38 minutes ago, audidave said:

^Intriguing project. I would think the track hasn’t been used in 80-90 years.    I can’t even see any trace of it on google maps past exchange st.   

 I’d love to see what the ROW was. I76 is likely covering a lot of its path and that was built in the early 50s. 

  It seems like a crazy idea creating an aerial walkway winding its way through various neighborhoods. It would definitely be a nice strolling attraction for the Goodyear HQ complex. i can’t see this getting past Exchange. 

 

I recall the tracks still in place in the early 1990s. I remember seeing trains on it in the 1980s.

Akron City Council approves $4.3 million roundabout for one of city’s ‘high-crash’ intersections

Updated Sep 21, 2020; Posted Sep 21, 2020

By Robin Goist, cleveland.com

AKRON, Ohio – City Council on Monday approved the purchase of land for a $4.3 million roundabout at Canton Road and East Market Street in Akron’s Ellet neighborhood, with construction slated to begin in 2021.

Council had approved the plans in July 2019 as part of $19 million in public works projects, and voted unanimously Monday in favor of buying nearby land from a Walgreens and the Akron-Summit County Public Library’s Ellet branch, as well as authorizing the public advertising for bids later this fall.

 

https://www.cleveland.com/akron/2020/09/akron-city-council-approves-43-million-roundabout-for-one-of-citys-high-crash-intersections.html

October 11, 2020 04:00 AM updated 3 hours ago

Akron considers bids for its Merriman Valley property

Dan Shingler

 

The city of Akron has six bids in hand and a huge decision ahead following its issuance of a request for proposals to build homes on 45 wooded acres the city owns in Merriman Valley on Theiss Road.

The proposals range from plans to create 60- to 100-home subdivisions to an effort to preserve the land as it is.

 

https://www.crainscleveland.com/real-estate/akron-considers-bids-its-merriman-valley-property

 

There is a lot of interest for this property.

Strengthening Community Through I PROMISE Housing

https://mailchi.mp/1cd4ee54d4bc/strengthening-community-through-i-promise-housing-9889654

 

 

 

Edited October 16, 20204 yr by urbanetics_

The I Promise housing on Maple and Cedar looks really good. I'd love to see more density like that in Northwest Akron, particularly the West Hill area on Market. West Hill could be just as walkable as Highland Square, they just need to replace all those car dealerships or empty lots in front of St Vincent St Marys with new development. There's even some nice older commercial buildings around that triangle park on the corner of Market and North that could be fixed up to help improve the neighborhood. Lastly, the housing stock south of Market in West Hill is actually really good, lots of big historic houses with brick streets. Sure, that area is rough around the edges currently, but all the necessary ingredients for making it a vibrant neighborhood are there.

 

2 hours ago, Dblcut3 said:

The I Promise housing on Maple and Cedar looks really good. I'd love to see more density like that in Northwest Akron, particularly the West Hill area on Market. West Hill could be just as walkable as Highland Square, they just need to replace all those car dealerships or empty lots in front of St Vincent St Marys with new development. There's even some nice older commercial buildings around that triangle park on the corner of Market and North that could be fixed up to help improve the neighborhood. Lastly, the housing stock south of Market in West Hill is actually really good, lots of big historic houses with brick streets. Sure, that area is rough around the edges currently, but all the necessary ingredients for making it a vibrant neighborhood are there.

 

 

Agreed on the need to replace those car dealerships - they've held that area back for YEARS. I have no idea how it could be done but boy would that open some great development opportunities along that stretch of West Hill. 

 

On that note, according to a family member with close ties to a reputable NEO winery, folks with means are considering purchasing West Hill Hardware and converting it to a microbrewery. I hope it happens, and kicks off a broader revisioning for that stretch of Market St. It could be a great place for new residential / retail investments if they can just figure out what to do about those damn dealerships. 

Edited October 18, 20204 yr by ASP1984

On 10/18/2020 at 11:40 AM, ASP1984 said:

 

Thanks for the summary - that's a lot of detail you've gleaned - and pretty awesome that you've got the forum with Troppe to learn so much about prospective plans. If I can ask, by "neighboring complex" do you mean the whole set of warehouse looking buildings behind the Austen Bioinnovation Institute / to the right of the movie theater? (i.e. the ones with the murals along High Street). That would be a true shame if they were knocked down, along with the awning in the back (what I assume to be the trolley barn). That warehouse space is pretty unique and should be saved - any variety of interesting uses could get housed there with enough surrounding density. Was the project that fell through intended to be housing as well? Would have had to have been some pretty lofty plans for that much square footage...

