Drove by on West Market the other day and they are finally demolishing the brick warehouse in front of St V.  Its been at least 5 years since they talked about extending their campus to W. Market. I forgot what they intend to do with it.

Drove by on West Market the other day and they are finally demolishing the brick warehouse in front of St V.  Its been at least 5 years since they talked about extending their campus to W. Market. I forgot what they intend to do with it.

 

Don't get me started on that. It was actually a former Studebaker dealership building. They were not interested in listening to interested community partners on re-purposing it. As far as I know, there are no plans for the space. I think they were getting tired of people harassing them about it.

So I was driving around Tallmadge Circle yesterday and noticed something pretty cool on the fence banner at the construction site where the old Big Boy's used to be: A coffee shop will be coming to the site. And not just any site... Crimson Cup of Columbus. :-)

 

It's really surprising news, considering that the company has only opened two shops during the past 25 years, the second one just opening in the Columbus suburb of Upper Arlington in 2015. I might have guessed that the second opening was a prelude to more expansion within Central Ohio, and maybe also into Dayton or Cincinnati, but I would never have guessed Akron! In any case, this is extraordinary news for the Akron east side area in general that has had few if any real coffee shop options until recently. It seems Crimson Cup in Tallmadge will soon join Artisan Coffee in Ellet in changing that.

^NEOBuckeye[/member] Do you know what else will be filling the development that is being built? Is it a strip mall or close to the street? Thanks.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to catch what, if any, other tenants had been announced for the location, but the Crimson Cup logo was unmistakable.

 

At a glance, it looks like the building could house anywhere between about 4 and 5, maybe 6 tenants total. It is definitely a suburban-style strip mall. I'm sure there could have been a better design used, but then Tallmadge Circle and the city of Tallmadge itself have never been remotely models of good urban design in terms of walkablility and density. I'm not sure they're even close to grasping yet what that is and how much would benefit quality of life in the community.

^NEOBuckeye[/member] Do you know what else will be filling the development that is being built? Is it a strip mall or close to the street? Thanks.

 

Fitting article:

 

Tallmadge mayor says development projects his priority for 2016

By Angel Evans

Special to the Beacon Journal

 

Another Testa project, also located near the Tallmadge Circle at North Avenue, already is under construction at the site of the former Bob’s Big Boy restaurant.

 

Jimmy Johns, Sutton Bank and Crimson Cup Coffee Shop have signed leases for space in the building, which is expected to open by early spring, Kline said. A fourth space still is available for lease.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/tallmadge-mayor-says-development-projects-his-priority-for-2016-1.651977

Rock Mill Climbing bringing world-class rock climbing to Akron (photos)

By John Harper, cleveland.com

on January 07, 2016 at 7:45 PM

 

AKRON, Ohio -- The rock climbing wall at Rock Mill Climbing, soon to open on Carrol Street near the University of Akron, tops out at nearly 20 feet tall, and runs around three walls of a 6,000-square-foot room.

 

"We wanted people to walk in and go, 'Wow!'" said co-owner Nathan Yokun.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/akron/index.ssf/2016/01/rock_mill_climbing_will_bring.html#incart_m-rpt-1

3 mayors aim to boost Chapel Hill Mall; rezoning could help cope with Macy’s loss

 

By Jim Mackinnon

Beacon Journal business writer

 

Because Macy’s will soon close its anchor store at Chapel Hill Mall in Akron — and three other significant tenants will also close shop there — three mayors say they are looking at helping keep the struggling mall viable.

 

Meanwhile, the long-time manager of one of the two remaining anchor stores says there are positive things happening at Chapel Hill as well, including a soon-to-happen significant new line of products at his store, JCPenney.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/3-mayors-aim-to-boost-chapel-hill-mall-rezoning-could-help-cope-with-macy-s-loss-1.653819

Bustling West Akron to get an Ace Hardware store in early February

 

By Katie Byard

Beacon Journal staff writer

 

A family that has been in the hardware business for more than 140 years in Stark County is building a presence in West Akron.

 

The store likely will open in early February, with a grand opening set for April 1, in long-vacant space in Wallhaven Plaza off West Market Street.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/bustling-west-akron-to-get-an-ace-hardware-store-in-early-february-1.654465#

Akron solar project shines light on smart-battery builder Design Flux Technologies

January 24, 2016 Updated 19 hours ago

 

By JUDY STRINGER

 

Electricity cost savings, projected between $30,000 and $40,000 per year, will cover the city of Akron’s $173,000 investment in equipment and installation in roughly five years. 

