This would seem to be a fairly trivial change but i think it will be fairly significant for downtown Akron. 

 

I wasn't able to understand from this report the extent of the angled spots but it was only where there was a bump-in previously that the angled parking was employed.  I think this will be huge for businesses along main street.  Some people didn't quite grasp the concept and pulled straight from the other side of the street when i drove through there last night. I wonder what its like during the day.

 

http://i.akronnewsnow.com/news/local/item/2662-angle-parking-expands-downtown

 

There's a new look to Main Street in downtown Akron. The city has expanded its angle parking from East Exchange to Church Street. The change from parallel parking occurred this week.

 

Akron City Traffic Engineer Dave Gasper says the angle parking was expanded after success with angle parking on South Main between Exchange and Cedar over the past couple of years. He says the change also results in a gain of 23 additional parking spaces.

 

I live by Main and I think this was an excellent concept and reasonably well-executed.  My only quibble would regard some places where it looks like old street lines were not painted/paved over or otherwise erased (I saw this outside the Lockview last Wednesday), which may confuse some people.  (Or maybe I was looking at it in-progress and they're going to do that.)  This makes Main seem a little less wide, which psychologically brings the two sides of the street closer together.  The more extra parking spaces will make it easier to get to Downtown restaurants and retail establishments (including those that don't exist yet, but which may find the math a little easier with this development) without devoting additional developable land to off-street parking.

 

It is rare that the street is so busy that the loss of a travel lane will really be felt, and some of that traffic even at those peak times will now move over to High and Broadway, which have plenty of capacity (and which are really the only north-south arteries that Downtown is likely to need for a long while).

Springfield company fills vacant factory space in Barberton

By Katie Byard

Beacon Journal business writer

Published: September 8, 2011 - 12:10 AM

 

A maker of material handling systems, with clients such as Ford and International Paper Co., is running out of space in Springfield Township and moving into vacant factory space in Barberton.

 

The 30-employee Compass Systems and Sales Inc. bought the former Merlin Manufacturing building at 5185 New Haven Circle in Barberton for $1.05 million, according to Summit County property tax records.

 

The company plans to add to its work force, and its Springfield location at 1643 Massillon Road “is a really tight space,” said Scott Wagner, executive director of Barberton’s economic development agency, the Barberton Community Development Corp.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.ohio.com/business/springfield-company-fills-vacant-factory-space-in-barberton-1.233794

Glad to see this will be downtown (see map)....

 

Chinese investment bringing jobs to Akron

By Dave Scott

Beacon Journal staff writer

Published: September 10, 2011 - 12:36 AM

 

A Chinese investor whose parents were cancer patients is among those putting money into an Akron startup that is expected to bring 200 jobs to the city by 2015.

 

FMI Medical Systems Inc. announced Friday it will build a research center and manufacturing building at the southeast corner of Perkins and Union streets to make medical scanners to be sold in the United States, China and elsewhere.

 

The building will be in the city’s medical district anchored by Summa, Akron General and Children’s hospitals.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.ohio.com/news/break-news/chinese-investment-bringing-jobs-to-akron-1.234034

Here are a couple photos I took while in Akron today. The first one is the new Pizza Hut off E. Market, and the second one is where the Fred Martin dealership use to stand.

 

I also drove by the future site of 401 Lofts and it looks like they are about to start work on the foundation of the building. When the sun decides to come back out I will go out and take more photos of the progress.

 

 

Hopefully not TOO far off-topic, but...

 

I was just in Akron Friday evening-Saturday afternoon for the Akron Marathon. Suffice it to say, I was pretty freaking impressed. Unfortunately, my Akron experiences have been limited to Aeros games and the walk to Spaghetti Warehouse when I was little and a quick stop at Don Drumms.

 

Running the Half, I got to see neighborhoods I never knew existed. Heck, I didn't know how easy it was to get to the Towpath from downtown (part of my course). It makes me envious for the day when we'll have the Towpath finally connect to the nearby Flats.

 

On top of that, Akron has one of the nicest small-town downtown's I've ever experienced (preferable to this guy over NYC, Chicago, etc.). And like Cleveland, there seemed to be plenty going on in the construction realm. I hope one day there will be some sort of commuter rail connecting our two cities, so I can ride on down for a concert or simply for a taste of Akron and back on the same day. Can't wait to go back!