 

I assume the neighbor would mean that the Smithers deal fell through.

That deck is in terrible condition. I wouldn't even drive my car in it let alone build something on top of it.

October 18, 2020 04:00 AM updated 16 hours ago

Akron's industrial parks are booming

Dan Shingler

 

Akron's five industrial parks are running out of space, thanks to major construction projects planned by developers and expansions undertaken by existing tenants.

That includes plans for a half-million square feet of space to be built on spec by developer Stu Lichter's Industrial Realty Group and another 100,000 square feet planned by Medina's Pleasant Valley Corp.

 

https://www.crainscleveland.com/real-estate/akrons-industrial-parks-are-booming

Akron Zoo wrapping up construction on Wild Asia area for tigers, red pandas, white-cheeked gibbons

Updated Oct 26, 2020; Posted Oct 26, 2020

 

By Robin Goist, cleveland.com

AKRON, Ohio – The Akron Zoo is nearing completion on its Wild Asia area, which is set to open in the spring as a home to Sumatran tigers, red pandas and white-cheeked gibbons.

During a recent media tour of the ongoing construction, zoo officials told cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer the area has been under construction since November 2018. It was developed at a cost of $9 million in conjunction with the $8 million Pride of Africa attraction which opened in the summer of 2019.

 

https://www.cleveland.com/akron/2020/10/akron-zoo-wrapping-up-construction-on-wild-asia-area-for-tigers-red-pandas-white-cheeked-gibbons.html

November 10, 2020 01:24 PM updated 15 hours ago

Amazon opens Akron fulfillment center

CRAIN'S AKRON BUSINESS

 

Akron's Amazon fulfillment center is officially open — but still hiring.

An Amazon spokesman said via email on Tuesday, Nov. 10, that the company's 640,000-square-foot center, which it built out in the former Rolling Acres Mall on Romig Road, began bringing in employees and operating earlier this month.

 

https://www.crainscleveland.com/akron-news/amazon-opens-akron-fulfillment-center

 

 

November 11, 2020 07:00 AM updated 3 hours ago

Akron puts out RFP for conservation in Merriman Valley

Dan Shingler

 

The city of Akron is asking for more bids from entities that would conserve 45 acres the city owns in the Merriman Valley, which are being considered for residential development.

The city soon will send out a request for conservation proposals, said Ellen Lander Nischt, senior strategic counsel and press secretary for Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan.

 

https://www.crainscleveland.com/real-estate/akron-puts-out-rfp-conservation-merriman-valley

Planning commission approves more homes in Merriman Valley

 

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/realestate/planning-commission-approves-more-homes-in-merriman-valley/ar-BB1bfIIt

 

After removing the vote of an alternate who was present but not authorized to vote, the five-member panel of planning commissioners appointed by the mayor decided 3-2 to recommend approval of 197 townhomes on Riverwoods Golf Course, 1870 Akron-Peninsula Road.

 

...

 

The Riverwoods project will now head to Akron City Council for a final vote. A second proposed project on 45 acres of city-owned property at Theiss and Hardy roads was also met by local protests. Original calls for housing on that site are now being expanded to accept proposals for conservation.

 

=========================================

 

An encouraging defeat for the local NIMBY lobby that will result in welcoming almost 200 more families to Akron.

51 minutes ago, Gramarye said:

Planning commission approves more homes in Merriman Valley

 

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/realestate/planning-commission-approves-more-homes-in-merriman-valley/ar-BB1bfIIt

 

After removing the vote of an alternate who was present but not authorized to vote, the five-member panel of planning commissioners appointed by the mayor decided 3-2 to recommend approval of 197 townhomes on Riverwoods Golf Course, 1870 Akron-Peninsula Road.

 

 

An encouraging defeat for the local NIMBY lobby that will result in welcoming almost 200 more families to Akron.

 

That is interesting. There was one abstention as well. I watched most of the commentary. It was over 2 hours long.

Akron-Canton Airport debuts new $37 million gate area; all that’s missing are the passengers

Updated Nov 20, 2020; Posted Nov 20, 2020

 

GREEN, Ohio — The Akron-Canton Airport this week debuted a gleaming, light-filled, $37-million gate expansion project – all it needs now are passengers.

