October 6, 201212 yr I agree C Dawg. Sandusky is a great city. I lived there for almost 4 years right downtown. There's lots to do for a little city. The downtown area is doing really well. There's several restaurants and several bars and theyre all thriving. I miss living there and coukd dwfinitely see myself moving back there when I'm retired, especially if it keeps getting better.
July 16, 20159 yr Name announced for downtown hotel Hotel Kilbourne coming to downtown Sandusky MELISSA TOPEY [email protected] Welcome to Hotel Kilbourne. That is the name of the boutique hotel Nikki Lloyd and Ryan Whaley are building on West Water Street in the old Athletic Club building. In December, the two announced they purchased the space at 221-223 W. Water St. and had plans to turn it into a small luxury hotel. The name represents a piece of Sandusky history. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.sanduskyregister.com/news/business/9060701
July 17, 20159 yr Now that's a step in the right direction for Sandusky. Capitalize on all those tourists! "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
August 2, 20159 yr A small boutique hotel like this is exactly the sort of thing Ohio needs more of in its downtowns. Well done, Sandusky!
December 10, 20159 yr As Sandusky's bicentennial (2018) approaches, a new community master plan (a.k.a. The Bicentennial Vision) is in the works. This video shows some incredible drone footage of the city, showcasing a modest but solid revitalization of the downtown. <iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/148304302?autoplay=1&loop=1" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="https://vimeo.com/148304302">The Bicentennial Vision</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/newdeparture">Joey Cassel</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p> <p></p> Hey, hometown pride isn't a bad thing. It's exciting to imagine what the future holds for the City by the Bay. :-) EDIT: Sorry about the embed text.
December 10, 20159 yr I love seeing energy coming out of Ohio's smaller cities like this. Sandusky is such a gem and has absolutely massive potential given its location and amenities. It easily has the potential to be Ohio's top-tier small city, and it can and should be a bigger draw than it currently is. “To an Ohio resident - wherever he lives - some other part of his state seems unreal.”
December 10, 20159 yr Sandusky is the most undervalued city in the state of Ohio, possibly the entire nation. It's a huge bargain for the quality of life you get. It is my favorite place in the state, and I could see myself investing in a historic property there. When you add up the downtown core, extensive historic housing stock, coastal location, existing infrastructure (still has functioning Amtrak!), and proximity to major cities like Toledo and Cleveland, it's punching way above its weight. It's not crazy to think of Toledo and Cleveland workers commuting from Sandusky in the future as remote work grows bigger. I could see Amtrak beefing up along Lake Erie too, potentially bringing in people from even further away. *It's really one of the best cities its size in the entire United States. Some of its economic problems are the result of forces much larger than itself (for example, Lake Erie pollution). The city made a mistake tearing down the long-abandoned Keller Building, but overall it seems to be heading in the right direction. Clean up Lake Erie, and Sandusky could boom. Water pollution is all that's holding it back.
April 13, 20169 yr http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/entertainment/2016/04/04/cedar-point-sports-center/82614604/ Cedar point to create sports park complex
May 4, 20169 yr Use your smartphone to rent a bike TOM JACKSON • UPDATED MAY 3, 2016 AT 4:38 PM SANDUSKY — Sandusky's latest transportation option is a Danish import. Vogontz Bike Share runs a new bicycle rental operation in downtown Sandusky that resembles businesses such as Uber or Air BnB. And the bike rental company apparently puts Sandusky on the cutting edge. It's the first operation in the U.S. to use the Donkey Republic bike rental app. FULL STORY: http://www.sanduskyregister.com/Business/2016/05/03/Use-you-smartphone-to-rent-a-bike.html?ci=stream&lp=11&p=1
November 3, 20168 yr Waterworks Park study puzzles council City officials aren’t sure what to make of a recent study of Waterworks Park. Council members bickered, disagreed and made little progress during a special meeting called to discuss the results of a years-long review of park soil. The study concluded there could be hazardous materials present in portions of the park — possibly old gasoline and other substances — left behind decades ago. More below: http://www.sanduskyregister.com/Government/2016/11/02/Waterworks-Park-study-puzzles-city-officials.html?ci=stream&lp=12&p= "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
December 26, 20168 yr https://pointbuzz.com/News/Story/3164 Construction nears completion at Cedar Points Sports Force Park Construction to wrap up December 31