Hopefully not TOO far off-topic, but...

 

I was just in Akron Friday evening-Saturday afternoon for the Akron Marathon. Suffice it to say, I was pretty freaking impressed. Unfortunately, my Akron experiences have been limited to Aeros games and the walk to Spaghetti Warehouse when I was little and a quick stop at Don Drumms.

 

Running the Half, I got to see neighborhoods I never knew existed. Heck, I didn't know how easy it was to get to the Towpath from downtown (part of my course). It makes me envious for the day when we'll have the Towpath finally connect to the nearby Flats.

 

On top of that, Akron has one of the nicest small-town downtown's I've ever experienced (preferable to this guy over NYC, Chicago, etc.). And like Cleveland, there seemed to be plenty going on in the construction realm. I hope one day there will be some sort of commuter rail connecting our two cities, so I can ride on down for a concert or simply for a taste of Akron and back on the same day. Can't wait to go back!

 

Akron is a very exciting city to watch.  It is really flying under the radar (are so many other Ohio cities), and I like that.  I was always proud when I went to CSU and my friends from Michigan would say how much nicer everything was in Cleveland compared to back home.  Then I would travel to Michigan, and I could see what they were talking about lol.  I think the roads alone gave me a negative impression of some of the areas.

 

Anyway, when I move back to Ohio at the end of the year, Akron is a city I will really need to check out.  Seems like the University of Akron is doing alot in the area too. 

The roads definitely seemed nicer in Akron. Even though I don't drive, it can definitely leave a bad impression of the city.

 

I stayed with my friend who lives on the UofA campus and it really is quite a sight. If I ever lived in Akron, I'd find a compromise between living close to the Towpath, Downtown and the Transit Center.

Just like you, the only things that I really can remember or saw in downtown Akron were going to an Aeros game.

Hopefully not TOO far off-topic, but...

 

I was just in Akron Friday evening-Saturday afternoon for the Akron Marathon. Suffice it to say, I was pretty freaking impressed. Unfortunately, my Akron experiences have been limited to Aeros games and the walk to Spaghetti Warehouse when I was little and a quick stop at Don Drumms.

 

Running the Half, I got to see neighborhoods I never knew existed. Heck, I didn't know how easy it was to get to the Towpath from downtown (part of my course). It makes me envious for the day when we'll have the Towpath finally connect to the nearby Flats.

 

On top of that, Akron has one of the nicest small-town downtown's I've ever experienced (preferable to this guy over NYC, Chicago, etc.). And like Cleveland, there seemed to be plenty going on in the construction realm. I hope one day there will be some sort of commuter rail connecting our two cities, so I can ride on down for a concert or simply for a taste of Akron and back on the same day. Can't wait to go back!

 

The Akron Marathon itself is a pretty impressive event for a race that's less than ten years old, too.  There were upwards of 15,000 runners counting marathon, half-marathon, and relay teams combined--and the amount of spectators that we got out along the course and in Canal Park for the finish was impressive (the Aeros seldom get so many into the ballpark).

 

As for Downtown itself: A significant portion of it is still built to automotive scale, not pedestrian scale, but that definitely is changing and the new construction that you noted is/was part of it.  I've lived in Downtown Akron, less than a block from the ballpark, for two years now and I've seen a number of changes for the better just in the time I've been here, both with new storefronts opening up and older, dilapidated structures finally being demolished (sometimes after many years vacant).

 

The Towpath was one of the main reasons I moved here and remains one of the principal reasons I'm in no hurry to leave even though my apartment isn't all that large and I'm starting to accumulate a lot more possessions than I had when I was just leaving school.  It's great to run on, but where it truly shines is as a bike trail with the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad's <a href="http://www.cvsr.com/bikeaboardschedule.aspx">Bike Aboard!</a> program.  I actually just used that today to return to Akron Northside from Boston Mills, and I would have made it all the way to Rockside had my riding companion's bike not gotten a flat tire.  Regardless, if that was your first time on the Towpath, it's definitely worth coming back for that alone.  The rest of Downtown has a lot to offer, too, though, and much of it is relatively new (~last ten years or so).