Ren Camacho, president and CEO of the airport, defended the timing of the expansion, in the middle of a historic downturn in air travel due to the coronavirus pandemic.

 

https://www.cleveland.com/business/2020/11/akron-canton-airport-debuts-new-37-million-gate-area-all-thats-missing-are-the-passengers.html

November 24, 2020 12:12 PM updated 18 hours ago

Letter to the editor: Akron Planning Commission meeting was ‘miscarriage of civic duty and responsibility'

 

All Akron residents should be concerned about what happened at the meeting of the Akron Planning Commission on Friday, Nov. 20.

Six citizens representing Preserve the Valley, a citizen action group, spoke out against the rezoning of the Riverwood Golf Course along the Cuyahoga River for a new 197-unit housing development by Petros Homes. Other concerned residents from throughout Akron also spoke out against the project.

 

https://www.crainscleveland.com/letters-editor/letter-editor-akron-planning-commission-meeting-was-miscarriage-civic-duty-and

"Recently, I read about Riverfront Fort Wayne's planning initiative that involved several thousand citizens in the process of re-imagining their city and riverfront. They held public meetings and gathered public input. They didn't sell, attempt to sell properties, or rezone riverfront in rushed, questionable proceedings after excluding important and thoughtful voices from their own community."

 

This part made me chuckle as I am familiar with the property having golfed there many times over the years. It's either barely more than a drainage ditch or it would overflow that part of the course.

The Fort Wayne plan is based around an actual river that boats can use and is adjacent to downtown and developed areas. Not similar in any way except that there are natural features of water and land.

 

http://riverfrontfw.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Riverfront-Conceptual-Plan-Web.pdf

On 11/23/2020 at 8:31 AM, Gramarye said:

 

 

An encouraging defeat for the local NIMBY lobby that will result in welcoming almost 200 more families to Akron.

 

Ideally, yes. Or is this just more shuffling people around from old to new housing, as has been the case in NE Ohio for years now?

 

Not necessarily being critical for its own sake. And the reality is, Akron and NEO's population remains mostly stagnant.

 

Would love to see that change, and shiny new housing alone, much less in a relatively isolated corner of town, won't be the fix for that challenge.

1 hour ago, NEOBuckeye said:

Ideally, yes. Or is this just more shuffling people around from old to new housing, as has been the case in NE Ohio for years now?

 

Not necessarily being critical for its own sake. And the reality is, Akron and NEO's population remains mostly stagnant.

 

Would love to see that change, and shiny new housing alone, much less in a relatively isolated corner of town, won't be the fix for that challenge.

 

Cities need new housing stock to compete with the suburbs to retain wealth. Those shuffling into the new houses may have left for a distant suburb, or out of the region entirely. So there is still a benefit in building new houses.

On 11/27/2020 at 11:54 PM, NEOBuckeye said:

 

Ideally, yes. Or is this just more shuffling people around from old to new housing, as has been the case in NE Ohio for years now?

 

Not necessarily being critical for its own sake. And the reality is, Akron and NEO's population remains mostly stagnant.

 

Would love to see that change, and shiny new housing alone, much less in a relatively isolated corner of town, won't be the fix for that challenge.

 

Akron's population has increased only from the immigrant / refugee population over the last few years. So, whatever they had been doing was not bringing anyone new into the city of almost 200k. The city is built for 300k. New housing initiatives might bring in new residents.

November 30, 2020 02:54 PM updated 10 hours ago

Akron's West Market Street Station plaza sells for $18 million

Stan Bullard

 

West Market Street Station, the Whole Foods-anchored shopping center in Akron's Wallhaven neighborhood, has been sold to a Red Bank, N.J.-based national real estate investment and management concern.

Summit County land records show that an affiliate of First National Realty Partners LLC on Wednesday, Nov. 25, paid $18 million for the 54,000-square-foot plaza at 1745 W. Market St.

 

https://www.crainscleveland.com/real-estate/akrons-west-market-street-station-plaza-sells-18-million

Does anyone know if West Market Realty LLC (the seller) locally-owned?  Does this mean a transition from a local owner to an out-of-state one?