 

“We are enabling our client to advance [its] technology, a pretty significant technology, in a way that ultimately we would still get a payback on and a return on our investment,” Margida said.

 

http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20160124/NEWS/160119862/akron-solar-project-shines-light-on-smart-battery-builder-design#utm_medium=email&utm_source=ccl-akronmorning&utm_campaign=ccl-akronmorning-20160128

 

 

 

 

I'm very interested to see them meet that window of payback.

Wave of change for Akron fixtures brings city’s identity to crossroads

 

By Amanda Garrett

Beacon Journal staff writer

 

Akron’s 191-year-old story is stuck.

 

It hovers somewhere between the city’s latest chapter closing — Cleveland Clinic’s takeover of Akron General, the looming sale of FirstMerit, the departure of Mayor Don Plusquellic after 28 years — and its next chapter unfolding.

 

As longtime residents pine for the old touchstones that always made Akron home, Generation X and millennials are dreaming about the future Akron, a renewed urban oasis they hope to build for themselves.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/break-news/wave-of-change-for-akron-fixtures-brings-city-s-identity-to-crossroads-1.658574#

Wave of change for Akron fixtures brings city’s identity to crossroads

 

By Amanda Garrett

Beacon Journal staff writer

 

Akron’s 191-year-old story is stuck.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/break-news/wave-of-change-for-akron-fixtures-brings-city-s-identity-to-crossroads-1.658574#

 

This is the most schizophrenic article I've read in a long time. Interesting to hear the elfin lackey deputy mayor David Lieberth even softly criticizing mayor Don "Melodrama" Plusqualic for dropping the ball on downtown residential. Great job gentleman /s. 

 

Reading about the 42 year old guy who never left Akron city limits is just absolutely depressing.

 

If you're going to make a life in that city, and be all optimistic about the future then by all means good luck to you.

 

I thought it was kind of odd to want to only live in Akron.

I do agree with the general theme of the article that the city is at a crossroads again. 

There seems to be more than anything a feeling of a need to identify purpose of place. 

With the new leadership in place it might be enough to have urbanist focus for making downtown liveable. West point markets might be a partner in that as they are wanting to open mini markets around Summit county. A downtown market is key to expanding residential downtown.

  The city focus will be at the core still, which it was under Mayor Don, due to the innerbelt revamping and the sewage projects. At least the towpath is at the core as well and new linkages will be made this year to Goodyear Heights along with waypoint finding improvements.

First tenants set to move into Cascade Lofts, Akron's latest urban development

March 02, 2016 Updated 18 hours ago

By BETH THOMAS HERTZ

 

This weekend, more urban dwellers will start to call Akron home as the first tenants begin moving into Cascade Lofts, a former tire factory that has been transformed into 24 apartments on North Street near Howard Street near the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.

 

Twelve of the apartments have been leased, and those tenants will move in between now and May 1, said Dan Sarvis, leasing and management director of Historic District Management.

 

http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20160302/NEWS/160309952/first-tenants-set-to-move-into-cascade-lofts-akrons-latest-urban#utm_medium=email&utm_source=ccl-akronmorning&utm_campaign=ccl-akronmorning-20160303

First tenants set to move into Cascade Lofts, Akron's latest urban development

March 02, 2016 Updated 18 hours ago

By BETH THOMAS HERTZ

 

This weekend, more urban dwellers will start to call Akron home as the first tenants begin moving into Cascade Lofts, a former tire factory that has been transformed into 24 apartments on North Street near Howard Street near the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.

 

Twelve of the apartments have been leased, and those tenants will move in between now and May 1, said Dan Sarvis, leasing and management director of Historic District Management.

 

http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20160302/NEWS/160309952/first-tenants-set-to-move-into-cascade-lofts-akrons-latest-urban#utm_medium=email&utm_source=ccl-akronmorning&utm_campaign=ccl-akronmorning-20160303

.

 

I'm thrilled that this place has been refurbished.  That being said, I can't stand the finishes and details in the apartments. From the countertops to the ugly cabinets to the exposed duct work, it looks cheap and outdated.

