Toledo: Glass City Metro Park & Marina / National Museum of the Great Lakes

[DetroitBrad]

MARINA DISTRICT

East-side neighborhood could benefit from plan

By TOM TROY

BLADE STAFF WRITER

 

Eight residential blocks along Front Street would be included in an expanded Marina District "community development district" that has been proposed to Toledo City Council.  That means the modest single-family homes between Mott Avenue and Front from Dearborn Avenue to Essex Street could benefit from the more than $200 million worth of improvements that are planned during the next few years.

 

MORE: http://www.toledoblade.com/

[buildingcincinnati]

Here's an update from the 1/20/05 Toledo Blade:

 

 

Council told to lift Marina 'cloud'

Developer says market research should dictate what is built

 

Saying the Marina District has a "cloud over it," a developer told Toledo City Council members yesterday they should not be the ones to decide what is built on the 130 acres of prime riverfront real estate.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050120/NEWS16/501200483

 

[mrnyc]

eminent domain!!! you hear that mayor jane ???!!! stop sucking up to the cleveland robber baron property owners lady!

[buildingcincinnati]

From the 2/19/05 Toledo Blade:

 

Front Street becomes a victim of delays in Marina District

By DAVID PATCH

BLADE STAFF WRITER

 

For years, Toledo officials have been promising to fix up Front Street between Main Street and I-280 as soon as the Marina District project is built.

Doing so any sooner, the logic goes, would subject the new pavement to battering from heavy trucks going to and from the riverfront development during its construction.

 

Contact David Patch at: [email protected] or 419-724-6094.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050219/NEWS11/502190328

 

[buildingcincinnati]

An update from the 2/25/05 Toledo Blade:

 

Ship terminal may anchor east-side plan

Port authority sells land to city development

 

Great Lakes cruise ships could become an integral part of the Toledo's Marina District project, Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority officials said yesterday.

The vision is for the East Toledo development of residences and retail, still without an official name, to become a hub of locals, visitors, and cruise ship passengers shopping, eating, and pumping money into the economy.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050225/NEWS16/502250356/-1/NEWS

 

[DetroitBrad]

MARINA DISTRICT

Ford's plan for sports, music site in Toledo advances; Columbus firm gets nod for work

By TOM TROY

BLADE STAFF WRITER

 

Mayor Jack Ford yesterday set in motion plans for design and construction of a new Toledo sports and concert arena, likely as part of the Marina District.

The mayor announced he was recommending the Pizzuti Cos. of Columbus, already on board as developer of the Marina District, as master developer of a new multiuse arena.

 

Contact Tom Troy at:

[email protected]

or 419-724-6058.

[buildingcincinnati]

I'm going to move this to P&C, since they're starting to propose stuff.

[buildingcincinnati]

Still kicking around the idea of an arena...from the 5/7/05 Toledo Blade.  For more background, there are links at the end of the story's page:

 

 

Analyst: City has market, political will for arena

By TOM TROY and RON MUSSELMAN

BLADE STAFF WRITERS

 

A consultant hired to analyze Toledo's market for a new sports and concert arena said yesterday he believes Toledo can support an arena of 8,000 to 12,000 seats.

 

And he said he is convinced Toledo has the "political will" to get it done.

 

Contact Tom Troy at:

[email protected] or 419-724-6058.

 

Contact Ron Musselman at:

[email protected] or 419-724-6474.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050507/NEWS16/505070378/-1/NEWS

[buildingcincinnati]

From the 5/12/05 Toledo Blade:

 

 

Ford reaffirms commitment to East Toledo arena

By TOM TROY

BLADE STAFF WRITER

 

Mayor Jack Ford once again endorsed the east side as his preferred site for a new sports and concert arena but left open the door to other locations.

 

The mayor touched on a wide variety of topics in a speech to River East Associates, an East Toledo business association, yesterday at Cousino's Navy Bistro.

 

Contact Tom Troy at:

[email protected] or 419-724-6058

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050512/NEWS16/505120426

 

[WoollyBear]

It is great to finally hear some good news coming from Toledo. This marina district thing really needs to get going. I am really looking forward to seeing the plans for the Southwyck shopping center, since I can throw a rock and hit it from my house.