 

Much as I joke about that plaza as Basic Central (I mean, it's got a Whole Foods, Lululemon, OrangeTheory, Salon Lofts, fru fru pet store, and a nail salon), I actually like that plaza, I'm there frequently (especially now that the 365 by Whole Foods has joined the shop-at-home revolution--embarrassing how long it took a company owned by Amazon to get on board with online shopping), and I hope to see it stay in good shape.  It's one of the best EV charging options around, too (four spots, free to use), though I haven't used them as much during the pandemic simply because I'm getting curbside carryout rather than stopping and spending a lot of time there.

4 hours ago, Gramarye said:

Much as I joke about that plaza as Basic Central (I mean, it's got a Whole Foods, Lululemon, OrangeTheory, Salon Lofts, fru fru pet store, and a nail salon), I actually like that plaza

 

...so you're saying...you're basic?

5 hours ago, Gramarye said:

Does anyone know if West Market Realty LLC (the seller) locally-owned?  Does this mean a transition from a local owner to an out-of-state one?

 

Much as I joke about that plaza as Basic Central (I mean, it's got a Whole Foods, Lululemon, OrangeTheory, Salon Lofts, fru fru pet store, and a nail salon), I actually like that plaza, I'm there frequently (especially now that the 365 by Whole Foods has joined the shop-at-home revolution--embarrassing how long it took a company owned by Amazon to get on board with online shopping), and I hope to see it stay in good shape.  It's one of the best EV charging options around, too (four spots, free to use), though I haven't used them as much during the pandemic simply because I'm getting curbside carryout rather than stopping and spending a lot of time there.

That plaza is a huge asset to Akron. It might sound dumb to say that since it just looks like an average suburban plaza, but the fact that it has Whole Foods, Piada, and Lululemon is great because it draws in visitors from the suburbs. I think a huge problem these days is that suburbanites won't ever venture into the city - but having trendy stores like that inside the City of Akron entices people to go spend more time in Wallhaven and Highland Square area instead of staying in Fairlawn to do everything.

 

 

Now if only that intersection of Wallhaven could become a bit more walkable, it would be Highland Square 2.0....

Edited December 2, 20204 yr by Dblcut3

19 hours ago, Gramarye said:

Does anyone know if West Market Realty LLC (the seller) locally-owned?  Does this mean a transition from a local owner to an out-of-state one?

 

Much as I joke about that plaza as Basic Central (I mean, it's got a Whole Foods, Lululemon, OrangeTheory, Salon Lofts, fru fru pet store, and a nail salon), I actually like that plaza, I'm there frequently (especially now that the 365 by Whole Foods has joined the shop-at-home revolution--embarrassing how long it took a company owned by Amazon to get on board with online shopping), and I hope to see it stay in good shape.  It's one of the best EV charging options around, too (four spots, free to use), though I haven't used them as much during the pandemic simply because I'm getting curbside carryout rather than stopping and spending a lot of time there.

 

I'm pretty sure they are based out of Atlanta or a similar size city. They developed Whole Foods across the country. If you recall, this was going to be a regular Whole Foods. They determined the market was saturated for that price point and nationally moved away from developing those and into this 360 model. This was one of the first.
Also, I thought I read in this article that they sold it to a subsidiary for their company. They operate as a REIT so basically it's like moving stocks around, more or less. (I think :)

14 hours ago, Dblcut3 said:

That plaza is a huge asset to Akron. It might sound dumb to say that since it just looks like an average suburban plaza, but the fact that it has Whole Foods, Piada, and Lululemon is great because it draws in visitors from the suburbs. I think a huge problem these days is that suburbanites won't ever venture into the city - but having trendy stores like that inside the City of Akron entices people to go spend more time in Wallhaven and Highland Square area instead of staying in Fairlawn to do everything.

 

 

Now if only that intersection of Wallhaven could become a bit more walkable, it would be Highland Square 2.0....

 

To a point yes, because of the density. But with the streets as wide as they are, 4 - 5 lanes, it will never have that feel.

Local history: Future looked bright when Midway Plaza debuted in December 1955

https://amp.beaconjournal.com/amp/3789271001

 

I saw this article and it only briefly mentions development so sorry if this is in the wrong thread.

 

I don't live in Akron anymore so I didn't know that Goodwill left the plaza. I never got to experience Midway Plaza in its glory days so its always been a kind of depressing place to me.