First tenants set to move into Cascade Lofts, Akron's latest urban development

March 02, 2016 Updated 18 hours ago

By BETH THOMAS HERTZ

 

This weekend, more urban dwellers will start to call Akron home as the first tenants begin moving into Cascade Lofts, a former tire factory that has been transformed into 24 apartments on North Street near Howard Street near the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.

 

Twelve of the apartments have been leased, and those tenants will move in between now and May 1, said Dan Sarvis, leasing and management director of Historic District Management.

 

http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20160302/NEWS/160309952/first-tenants-set-to-move-into-cascade-lofts-akrons-latest-urban#utm_medium=email&utm_source=ccl-akronmorning&utm_campaign=ccl-akronmorning-20160303

.

 

I'm thrilled that this place has been refurbished.  That being said, I can't stand the finishes and details in the apartments. From the countertops to the ugly cabinets to the exposed duct work, it looks cheap and outdated.

 

I see your point, but these arent that bad.  Have you seen inside the homes of most Americans?  This beats 90% of them, and won't look so cold once there are some furnishings.

First tenants set to move into Cascade Lofts, Akron's latest urban development

March 02, 2016 Updated 18 hours ago

By BETH THOMAS HERTZ

 

This weekend, more urban dwellers will start to call Akron home as the first tenants begin moving into Cascade Lofts, a former tire factory that has been transformed into 24 apartments on North Street near Howard Street near the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.

 

Twelve of the apartments have been leased, and those tenants will move in between now and May 1, said Dan Sarvis, leasing and management director of Historic District Management.

 

http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20160302/NEWS/160309952/first-tenants-set-to-move-into-cascade-lofts-akrons-latest-urban#utm_medium=email&utm_source=ccl-akronmorning&utm_campaign=ccl-akronmorning-20160303

.

 

I'm thrilled that this place has been refurbished.  That being said, I can't stand the finishes and details in the apartments. From the countertops to the ugly cabinets to the exposed duct work, it looks cheap and outdated.

 

Where did you see the interiors at?

 

I see your point, but these arent that bad.  Have you seen inside the homes of most Americans?  This beats 90% of them, and won't look so cold once there are some furnishings.

 

Haha, true!

Community house, hostel will be focus point for Bhutanese community

 

By Betty Lin-Fisher

Beacon Journal business writer

 

The goal of turning a once run-down house in North Hill into a gathering place for the Bhutanese community and an international hostel for guests is taking shape — and its organizer hopes it will be an example copied in other parts of Akron.

 

Last year, Jason Roberts, founding director of the Dallas-based Better Block, came to Akron to help community organizers pull off North Hill’s first Better Block event, temporarily transforming a stretch of North Main Street with pop-up shops and restaurants.

 

http://www.ohio.com/business/lin-fisher/community-house-hostel-will-be-focus-point-for-bhutanese-community-1.666597#

First tenants set to move into Cascade Lofts, Akron's latest urban development

March 02, 2016 Updated 18 hours ago

By BETH THOMAS HERTZ

 

This weekend, more urban dwellers will start to call Akron home as the first tenants begin moving into Cascade Lofts, a former tire factory that has been transformed into 24 apartments on North Street near Howard Street near the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.

 

Twelve of the apartments have been leased, and those tenants will move in between now and May 1, said Dan Sarvis, leasing and management director of Historic District Management.

 

http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20160302/NEWS/160309952/first-tenants-set-to-move-into-cascade-lofts-akrons-latest-urban#utm_medium=email&utm_source=ccl-akronmorning&utm_campaign=ccl-akronmorning-20160303

.

 

I'm thrilled that this place has been refurbished.  That being said, I can't stand the finishes and details in the apartments. From the countertops to the ugly cabinets to the exposed duct work, it looks cheap and outdated.

 

Where did you see the interiors at?

 

The website had a bunch of pictures

First tenants set to move into Cascade Lofts, Akron's latest urban development

March 02, 2016 Updated 18 hours ago

By BETH THOMAS HERTZ

 

This weekend, more urban dwellers will start to call Akron home as the first tenants begin moving into Cascade Lofts, a former tire factory that has been transformed into 24 apartments on North Street near Howard Street near the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.

 

Twelve of the apartments have been leased, and those tenants will move in between now and May 1, said Dan Sarvis, leasing and management director of Historic District Management.