This was probably the most supportive race I've run. Seeing the cheering crowd as I entered the stadium was definitely something else.

 

I'm game to come down anytime. I signed up to Downtown Akron's young professional email blast in case any events come up. I live car-free, so it's just a matter of finding out what's convenient for getting back and forth, since my only weekend option for getting back home to Downtown Cleveland is the Megabus. That's why I'd love some sort of commuter rail (like Metra in Chicago) that runs maybe once every hour or just one train that continuously rides back and forth with a few stops along the way.

 

 

---

I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=42.213480,-83.354208

 

That's why I'd love some sort of commuter rail (like Metra in Chicago) that runs maybe once every hour or just one train that continuously rides back and forth with a few stops along the way.

 

Trust me, the feeling is mutual. It would be nice to have the CV Scenic Railroad run all the way to Tower City like they proposed a while back. I can dream, right... :lol:

FYI:

 

CVSR thread:

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,3566.0.html

 

Akron Metro RTA seeking input on long-range plan:

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,3709.msg565471.html#msg565471

Thanks KJP, but I've already been through both of those threads. How do you think I knew about the potential CVSR extension in the first place? :wink:

 

I've been lurking for a couple years now.  :-D

 

 

Thanks KJP, but I've already been through both of those threads. How do you think I knew about the potential CVSR extension in the first place? :wink:

 

I've been lurking for a couple years now.  :-D

 

 

Some demolition news; the former car dealership at the corner of Forge & E. Market St. downtown has been demolished and the old Subway / Car Wash at the corner of Exchange & Spicer, next to the U of A Stadium was demolished. This was supposed to be a Skyway at one point, but I'm sure the University made a better offer.

 

The U of A hired Populous to perform the feasibility study on JAR Arena. I doubt an international firm is going to go after a little feasibility study without their being a hit of building a new arena in the near future. I think their findings will point to this. Populous was the firm for the new Yankee Stadium to put things in perspective.

Former Carousel Theatre to become home to Community Baptist Temple

 

By Colette M. Jenkins

Beacon Journal staff writer

Published: October 27, 2011 - 12:38 AM

 

The former Carousel Dinner Theatre soon will be home to Lakemore’s Community Baptist Temple.

 

Gary Didado, president of J.W. Didado Electric Inc., said Wednesday he has sold the property to the church.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/former-carousel-theatre-to-become-home-to-community-baptist-temple-1.242298

More demolition in downtown Akron near Children's Hospital, though I don't know what for and also don't know what the building being demolished is or was.

 

The demolition is taking place between the Collier moving/storage facility and the Canal, on the east side of Water St. between Cedar and Exchange.

More demolition in downtown Akron near Children's Hospital, though I don't know what for and also don't know what the building being demolished is or was.

 

The demolition is taking place between the Collier moving/storage facility and the Canal, on the east side of Water St. between Cedar and Exchange.

 

Interesting. I'm wondering if this is the beginning of the University Park Alliance's master plan implementation?

 

We can only hope, right? :-D

Echogen?

 

Here is the info about the partial demolition.

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,12788.msg579958.html#msg579958

correct:

 

"The city would contract with Carmen Construction in Tallmadge for the improvements, which include redoing the electrical and heating, ventilation and air conditioning; removing asbestos; <b>and demolishing the southern half of the building that has a collapsing roof. </b> Parking would be added to the space where the building is being removed. City officials hope the work can be completed by the end of the year."

Echogen says they have a 250kw prototype engine that they brought back to Akron for further testing..  I wonder if they will be working with Akron Energy aka Akron Thermal to capture what has to be a large amount of waste heat that goes into creating the steam heat for downtown Akron..  The steam plant is approx 3 blocks away from this location. 

 

  As a background, Akron Thermal has had a difficult financial past.  The ability to add electrical generation to its utilities of chilling and heating would surely make it viable again.

I just got back from downtown/University Park and it looked GREAT. People were everywhere! I know it seems like nothing, but I'd be surprised if any of the other mid-sized cities in Ohio have a downtown that's as active as Akron's. The University's awesome locale(adjacent to downtown) seems to finally be paying off for the city.