[buildingcincinnati]

Yeah, it seems like most of the Toledo news lately has been pretty negative.

[buildingcincinnati]

A related story from the 5/19/05 Toledo Blade:

 

Toledo: Railroad bridge controversy: save it, lose it

By ERIKA RAY

BLADE STAFF WRITER

 

It's been said that one person's garbage is another person's treasure.

 

While some consider the railroad bridge that welcomes Main Street motorists to East Toledo to be an eyesore that should be torn down, others see it as a landmark that should be saved.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050519/NEWS16/505180324

 

[buildingcincinnati]

From the 5/21/05 Toledo Blade:

 

 

Arena study to wait until mayor’s return

 

A promised study on how and where to build a new Toledo sports and entertainment arena will have to wait until after Mayor Jack Ford returns Tuesday from a shopping center convention in Las Vegas.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050521/NEWS16/50521045

 

[buildingcincinnati]

From the 5/23/05 Toledo Blade:

 

 

Consultant suggests downtown arena site

Clustering venues is beneficial, Chema says

By STEVE MURPHY

BLADE STAFF WRITER

 

Cities like Toledo that want to revive their urban cores and attract young, well-educated residents should cluster sports and entertainment venues in downtown business districts, an Ohio stadium consultant told a Toledo convention yesterday.

 

Contact Steve Murphy at: [email protected] or 419-724-6078.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050523/NEWS16/505230349/-1/NEWS

 

[buildingcincinnati]

I've never seen the current arena.  Is it that bad?

[buildingcincinnati]

From the 6/2/05 Toledo Blade:

 

 

$70,000 ANALYSIS

Study says downtown is best site for arena

Economic potential of new location cited

By TOM TROY

BLADE STAFF WRITER

 

A $70,000 study commissioned by the city of Toledo comes down on the side of building a new arena downtown rather than on the Marina District site on the east side.

 

The study, obtained yesterday by The Blade, concludes that an arena would draw sports, concert, and ice-show fans regardless of location but that it would generate more profit and economic spin-off if built downtown.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050602/NEWS16/506020349/-1/NEWS

 

[buildingcincinnati]

From the 6/3/05 Toledo Blade:

 

 

Arena study further divides East Toledo, downtown advocates

By TOM TROY

BLADE STAFF WRITER

 

East Toledo officials reacted with dismay yesterday to a city-funded study supporting downtown as the best location for a new arena.

 

Advocates of the central business district responded positively, but cautiously, to the potential of an arena being combined with the convention center and baseball stadium.

 

Contact Tom Troy at:

[email protected] or 419-724-6058.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050603/NEWS16/506030327/-1/NEWS

 

[buildingcincinnati]

From the 6/16/05 Toledo Blade:

 

 

PHOTO: John Mitchell of Oregon reminds city officials that voters cast their ballots to build an arena in East Toledo.  ( THE BLADE/JEREMY WADSWORTH )

 

SITE FOR SPORTS, CONCERTS

150 attend first public meeting to discuss location of new arena

By TAD VEZNER

BLADE STAFF WRITER

 

When it comes to the location for a new sports and concert arena in Toledo, opinions have long been split by the Maumee River - and nowhere was that more evident than at a well-attended east-side public meeting last night.

 

Contact Tad Vezner at:

[email protected] or 419-724-6050.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050616/NEWS16/506160371/-1/NEWS

 

[buildingcincinnati]

And what of the old arena?  From the 6/18/05 Toledo Blade:

 

 

SPORTS ARENA

Owner hopes for purchase agreement

By TAD VEZNER

BLADE STAFF WRITER

 

The owner of the Toledo Sports Arena is hoping for some sort of assurance — in writing — next week regarding the fate and future ownership of the 25-acre facility that is the last unpurchased portion of the east-side Marina District project.

 

Blade business writer Jon Chavez contributed to this report.

