown core, and this looks like a nice vision. Right now Akron definitely lacks pedestrian oriented neighborhoods, so it's nice to see that people are making steps to change that.

As usual, the comments on Ohio.com are pessimistic and detached from reality, but part of me understands their skepticism in this particular case.

 

I know virtually nothing about urban planning and how this sort of thing works. Is it odd that an international firm with offices in SoCal and London decided to invest in such in a large scale project in a mid sized Ohio city?

 

I'm honestly just curious. I don't know how KUD or any of these "international economic development" firms operate. Is this just pie-in-the sky political posturing, or is it likely that these guys mean business? A little bit of both?

 

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/

Just look at the first project KUD lists on its website to see why the company would be attracted to Akron. Like UCF, The University of Akron is a growing campus that is transforming itself from a commuter school, to a traditional university. While Akron is nowhere near the size of UCF, UA main campus still is the third largest in Ohio with over 25,000 students.

 

surfohio,

 

Not sure why the pessimism. The university is going to be highly involved in this project. Say what you want about the city of Akron, but under Dr. Proenza, UA has arguably had more new construction than any other university in Ohio in the last decade. And that is without the same kind of endowment other university's have at their exposal. The good news is, that the UA endowment has doubled in the last decade, so I don't see the momementum slowing any time soon.

surfohio,

 

Not sure why the pessimism. The university is going to be highly involved in this project. Say what you want about the city of Akron, but under Dr. Proenza, UA has arguably had more new construction than any other university in Ohio in the last decade. And that is without the same kind of endowment other university's have at their exposal. The good news is, that the UA endowment has doubled in the last decade, so I don't see the momementum slowing any time soon.

 

I love the U of Akron and think Dr. Proenza is great. I'm an alum for both undergrad and grad school. My problem is that the U of A has a very poor record for the "urban" aspect of their planning.

 

Just look at the new dorms by the stadium; there is no street or sidewalk presence whatsoever. Same goes for the Polsky building, which is confounding since it's right in the heart of downtown. This is a premier location downtown and it's been turned into an unwelcoming fortress on Main. It's a real wasted opportunity.

 

Plus, the placement and design of the latest parking garages show me they have no conceptual bearing on what makes a community walkable and vibrant. 

 

Instead it seems the University has a much more suburban and car-oriented mentality about things. So ironic when you're trying to shed the dreaded commuter school image.

 

I hope the new development has a better urban context, but since the plan is to scour the earth with virtually all new construction I have some doubts.

 

At best it can be like the Arena District in Columbus...sure some of the character seems manufactured, a little bit sterile, but attractive architecture that fits in with the city surroundings.

 

At worst, I'm thinking suburban lifestyle center like Crocker Park...soulless, fake-ish and cheap looking. I hope that's not the case. Akron is a city of great history and deserves better than that.

 

 

 

Just look at the new dorms by the stadium; there is no street or sidewalk presence whatsoever.

You mean the one on Spicer? That's in a residential area across the street from a couple dumpy looking frat houses. What do you want them to put there? The dorms are butted up against the sidewalk...it's not like they plopped a big surface lot in between the sidewalk and the dorm..

 

By comparison, look at what they did with the Exchange Street dorms. Wouldn't that be a positive? The entire bottom floor is full of storefront retail.

 

Same goes for the Polsky building, which is confounding since it's right in the heart of downtown. This is a premier location downtown and it's been turned into an unwelcoming fortress on Main. It's a real wasted opportunity.

Are you referring to the storefronts downhill facing main street that are basically being used as adspace for the University? In that case, yeah, I agree with you. I don't know the story behind that--has the university tried leasing out those spaces?

 

Plus, the placement and design of the latest parking garages show me they have no conceptual bearing on what makes a community walkable and vibrant.

 

Akron is not CSU. The campus is centered around pedestrian walkways, with parking decks mainly at the outer reaches of campus. You're probably referring to the new deck on Exchange(across from the dorms I was just praising a second ago :-D). In which case, it was definitely a misuse of potential. But then again, you have to be practical. There's only so much room for parking on the exterior of the campus. If there's any place they SHOULD have put a deck on Exchange, that's it. As far away as possible from the old "Zip Strip".