 

By the way, the new club on the corner of Main & Exchange had it's grand opening tonight. It was packed as well.

 

If UPA can follow through on their master plan, this city will be just fine. Sometimes I wonder if Akron were a larger city it would be held up as a model for other rust belt cities the way Pittsburgh has been.

 

At any rate, Akron is quietly becoming a fun place to be. Just don't tell too many people, we don't want the secret getting out. 8-)

 

At any rate, Akron is quietly becoming a fun place to be. Just don't tell too many people, we don't want the secret getting out. 8-)

 

Yes you do. If you don't, downtown Akron will continue to look like it did yesterday when I visited: shiny and clean but devoid of people.

 

At any rate, Akron is quietly becoming a fun place to be. Just don't tell too many people, we don't want the secret getting out. 8-)

 

Yes you do. If you don't, downtown Akron will continue to look like it did yesterday when I visited: shiny and clean but devoid of people.

 

Well maybe it being Sunday had something to do with it?  I haven't been to downtown Akron since I was in like 4th grade so I have no clue what to expect there 7 days out of the week.

Yes you do. If you don't, downtown Akron will continue to look like it did yesterday when I visited: shiny and clean but devoid of people.

 

I can't wait for the day that Akron's downtown is active every Sunday afternoon(if it ever comes). That would surely be a good sign. Hell, I'd imagine every city in Ohio looks forward to that day!

 

To be fair, most of the action downtown is located at the southern end, near all of the new student apartments at Main & Exchange, as well as the other new student apartment complex being built at Main & Cedar. There's been an influx of college students, and with it, and influx of new restaurants, bars, and clubs.

 

I still stick by my original point-- Akron seems to have a more active downtown than any of the other mid-sized cities in Ohio. I still love Toledo, Dayton, Canton, and Youngstown. It just seems like Akron is doing a bit better. My visits to these other cities as well first hand accounts from friends who live there tend to support this claim.

 

Despite all that, if you talk to the average hick from Kenmore, Akron is a "shithole". So we're still fighting the same blind negativity that the rest of you struggle with. :-D

The active parts of downtown tend to be the stretch on the south end from Lock 3 to 22 Exchange and on the north side by the Historic District (with the former the more active of the two).  Even in the Main-Exchange area, though, there is a *lot* of room to grow.  On the higher end, there are still vacant storefronts in the 22 Exchange building.  On the lower end, there are a number of vacant lots (or lots just being used as surface parking) and unutilized or underutilized buildings along that stretch.

I still stick by my original point-- Akron seems to have a more active downtown than any of the other mid-sized cities in Ohio. I still love Toledo, Dayton, Canton, and Youngstown. It just seems like Akron is doing a bit better. My visits to these other cities as well first hand accounts from friends who live there tend to support this claim.

 

Well this is probably true, but not exactly much to brag about really. I'm a big supporter and a former resident of Akron, but it still does not have what I would consider a vibrant downtown by any means. If you think it does then I would have to say that you have some low standards. That being said I have seen the city make some pretty nice strides since I lived there about 10 years ago and I believe that it's on the right track. When I first moved there in the mid-90s there was pretty much nothing downtown that would make anyone want to hang out there. When I was down there last summer it was nice to hang out on a bar patio and enjoy a few beers on a Saturday afternoon with other people actually around. That's something you would simply not see 10 years ago.

 

Tilted Kilt in Canton is having its Grand Opening this week.  I'm told it is in a former Chi-Chis in Belden Village.  Its a fairly nice looking facility but I wasn't really looking at that for their invite-only opening.  There is another location in Ohio at Polaris.  To me the theme is if Hooters and an upscale Irish bar merged. 

 

There is a Tilted Kilt in Chicago. You're take on it basically being a Hooters with a Irish bar theme is spot-on.

Tilted Kilt in Canton is having its Grand Opening this week.  I'm told it is in a former Chi-Chis in Belden Village.  Its a fairly nice looking facility but I wasn't really looking at that for their invite-only opening.  There is another location in Ohio at Polaris.  To me the theme is if Hooters and an upscale Irish bar merged. 