 

http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20160302/NEWS/160309952/first-tenants-set-to-move-into-cascade-lofts-akrons-latest-urban#utm_medium=email&utm_source=ccl-akronmorning&utm_campaign=ccl-akronmorning-20160303

.

 

I'm thrilled that this place has been refurbished.  That being said, I can't stand the finishes and details in the apartments. From the countertops to the ugly cabinets to the exposed duct work, it looks cheap and outdated.

 

Where did you see the interiors at?

 

The website had a bunch of pictures

 

While nothing spectacular, they are nothing out of the ordinary. Cabinets and counters look fine, IMO.

 

 

 

Amazon to open pickup location near University of Akron

Beacon Journal staff report

Published: March 6, 2016 - 07:09 PM | Updated: March 7, 2016 - 07:08 AM

 

Online retailer Amazon this summer will open what it calls Amazon@Akron, a pickup location near the University of Akron on East Exchange Street.

 

This will be the second Amazon pickup location in Ohio.

 

Amazon said the University of Akron location will allow customers to pick up and return Amazon orders.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/amazon-to-open-pickup-location-near-university-of-akron-1.666903

Akron Zoo plans to renovate its Tiger Valley exhibit, add monkeys and build giant Ferris wheel

By Rick Armon

Beacon Journal staff writer

Published: March 7, 2016 - 07:04 PM

 

The Akron Zoo is planning to renovate its Tiger Valley exhibit, add monkeys and build a 64-foot Ferris wheel.

 

Zoo President and Chief Executive Officer Doug Piekarz unveiled the wide-ranging project Monday night during a presentation before Summit County Council.

 

The Tiger Valley exhibit, opened in 1998, needs to be upgraded to serve as a breeding facility for the African lions and Sumatran tigers housed there.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/break-news/akron-zoo-plans-to-renovate-its-tiger-valley-exhibit-add-monkeys-and-build-giant-ferris-wheel-1.667123

Should get some great skyline shots from that!

EnPro's Stemco Divison building new R&D center in Fairlawn

 

March 11, 2016 Updated 3 days ago

By MIKE MCNULTY, RUBBER & PLASTICS NEWS

 

EnPro Industries Inc.'s Stemco Division, which is moving quickly to shore up and expand the capabilities of its recently acquired air springs operation, is building a new research and development center in Fairlawn.

 

After signing a trademark licensing deal earlier this year that will allow it to keep the Goodyear brand name for its products, the business is moving forward with the addition of a research and development center. Stemco Air Springs' R&D operation will be housed in a 20,200-square-foot facility being built specifically for the unit, according to David Brinkman, segment business leader.

 

http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20160311/NEWS/160319957/enpros-stemco-divison-building-new-rd-center-in-fairlawn#utm_medium=email&utm_source=ccl-akronmorning&utm_campaign=ccl-akronmorning-20160314

 

 

Akron Whole Foods taking shape; West Point Marketplace adds pet store and high-tech gym

By Amanda Garrett

Beacon Journal staff writer

Published: March 27, 2016 - 07:32 PM | Updated: March 28, 2016 - 06:55 AM

 

Jubilation and mourning erupted online last week after someone posted a site plan for Akron’s first Whole Foods on Facebook.

 

The architectural drawing of West Point Marketplace shows only a triangle of green where the Circle K sits at the corner of West Market Street and North Hawkins Avenue.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/akron-whole-foods-taking-shape-west-point-marketplace-adds-pet-store-and-high-tech-gym-1.671915#

That stretch of W. Market from there to 77 has more grocery stores than any similar stretch I've ever seen, and now they're adding a new one.  There's Acme, Mustard Seed, 2 Giant Eagles, the new West Point Marketplace, Earth Fare, the groceries in Target and Walmart, Sam's Club, GFS, Marc's.  Am I forgetting any?

Two Acmes (Montrose and Wallhaven), not just one.

That stretch of W. Market from there to 77 has more grocery stores than any similar stretch I've ever seen, and now they're adding a new one.  There's Acme, Mustard Seed, 2 Giant Eagles, the new West Point Marketplace, Earth Fare, the groceries in Target and Walmart, Sam's Club, GFS, Marc's.  Am I forgetting any?

 

Yes, I don't think it's without reason though. 8 mile corridor with many residential arteries. I wouldn't even call them clusters, it's pretty continuous. This is just replacing one.

