Posted June 8, 20187 yr Visit Canton to move into Onesto By Robert Wang Posted Jun 7, 2018 at 7:23 PM For the first time in its history, the Stark County Convention & Visitors’ Bureau will be in its own office space. CANTON After 38 years, Stark County’s tourism bureau is leaving the nest. But it’s only going a short walk away. http://www.cantonrep.com/news/20180607/visit-canton-to-move-into-onesto
August 2, 20186 yr Canton officials: Market Square will ‘reintroduce Canton to the outside region’ By Kelly Byer Posted Jul 30, 2018 at 9:37 PM Updated Jul 30, 2018 at 11:06 PM CANTON City Council authorized officials to enter any contracts needed to complete Market Square by the NFL’s centennial in September 2020. Monday’s vote put a years-long process into action. Plans for the grassy lot began in earnest with a 2013 downtown development plan. That plan was incorporated into the city’s comprehensive plan, which recommended ways Canton should focus its resources. City leaders and community members have seen variations of conceptual designs the past several years, and City Council approved the one proposed in July 2016 by the Columbus-based MKSK firm. “We waited because we didn’t have have funding to do it,” Mayor Thomas Bernabei told the council during a finance committee meeting Monday. http://www.cantonrep.com/news/20180730/canton-officials-market-square-will-reintroduce-canton-to-outside-region
August 2, 20186 yr I'm having trouble grasping this Market Square project. Are the city leaders so out of touch that they actually believe spending $5.5m on a block in the middle of downtown is going "reintroduce the city to the region"? It's not going to do jack. Canton's reputation doesn't hinge on one downtown parcel, but it's aging population, decaying inner ring, lack of quality education, high violent crime rate, and low property values. This project doesn't do anything but allow the leaders to say they did something, even if it's a big waste of money. I think it will do more than "jack." Investments like these have typically been catalysts for downtown revitalization, which can have a meaningful impact on regional reputation even if there are other major challenges citywide to address. The total cost of this project, given that the the primary funding source is city income tax, is where I have concern. The city could likely complete a project with a similar impact for half the cost, and they should be attracting more private philanthropy. Hamilton's new Marcum Park--a one block park downtown also designed by MKSK--was funded almost exclusively with a $3.5 million donation by the Marcum Family.
August 2, 20186 yr Thanks for the link. It looks like they still have dreams of that water fountain. The article links to a full presentation that mentions a water feature for "phase 3". The initial phase looks good and very reasonable. The rest looks like a waste. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kEdl3pCqob_pbyO4vhNL0V0vvl9i4VyU/view
August 2, 20186 yr It would be pretty unusual for a project like this to spark a revitalization; usually they're just something done on the fringes of an on-going revitalization. The way the city leadership talks about it, one may get the impression this thing will be the Canton version of "The Bean" in Chicago, sparking a flood of visitors (and a subsequent renewal of downtown). That's just not going to happen. They'll build it, and hardly anyone will care after a year. I don't have a problem with doing something with Market Square - it is, as it stands, in need of refurbishment. My issues are with the proposed designs and the $5.5m pricetag. Design-wise, for example, why does downtown need a permanent stage and video screen? People are only downtown en masse 6 or 7 times a year. A space for a temporary stage and video screen would be more appropriate and most definitely cheaper. And I sort of shudder when I think of what sort of "sculpture" they plan to install. I may come off as overly pessimistic, but I have no reason to not be. The city is run by people who don't really seem to care about it, and frivolous projects like this just highlight that fact.
August 2, 20186 yr It's fair to say that you think the project isn't the right design, or too expensive, or shouldn't be done at all. But I don't see how it makes any sense to say that it is a sign that the people who are pursuing it "don't care". If one doesn't care they don't go out of their way to pursue a difficult and expensive objective.
August 2, 20186 yr Yes, they do. Frequently. Throwing money at things is the easiest way to not care while trying to give the impression that you do.