 

Was at Zar's grand opening on Friday.  I really can't see how that is going to work unless more couches are brought downstairs, the lighting not made so bright, and the view from outside not so easy to see how few people are inside.  When it is open at 7-8pm it is like a fishbowl of emptiness. Bright white sodium lights gleaming off the glossy gray floor is easily seen from the outside.  The VIP area is upstairs and that is darker and a lot more inviting.  But that makes it worse if the only people that are there are upstairs, then who will want to come in to a massive empty space with electronic music being blasted at you.    The concept could work better in the summertime with being able to be outside and the massive bar windows open and sit at the bar ala Vegiteranean had.  Maybe I'm wrong and the Barley House crowd will feel this is a second home for them through the winter.. 

 

I was at Zar on Friday as well. It will be an 18 and over night in 6-9 months. Currently they are reserving that to LUX and keeping it open. The biggest problem I see is that they have windows on two sides where you can see in AND you have to pay to get it. What happens when you can see from the outside that there is nobody in there? Are you really going to pay to go to an empty club. With LUX you didn't know who was there until you got up to the second floor.

 

They have a Tilted Kilt in Pittsburgh by the baseball stadium, went once. That being said, I don't need to go back.

Akron and schools agree to land swap; trade needed for new housing development

 

By John Higgins and Stephanie Warsmith

Beacon Journal staff writers

 

A new senior housing complex in Kenmore moved a step closer to being built Monday, with the approval of a land swap between the city of Akron and the Akron Board of Education.

 

City council and the school board approved the plans Monday, which involve the board trading the city the property that houses the vacant Heminger Elementary School on Kenmore Boulevard for six residential properties purchased by the city and then leased to the district to build the new Schumacher elementary school.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/akron-and-schools-agree-to-land-swap-trade-needed-for-new-housing-development-1.244340

If you think it does then I would have to say that you have some low standards.

 

Well...to be honest, I do have low standards. After all, we're talking about Akron, Ohio. Everything is relative.

 

If we can agree that Akron is doing better than it's peers, it should considered a positive. Especially considering the current economic climate.

 

 

 

I wouldn't say it's "vibrant", as Rustbelter had mentioned, mainly because there is no prominent retail...yet. It needs to have something for every walk of life. There are restaurants, arts, sports, some housing, but no major retail.

 

It has been a huge turnaround in the last 20 years.

I wouldn't say it's "vibrant", as Rustbelter had mentioned, mainly because there is no prominent retail...yet. It needs to have something for every walk of life. There are restaurants, arts, sports, some housing, but no major retail.

 

As I suggested above, the terms "vibrant" or "active" are subjective.

 

It has been a huge turnaround in the last 20 years.

Great, it sounds like we're in agreement.

 

 

In other news, Akron basketball beat Mississippi State last night, which was somewhat of an upset. The Zips seem to be the real deal this year. If things go right, we might see our first NCAA Tourney win... 8-)

 

I wouldn't say it's "vibrant", as Rustbelter had mentioned, mainly because there is no prominent retail...yet. It needs to have something for every walk of life. There are restaurants, arts, sports, some housing, but no major retail.

 

As I suggested above, the terms "vibrant" or "active" are subjective.

 

It has been a huge turnaround in the last 20 years.

Great, it sounds like we're in agreement.

 

 

In other news, Akron basketball beat Mississippi State last night, which was somewhat of an upset. The Zips seem to be the real deal this year. If things go right, we might see our first NCAA Tourney win... 8-)

 

 

Kent St. might have something to say about that, go Flashes!

Kent St. might have something to say about that, go Flashes!

 

What?!

 

You really had me fooled with the Infocision avatar. I could never be objective enough to use a picture of Dix as an avatar.

 

It should be a good game later this season! Zeke Marshall will be waiting... :evil:

Yea, good thing their Soccer & BBall programs have stepped up because their Football team is awful as is evidenced by the thumping Kent put on them.

Akron redevelopment projects get financial boost from state

 

By Jim Carney

Beacon Journal staff writer

 

A project Troppe recently announced, the nearly $4.2 million Cascade Lofts at 21 W. North St., received a $908,000 tax credit. The project will convert the former Swinehart Tire and Rubber Co. factory, now known as the ABTEC building, into residential and retail space.