 

I hope they do end up tearing it down and if they do replace it, I hope they would replace it with something a little more pedestrian friendly. I used to ride Metro Route 19 all the time. I'd feel bad all the seniors with their personal shopping carts and parents with young kids in strollers would all have to get of the bus and traverse the large, empty parking lot just to get groceries at Save a Lot.

Edited December 7, 20204 yr by Keelung to Cuyahoga

Cleveland company Athersys to add 400 jobs in Stow

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/business/2020/12/07/biotech-company-athersys-expand-stow-add-400-jobs/3859761001/

Developer eyes piece of Firestone Business Park

Jim Mackinnon

Akron Beacon Journal

 

Another piece of Akron's still fledgling Firestone Business Park appears headed toward development.

PVC Akron LLC, also known as Pleasant Valley Corp., is closing in on an agreement with the city of Akron to buy 4.4 acres of land in the park near an 80,000-square-foot spec building PVC is putting up on the site of the former Firestone campus.

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/2020/12/09/developer-looking-buy-acres-akrons-firestone-business-park/6495737002/?utm_source=akron-morning-roundup&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20201209&utm_content=article11-readmore

October 16, 2020 Planning Commission agenda

 

Approval of sales of property and/or development plans in Urban Renewal and

Community Development projects and assorted matters necessary to promote the

Urban Renewal and Community Development Plans.

 

(1) PC-2020-62-S & LE – Sale and lease of City-owned land in the Firestone

Business Park.

 

Presented by: Brad Beckert, Business Retention & Expansion Manager

 

TO: AKRON CITY PLANNING COMMISSION 

 

ITEM # 2A1 PC-2020-62-S & LE 

 

FROM: DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT 

 

DATE: October 16, 2020 

 

SUBJECT: PC-2020-62-S & LE – Sale and lease of City-owned land in the Firestone Business Park. 

 

GENERAL LOCATION: Firestone Business Park 

 

LAND USE OF THIS PROPERTY: vacant land 

 

ZONED: Unified Planned Development District (UPD-48) SIZE OF LOT & AREA: 5.5 acres sale, 1 acre for lease

 

COMMENTS: 

The City of Akron is the owner of property located at Firestone Business Park. This property will

be sold to Pleasant Valley Construction for a new company to establish a presence.

The City of Akron Office of Integrated Development has been approached by Pleasant Valley

Construction to purchase a 5 acre parcel within the business park and develop an expansion

building/parking facility for a large distribution facility. Further, the City would lease a one acre

area containing an existing parking lot in front of the Bridgestone plant building to Pleasant Valley

on a short term basis, to provide additional parking for the distribution facility employees.

The City is in a position to quickly demonstrate a willingness to sell and lease this property for

private development. The potential for this investment in this site would go far to enhance the

development of industrial property and create future job growth.

 

RECOMMENDATION:

The Planning Staff recommends APPROVAL of the sale and lease of City-owned land in the

Firestone Business Park.

 

 

 

23 hours ago, KHart said:

October 16, 2020 Planning Commission agenda

 

Approval of sales of property and/or development plans in Urban Renewal and

Community Development projects and assorted matters necessary to promote the

Urban Renewal and Community Development Plans.

 

(1) PC-2020-62-S & LE – Sale and lease of City-owned land in the Firestone

Business Park.

 

Presented by: Brad Beckert, Business Retention & Expansion Manager

 

TO: AKRON CITY PLANNING COMMISSION 

 

I

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks, I was hoping this wasn't the first phase of the inevitable demolition of the unoccupied portion of the adjacent Firestone office building. If you saw, they are removing the signage from the building. I assume demolition is the next phase as I've heard that's been in the works.

December 10, 2020 03:06 PM updated 3 hours ago

Akron City Council to consider Merriman Valley development

Dan Shingler

 

Akron City Council might be headed toward some contentious meetings on Monday, Dec. 14, when it and its Planning and Economic Development Committee are set to consider a proposed residential development for the Merriman Valley.

Up for consideration is a zoning variance requested by Petros Homes, which hopes to build 197 townhomes and ranch-style residences at the 76-acre site of the former Riverwood Golf Course on Akron-Peninsula Road. Petros CEO Sam Petros estimated the project will cost about $40 million to develop.

