^ I also thought redevelopment was the plan as opposed to demo. Oh well. It will be interesting to see what takes its place.

^ I also thought redevelopment was the plan as opposed to demo. Oh well. It will be interesting to see what takes its place.

 

Right. I'm cautiously optimistic. The thing about Akron, to me it just seems like to move forward there you have to take steps backward first.

New student housing/retail building planned for East Exchange Street

 

By Stephanie Warsmith Beacon Journal staff writer

 

Published: June 13, 2012 - 10:59 PM

 

A new student housing and retail building is planned for a block of East Exchange Street that now has three empty storefronts.

 

The $15 million, five-story development would have seven storefronts on the bottom and dorms for more than 400 students on top.

 

Akron City Council approved plans for the building, proposed for the south side of Exchange between Allyn and Sumner streets, at its meeting this week.

 

Councilman Jeff Fusco said this and other housing additions by the university and private developers have greatly improved the housing selection for University of Akron students. He said he and other “gray hairs” can remember what the housing choices used to be like.

 

“This is definitely a step in the right direction,” he said.

 

The building is part of the effort to improve the area around UA. The University Park Alliance’s master plan, released last year, lists developing the Exchange Street corridor as one of its goals.

 

[/url]http://www.ohio.com/news/new-student-housing-retail-building-planned-for-east-exchange-street-1.313915] http://www.ohio.com/news/new-student-housing-retail-building-planned-for-east-exchange-street-1.313915

 

Another 5 story student dorm building on the drawing board. This one across the street from McDs on the same side of Exchange. So it will take out 3 fairly lame store fronts and rebuild with new retail on the first level.  It sounds pretty solid to me.  Its already impressive driving down Exchange with all the new dorms going up across from the expanded parking decks. Its like a mini canyon for a couple blocks which will now be a few blocks.

http://www.ohio.com/news/new-student-housing-retail-building-planned-for-east-exchange-street-1.313915

New student housing/retail building planned for East Exchange Street

 

By Stephanie Warsmith

Beacon Journal staff writer

 

Published: June 13, 2012 - 10:59 PM

 

A new student housing and retail building is planned for a block of East Exchange Street that now has three empty storefronts.

 

The $15 million, five-story development would have seven storefronts on the bottom and dorms for more than 400 students on top.

 

Akron City Council approved plans for the building, proposed for the south side of Exchange between Allyn and Sumner streets, at its meeting this week.

 

Councilman Jeff Fusco said this and other housing additions by the university and private developers have greatly improved the housing selection for University of Akron students. He said he and other “gray hairs” can remember what the housing choices used to be like.

 

Excellent news.  There are basically no buildings on that block that anyone is likely to miss, and it's a very central and visible set of parcels.

 

I just hope that the $15 million price tag of the building (and the newness of it) doesn't result in lease rates for the commercial space that are too high.  I worry that that is one of the reasons that 22 Exchange seems to be having some trouble attracting and retaining retail businesses.

I'm not sure which block this is. Will the Greeleaf Family Center get demolished or the block to the east of McDonald's, the one with the old College Store, AMRA's Cuisine & Cafe, Wireless Express, and Miracle Awards & Gifts?

The Greenleaf Family Center has already been demolished and currently all that stands on that property are mounds of dirt, and equipment. This new development will go where the College Store, Wireless Express, Etc..are. Sounds like they are even demolishing Penn Station.

 

I think what is going in where greenfeaf was will mirror the first dorms that went in that has the DQ and other little stores on the first floor on Exchange  That will likely start going up soon since they bothered to rip down the greenleaf.

 

So yes expect 2 more 5-story buildings on exchange for students on both sides of McDs with retail and restaurants on first levels.

I'm not too sure if there will be something too big where green leaf one stood. I do remember a talk of retail and some apartments, but i can't imagine them putting anything of that magnitude going in on the lot. I don't understand why they would want to cover up the front of the new residence hall as well. I remember seeing the plans for the university housing that is going in over there and there were no university plans to put anything directly on exchange. Whatever they put there i'm sure will be a project of UPA.

Cool, thanks. Now if they could just get rid of McDonald's too! Or at least put it on the ground floor of a building and still have a drive-through. I'm sure some clever UofA student could develop a mock-up to share! ;-)

I don't understand why they would want to cover up the front of the new residence hall as well.