August 2, 20186 yr It looks like there is a lot of public feedback they will be accepting. I would suggest you get involved to help steer the project since you feel passionate about it. It doesn’t look like anything is set. They want to do something and have the money to use to beautify that block. Since Canton isn’t that big of a population and not that many people are that proactive, you will probably be surprised at how much say you can have if you can give logical and thoughtful input. I certainly have no care what they do since i get to Canton maybe once a year. It might be better to put the money to use in coming up with an urban street plan for all of downtown Canton as far as 1 way streets, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, stop light synchronization, and transit. Also a plan could be worked on to add more residents downtown and ways to make it more liveable.
August 2, 20186 yr It looks like there is a lot of public feedback they will be accepting. I would suggest you get involved to help steer the project since you feel passionate about it. It doesn’t look like anything is set. They want to do something and have the money to use to beautify that block. Since Canton isn’t that big of a population and not that many people are that proactive, you will probably be surprised at how much say you can have if you can give logical and thoughtful input. I certainly have no care what they do since i get to Canton maybe once a year. It might be better to put the money to use in coming up with an urban street plan for all of downtown Canton as far as 1 way streets, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, stop light synchronization, and transit. Also a plan could be worked on to add more residents downtown and ways to make it more liveable. I agree with everything here. Unfortunately, I will not be living in Canton until I finish my degree this coming school year. That's part of the frustration, really.
March 11, 20196 yr Author Downtown Canton Land Bank trying to fill empty storefronts By Kelly Byer CantonRep.com staff writer Posted at 5:07 AM Downtown Canton Land Bank focuses on city’s center and believes downtown Canton “has come a long way.” EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first of two parts looking at vacant commercial buildings in Canton. CANTON Property owners have invested more than $51 million in commercial buildings and more than $53 million in mixed-use developments downtown since 2000. Michael Gill, who directs the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce’s downtown development partnership, said the figures he provided show improvement. There still are several empty storefronts, but the downtown has “come a long way.” https://www.cantonrep.com/news/20190311/downtown-canton-land-bank-trying-to-fill-empty-storefronts
March 14, 20196 yr Channel 5 News. https://www.news5cleveland.com/a-better-land/downtown-canton-land-bank-wants-to-redevelop-the-city-one-building-at-a-time
April 16, 20196 yr Author Downtown bank buildings heading for the auction block By Edd Pritchard GateHouse Media Ohio Posted Apr 15, 2019 at 5:00 AM A Cuyahoga Falls company has decided to sell the former Harter Bank building and the National City Bank building through an absolute auction on May 9. CANTON Two of the downtown’s former temples to finance will be on the auction block next month. The former KeyBank tower on Central Plaza N and the former National City Bank, at 315 Tuscarawas St. W, will be offered in an absolute auction by Kiko. The sale is set for noon May 9. Both buildings will be open for two hours before the sale. https://www.cantonrep.com/news/20190415/downtown-bank-buildings-heading-for-auction-block?utm_source=akron-morning-roundup&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20190415&utm_content=article13-headline
April 22, 20196 yr Author Canton revamps plans for downtown green space By Kelly Byer CantonRep.com staff writer Posted Apr 21, 2019 at 5:41 AM Canton City Council asked to approve $7.4 million to start construction. CANTON First it was called the Kresge block. Then Market Square. Now, the grassy lot in downtown Canton soon could be referred to as Centennial Plaza, and Mayor Thomas Bernabei says it will be built, provided Canton City Council appropriates $7.4 million for the project. https://www.cantonrep.com/news/20190421/canton-revamps-plans-for-downtown-green-space
May 14, 20196 yr Author City Council approves $12.3 million Centennial Plaza By Kelly Byer CantonRep.com staff writer Posted May 13, 2019 at 11:21 PM Updated May 13, 2019 at 11:30 PM ‘We need to take pride in our city,’ Mayor Thomas Bernabei says in advocating for project in downtown Canton. CANTON City Council has appropriated $12.9 million to develop Centennial Plaza — the grassy block downtown formerly known as Market Square. https://www.cantonrep.com/news/20190513/city-council-approves-123-million-centennial-plaza
May 14, 20196 yr ^I'm glad the plaza project is moving forward, but the cost seems too high. I'd rather see them spread some of their comprehensive plan funds around downtown or neighborhoods instead of dumping all $12 million in the one block.