 

The renovation of the Highland and Crescent apartments at 795 and 803 W. Market St. is a nearly $1.4 million project. It will get a tax credit of $134,314.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/akron-redevelopment-projects-get-financial-boost-from-state-1.251779

I think the acme is the only one of the three that is more than a pipedream at this point.  The portage crossing project was started before the financial collapse, and it seems like they are having trouble getting funding for it now.  Even if they do get the funding, I think they are going to have a hard time attracting tenants.  It is not near other major shopping areas and has poor highway access.  It is in an area where the population is shrinking and getting poorer.  Add to that the fact that most retailers do not have the money or the will to expand right now.  It would be better land use to simply rebuild the giant eagle at its current location and make the portage crossing area a park.  I believe the tops on graham has been sitting empty for several years now.  The last thing that area needs is two massive empty stores on one stretch of road.  I have been hearing about the highland square grocery store being almost ready to break ground since I moved here six years ago.  The lot size is simply not big enough to fit a grocery store.  At best it could hold a small corner store type grocer.

 

The City just announced 6 months ago that they were going to build a grocery store in Highland Square. There were never any plans before that.

 

Retail sales were the best in 2011 since 2007, so retail isn't suffering.

I think the acme is the only one of the three that is more than a pipedream at this point.  The portage crossing project was started before the financial collapse, and it seems like they are having trouble getting funding for it now.  Even if they do get the funding, I think they are going to have a hard time attracting tenants.  It is not near other major shopping areas and has poor highway access.  It is in an area where the population is shrinking and getting poorer.  Add to that the fact that most retailers do not have the money or the will to expand right now.  It would be better land use to simply rebuild the giant eagle at its current location and make the portage crossing area a park.  I believe the tops on graham has been sitting empty for several years now.  The last thing that area needs is two massive empty stores on one stretch of road.  I have been hearing about the highland square grocery store being almost ready to break ground since I moved here six years ago.  The lot size is simply not big enough to fit a grocery store.  At best it could hold a small corner store type grocer.

 

The City just announced 6 months ago that they were going to build a grocery store in Highland Square. There were never any plans before that.

 

Retail sales were the best in 2011 since 2007, so retail isn't suffering.

 

Here is a thread from 2005 discussing plans for the highland square store:

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,6106.0.html

It has been going on much longer than six months.  I remember being asked to sign a petition on it when I first moved here in 2006.  The fact that they are seeking federal funding for it makes me wonder how much of a sure thing it is.  I could be wrong and hope I am.

 

I do agree that retail has recovered some in the last year.  But I am not sure it has recovered to the point where most retailers are thinking expansion.  I guess my whole problem with the Portage Crossing project is that it will be rebuilding an existing store just to leave the old one empty.  I haven't heard of any other retailers for the project.  It seems like poor planning and it seems like they are building something just to build something.  The reason the old plaza was razed was because they could not keep tenants in it.  Chapel Hill is just a few minutes away.  I just fail to see why a new retail center is needed in the area.  A nice park would make the area much more appealing than yet another grocery store in the area.

/\/\/\

The residents have always wanted a grocery store since the Sparkle Market closed, and, in fact they were verbally promised that by the developer. There were never any plans to move forward with until recently by the City. The original developer, (who has stake in a nearby grocery chain), claimed that they reached out to 20+ grocers and none wanted to build there.

So there wasn't a plan until recently, just a lot of talk.

 

Stark Enterprises is developing Portage Crossing. They are not stupid and carry weight with national retailers. I think they have a good physical plan for the development too. But I do agree that there may not be the demand, and it is relatively far from highway access which is key for this type of venture. Chapel Hill Mall is dying, so I'm not too worried about that.

Echogen?

 

Here is the info about the partial demolition.

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,12788.msg579958.html#msg579958

 

Looks like they're all setup!

 

 

from the desk of Stephanie York

 

City has Buyer for White Pond Property

Property to be Used for Medical Office Complex

Published: Monday, February 13, 2012

 

Akron, Ohio (February 13, 2012) - Today, the Mayor will ask Council to approve the sale of City owned property located on White Pond Drive (the former Zazo property) to Rendina, LLC, from Jupiter, Florida to be developed into a medical office complex.