 

Contact Tad Vezner at:

[email protected] or 419-724-6050.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050618/NEWS16/50618009/-1/NEWS

 

[buildingcincinnati]

From the 6/23/05 Toledo Blade:

 

 

Either side of river can support new arena: study

Downtown touted for economic benefit

 

Proponents of a new arena in East Toledo squared off yesterday against those who favor a new arena downtown during the presentation of a feasibility study that found either location could financially support the proposed venue.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050623/NEWS16/506230356/-1/NEWS

 

[buildingcincinnati]

From the 6/25/05 Toledo Blade:

 

 

Public invited for session on Marina District design

 

The community at large is invited this morning to participate in a planning session for the design of the proposed Marina District in East Toledo.

 

The event, called a charette, is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Weber Block Building, Front and Main streets. About 30 people, including Toledo architects and architects for Marina District developer Pizzuti Cos., are expected to participate, city officials said.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050625/NEWS16/50625002/-1/NEWS

 

[buildingcincinnati]

From the 6/26/05 Toledo Blade:

 

 

MARINA DISTRICT

East Toledoans weigh in on plan for development

By IGNAZIO MESSINA

BLADE STAFF WRITER

 

The planned Marina District development in East Toledo needs to include an area for boats to dock, a large destination retail store, and a connection to the adjacent neighborhood, according to local residents who yesterday offered suggestions.

 

Contact Ignazio Messina at: [email protected] or 419-724-6171.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050626/NEWS16/506260405/-1/NEWS

 

[buildingcincinnati]

From the 6/30/05 Toledo Blade:

 

 

Wilkowski proposes downtown arena site

Mayoral hopeful says time for action is now

By TAD VEZNER

BLADE STAFF WRITER

 

Toledo mayoral candidate Keith Wilkowski yesterday announced a plan to “turn Toledo around,” beginning with several pledges geared toward revitalizing the downtown area.

 

Contact Tad Vezner at:[email protected] or 419-724-6050.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050630/NEWS16/50630035/-1/NEWS

 

[buildingcincinnati]

From the 7/27/05 Toledo Blade:

 

 

Option is sought on arena property

Goal to secure land for Marina District

By TOM TROY

BLADE STAFF WRITER

 

Flexing its new role in economic development, the Lucas County Improvement Corp. agreed yesterday to negotiate for an option to purchase the 25.5-acre Toledo Sports Arena property.

 

The LCIC's action, which could be completed as early as today, would secure the last privately owned piece in the Marina District for 90 or 120 days, with a possible renewal period.

 

Contact Tom Troy at:

[email protected] or 419-724-6058.[/i]

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050727/NEWS16/507270480

 

[buildingcincinnati]

From the 8/11/05 Toledo Blade:

 

 

Agency ready to sign option on deal for sports arena

By TAD VEZNER

BLADE STAFF WRITER

 

The Lucas County Improvement Corp. today is expected to sign an option to purchase the Toledo Sports Arena and its adjacent property.

 

The agreement would give LCIC a 30-day option to buy the property at 1 Main St. for $5 million, with the potential to extend the option to 90 days, according to Jeannie Hylant, president of LCIC's executive committee.

 

Contact Tad Vezner at:

[email protected] or 419-724-6050.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050811/NEWS16/508110463

 

[buildingcincinnati]

From the 8/12/05 Toledo Blade:

 

 

Agency OKs plan to seek arena option

 

The Lucas County Improvement Corp. yesterday authorized its board president to sign an option to buy the Toledo Sports Arena and its adjacent property.

 

But as a caveat, the board put a hold on delivering the document to property owner Tim Gladieux until the LCIC's attorney can review any leases at the 25.5-acre property that may complicate the arrangement.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050812/NEWS16/508120356

 

[buildingcincinnati]

From the 8/18/05 Toledo Blade:

 

 

MARINA DISTRICT

County unit OKs $5M option for arena

Ford: Study urges downtown site

By TOM TROY

BLADE STAFF WRITER

 

Lucas County's economic development entity finalized a 90-day option to buy the Toledo Sports Arena for $5 million yesterday, while Toledo Mayor Jack Ford released a study recommending a downtown location for a new arena and placing its cost at up to $78 million.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050818/NEWS16/508180388

 

[buildingcincinnati]

From the 9/1/05 Toledo Blade:

 

 

PHOTO: Tina Skeldon Wozniak, right.  ( THE BLADE )

 

City, county to meet today on arena plan

By TOM TROY

BLADE STAFF WRITER

 

Toledo and Lucas County officials will meet officially for the first time today to discuss how and where to build a new Toledo sports and entertainment arena.