 

Which, by the way, the zip strip sucks from an urban standpoint. It's nice to see EuroGyro upgrade their place from a crappy converted home to a decent, brick storefront. Definitely encouraging.

Speaking of the Zip Strip, did anyone else notice that old brick building at the corner of Spicer and Exchange is gone? They demolished it this summer. And you're never going to guess what the owner replaced it with...

 

A surface lot.

 

The more things change, the more they stay the same...good grief.

 

By the way, if the University never finds the funding for the rest of the Spicer dorms, I'm going to be pissed. They demolished the old building where Joe's bar and Grille used to be, which had a better street presence than the surface parking lot that's currently sitting there until they can come up with the money for the dorms...

 

Oh, and I believe they finally demolished the old car wash across the street as well. Even if they didn't, it's just sitting there empty, waiting...

 

In other words, 3/4 of the corners in what should be the most vibrant intersection of University Park are essentially surface parking lots. How frustrating! There's over 10,000 kids living in University Park! Make something happen!

 

 

surfohio,

 

Not sure why the pessimism. The university is going to be highly involved in this project. Say what you want about the city of Akron, but under Dr. Proenza, UA has arguably had more new construction than any other university in Ohio in the last decade. And that is without the same kind of endowment other university's have at their exposal. The good news is, that the UA endowment has doubled in the last decade, so I don't see the momementum slowing any time soon.

 

I love the U of Akron and think Dr. Proenza is great. I'm an alum for both undergrad and grad school. My problem is that the U of A has a very poor record for the "urban" aspect of their planning.

 

Just look at the new dorms by the stadium; there is no street or sidewalk presence whatsoever. Same goes for the Polsky building, which is confounding since it's right in the heart of downtown. This is a premier location downtown and it's been turned into an unwelcoming fortress on Main. It's a real wasted opportunity.

 

Plus, the placement and design of the latest parking garages show me they have no conceptual bearing on what makes a community walkable and vibrant. 

 

Instead it seems the University has a much more suburban and car-oriented mentality about things. So ironic when you're trying to shed the dreaded commuter school image.

 

I hope the new development has a better urban context, but since the plan is to scour the earth with virtually all new construction I have some doubts.

 

At best it can be like the Arena District in Columbus...sure some of the character seems manufactured, a little bit sterile, but attractive architecture that fits in with the city surroundings.

 

At worst, I'm thinking suburban lifestyle center like Crocker Park...soulless, fake-ish and cheap looking. I hope that's not the case. Akron is a city of great history and deserves better than that.

 

 

 

 

Republicrats stole some of my thunder, though I pretty much agree with everything he/she said. Especially the new residential on Exchange. That's a prime example of UA being urban friendly, especially if you remember what was there before ... a suburban style National City Bank and a UA building (can't remember the name) that was surrounded by parking lots on all sides. Now it's built at street level, with retail on the bottom level. The interior is a green space courtyard. That is 1,000 percent improved over what was there.

 

I also agree about the parking garage. You can argue about putting it right on Exchange, but where else would they put it? I guess they could've put it on the other side of Exchange and put the aformentioned dorms on the campus side of the street.  But you have to figure that building it how the university did, made more sense because there are far more people who are parking in the deck than people who are living in the dorms across the street. So it gives an easier path to campus (crossing Exchange) to more people. Plus, it seems like the university is about keeping the south side of exchange as the retail portion, at least the area between Wolfs Ledges and Brown. Since you're talking about a fringe area of campus, not a big deal.

 

I also don't see how anybody can complain about the new dorms around the stadium, especially if it ever gets completed like it was planned. Remember what was in that area before? Dorms surrounded by surface lots and a couple of crummy houses on Nash. Now you potentially have dorms built to the street surrounded by a stadium. And if those dorms ever get built where they wrap around the stadium, like planned, I'm sure you could see some first-level retail incorporated.