July 15, 20195 yr Author Hall of Fame Village seeks to buy McKinley Grand By Kelly Byer CantonRep.com staff writer Posted at 5:30 AM Johnson Controls Hall of Fame Village seeks tax abatement to refurbish downtown Canton hotel. CANTON City documents show Johnson Controls Hall of Fame Village is the interested buyer seeking a tax abatement to refurbish downtown’s hotel property. The sale of the McKinley Grand Hotel at 320 Market Ave. S is not finalized, according to county records and Village CEO Mike Crawford. https://www.cantonrep.com/news/20190715/hall-of-fame-village-seeks-to-buy-mckinley-grand
October 14, 20195 yr Author Canton’s McKinley Grand Hotel looks headed for sale By Alison Matas CantonRep.com staff writer Posted Oct 11, 2019 at 5:37 PM CANTON Signs have emerged indicating the sale of McKinley Grand Hotel is imminent. At least one organization scheduled to hold an event at the hotel next spring was notified this week the building will be under the possession of a new owner later this month and its event has been canceled, according to a copy of an email sent by hotel staff that was shared with The Canton Repository. The hotel will close for renovation and is not expected to reopen until the end of July 2020, according to the email. https://www.cantonrep.com/news/20191011/cantons-mckinley-grand-hotel-looks-headed-for-sale?utm_source=akron-morning-roundup&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20191014&utm_content=article12-headline
October 18, 20195 yr Author Hall of Fame Village buying downtown Canton hotel By Alison Matas CantonRep.com staff writer Posted Oct 17, 2019 at 4:04 PM Updated Oct 17, 2019 at 4:24 PM Johnson Controls Hall of Fame Village will make $21 million in improvements. Property to close around Nov. 1 as renovations begin. CANTON The McKinley Grand Hotel will be part of Johnson Controls Hall of Fame Village. The company that owns the Village has confirmed it will purchase the downtown hotel, at 320 Market Ave. S, at an estimated sale price of $3.8 million and will put more than $20 million into the property for upgrades. https://www.cantonrep.com/news/20191017/hall-of-fame-village-buying-downtown-canton-hotel?utm_source=akron-morning-roundup&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20191018&utm_content=article2-readmore
November 7, 20195 yr I had a then-and-now photo series awhile back that included the McKinley Grand: I wouldn't hate it if they decided to demolish the current building and replace it with something more "historically appropriate" to downtown. Pessimistically, I suspect if they did tear it down, what replaced it would be cookie-cutter hotel chic.
December 1, 20195 yr https://www.crainscleveland.com/real-estate/canton-comeback-city-scoring-big-points-downtown-development-luxury-apartments-new
December 6, 20195 yr On 12/1/2019 at 2:53 PM, SgtBarone said: https://www.crainscleveland.com/real-estate/canton-comeback-city-scoring-big-points-downtown-development-luxury-apartments-new I was in downtown Canton a couple weeks ago and saw one of these apartment buildings. I'd totally live in one. Also, the new downtown Massillon streetscaping is coming along nicely. Pictures to come in the coming weeks when I return for the holidays! Forgot to take some when I was up there for Thanksgiving.