 

JMO, but the more residential/commercial structures they build, the better. The denser, the better as far as I'm concerned. That is, so long as they stick to urban design. No more McDonalds-esque parking lots, please.  :roll:

^I always wondered why McDonalds built a suburban-style restaurant at that spot when they relocated from the parcel that UA bought to build InfoCision Stadium. Even back then, UA was discussing plans to massively densify East Exchange so the franchise owners had to have been aware of what was eventually coming. Once the other parcels of land around it have been fully developed into multi-story mixed use buildings, it is going to stand out along East Exchange like a sore thumb. That could be exactly what they are hoping for, but I have to guess maybe they are hoping to sell the land to a developer that wants to build a multi-story building with ground level retail and maybe they would move into one of the new storefronts.

I kinda cut that MCD's some slack, because they have that fierce Kangaroo sculpture out front. It's pretty awesome.

 

Pictured in this blog:

 

http://eccentricroadside.blogspot.com/2009/11/roo-ination-zippy-university-of-akrons.html

^It is a great statue. I almost wonder if McDs placed it there for that very reason, hoping UA/UA Park developers would pass on seeking to acquire the property for additional development convinced that it was "cool enough" already.

 

hERE

I kinda cut that MCD's some slack, because they have that fierce Kangaroo sculpture out front. It's pretty awesome.

 

Pictured in this blog:

 

http://eccentricroadside.blogspot.com/2009/11/roo-ination-zippy-university-of-akrons.html

 

Story about one of the artist's other sculptures:

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/dyer/bob-dyer-akron-icon-crawls-over-to-youngstown-1.313027

hERE

I kinda cut that MCD's some slack, because they have that fierce Kangaroo sculpture out front. It's pretty awesome.

 

Pictured in this blog:

 

http://eccentricroadside.blogspot.com/2009/11/roo-ination-zippy-university-of-akrons.html

 

Story about one of the artist's other sculptures:

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/dyer/bob-dyer-akron-icon-crawls-over-to-youngstown-1.313027

 

"Comunale’s string of Akron hits includes the stainless steel catfish at Furnace and Howard streets"

 

The Catfish rules!!!

I received this image in the mail as part of a flyer for Child Guidance & Family Services. It's their new building at E. Market & Forge, also soon to be known as "Market Square". Two story, 25,000 s.f.

 

^Two stories = too short. Maybe I've just been spoiled by the development along East Exchange, but this building should be at minimum 3 stories, though 4 or 5 would be better still.

 

I guess you have to take what you can get sometimes, but I am disappointed that this building will not be taller for what seems to be an important starting point in UPA's revitalization of East Market.

I don't believe this is right on the corner of Market & Forge. I saw a rendering for a building there and it was at least 4-5 stories. I think this building will be further NE, towards the Hospital, on the corner of Park & Forge.  I say that because that is where they are moving dirt now. They have about 4-5 buildings planned for that whole lot.

^I see. That seems much more suitable for that particular intersection then. Good to hear that UPA intends to build multi-level on Market.

I apologize if this has been addressed already, but did we ever figure out what's going on in the former greenleaf building? When I drove by last(at least a week ago) there was a lot of action at that site.

Not sure. There is speculation that it could be replaced with a mixed-use multi-level building of some kind. Or even another residence hall.

Not sure. There is speculation that it could be replaced with a mixed-use multi-level building of some kind. Or even another residence hall.

 

Okay, that's what I thought. I just find it weird that they could be this far along without announcing any specific plans. Perhaps someone from the ABJ could get on top of this?

The Beacon Journal is a little short on details...

 

Greenleaf will be training those parent partners in the newly renovated building they moved into in April on Grant Street. On Wednesday, Greenleaf staff held a “grand opening celebration” with local officials and agency partners.

 

Renovations to the former mail distribution center cost almost $1.5 million, including moving expenses. The new building has about 20 percent more space that can be used more efficiently than the old building on East Exchange Street near the University of Akron.