 

Tina Skeldon Wozniak, president of the board of Lucas County commissioners, said Mayor Jack Ford called her on Monday to invite the county to participate in developing an arena.

 

Contact Tom Troy at:

[email protected] or 419-724-6058.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050901/NEWS16/509010360

 

[buildingcincinnati]

From the 9/6/05 Toledo Blade:

 

 

PHOTO: A request would rezone the Sports Arena site as ‘downtown commercial.’  ( THE BALDE/JEREMY WADSWORTH )

 

Sports Arena site part of downtown?

Plan Commission to consider zone change tied to venue sale

By TOM TROY

BLADE STAFF WRITER

 

Toledo politicians like to assure East Toledo business owners that the east bank of the Maumee River is “part of downtown.”

 

A river runs through the downtown, they say.

 

Contact Tom Troy at:[email protected] or 419-724-6058.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050906/NEWS16/50906018/-1/NEWS

 

[StuFoote]

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051012/NEWS09/51012002

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Article published October 12, 2005

 

Latest Marina District plan unveiled for Toledo

Ford’s proposal replaces arena with amphitheater; Finkbeiner blasts idea, asks if it will ever happen

 

 

By TOM TROY

BLADE STAFF WRITER

 

 

Exactly four weeks before voters decide his political fate, Mayor Jack Ford rolled out what he said is the real plan for development of the Marina District.

 

As before, colorful designs were placed upon easels. This time the plans excluded an arena, an East Toledo landmark for more than half a century.

 

Contact Tom Troy at:[email protected] or 419-724-6058.

 

 

[buildingcincinnati]

From the 10/14/05 Toledo Blade:

 

 

Arena purchase option handed over to the city

 

An option to buy the Toledo Sports Arena and its surrounding property was handed over to the city of Toledo yesterday, a step toward a new city plan to develop the east side Marina District.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051014/NEWS16/51014010/-1/NEWS

 

[buildingcincinnati]

From the 10/15/05 Toledo Blade:

 

 

Gardner says update needed on arena plans

 

State Sen. Randy Gardner (R., Bowling Green) yesterday called for an update for state legislators on the status of Toledo's plans for a new arena.

 

Mr. Gardner said the state has had $7.5 million allocated for an ice arena as part of the Marina District since December, 2002. But he said this week's announcement that the Marina District won't include an arena could put the money at risk.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051015/NEWS16/510150437/-1/NEWS

 

[buildingcincinnati]

From the 10/26/05 Toledo Blade:

 

 

City maps talks to buy Sports Arena site

 

Toledo city officials yesterday ironed out a process to talk about the purchase of the Toledo Sports Arena property, with questions arising on two familiar fronts: timing and funding.

 

During a City Council agenda-setting meeting, members received proposed ordinances from Mayor Jack Ford's administration that would provide money to buy the $5 million property as part of the Marina District project in East Toledo.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051026/NEWS16/510260400/-1/NEWS

 

[buildingcincinnati]

From the 11/5/05 Toledo Blade:

 

 

PHOTO: Mayoral candidate Carty Finkbeiner told reporters and his supporters that an arena could be finished in two years.  ( THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER )

 

Finkbeiner trumpets new sports arena plan

By MIKE SIGOV

Blade Staff Writer

 

A major out-of-town developer is intent on building a sports arena and possibly an amphitheater in Toledo, mayoral candidate Carty Finkbeiner told reporters yesterday.

 

The arena project considered by International Facilities Group LLC of Northbrook, Ill., could take significantly less than the $80 million to $90 million mentioned in recent months, Mr. Finkbeiner said yesterday in front of the Toledo Sports Arena in East Toledo.

 

Contact Mike Sigov at:

[email protected] or 419-724-6050.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051105/NEWS09/511050407/-1/NEWS

 

[buildingcincinnati]

From the 11/11/05 Toledo Blade:

 

 

City Council panel backs plan to buy Sports Arena

By TOM TROY

BLADE STAFF WRITER

 

A Toledo City Council committee yesterday approved a plan to acquire the Toledo Sports Arena for $5 million, using revenue from city parking garages to pay off the debt.