January 24, 20178 yr Could this be the new Jackson Street Pier? SANDUSKY — Imagine a rejuvenated Jackson Street Pier in which the blacktop became a boardwalk. Walking along the waterfront, people would pass by children frolicking in a splash pad, hear performers entertaining within a small outdoor concert venue and see vendors dishing out tasty treats for hungry customers. Sandusky officials envisioned the possibilities and now want to turn the idea into a reality with their newest endeavor. FULL STORY: http://www.sanduskyregister.com/story/201701200060
March 26, 20178 yr Sandusky doubles down on neighborhoods investment SANDUSKY — Sandusky officials effectively doubled down on their investment to greatly enhance six neighborhoods. Residents living in these sections can now expect to receive a share of the $1.25 million designated for this pilot program. During a recent public meeting, city commissioners earmarked $600,000 in public funds for Sandusky’s new neighborhood initiative. FULL STORY: http://www.sanduskyregister.com/story/201701030054
March 26, 20178 yr Developer investing millions into downtown Sandusky SANDUSKY — Despite bolting to San Diego, a 1979 Margaretta High School graduate plans on charging forward with a massive investment in a Midwest city he loves. Rick Hogrefe, along with his wife, Meghan, recently bought three downtown Sandusky properties with visions to enhance each one for residential, commercial, entertainment and mixed-use purposes. They worked with local realtor Jenny Craig of Russell Real Estate Services on these sales. Among the properties they now own outright: The Cooke Building on Columbus Avenue and Market Street; 201 W. Water St., also known as Waters Edge Apartments, near H.D. Tony’s; and 305 E. Water St, located next to Facer Park by New Sandusky Fish Co. FULL STORY: http://www.sanduskyregister.com/story/201701160031
March 26, 20178 yr Tacos, gift shop checking into Hotel Kilbourne SANDUSKY — Hotel Kilbourne is making more room for guests, gifts and guacamole. The proprietors for downtown Sandusky’s only boutique lodge announced they’re investing about $650,000 in private funds for a second phase of major upgrades. Among the planned enhancements, going inside a vacant, adjacent structure, include: • Adding somewhere between four and six rooms to supplement the existing nine in place today • Building a gift shop, offering the hotel’s toiletries and amenities, travel books and T-shirts made by Sandusky-based company Zero Tide Great Lakes Apparel • Debuting OH Taco, a restaurant featuring made-to-order foods, specializing in tacos and dishing out house-brand guacamole, salsas and dessert options FULL STORY: http://www.sanduskyregister.com/story/201703030031
March 26, 20178 yr Sandusky voting on City Hall deal SANDUSKY — Sandusky city commissioners are poised to sign a lease on Monday so they can move local government operations into a new municipal home next year. They’re voting on three separate pieces of paperwork — components for a lease, loan and grant — all related to relocating City Hall’s administrative offices into three vacant downtown buildings. FULL STORY: http://www.sanduskyregister.com/story/201703250019 MORE INFO ON CITY HALL PLAN: http://www.sanduskyregister.com/story/201608220046
March 26, 20178 yr This is all great news for Sandusky. Honestly just by virtue of location and relatively small size, Sandusky has the most/easiest complete-turnaround potential of any city in Ohio. “To an Ohio resident - wherever he lives - some other part of his state seems unreal.”
March 28, 20178 yr ....and it's happening! Sandusky City Hall moving to downtown SANDUSKY — There is no more uncertainty or doubt surrounding a possible move. A definite decision, decades in the making, finally took place. During Monday’s public meeting, Sandusky city commissioners voted 5-2 to vacate City Hall and, by mid-2018, relocate administrative offices into parts of three vacant downtown structures. All told, through a public-private partnership, the project totals a $23.5 million investment in Sandusky. FULL STORY: http://www.sanduskyregister.com/story/201703270041
March 28, 20178 yr This is all great news for Sandusky. Honestly just by virtue of location and relatively small size, Sandusky has the most/easiest complete-turnaround potential of any city in Ohio. I totally agree. Once Lake Erie is cleaned up again, Sandusky is a sure bet. It's such a great little city. You get similar housing and neighborhoods as Toledo and Cleveland, but without the big city problems. The location is fantastic, easily the best in Ohio. There is great Lake Erie and Islands access, a major Amtrak line, an excellent natural harbor, I-80/90 access, and not as much lake effect weather as areas further east. Looking at Port Huron in Michigan (beautiful historic shipping port on Lake Huron/St. Clair River), Sandusky should experience a similar revival. They are similar ports with similar histories and great historic cores. Sandusky is really the best of Ohio. You're right, potential for full turnaround is the best too.