 

Anybody who remembers what UA looked like even a decade ago, can't really question the university's efforts to make campus more pedestrian friendly and less car dependent. I remember when Union and Carroll streets where open to cars and went right through what is essentially the center of campus. If UA was trying to cater to suburban-style, car dependent students, they would've kept those streets open. That alone, made the campus 100 times more walkable. Before, the area was congested with cars and was a drop-off zone up and down. Now, the only real drop-off zone is the circle off of Buchtel Ave.

 

Lastly, as far as new construction vs. preserving what is already near campus, I'm all for new construction because, as long as it's built to street level, there really isn't anything along Exchange that can't be touched. We're not exactly talking High Street along the OSU campus. Though the university did bungle that with allowing McDonald's to rebuilt between Sherman and Allyn (horrible decision). Still, the entire strip between Sherman and Brown (including the new McDonald's) can be torn down and rebuilt and be way better than it currently is, if it's done right. If that makes it feel like the Arena District, so be it (not that I think there's anything wrong with the Arena District anyway). It definitely won't be Crocker Park.

Speaking of the Zip Strip, did anyone else notice that old brick building at the corner of Spicer and Exchange is gone? They demolished it this summer. And you're never going to guess what the owner replaced it with...

 

A surface lot.

 

The more things change, the more they stay the same...good grief.

 

By the way, if the University never finds the funding for the rest of the Spicer dorms, I'm going to be pissed. They demolished the old building where Joe's bar and Grille used to be, which had a better street presence than the surface parking lot that's currently sitting there until they can come up with the money for the dorms...

 

Oh, and I believe they finally demolished the old car wash across the street as well. Even if they didn't, it's just sitting there empty, waiting...

 

In other words, 3/4 of the corners in what should be the most vibrant intersection of University Park are essentially surface parking lots. How frustrating! There's over 10,000 kids living in University Park! Make something happen!

 

 

 

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.

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.

 

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.

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.

 

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

...oh, and it's "sandwich artist", ha

 

Woops.

 

Don't let my sub artist know about this.

I wasn't sure where to post this, but I just received an e-mail from the UA Police department that contained a couple (somewhat) interesting tidbits.

 

 

Periodically, we like to remind you and other members of the University community about the safety services that we employ at The University of Akron. Further, I want to make you aware of the additional measures we take to enhance safety in neighborhoods near campus.

 

Police chief Paul CallahanPolice officers at The University of Akron are fully commissioned by the state of Ohio and have full law-enforcement authority identical to municipal police officers and sheriff's deputies. Our officers patrol campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Because we are committed to safety, we have expanded our patrol area to include the neighborhoods near campus with higher student density. We also benefit from having close ties to city of Akron police and other law enforcement agencies.

 

We also are pleased to report that within the next month, we expect to add seven officers to our police force, bringing the total to 44. Because the University is an employer of choice in the city of Akron, most of our new officers will bring with them years of experience and specialized skills in such areas as community policing and detective work.

 

We also offer additional services to our off-campus students:

 

    The University’s new Office of Off-campus Student Services now provides enhanced programming and services, so that students may live more securely and smartly in their non-campus environment. Visit the office's website.

    We also have extended the weekend routes and hours (now until 4 a.m., Thursday through Saturday) of our free Roo Express Shuttle service, so that students can travel the campus and near campus areas more safely and conveniently. Learn more about the late-night shuttle.

    Finally, our Campus Patrol employees still are available to escort students to and from campus locations between 5 p.m. and 2 a.m. daily during the fall and spring semesters. Arrange for a free campus patrol by calling 330-972-7263.

 

To discourage people from walking in the neighborhoods late at night after partying, a team of university personnel — police officers and others — will be out reminding pedestrians about the late-night Roo shuttle service, as well as encouraging them to take precautions to better assure their safety. So if you are approached, be cool and courteous — they’re simply trying to make our community safer.