I will say I did think the same thing when Earth Fare opened as to how they were going to make it.

 

I don't think the Target or Wal Mart are "supercenters". They have snacks but not produce.

I don't believe West Point Marketplace has announced the new location(s). Although they did mention Fairlawn at one point.

Also, there are two Mustard Seed's now.

Akron’s iconic West Point Market reveals Fairlawn site of its new flagship store; hopes to open in several months

By Katie Byard

Beacon Journal staff writer

 

The secret is out of the grocery bag.

 

West Point Market is finally going public with the location of its new store in Fairlawn: the vacant shopping center at 33 Shiawassee Ave.

 

The site — one building off West Market Street — is where the iconic Akron specialty grocery plans to reinvent itself, after selling its old site on West Market in Akron to make way for a Whole Foods grocery. The Shiawassee location is about two miles west of the old store, which closed at the end of last year.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/akron-s-iconic-west-point-market-reveals-fairlawn-site-of-its-new-flagship-store-hopes-to-open-in-several-months-1.674678

That stretch of W. Market from there to 77 has more grocery stores than any similar stretch I've ever seen, and now they're adding a new one.  There's Acme, Mustard Seed, 2 Giant Eagles, the new West Point Marketplace, Earth Fare, the groceries in Target and Walmart, Sam's Club, GFS, Marc's.  Am I forgetting any?

The Fairlawn Target actually doesn't have a dedicated grocery section like most of the other Target stores around the area do now (e.g. Cuyahoga Falls, Stow, Medina, Wadsworth, Green, etc.). Unlike the other Targets, Fairlawn hasn't been updated much at all since it first opened in 1997. Supposedly it has never performed even close to the company's expectations for the location. My guess is they've held off on updating it while hoping to eventually cut a deal to build a newer store out in Montrose.

That stretch of W. Market from there to 77 has more grocery stores than any similar stretch I've ever seen, and now they're adding a new one.  There's Acme, Mustard Seed, 2 Giant Eagles, the new West Point Marketplace, Earth Fare, the groceries in Target and Walmart, Sam's Club, GFS, Marc's.  Am I forgetting any?

The Fairlawn Target actually doesn't have a dedicated grocery section like most of the other Target stores around the area do now (e.g. Cuyahoga Falls, Stow, Medina, Wadsworth, Green, etc.). Unlike the other Targets, Fairlawn hasn't been updated much at all since it first opened in 1997. Supposedly it has never performed even close to the company's expectations for the location. My guess is they've held off on updating it while hoping to eventually cut a deal to build a newer store out in Montrose.

 

Agree.  I go to that store after work on occasion, and you can't even find a decent box of cookies there!  It seems smaller overall than my usual Target locations, and has a completely different layout that drives me batty.

Akron raises possibility of tearing down old Firestone headquarters, relocating race tire factory

http://www.ohio.com/business/akron-raises-possibility-of-tearing-down-old-firestone-headquarters-relocating-race-tire-factory-1.675436

I didn't know this. This is from Akron's new planning director Jason Segedy...

 

Jason Segedy ‏@thestile1972  13h13 hours ago

Take any address in Akron - add a "0" to the end of it. That's how far in feet you are from Market St (on N-S streets) or Main St (on E-W)

Akron sees no future for Rubber Bowl, would like it torn down

By Rick Armon

Beacon Journal staff writer

Published: April 16, 2016 - 08:17 PM

 

Nearly three years after a Canton company bought the Rubber Bowl with grandiose plans to breathe new life into it, the former University of Akron football stadium remains vacant and decaying.

 

Graffiti dots the inside walls.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/akron-sees-no-future-for-rubber-bowl-would-like-it-torn-down-1.676518#

 

 

Vacant Akron block south of downtown is listed for $4.25 million

By Katie Byard

Beacon Journal business writer

Published: April 15, 2016 - 08:15 PM

 

About 10 acres of vacant land bounded by busy Akron streets — near where a new highway interchange is being built — is on the market, with a price tag of $4.25 million.

 

The land, just south of the city’s downtown core, once included the former Church of the Good Shepherd.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/vacant-akron-block-south-of-downtown-is-listed-for-4-25-million-1.676337?cache=18961415304345%2525252fnews%2525252fohio%2525252fcss%2525252fresults.css%2525252frk%2525253d0%252FRK%253D0

 

BOOM!