 

https://www.crainscleveland.com/real-estate/akron-city-council-consider-merriman-valley-development

10 hours ago, yanni_gogolak said:

December 10, 2020 03:06 PM updated 3 hours ago

Akron City Council to consider Merriman Valley development

Dan Shingler

 

Akron City Council might be headed toward some contentious meetings on Monday, Dec. 14, when it and its Planning and Economic Development Committee are set to consider a proposed residential development for the Merriman Valley.

 

 

This is a tough one.  I like the idea of more open and wild nature spaces in the Valley as the nature aspect is what I find interesting about the area, but at the same time, the Valley really needs an infusion of new blood to help the businesses thrive.  The Valley shopping areas are due for an aesthetic makeover and more people living there might be a catalyst for improvement.

2 hours ago, jeremyck01 said:

 

This is a tough one.  I like the idea of more open and wild nature spaces in the Valley as the nature aspect is what I find interesting about the area, but at the same time, the Valley really needs an infusion of new blood to help the businesses thrive.  The Valley shopping areas are due for an aesthetic makeover and more people living there might be a catalyst for improvement.

I'm in the same boat... I love development, but I also love our park system and would love to see it expand. 

The valley is always changing. The CVSR should be adding a stop within next two years. That will add more foot and bike traffic to go with the fairly busy towpath traffic.  Yesterday the detour up crazy steep Hickory st was removed and it is now an easy ride on the towpath to downtown Akron after 3-4 years of the detour. 

   I seriously can envision a timber tower or 2 built in the valley as it is a very walkable/bikeable area and the views of the Cuyahoga valley national park would be beautiful. 

8 hours ago, audidave said:

I seriously can envision a timber tower or 2 built in the valley

They can call it the "Timber Top II", known for its elegance and high standards for maintenance

On 12/11/2020 at 7:27 PM, jeremyck01 said:

 

This is a tough one.  I like the idea of more open and wild nature spaces in the Valley as the nature aspect is what I find interesting about the area, but at the same time, the Valley really needs an infusion of new blood to help the businesses thrive.  The Valley shopping areas are due for an aesthetic makeover and more people living there might be a catalyst for improvement.

 

On 12/11/2020 at 9:50 PM, ASPhotoman said:

I'm in the same boat... I love development, but I also love our park system and would love to see it expand. 

 

This parcel is landlocked though. There wouldn't be any way to connect it to the park system.

The entrance to the property is flanked by Polymer Valley Chemicals and Coastal Tool Supply.

 

 

 

Akron City Council postpones decision on upscale townhouses at former Riverwood Golf Course near Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Updated Dec 14, 2020; Posted Dec 14, 2020

 

By Robin Goist, cleveland.com

AKRON, Ohio – During its final meeting of the year, City Council decided Monday to hold off on voting on a developer’s plan to build nearly 200 townhouses at the former Riverwood Golf Course in the Merriman Valley.

The Petros Development Group had requested conditional use to construct 197 one- or two-story townhouses with attached garages – 169 of which would be rented, 28 owned – on 76 acres at 1870­ Akron Peninsula Road, land currently zoned for commercial and light industrial use.

 

https://www.cleveland.com/akron/2020/12/akron-city-council-postpones-decision-on-upscale-townhouses-at-former-riverwood-golf-course-near-cuyahoga-valley-national-park.html

Here's the Akron Beacon Journal story on the same issue and same City Council meeting that yanni posted above:

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/2020/12/15/merriman-valley-riverwoods-woodridge-cuyahoga-falls-officials-also-protesting-new-akron-housing/6547815002/

 

Akron defends Merriman Valley housing proposal at Riverwoods as critics, Woodridge schools cry foul

 

Woodridge Local Schools, a Cuyahoga Falls councilman, an environmental attorney and citizens concerned about racial and economic fairness are joining a group of local residents and business owners protesting new high-end, tax-abated townhomes in the Merriman Valley.

 

The debate involves Petros Development Group asking City Council to approve a conditional rezoning of the former Riverwoods Golf Course at 1870 Akron-Peninsula Road for 197 new townhomes, including 28 that would be owner-occupied. After months of consultation with the city of Akron, which supports the plan for new housing, the Cleveland-based developer has purchased additional acreage lining the Cuyahoga River for conservation and public access.

 

About 45 of the 76 acres on the entire lot would be donated to the West Creek Conservancy, a nonprofit that works with private developers to steward protected land. Akron City Council heard more than three hours of testimony, mostly in opposition, before deciding Monday to wait until they meet again Jan. 4 to vote on the initial conditional use permit.