 

That building was demolished as part of UA’s redevelopment of that area.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/greenleaf-family-center-celebrates-century-of-service-1.317647

 

UPA leader sees promise of Akron

 

By By Betty Lin-Fisher

Beacon Journal business writer

 

Akron is “aspiring to know and feel its destiny,” Eric Anthony Johnson told the Akron Roundtable on Thursday.

 

Johnson just finished his second year as executive director of University Park Alliance, a nonprofit group working to redevelop 50 city blocks around the University of Akron. The partners in the UPA include many of Akron’s largest employers, institutions and government institutions

 

http://www.ohio.com/business/upa-leader-sees-promise-of-akron-1.327613

UPA leader sees promise of Akron

 

By By Betty Lin-Fisher

Beacon Journal business writer

 

Akron is “aspiring to know and feel its destiny,” Eric Anthony Johnson told the Akron Roundtable on Thursday.

 

Johnson just finished his second year as executive director of University Park Alliance, a nonprofit group working to redevelop 50 city blocks around the University of Akron. The partners in the UPA include many of Akron’s largest employers, institutions and government institutions

 

http://www.ohio.com/business/upa-leader-sees-promise-of-akron-1.327613

 

It's hard not to like what that guy says.

UPA leader sees promise of Akron

 

By By Betty Lin-Fisher

Beacon Journal business writer

 

Akron is “aspiring to know and feel its destiny,” Eric Anthony Johnson told the Akron Roundtable on Thursday.

 

Johnson just finished his second year as executive director of University Park Alliance, a nonprofit group working to redevelop 50 city blocks around the University of Akron. The partners in the UPA include many of Akron’s largest employers, institutions and government institutions

 

http://www.ohio.com/business/upa-leader-sees-promise-of-akron-1.327613

 

It's hard not to like what that guy says.

 

Yet in Akron there are always detractors.

^There are detractors anywhere to anything.  It's not specific to Akron. 

UPA hosted http://www.artspace.org/ this week for a very exciting project. They are looking at delivering an artists lofts housing project near Downtown Akron. It may be in the UPA footprint, but it doesn't have to be. They are a non-profit developer that have done many projects around the country.

They provide affordable rent for artists and larger than normal apartments that are used as live/work spaces. They usually incorportae ground level retail and community spaces into the building as well.

 

The next step is for them to acquire funds to develop a survey that will determine feasibility.

I really wanted to attend this event, but my schedule made doing so impossible. I wondered about the outcome. What interesting news!

 

The best location for this project would be somewhere within the "Main-Market Crossroads District" which has in many respects, along with Northside, already become Downtown Akron's creative/arts district. It would definitely bring new energy and attention to the northern end of downtown, and would also likely enhance its prospects for additional development.

 

I think the "APS" building--Akron Pregnancy Services--at the NW corner of the East Market-North Broadway intersection could be a prime candidate for this type of project. It's a two story building with what could become storefront space for galleries and shops at the ground level. Placing the artspace here might also create some positive synergy between it and the Summit Artspace building nearby.

I really wanted to attend this event, but my schedule made doing so impossible. I wondered about the outcome. What interesting news!

 

The best location for this project would be somewhere within the "Main-Market Crossroads District" which has in many respects, along with Northside, already become Downtown Akron's creative/arts district. It would definitely bring new energy and attention to the northern end of downtown, and would also likely enhance its prospects for additional development.

 

I think the "APS" building--Akron Pregnancy Services--at the NW corner of the East Market-North Broadway intersection could be a prime candidate for this type of project. It's a two story building with what could become storefront space for galleries and shops at the ground level. Placing the artspace here might also create some positive synergy between it and the Summit Artspace building nearby.

 

The APS building seems like the most logical choice. I don't think it would be big enough for the demand they may have though. That could be a good thing though, they think there might be a couple of projects in Akron.

Agreed. The other, better-known APS on Broadway, Akron Public Schools, eventually plans on moving its administrative headquarters out of the former Bowen Elementary School building. This building might also be a candidate at some point for an artspace project.