 

The property is the first sale out of the 70 acres available for office development, and includes approximately four acres. The sale price is based on its appraised value minus the cost of soil remediation.

 

http://akronohio.gov/news_releases/Display.asp?RecNum=511

Bottom line, if the U of A is going to use their own money (read "the publics"), they can put it wherever they want. I don't know why any smart business wouldn't want to have someone else pay for a portion for a project though.

 

 

Brandywine to build new $5 million lodge

 

By Paula Schleis

Beacon Journal staff writer

 

Brandywine Ski Resort will be getting a new $5 million lodge to replace three existing buildings, according to owner Peak Resorts.

 

Construction could begin in March, with an opening planned for November.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/brandywine-to-build-new-5-million-lodge-1.265285

GAR Foundation invests in Akron’s new STEM high school

 

By John Higgins

Beacon Journal staff writer

 

The GAR Foundation pledged $800,000 on Thursday for a new high school specializing in STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) that will open this fall in the former Central-Hower High School near the University of Akron.

 

The foundation will contribute $150,000 immediately, then up to $650,000 more on a matching basis if donors in the community contribute up to $1.2 million by Dec. 1, 2014.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/gar-foundation-invests-in-akron-s-new-stem-high-school-1.266591

2012 Akron State of the City Accomplishments Brochure:

 

http://ci.akron.oh.us/webdocs/newsreleases/attachments/2012AccomplishmentsBrochure.pdf

 

 

Rex Salvage building on auction block

 

By Katie Byard

Beacon Journal business writer

 

The Akron property that is home to the soon-to-close Rex Salvage store — long a favorite of bargain hunters — is on the auction block.

 

Bidders have until March 29 to submit offers for the property, covering about 4.2 acres at 1201 S. Arlington St.

 

http://www.ohio.com/business/rex-salvage-building-on-auction-block-1.267993

 

 

 

New downtown Akron lofts taking shape

 

By Betty Lin-Fisher

Beacon Journal business writer

 

A new downtown Akron apartment building is taking shape — and soon its roof will take shape, too.

 

The upscale apartment complex, named 401 Lofts, is being built on 2.2 acres at Main and Cedar streets on property that formerly housed the Parrish McIntyre auto repair store.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/top-stories/new-downtown-akron-lofts-taking-shape-1.269373

Some shots of the Bridgestone progress, in the 3rd picture you can see the Boy Scouts of America building and the yellow brick that is typical of the area:

 

 

 

 

New downtown Akron lofts taking shape

 

By Betty Lin-Fisher

Beacon Journal business writer

 

A new downtown Akron apartment building is taking shape — and soon its roof will take shape, too.

 

The upscale apartment complex, named 401 Lofts, is being built on 2.2 acres at Main and Cedar streets on property that formerly housed the Parrish McIntyre auto repair store.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/top-stories/new-downtown-akron-lofts-taking-shape-1.269373

 

Yup. I read the comments section and if you think Cleveland.com is bad, Ohio.com is even worse.

 

Yup. I read the comments section and if you think Cleveland.com is bad, Ohio.com is even worse.

 

Screw 'em. Build it and you'll de-mystify the masses.

New downtown Akron lofts taking shape

 

By Betty Lin-Fisher

Beacon Journal business writer

 

A new downtown Akron apartment building is taking shape — and soon its roof will take shape, too.

 

The upscale apartment complex, named 401 Lofts, is being built on 2.2 acres at Main and Cedar streets on property that formerly housed the Parrish McIntyre auto repair store.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/top-stories/new-downtown-akron-lofts-taking-shape-1.269373

 

I've been watching this go up (my office is across the street at a different corner of Main & Cedar) and I'm impressed with the speed they're making with the construction.  So far, so good, to all outward appearances.  I'm used to seeing urban construction projects of this size take significantly longer (one of the impediments to developers risking urban developments, unfortunately).

 

However, I also note from that article that Richland will still be renting the units by the bedroom, not by the unit.  That was the first time I've seen that confirmed.  That is disappointing to me.  Whatever Richland might say about orienting the complex towards "students and young professionals," I don't see a great deal of young professional interest in a lease structure like that.  YPs might not mind having roommates (though there are plenty who won't even go that far), but they at least want to choose them themselves.