 

====================================

 

Just a reminder, to keep things straight: There are two separate large housing projects proposed for the Merriman Valley area.  This one is close to the Cuyahoga River, behind currently-existing commercial properties on Akron-Peninsula Road, on the site of the defunct Riverwoods golf course.  The other one is away from the river, up Theiss Road (which leads off Akron-Peninsula Road on the other side, heading away from the river), somewhat near the Hampton Knoll/Pheasant Run apartment complex.

Penske truck leasing company buys site of closed Donzell’s Flower & Garden Center in Akron

Updated Jan 07, 2021; Posted Jan 07, 2021

By Eric Heisig, cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The family behind Donzell’s Flower & Garden Center in east Akron, which closed its doors in 2019 after opening in 1953, has sold the nearly 10-acre site to Penske Truck Leasing.

The Harrisburg, Pennsylvania-based company bought the property, which also includes a 35,000 square-foot building, in the 900 block of East Waterloo Road for $950,000 and plans to use it for a truck and rental service facility.

 

https://www.cleveland.com/business/2020/05/akron-approves-25-million-penske-truck-center-at-former-donzells-garden-center.html

January 13, 2021 02:43 PM updated 8 hours ago

Copley to get a new apartment complex

Dan Shingler

 

Redwood Apartments

In Copley, Redwood Living announced Tuesday, Jan. 12, that it's building 100 new apartments on Ridgewood Road near state Route 21.

The Independence-based developer said the units will all be between 1,200 and 1,400 square feet in size and will be finished with residents able to move in sometime in April. Rents will be from $1,599 to $1,799 per month.

 

https://www.crainscleveland.com/akron-news/copley-get-new-apartment-complex

January 19, 2021 03:26 PM updated 15 hours ago

Hondros College of Nursing will add an Akron campus

Lydia Coutré

 

The Akron campus, located at 755 White Pond Drive, will be the sixth in the state. Hondros offers a PN diploma program as well as an associate degree in nursing at its existing five Ohio campuses: Cincinnati/West Chester, Cleveland/Independence, Columbus/Westerville, Dayton/Fairborn and Toledo/Maumee. It also has a campus in Indianapolis.

 

https://www.crainscleveland.com/health-care/hondros-college-nursing-will-add-akron-campus

January 31, 2021 04:00 AM updated 13 hours ago

New entertainment development taking shape in Bath Township

KAREN FARKAS

 

A long-neglected parcel at a gateway to Bath Township will be developed into a 22,500-square-foot building that will house a wine bar, restaurant, ice cream store, private club for golf and other game simulations, and businesses.

Bath Provisions, at the intersection of Ghent and Cleveland-Massillon roads, is owned by Stonemill Real Estate, a company formed in 2019 specifically for the development.

 

https://www.crainscleveland.com/retail/new-entertainment-development-taking-shape-bath-township

Akron seeks to rezone, redevelop struggling Chapel Hill Mall

Updated Feb 08, 2021; Posted Feb 08, 2021

By Robin Goist, cleveland.com

AKRON, Ohio – One year after Summit County began foreclosure proceedings against Chapel Hill Mall, the city of Akron is moving forward with plans to rezone the property with the hope developers can repurpose the mostly vacant structure and expansive parking lot.

City Council on Monday considered a zoning change for the mall at 2000 Brittain Road to go from a “retail business use district,” allowing for retail and residential use, to be a “unified planned development district,” which expands the zoning to also allow for some commercial use.

 

https://www.cleveland.com/business/2021/02/akron-seeks-to-rezone-redevelop-struggling-chapel-hill-mall.html

Akron launches online tool for residents to review city-owned lots for sale with aim to increase homeownership

Updated Feb 10, 2021; Posted Feb 10, 2021

 

AKRON, Ohio – Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan on Wednesday unveiled his administration’s third program aimed at increasing homeownership in the city: an online database for residents, builders and developers to view city-owned properties for sale and to fill out applications to buy them.

The “Welcome Home Akron” program, found at akronliving.org, was created by the city with Boston-based software company Tolemi. Akron is expected to pay $10,000 a year to maintain the service, the city said in a news release.

 

https://www.cleveland.com/akron/2021/02/akron-launches-online-tool-for-residents-to-review-city-owned-lots-for-sale-with-aim-to-increase-homeownership.html

 

 

 

AkronLiving.org

I played there a long time ago...with Jeffrey Dahmer's father.  No joke.  He was a very nice guy.