 

 

Summa Health announces $350 million investment

April 19, 2016

By DAN SHINGLER

 

If city leaders had any worries about Summa Health’s commitment to Akron, the health system probably put those fears to rest when it announced it will invest up to $350 million in its facilities in and around the city over the next 10 years.

 

“We thought long and hard about it,” said Summa president and CEO Dr. Thomas Malone, after announcing the plans to his coworkers and city leaders, including Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan.

 

“We’re making a big investment and the reason we’re doing that is we’ve never been stronger, we’re here to stay, we’re going to be independent and we’re going to lead the change in this community,” Malone added.

 

MORE:

http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20160419/NEWS/160419766/summa-health-announces-350-million-investment

Construction begins at Akron's White Pond Office Park

April 20, 2016 Updated 11 hours ago

By Dan Shingler

 

The city of Akron planted the first seeds of occupancy at its 76-acre White Pond Office Park on Wednesday, April 20, as the accounting firm BCG & Co. and Cedarwood Development broke ground on what they said will be a 34,500-square-foot building when it’s completed later this year.

 

The city won’t get any new employees right away; BCG has been based in Akron’s Merriman Valley since it was formed in 1986 and is moving. It has grown from six employees to more than 120 along the way, firm co-founder and managing director Dave Brockman told a crowd of media and well-wishers that included Mayor Dan Horrigan and other cabinet-level city officials.

 

http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20160420/NEWS/160429970/construction-begins-at-akrons-white-pond-office-park#utm_medium=email&utm_source=ccl-akronmorning&utm_campaign=ccl-akronmorning-20160421

Akron’s new Food Hub nearly ready for the picking; set to open in early May off Cedar Street

By Katie Byard

Beacon Journal business writer

Published: April 22, 2016 - 07:13 PM | Updated: April 23, 2016 - 01:03 AM

 

T he new Hattie’s Food Hub in Akron, a first of its kind for the area, is nearly ripe for the picking.

 

Organizers say the small fresh produce market and commercial food processing kitchen will open early next month.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/akron-s-new-food-hub-nearly-ready-for-the-picking-set-to-open-in-early-may-off-cedar-street-1.677981

Akron Whole Foods plans downsized; grocery giant now plans one of its lower-cost, 365 by Whole Foods groceries

By Katie Byard

Beacon Journal staff writer

Published: May 5, 2016 - 08:33 PM | Updated: May 6, 2016 - 11:05 AM

 

Whole Foods — often referred to as “Whole Paycheck” — is set to open the more affordable store in spring 2017 on West Market Street. That’s the site of the former West Point Market property that was originally going to be a traditional Whole Foods.

 

At 30,000 square feet, it will be 10,000 square feet smaller than a traditional Whole Foods. But the smaller, 365 model will be about 6,000 square-feet larger than the now-razed West Point.

 

http://www.ohio.com/business/akron-whole-foods-plans-downsized-grocery-giant-now-plans-one-of-its-lower-cost-365-by-whole-foods-groceries-1.680961#

^Too bad it looks like they are keeping the same footprint on the site.  I'm totally good with it being their "down-scaled" store as it won't really be a "destination" that WPM was.  I still would like them to bring the footprint in the same general area as the previous market instead of in the side parking lot.  I drove by there with a friend the other week and pointed out that was the WPM and not that he's squeamish at all, said "I don't want to look".  I have a feeling many people will be feeling that once the plaza gets built with all the parking spaces upfront along the whole stretch of W. Market. 

Akron Whole Foods plans downsized; grocery giant now plans one of its lower-cost, 365 by Whole Foods groceries

By Katie Byard

Beacon Journal staff writer

Published: May 5, 2016 - 08:33 PM | Updated: May 6, 2016 - 11:05 AM

 

Whole Foods — often referred to as “Whole Paycheck” — is set to open the more affordable store in spring 2017 on West Market Street. That’s the site of the former West Point Market property that was originally going to be a traditional Whole Foods.

 

At 30,000 square feet, it will be 10,000 square feet smaller than a traditional Whole Foods. But the smaller, 365 model will be about 6,000 square-feet larger than the now-razed West Point.