 

As a side note, I think there is also some arts potential for the "Middlebury Crossroads" district at the intersection of East Market, East Exchange and Arlington. There are several old buildings in this area that would be ideal for conversion to creative/arts spaces. Its's unfortunate though that several others, like the old Sokol's department store and the building that used to sit where the park now exists at Market and Case, have already been demoed. In some ways, the street arrangement in this area isn't unlike Wallhaven's in West Akron, with West Market, West Exchange and Hawkins all meeting each other. This area was in many respects just as vibrant as Walllhaven but suffered badly during the industrial crash during the late 70s and 80s, never quite recovering from it.

 

 

Child Guidance & Family Solutions building new facility

 

10/4/2012 - West Side Leader

      permalink bookmark

By Staff Writer

 

Photo courtesy of Child Guidance & Family Solutions

DOWNTOWN AKRON — Child Guidance & Family Solutions (CG&FS) hosted a reception to honor former board presidents and discuss the organization’s building project for a new $5.25-million facility at the corner of East Market and Forge streets. The new 25,000-square-foot facility on Market Square will provide a better client experience through space for family therapy, improved waiting areas and expanded parking, according to CG&FS officials.

 

Elaine Harlin, CG&FS president, explained the new facility will expand client services at the Locust Street office by 20 percent more clients and 53 percent more service units. In addition, its bio-medical corridor location will allow CG&FS to more closely connect with other medical services, such as pediatricians and family practices.

 

http://akron.com/editions/Akron-Ohio-News-2012-October-4/Child_Guidance_and_Family_Solutions_building_new_facility.asp?aID=17186

University Park Alliance awarded nearly $8 million by Knight Foundation

 

By Betty Lin-Fisher

Beacon Journal business writer

 

The foundation is also giving UPA a $1.8 million low-interest loan, which will support the redevelopment of the area called University Square. Officials call it “a linchpin of the alliance’s master plan that will provide housing and shopping for both students and residents.”

 

UPA is working on a project that will be developed, built and operated through self-sustaining income. It falls under what the group calls its Master Plan to revitalize a zone in downtown, said UPA Executive Director Eric Anthony Johnson.

 

The project, which will be along East Exchange and Brown streets near the University of Akron, will likely be a $60 million to $70 million complex and include retail, affordable multifamily housing for professionals, office space and what is called incubation space, said Johnson.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/university-park-alliance-awarded-nearly-8-million-by-knight-foundation-1.358717

This is another big project a few blocks down from the other $50-60 million project that was announced a month ago. I wonder how the Odd Corner will react this time.  Or maybe they will grab the taco bell and gas station corner.  Love the lack of detail in the article.

Much as I despise auto and fossil fuel dependence, UA Park still needs a gas station for awhile longer. My guess is the block that held the former car wash and restaurant east of the stadium.

This is another big project a few blocks down from the other $50-60 million project that was announced a month ago. I wonder how the Odd Corner will react this time.  Or maybe they will grab the taco bell and gas station corner.  Love the lack of detail in the article.

 

This isn't really new news. It's a very small part of the funding for the project. Last I heard they were planning on building around Manny's Pub and Odd Corner as each would be too costly to buy.

Manny's was surprising to me in that I'm fairly certain everyone had to know the University or associated actors had plans for that block.  Then again they seem to be gunning for the entire Zip Strip.

Manny's was surprising to me in that I'm fairly certain everyone had to know the University or associated actors had plans for that block.  Then again they seem to be gunning for the entire Zip Strip.

 

Sounds like smart business on their part to me. Probably hoping for another big pay out to acquire their land.

Here is a rendering of the proposed second building at Market Square that will front E. Market St. The round entry volume would be at the corner of Forge.

 

Google maps has an updated shot where you can see the first building under construction. This would be the second.

https://maps.google.com/maps?q=union+st.+akron+ohio&hl=en&ll=41.081553,-81.50619&spn=0.003723,0.004318&sll=40.365277,-82.669252&sspn=5.448657,8.843994&t=h&hnear=N+Union+St,+Akron,+Ohio+44304&z=18

 

 

http://www.costar.com/costarconnect/MasterPage/main.aspx?SiteID=20390%2c17079&LogRedirect=1

I like it!

Wow. Now that's impressive! Can't wait to see it finished and more besides along East Market!

Manny's was surprising to me in that I'm fairly certain everyone had to know the University or associated actors had plans for that block.  Then again they seem to be gunning for the entire Zip Strip.