Chapel Hill Mall sale plan includes $6 million for exterior makeover

Jim Mackinnon

Akron Beacon Journal

The sale and multimillion dollar redevelopment of Chapel Hill Mall in Akron took a couple more steps to completion following action Monday by Akron City Council, including disclosure of plan to overhaul the property's appearance.

The mall developer, Industrial Commercial Properties of Solon, is expected to invest as much as $20 million into the 60-plus acre mall site as part of the sale, with construction expected to start this spring, city council members said in committee Monday afternoon. The struggling and largely vacant mall property is now in foreclosure and ICP expects to repurpose the site from retail into more diverse uses, including light industrial businesses.

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/2021/03/01/akrons-chapel-hill-mall-moving-closer-sale-and-redevelopment/6874862002/?utm_source=akron-morning-roundup&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20210302&utm_content=article3-headline

Crystal Clinic expects to open new hospital by this fall

Updated Mar 10, 2021; Posted Mar 10, 2021

 

By Mary Vanac | Cleveland Business Journal

Crystal Clinic plans to open its specialty hospital for orthopaedic, reconstructive and plastic surgery this fall.

The hospital at 3557 Embassy Parkway in Fairlawn, Ohio, will become the new home for Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center, the hospital said in a statement.

 

https://www.cleveland.com/business/2021/03/crystal-clinic-expects-to-open-new-hospital-by-this-fall.html

March 15, 2021 01:24 PM updated 9 hours ago

TrustedSec to break ground on new Fairlawn headquarters

Dan Shingler

 

TrustedSec, a nationally known cybersecurity firm now based in Strongsville, will break ground on its new headquarters in Fairlawn on March 22.

The firm announced the groundbreaking on Monday, March 15, and said its new, 20,000-square-foot home will be located at 3485 Southwestern Blvd., off Fairlawn Corporate Parkway near Ridgewood Road.

 

https://www.crainscleveland.com/technology/trustedsec-break-ground-new-fairlawn-headquarters

 

MAP

New owner will convert Chapel Hill Mall into a business park

Jim Mackinnon

Akron Beacon Journal

 

Chapel Hill Mall will be transformed into a business park by its new owner.

Industrial Commercial Properties completed its purchase of the foreclosed-upon Akron mall late Tuesday afternoon, according to the broker for the sale. The sales price was not immediately available.

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/2021/03/16/new-owner-turn-akrons-chapel-hill-mall-into-business-park/4717034001/?utm_source=akron-morning-roundup&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20210317&utm_content=article3-readmore

10 hours ago, yanni_gogolak said:

New owner will convert Chapel Hill Mall into a business park

Jim Mackinnon

Akron Beacon Journal

 

Chapel Hill Mall will be transformed into a business park by its new owner.

Industrial Commercial Properties completed its purchase of the foreclosed-upon Akron mall late Tuesday afternoon, according to the broker for the sale. The sales price was not immediately available.

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/2021/03/16/new-owner-turn-akrons-chapel-hill-mall-into-business-park/4717034001/?utm_source=akron-morning-roundup&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20210317&utm_content=article3-readmore

 

Glad to see them taking this on. They have a great local track record of taking on some very challenging properties and turning them completely around.

Probably the best thing that could have happened for that property, short of redeveloping it into a distribution center.

 

For a while, I thought a developer might buy it and convert it into residential or senior housing.

 

I like the idea of CH remaining some kind of business center though, even with a lot less retail. I always felt like there should have been more of a mix of commercial corporate, retail and industrial use there, as well as residential. Instead, it's been almost exclusively a retail zone, and that proved to be its biggest liability as a district.

Crews break ground on $12 million housing development in West Akron

Robin Goist - Cleveland.com - Mar. 25, 2021

 

 

"Crews broke ground Thursday on a $12 million development of 51 single-family houses in West Akron. The Crossings at Auld Farms is expected to be completed within 18 months to two years by New Jersey-based builder K. Hovnanian. The developer is Painesville-based Knez Homes. The development on 6.2 acres on Diagonal Road, near the Akron Zoo, is expected to have three- and four-bedroom homes between 1,381-square-feet and 1,759-square-feet costing $200,000 to $230,000, the city said in a news release."