 

http://www.ohio.com/business/akron-whole-foods-plans-downsized-grocery-giant-now-plans-one-of-its-lower-cost-365-by-whole-foods-groceries-1.680961#

 

That is a total disappointment. I kind of feel Akron was duped. I believe the original plans called for 40,000 sf.

Akron Whole Foods plans downsized; grocery giant now plans one of its lower-cost, 365 by Whole Foods groceries

By Katie Byard

Beacon Journal staff writer

Published: May 5, 2016 - 08:33 PM | Updated: May 6, 2016 - 11:05 AM

 

Whole Foods — often referred to as “Whole Paycheck” — is set to open the more affordable store in spring 2017 on West Market Street. That’s the site of the former West Point Market property that was originally going to be a traditional Whole Foods.

 

At 30,000 square feet, it will be 10,000 square feet smaller than a traditional Whole Foods. But the smaller, 365 model will be about 6,000 square-feet larger than the now-razed West Point.

 

http://www.ohio.com/business/akron-whole-foods-plans-downsized-grocery-giant-now-plans-one-of-its-lower-cost-365-by-whole-foods-groceries-1.680961#

 

That is a total disappointment. I kind of feel Akron was duped. I believe the original plans called for 40,000 sf.

 

I had actually kind of originally expected it to be a Whole Foods 365.  Wallhaven doesn't seem like quite the place for a full-fledged Whole Paycheck, especially with Mustard Seed and Earth Fare both not far away.

Akron Whole Foods plans downsized; grocery giant now plans one of its lower-cost, 365 by Whole Foods groceries

By Katie Byard

Beacon Journal staff writer

Published: May 5, 2016 - 08:33 PM | Updated: May 6, 2016 - 11:05 AM

 

Whole Foods — often referred to as “Whole Paycheck” — is set to open the more affordable store in spring 2017 on West Market Street. That’s the site of the former West Point Market property that was originally going to be a traditional Whole Foods.

 

At 30,000 square feet, it will be 10,000 square feet smaller than a traditional Whole Foods. But the smaller, 365 model will be about 6,000 square-feet larger than the now-razed West Point.

 

http://www.ohio.com/business/akron-whole-foods-plans-downsized-grocery-giant-now-plans-one-of-its-lower-cost-365-by-whole-foods-groceries-1.680961#

 

That is a total disappointment. I kind of feel Akron was duped. I believe the original plans called for 40,000 sf.

 

I had actually kind of originally expected it to be a Whole Foods 365.  Wallhaven doesn't seem like quite the place for a full-fledged Whole Paycheck, especially with Mustard Seed and Earth Fare both not far away.

 

I heard that from someone else too and I reminded them that West Point was there before. I guess they could be looked at a little differently, but West Point was not cheap either.

Stark State College to build Akron campus at Perkins Street and Route 8

By Rick Armon

Beacon Journal staff writer

 

Stark State College will build its new Akron campus on 11 acres of vacant, city-owned property along Perkins Street near state Route 8 just northeast of downtown.

 

The Jackson Township-based school — along with city, Summit County and business leaders — announced the location Thursday morning during a news conference at the John S. Knight Convention Center downtown.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/stark-state-college-to-build-akron-campus-at-perkins-street-and-route-8-1.682501

New Firestone High School set to open this fall

 

By Colette M. Jenkins

Beacon Journal staff writer

Published: May 30, 2016 - 08:23 PM

 

A group of Firestone High School juniors are hoping that current and future members of their school community will build on the past as they move forward and transition into a new building.

 

To help make that happen, they have documented the school’s history — via videotaped oral histories, PowerPoint slide shows and presentation boards — as part of a college writing course. The project will become part of the school library’s permanent collection, when the new $83 million, 378,000-square-foot, three-story Firestone/Litchfield building opens this fall.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/new-firestone-high-school-set-to-open-this-fall-1.686754#

I find it amazing that APS finds a way to build a gymnasium with their buildings while Cleveland puts Cafetoriums in high schools.

 

Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

 

 

Firestone High School has always been something of the "cake-eater" school in Akron Public Schools. They always seem to get the very best of everything (swimming pool, planetarium, performing arts, etc.) because so many of the city's elite--politicians, corporate execs, even school board members--live in the Firestone Cluster and send their kids there. They have privilege and use it.