 

As part of our commitment to safety, during the course of the year, you will occasionally receive a Safety Alert e-mail from the University. These messages are intended to provide essential information when the University believes there is a situation of which the campus community should be aware or, perhaps, to elicit tips to further the success of ongoing police investigations. University police report that several investigations have been successfully resolved through tips received from these notices.

 

You may learn more about these programs and more on our safety website. The website offers a wide variety of safety information, including: fire safety information, how to register for cell phone alerts and the University’s annual safety report.

 

In addition to the safety measures employed by the University, the nonprofit University Park Alliance expects to have an agreement in place within weeks that will result in the addition of private security officers to the University Park area near campus. Wearing highly visible uniforms, the security officers will be on bicycle and foot patrol, assisting students and serving as additional eyes and ears for police. Other metropolitan-sited universities have taken this extra step to favorable effect.

 

The alliance is working on other long-term solutions to improve the physical appearance and economic vitality of the 50-block neighborhood that circles campus. I hope you were able to read the recent Beacon Journal article about the new agreement between the alliance and KUD International that should accelerate this important work.

 

Please know that we are fully committed to maintaining a safe environment for learning and research, as I hope this letter indicates.

 

As always, I encourage you to call or write with your questions and comments.

 

Cordially,

 

Paul Callahan

Assistant Vice President for Campus Safety and Chief of Police

330-972-6166 or [email protected]

http://www.uakron.edu/safety/police/

 

I could have just posted the bit about UPA, but I decided to post everything in case anyone was interested.

UPA marks site for future first project

 

By Betty Lin-Fisher

Beacon Journal business writer

 

The University Park Alliance is now the official owner of the former Fred Martin Chevrolet auto dealership land on East Market and Forge streets.

 

The UPA, a nonprofit group working on the redevelopment of 50 city blocks around the University of Akron and surrounding downtown areas, last spring showed off what it called a “Master Plan” put together with the university, business partners and city and county government. The plan divided the area into four districts of downtown along three major roads — Market, Exchange and Main streets.

 

http://www.ohio.com/business/lin-fisher/upa-marks-site-for-future-first-project-1.254460

I am really hopeful for this plan.

 

Done the right way, it could inject some serious life into campus and downtown. It would literally transform the entire area, making it a real destination.

 

Other info:

 

In other business, council:

 

• Approved plans for Child Guidance and Family Solutions to build a headquarters at the northwest corner of East Market and North Forge streets. The agency plans to spend about $4.5 million on a 25,000-square-foot, two-story building — the first of a two-phase project that will include a separate facility on East Market Street owned by Child Guidance but leased to a Columbus-based private developer. The second facility will include retail, restaurants, offices and health facilities.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/akron-purchasing-former-bridgestone-facilities-developer-may-buy-them-from-the-city-1.284858

Child Guidance agency to move to UPA site

 

By Cheryl Powell

Beacon Journal medical writer

Published: April 11, 2012 - 09:49 AM | Updated: April 11, 2012 - 12:16 PM

 

A counseling agency that provides behavioral health services to thousands of area children and families is building a $4.5 million headquarters on a former car dealership property in Akron.

 

Child Guidance & Family Solutions announced plans for its new headquarters at the northwest corner of East Market and North Forge streets during its Mending Hearts & Minds annual breakfast with community leaders Wednesday morning.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/top-stories/child-guidance-agency-to-move-to-upa-site-1.294148

Thursday, 12 April 2012 09:14

University Park Alliance signs agreement to develop Market Square Project

Written by  Staff Report

 

UPA and Equity will be working aggressively to identify and recruit a mix of tenants that are focused on medical, innovation, retail and possibly education –- all in support of the City’s Biomedical Corridor. The first building, scheduled to be under construction this spring, will be 25,000-square-feet in two stories with the foundational capacity to support a future third story, and will house the central offices of Child Guidance & Family Solutions. The second building is proposed to be approximately three times larger than the first and is expected to be under construction by fall 2012.