May 11, 20178 yr I lived and worked in Sandusky several years ago and I absolutely loved it. Tourism basically ensures the cities future and it is basically the commercial center of North-Central Ohio. Downtown is revitalizing at a crazy rate and is really starting to have a, dare I say, cosmopolitan vibe for being a small rust belt city. There's still plenty of urban problems that are commonplace in the region such as poverty, unemployment, and crime in Sandusky but the city really is coming back in a big way. When I lived there I had a downtown apartment with a view of the State Theater out the front of my building and the lake out of the back. It was excellent. I could honestly see myself retiring in Sandusky someday, especially if things continue the way they are.
May 12, 20178 yr I would love to retire there. Like, if I was actually ever going to be able to retire, which I'm not.
July 17, 20177 yr Lonz Winery building reopens on Lake Erie’s Middle Bass Island as part of Ohio state park MIDDLE BASS ISLAND — A stone fortress that housed a historic winery for generations on Lake Erie’s Middle Bass Island is ready for tourists following a renovation finished 17 years after the state of Ohio bought the property. But the state still is looking for a private operator to help bring the Lonz Winery back to life. The winery hasn’t been open since the summer of 2000 when a concrete terrace collapsed and killed one man and injured 75 others. Ohio soon bought the winery and the surrounding 120 acres, spending $20 million to build a marina and campsites to create Middle Bass Island State Park. State officials tried without success to find private investors interested in the winery before starting renovations three years ago for an additional $6 million. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources showed off the refurbished winery last month MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/entertainment/20170716/lonz-winery-building-reopens-on-lake-eries-middle-bass-island-as-part-of-ohio-state-park
July 17, 20177 yr ^Cleveland.com has some good photos of the Lonz project: http://www.cleveland.com/travel/index.ssf/2017/06/historic_lonz_winery_on_middle_1.html
July 20, 20177 yr I think the restored winery looks great. Still... This was a "fort" at one time? I guess that explains why a wonderful patio has its potentially awesome view of the water mostly obscured by a high wall...
July 20, 20177 yr ^I do not know about it being a fort, but the walls are remnants of the building. They removed the roofs of the winery, so the remaining patio is the old floor of the main level (and now the roof of the wine cellars below).
November 27, 20177 yr The Landing coming to Sandusky's unexplored frontier SANDUSKY — A proposed pathway not only incorporates elements of its natural environment but also introduces and invites locals to check out Sandusky’s relatively uncharted waterfront region. Preliminary drawings for a $24 million project, called Landing Park, show the nature trail encircling a 27-acre section off Cleveland Road (U.S. 6), behind, or just north of, Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center. Great renderings and the full story here: http://www.sanduskyregister.com/story/201711190009
November 27, 20177 yr Game on: $28M indoor sports complex coming to Erie County SANDUSKY — Consider it a double-play combination where children from across the nation can compete on neighboring world-class facilities in Erie County. During Thursday’s public county commission meeting, a host of entities came to terms on constructing a $28 million indoor youth athletic complex. It’ll be located next to the outdoor Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center on Cleveland Road (U.S. 6) in Sandusky. FULL STORY: http://www.sanduskyregister.com/story/201710050026 This facility will be located next to Cedar Point's new Sports Force Park (https://sportsforceparkssandusky.com/) and the proposed "The Landing" park in the post above.
November 27, 20177 yr The Landing coming to Sandusky's unexplored frontier SANDUSKY — A proposed pathway not only incorporates elements of its natural environment but also introduces and invites locals to check out Sandusky’s relatively uncharted waterfront region. Preliminary drawings for a $24 million project, called Landing Park, show the nature trail encircling a 27-acre section off Cleveland Road (U.S. 6), behind, or just north of, Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center. Great renderings and the full story here: http://www.sanduskyregister.com/story/201711190009 Damn. All told, and as proposed, the project could take 15 years to complete. So I read that as it may take 25 years to complete. I'm starting to resent amazing looking projects that I may not live to see lol.