His choice to relocate to Brown street next to the former plasma building after being bought out the first time was certainly questionable, to say the least. I'm sure he caught UA/UAP off guard, but if he thinks he's going to cash in on them a second time, he might be waiting a lot longer this time. The Exchange-Brown corner is one of the key identified UA gateways, but it seems more likely at this point that they would simply just demo the plasma building and build a new one around his, much like they did with the residence hall that had to be slightly redesigned around the house owned by the UA official who got busted for impropriety while hoping to cash in on it at UA and taxpayers expense.

Steinway Hall in Akron moving to former motorcycle dealership in Boston Heights

 

By Betty Lin-Fisher

Beacon Journal business writer

Published: July 20, 2013 - 06:13 PM | Updated: July 21, 2013 - 12:13 AM

 

The stately grand pianos at Steinway Hall are getting a new home — at a former Harley-Davidson dealership in Boston Heights.

 

It’s an unusual pairing, but one that puts together two of the most notable American-made brands, said Ted Good, president and chief executive officer of Steinway Hall, Northeast Ohio’s exclusive dealer of the high-end pianos

 

http://www.ohio.com/business/lin-fisher/steinway-hall-in-akron-moving-to-former-motorcycle-dealership-in-boston-heights-1.414692?localLinksEnabled=false

University Park Alliance receives $75,000 grant from Chase for housing stock improvements

 

By Betty Lin-Fisher

Beacon Journal business writer

Published: August 5, 2013 - 11:29 PM

 

The University Park Alliance — which is refocusing its operation after losing its major funding — on Monday received a $75,000 grant from JPMorgan Chase.

 

The new funding comes after the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation canceled the nonprofit organization’s $6 million grant on Friday and an accompanying $1.8 million low-interest loan. The reason was because real estate directives in the original grant were not met. The Knight Foundation did grant UPA, which is working on redevelopment of 50 city blocks around the University of Akron, a $500,000 grant to help with its finances through January. The Miami-based foundation also invited UPA to reapply for new grants.

 

http://www.ohio.com/business/university-park-alliance-receives-75-000-grant-from-chase-for-housing-stock-improvements-1.418924

 

 

Seems like UPA has had some significant setbacks recently, including losing its director without a replacement taking the reigns, and now the loss of substantial funding for development. With Proenza retiring next year, it will be interesting to see how the next president of UA influences UPA's direction.

 

Of course, UA itself has its own problems to address in terms of graduation and student success rates. So a number of very big challenges are on the table for the institution and its extensions that collectively constitute Akron's last best hope for survival and prosperity. Hope the next president is up to the challenge. His or her presidency will be pivotal for UA, the city, and the region itself.

Is there any info out there on what real estate directives UPA failed to meet?  That's a staggering amount to lose for an organization that with a very focused, local scope.

Is there any info out there on what real estate directives UPA failed to meet?  That's a staggering amount to lose for an organization that with a very focused, local scope.

Nope, usually they are not going to release those types of things, unless there is some investigative journalism going on. I doubt that will happen in Akron. Knight Foundation would not release that info.

University Park Alliance has two more resignations

 

By Betty Lin-Fisher

Beacon Journal business writer

Published: September 3, 2013 - 08:57 PM

 

Two more resignations have occurred at the University Park Alliance, a nonprofit group working on the redevelopment of 50 city blocks around the University of Akron.

 

Jennifer Thomas, Akron program director for the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, sent a letter of resignation to the 16-member UPA board of directors effective last Wednesday. In her letter, Thomas did not cite a reason, but said she was grateful for having had the opportunity to serve.

 

http://www.ohio.com/business/university-park-alliance-has-two-more-resignations-1.425963

University Park Alliance leaders say they are not ready to throw in the towel

 

By Betty Lin-Fisher

Beacon Journal business writer

Published: September 25, 2013 - 12:43 AM

 

Leaders of the neighborhood economic development group University Park Alliance say they are still hoping to move forward as they face funding issues and legal trouble.

 

The nonprofit, working on redevelopment of 50 city blocks around the University of Akron, is facing two lawsuits for breach of contract.

 

http://www.ohio.com/business/university-park-alliance-leaders-say-they-are-not-ready-to-throw-in-the-towel-1.431673