 

http://www.akronist.com/News/University-Park-Alliance-signs-agreement-to-develop-Market-Square-Project.html

 

Building projects announced for UPA at former Fred Martin Chevrolet site

 

By Betty Lin-Fisher
and Cheryl Powell

Beacon Journal business writers

 

Two new buildings planned at a former car dealership are helping drive efforts to revitalize the neighborhood surrounding the University of Akron.

 

A $15 million to $20 million medical, educational and retail building will join the headquarters of a counseling agency at the former Fred Martin Chevrolet site on East Market Street.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/break-news/building-projects-announced-for-upa-at-former-fred-martin-chevrolet-site-1.294139

Two potential businesses win honors in UPA contest

 

By Betty Lin-Fisher

Beacon Journal business writer

Published: April 24, 2012 - 10:28 PM

 

A fine art printmaking studio and gallery and a state-of-the-art indoor climbing facility have earned top honors among six finalists in the University Park Alliance (UPA) Start UP! Business Plan Competition.

 

A panel of judges and advisory board members from the community picked the winners, Rubber City Prints and Summit City Climbing Gym, from 25 applicants that competed in the event sponsored by the Charter One Foundation.

 

http://www.ohio.com/business/two-potential-businesses-win-honors-in-upa-contest-1.302658

UPA has plans for next moves

 

By Betty Lin-Fisher

Beacon Journal business writer

Published: May 5, 2012 - 06:11 PM

 

University Park Alliance has made good progress on new projects in and around downtown Akron and in engaging the community in the last year with several more developments close to fruition, the executive director of the organization said.

 

“In a nine- to 12-month span, we really knocked some stuff out of the box,” said Eric Anthony Johnson, executive director of the UPA, a nonprofit group working on the redevelopment of 50 city blocks around the University of Akron and surrounding areas.

 

http://www.ohio.com/business/upa-has-plans-for-next-moves-1.305097

I know these things take time, and that Akron doesn't have the economic muscle and momentum of Columbus or even Cleveland to set a whole lot in motion at once. Nonetheless, it will be nice to eventually drive or walk down a revitalized East Market that has developed into a thriving district with a pulse after 5 pm and on weekends.

University Park Alliance buys 12 Akron homes in effort to stabilize Mason neighborhood

 

By Betty Lin-Fisher

Beacon Journal business writer

 

University Park Alliance has purchased 12 homes along Excelsior Avenue in Akron in its first effort to rehabilitate houses and stabilize neighborhoods.

 

The homes, all in a neighborhood near Mason Community Learning Center, were already in good physical shape and will be given some TLC, said Eric Anthony Johnson, UPA executive director.

 

http://www.ohio.com/business/university-park-alliance-buys-12-akron-homes-in-effort-to-stabilize-mason-neighborhood-1.310984

Does anyone know what's going on at the corner of Exchange & Grant where the Greenleaf Family center used to be? I drove by and saw that it was demolished.

^I wondered about that too. I figured the building was going to be demoed eventually, but now that the new UA residence hall behind it is nearly done, it seems unfortunate that the demolition didn't occur sooner and that the residence hall wasn't built on its spot instead for the sake of filling out the density at that section of E. Exchange and extending the street wall. I would have to guess that there are plans being worked out to build some sort of mixed use multi-story building in its place with street level restaurants/retail and perhaps some small office space or studio apartments above it.

Yes, it will possibly be another phase of the residence halls that are currently under construction. There was a rendering in the newspaper about a year or so ago.

 

EDIT:

actually, the rendering that had a building there was one of the proposals that was not selected. The rendering that was in the paper shows the old Greenleaf building still there.

 

Does anyone know what's going on at the corner of Exchange & Grant where the Greenleaf Family center used to be? I drove by and saw that it was demolished.

 

Weird. This place was just renovated in 2010. This was no great urban building, but I think it had a quirky appeal that could've capably supported new retail.

 

The jury is still out on the merits of UA's urban planning. I am hopeful new development takes advantage of the retail potential along Exchange.

 

http://www.greenleafctr.org/content/2010-faade-renovation/