November 27, 20177 yr The Landing coming to Sandusky's unexplored frontier SANDUSKY — A proposed pathway not only incorporates elements of its natural environment but also introduces and invites locals to check out Sandusky’s relatively uncharted waterfront region. Preliminary drawings for a $24 million project, called Landing Park, show the nature trail encircling a 27-acre section off Cleveland Road (U.S. 6), behind, or just north of, Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center. Great renderings and the full story here: http://www.sanduskyregister.com/story/201711190009 Damn. All told, and as proposed, the project could take 15 years to complete. So I read that as it may take 25 years to complete. I'm starting to resent amazing looking projects that I may not live to see lol. I hear you! Hopefully this project can be achieved much sooner....it appears to have widespread support!
December 20, 20177 yr Sandusky signs contract to begin Jackson Street Pier job https://t.co/VRvUSEIVVq "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
February 9, 20187 yr Check out downtown Sandusky's new market SANDUSKY — A longtime grocer believes he can successfully produce something completely foreign to the Sandusky market. Popular in Europe, Mike Graley envisions his multifaceted upscale venture as a one-stop shop for consumers to visit multiple times a day, with essentially each hour offering an ever-evolving edible experience. FULL STORY: http://www.sanduskyregister.com/story/201710310019 NOTE: It looks like this is the same "Vita Urbana" that didn't do so well in Cleveland. Hopefully it'll succeed in Sandusky.... I completely forgot this place existed. The million dollar question.... "We offered great solutions for the community," he said. "Unfortunately after a year and a half we could not hit our projections. Still unsure why." Battery Park restaurant Vita Urbana closes http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2017/12/vita_urbana_restaurant_closes.html#incart_river_home
February 9, 20187 yr Incredible news.... College campus pushed forward in downtown Sandusky SANDUSKY — Two Ohio-based institutions partnered on a proposed multimillion-dollar project, representing, quite possibly, the most significant investment ever made in downtown Sandusky. Through an unprecedented public-private partnership, Cedar Fair and Bowling Green State University want to create a college paired with a campus-style environment somewhere within the city’s central business district. It’s possible the academic center, solely focused on teaching tourism-related courses, and a related residential setting, housing upward of 200 students year-round, could open by 2020. FULL STORY: http://www.sanduskyregister.com/story/201802070028
March 29, 20187 yr $14M project proposed for the Feick Building SANDUSKY — A multimillion-dollar proposal calls for reactivating one of downtown Sandusky’s tallest and largest buildings. During Monday’s public meeting, city commissioners backed a financial package specifically tailored for project developer Marous Brothers Construction to revamp and modernize the empty Feick Building on East Market Street. FULL STORY: http://www.sanduskyregister.com/story/201803260013 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I'm hopeful the tax credit is approved for this project! *fingers crossed*
March 29, 20187 yr Renaissance Too starting $1M project in downtown Sandusky SANDUSKY — Believing in Sandusky’s renaissance, they, too, want to make a sizable investment in the community. During a recent public meeting, city commissioners designated $115,000 in local grant funds so Sandusky-based company Renaissance Too can pursue a complete renovation project at 125 E. Water St. by Daly’s Pub. FULL STORY: http://www.sanduskyregister.com/story/201803270014 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This renovated building will be the new home of the Lake Erie Shores & Islands tourist and visitor's bureau. Right now, their office is located near Sandusky Mall south of town.
March 29, 20187 yr That is great stuff! "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
April 1, 20187 yr Was in sandusky twice this year already,..seemed like it was already tourist season in mid january and last week! *not sure if its open to public, but the sunday brunch at sandusky yacht club is amazing!