 

To some extent, I guess can't blame them, but at the same time, the whole "spoils system" approach to running the district doesn't do much at all to serve the rest of the city. Not when the district is struggling to come up with the funds to rebuild its remaining high schools.

 

Also, none of the other high schools rebuilt or renovated so far have gotten new gyms--the old ones were maintained and renovated. East CLC in particular got the shaft on this deal since its original "competition" gym was tiny to begin with, and has even less seating now since they had to put in a divider for practices. Put another way, many suburban high schools have more room for seating and accommodations in their practice gyms.

Note- Akron Garfield Alum here.

 

I had a sneaking suspicion this would happen.

I remember back in the late 90s when APS was supposedly trying to figure out where the performing arts high school program should be located. There were three options on the table: convert Miller South into a 4-12 school (it had grades 4-8 from the get-go), establish it at Kenmore High, or establish it at Firestone High. The Kenmore community actually put together a decent case for it, and they had a fairly strong music program at the high school at the time. But Firestone had something like 5 of the 7 members on the Akron School Board living in the cluster then, while Kenmore had none. Obviously, the board members living in the Firestone cluster all voted in favor of giving it to Firestone. Cake eaters, indeed.

 

I do think Kenmore--both the school and the community itself--would have benefitted greatly over the years from having the performing arts program located there, and it likely would have supported their enrollment and academic performance considerably, at least at the high school. But of course we know how the story actually played out.

 

Sometimes, I think Akron still has six other high schools just so they can bask in the glory that is "Firestone High School Campus for International Baccalaureate and Visual & Performing Arts," and yes that has actually been the formal title of the school since the early 00s. After all, what good is having privilege if there is no one else around you without it to look down upon?

Firestone High School has always been something of the "cake-eater" school in Akron Public Schools. They always seem to get the very best of everything (swimming pool, planetarium, performing arts, etc.) because so many of the city's elite--politicians, corporate execs, even school board members--live in the Firestone Cluster and send their kids there. They have privilege and use it.

 

To some extent, I guess can't blame them, but at the same time, the whole "spoils system" approach to running the district doesn't do much at all to serve the rest of the city. Not when the district is struggling to come up with the funds to rebuild its remaining high schools.

 

Also, none of the other high schools rebuilt or renovated so far have gotten new gyms--the old ones were maintained and renovated. East CLC in particular got the shaft on this deal since its original "competition" gym was tiny to begin with, and has even less seating now since they had to put in a divider for practices. Put another way, many suburban high schools have more room for seating and accommodations in their practice gyms.

 

The new Buchtel/Perkins high school and middle school complex will soon be under construction. The $46 million, 253,000-square-foot building will feature a fresh, contemporary design that will be an asset and focal point of the community.

 

The new building will provide state-of-the-art classrooms and computer labs with designs that respond to changing education needs. As requested by the community, the design saves the 1984 competition gymnasium, which includes locker rooms and a wrestling and conditioning room. In total, the complex will house three gymnasiums, eight locker rooms and additional space for Project GRAD, pastoral counseling and other learning support programs.

 

http://old.akronschools.com/news/news_detail.dot?id=58036

Tallmadge constructing a mixed-use development to create city’s first downtown

By Theresa Cottom

Beacon Journal staff writer

Published: June 14, 2016 - 07:19 PM | Updated: June 15, 2016 - 12:29 PM

 

TALLMADGE: After nearly four years of planning, Tallmadge has begun developing its very first downtown area.

 

Welty Co., along with Testa Companies, has started work on the first phase of a $45 million mixed-use lifestyle center consisting of senior apartments, loft condos, retail, day-care and medical facilities that will fill 8 acres of land beside City Hall and the police station.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/tallmadge-constructing-a-mixed-use-development-to-create-city-s-first-downtown-1.690379

 

Akron school construction project to be discussed by city, school officials

By Colette M. Jenkins

Beacon Journal staff writer

Published: June 19, 2016 - 08:29 PM | Updated: June 20, 2016 - 12:04 AM

 

The joint informational meeting Monday between members of the Akron Board of Education and Akron City Council is expected to provide clarity and understanding of the school construction project, as both entities face the tough decision of where to build what could be the city’s final high school.

 

What is already clear is that the state will only fund a project for 1,264 high school students and that time is of the essence.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/akron-school-construction-project-to-be-discussed-by-city-school-officials-1.691578