January 10, 20205 yr Author January 09, 2020 11:10 AM updated 21 hours ago McKinley Grand Hotel in downtown Canton being rebranded as a DoubleTree as it undergoes a $21M renovation Kevin Kleps The McKinley Grand Hotel in downtown Canton is being rebranded as a DoubleTree by Hilton, HOF Village LLC announced on Wednesday, Jan. 8. HOF Village — a joint venture of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Industrial Realty Group and Gordon Pointe Acquisition Corp. — purchased the McKinley Grand from Pacific Pearl Hotels for $3.8 million in October. The 165-room hotel, which had fallen into disrepair, will undergo a redesign and renovation estimated to cost $21 million. https://www.crainscleveland.com/real-estate/mckinley-grand-hotel-downtown-canton-being-rebranded-doubletree-it-undergoes-21m
February 20, 20205 yr Author CANTON Downtown Canton is getting a Jerzee’s All American Sports Grille. The bar and restaurant will be located at 330 Court Ave. NW in Centennial Plaza. Operations are expected to start in time for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s annual enshrinement festival, once construction of the $12.3 million plaza is complete. The restaurant will be open seven days a week, have indoor and outdoor seating, and offer a full bar and an abbreviated version of the Jerzee’s menu. https://www.cantonrep.com/news/20200219/jerzeersquos-to-open-downtown-canton-cafe-at-centennial-plaza
February 25, 20205 yr Author Confusion, opposition stall Canton’s Cirelli building project From the Canton Repository: The Arthur J. Cirelli building on 30th Street NW will remain vacant for the foreseeable future. The Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority and developers Giltz and Associates planned to demolish the dilapidated structure and build an $8 million to $10 million housing and retail complex. Confusion and changes regarding the proposal and city practices, however, have halted discussions. 'This was an evolving project, and I think that added to some of the confusion because when things are early on, things are constantly changing,' Councilman John Mariol II said. Article
April 9, 20205 yr Author Hall of Fame Village work resumes at McKinley Grand By Edd Pritchard GateHouse Media Ohio Posted Apr 8, 2020 at 3:08 PM Renovation work at the McKinley Grand hotel has resumed after stopping for two weeks because of the coronavirus pandemic. CANTON After shutting down for two weeks because of the coronavirus pandemic, work will resume to remodel the McKinley Grand Hotel. The hotel will be a DoubleTree by Hilton when it reopens. https://www.cantonrep.com/business/20200408/hall-of-fame-village-work-resumes-at-mckinley-grand?utm_source=akron-morning-roundup&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20200409&utm_content=article14-headline
November 9, 20204 yr Author After nearly 13 months, Canton's downtown hotel to reopen Monday as DoubleTree by Hilton Edd Pritchard The Repository CANTON A contingency of NFL hopefuls will be the first guests at the city's "new" downtown hotel on Monday morning. The DoubleTree by Hilton Canton Downtown will be open for business at the former McKinley Grand. https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/2020/11/07/canton-hotel-reopen-doubletree-hilton-after-12-month-shutdown/6180851002/?utm_source=akron-morning-roundup&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20201109&utm_content=article3-headline
November 11, 20204 yr On 11/9/2020 at 10:07 AM, yanni_gogolak said: After nearly 13 months, Canton's downtown hotel to reopen Monday as DoubleTree by Hilton Edd Pritchard The Repository CANTON A contingency of NFL hopefuls will be the first guests at the city's "new" downtown hotel on Monday morning. The DoubleTree by Hilton Canton Downtown will be open for business at the former McKinley Grand. https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/2020/11/07/canton-hotel-reopen-doubletree-hilton-after-12-month-shutdown/6180851002/?utm_source=akron-morning-roundup&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20201109&utm_content=article3-headline I spent all summer working on that project and think the lobby/bar/reception areas turned out really well. A really nice add for downtown Canton👌
July 17, 20231 yr Something new is brewing in downtown Canton Dan Shingler July 17th 2023 "Canton’s getting a new brewery, to be followed by some luxury apartments, in the midst of the city’s innovation district and just steps away from downtown events center Centennial Plaza that was completed in 2021. The old Canton Brewing Co. building will soon have a new name on the door. Brew Kettle, which has its main brewery in Middleburg Heights and five other locations across region, will open a 12,000-square-foot brewery, restaurant and activity center in the former Canton Brewing building at 120 3rd St NW, said Brew Kettle owner Bryan Weber. “This is the city’s arts district, so we’re going to rebrand it as The District Brewing Co.,” Weber said as he gave a tour of the place on Tuesday, July 11." https://www.crainscleveland.com/real-estate/brew-kettle-owner-bringing-new-brewery-downtown-canton
July 25, 20231 yr Author On 7/17/2023 at 10:19 AM, X said: Didn't know Canton Brewing Co. closed. Too bad, they were a solid brewery. And to be replaced by Brew Kettle...🤢
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