April 23, 20187 yr Can owner re-invent Sandusky Mall? PERKINS TWP. — What’s to become of the Sandusky Mall, the city’s namesake premiere shopping center for the last 45 years? A lot of people are asking that question with news about the latest departure of a large retailer: Elder-Beerman, a clothing store, announced this week its closing all of its stores, including the one at Sandusky Mall. It’s been bad news after bad news for the mall. Last year the Macy’s store and Charming Charlie both closed and the year before, the iconic Sears left. FULL STORY: http://www.sanduskyregister.com/story/201804200010 ________________________________________________________ In the age of the dying mall, it amazes me that until 2016, the Sandusky Mall was doing relatively well. Now, 3 department store spaces will be empty. It'll be interesting to see what happens....
May 14, 20187 yr http://www.sanduskyregister.com/story/201805110017 Special tax deals to help develop the sandusky bay pathway
June 23, 20186 yr Anybody go?? 'Pride' coming to Sandusky this summer SANDUSKY — Organizers are proud to announce a new, all-inclusive event endorsing equality while targeting togetherness. The inaugural Sandusky Pride festival takes place June 21-24. In short, all festivities revolve around raising awareness for LGBT — shortened from lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender — issues. Still in a development phase, Pride committee members want to host events underscoring unity and uniqueness. Among some activities planned include a drag queen kickball game, a beauty pageant and a street fair-style party complete with vendors and merchandise retailers. Most events should occur from areas in and around downtown. http://www.sanduskyregister.com/story/201801300014 https://sandusky2018.com/event/sandusky-pride-festival/ https://www.citylab.com/life/2018/06/new-lgbtq-pride-parades-2018/563513/
June 29, 20186 yr Aside from some iffy weather, it seems the event was quite successful! I'm very proud of my hometown for hosting this event....wish I didn't live so far away. Hopefully I can get there next year! Here is the event's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Sandusky-Pride-1639641586092295/posts/?ref=page_internal
June 29, 20186 yr Once again, SpaceX lands at NASA Plum Brook PERKINS TWP. — The world’s leading private company in manufacturing and launching spacecraft needed a world-class public facility to test its latest cutting-edge product. So SpaceX representatives returned to the NASA Plum Brook Station in Erie County for a groundbreaking project. Known as the Crew Dragon, or Dragon 2, it’s described by SpaceX as a “next-generation spacecraft designed to carry humans to the International Space Station and other destinations.” FULL STORY: http://www.sanduskyregister.com/story/201806270033
December 14, 20186 yr TOD in Sandusky?? Yep! The location is on the same block as Sandusky's downtown transit hub. The students and residents will have easy access to all of STS's bus lines to travel throughout the city and region. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
December 14, 20186 yr 1 minute ago, KJP said: TOD in Sandusky?? Yep! The location is on the same block as Sandusky's downtown transit hub. The students and residents will have easy access to all of STS's bus lines to travel throughout the city and region. Here are some additional renderings and the location of the site in downtown Sandusky.
December 14, 20186 yr On 11/27/2017 at 10:52 AM, tcjoe1985 said: Game on: $28M indoor sports complex coming to Erie County SANDUSKY — Consider it a double-play combination where children from across the nation can compete on neighboring world-class facilities in Erie County. During Thursday’s public county commission meeting, a host of entities came to terms on constructing a $28 million indoor youth athletic complex. It’ll be located next to the outdoor Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center on Cleveland Road (U.S. 6) in Sandusky. FULL STORY: http://www.sanduskyregister.com/story/201710050026 This facility will be located next to Cedar Point's new Sports Force Park (https://sportsforceparkssandusky.com/) and the proposed "The Landing" park in the post above. This project is full speed ahead. Stair & elevator towers are up and steel is erected across east face of the building. Drove past it this last week. Big facility. Huge site.
December 14, 20186 yr Man, I feel like 100 years ago and 30 years from now would be quite an amazing time to live in Sandusky.
January 12, 20196 yr Cedar Point demolishing Cedars dorms http://www.sanduskyregister.com/story/201901090052 "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
January 12, 20196 yr I “lived” (quotes because that building was barely habitable) in those dorms in the summer of 2012 and other than being super close to work, they were awful in every single way. “To an Ohio resident - wherever he lives - some other part of his state seems unreal.”
January 17, 20196 yr Have heard some tales about cedars dorms.. from what Ive read, itll most likely just be for more parking, as the marina is pretty tight for it in that area.. Perimeter rd may also see a little bit of a change too. Gotta get back to cp this summer.. been craving cheese on a stick!
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