 

The issue now moves to the full council for a vote, possibly on Tuesday.

 

Contact Tom Troy at:

[email protected] or 419-724-6058.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051111/NEWS16/511110442/-1/NEWS

 

[buildingcincinnati]

From the 11/16/05 Toledo Blade:

 

 

Council OKs $5M sports arena purchase

 

Toledo City Council yesterday authorized the city to buy the Toledo Sports Arena property for $5 million, using parking garage revenue to pay the tab.

 

The 25.5-acre parcel at 1 Main St., containing the arena where the Toledo Storm hockey team plays, is the last major portion of the 125-acre Marina District project between the Martin Luther King, Jr., Bridge and the I-280 span.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051116/NEWS16/511160401/-1/NEWS

 

[buildingcincinnati]

From the 11/20/05 Toledo Blade:

 

 

Grant will pay for slips at proposed marina

 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced a $226,500 grant to the city of Toledo to build transient boat moorage at the proposed Marina District’s public marina along the Maumee River.

 

The Boating Infrastructure Grant will pay for construction of 20 boat slips at the marina that will be reserved for use by boaters visiting the Marina District and the rest of downtown Toledo.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051120/NEWS16/51120003/-1/NEWS

 

[buildingcincinnati]

From the 12/15/05 Toledo Blade:

 

 

Work under way on 1st phase of Marina District

180 boat slips, ship terminal, connecting road are planned

 

Stacks of steel I-beams near the shuttered Acme power plant attest to the beginning of something Toledo residents have looked forward to for five years - actual construction in the Marina District.

 

William Carroll, the city's director of economic and community development, yesterday showed off the early stages of $7.6-million worth of construction on a public marina, a passenger ship terminal, and a new road.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051221/NEWS16/51221008/-1/NEWS

 

[StuFoote]

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060110/NEWS16/601100334/-1/NEWS

-- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Article published January 10, 2006

 

Downtown arena scores support of top officials

Responsible funding called key to project

 

 

By CHRISTOPHER D. KIRKPATRICK and ERICA BLAKE

BLADE STAFF WRITERS

 

After years of squabbling, local officials have agreed a new 10,000-seat sports arena for Toledo Storm hockey, basketball, concerts, and other events should be downtown, within walking distance of SeaGate Centre.

 

Contact Christopher D. Kirkpatrick

at: [email protected]

or 419-724-6077.

[mrnyc]

i doubt it would happen, but i wish they could just refurbish the sports arena -- like hara in dayton it's quite the old school classic arena:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Toledo Sports Arena - Toledo, OH, USA 05.01.1988

GN'R headlined this show. Axl mentions that his parents came to see their last show, and that he couldn't sleep last night because he was so pissed off.

1. Intro (1:02)

2. It's so Easy (3:14)

3. Move to the City (4:23)

4. Mr. Brownstone (4:52)

5. Out ta Get Me (6:37)

6. You're Crazy (7:09)

7. Guitar Solo (3:14)

8. Blues Jam (4:28)

9. Sweet Child O' Mine (7:08)

10. Used to Love Her (3:56)

11. Rocket Queen (8:14)

12. Patience (7:35)

13. Welcome to the Jungle (5:33)

14. Paradise City (7:02)

 

 

 

 

 

 

[buildingcincinnati]

bump

[buildingcincinnati]

From the 1/18/06 Toledo Blade:

 

 

Mayor sets deadlines for Marina District

Developer ordered to sign 1st anchor

By CHRISTOPHER D. KIRKPATRICK

BLADE STAFF WRITER

 

Mayor Carty Finkbeiner, who is challenging plans to remake the Westgate Village Shopping Center, sent a letter to the developer of the Marina District to complain that the company has not been "aggressive" in attracting a retail anchor.

 

Blade staff writer Erica Blake contributed to this report.

 

Contact Christopher D. Kirkpatrick

at: [email protected] or 419-724-6077.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060118/NEWS16/601180376/-1/RSS

 

[DetroitBrad]

Toledo casts wide net to lure Bass Pro to Marina District

 

By CHRISTOPHER D. KIRKPATRICK and TOM TROY

BLADE STAFF WRITERS

 

 

Mayor Carty Finkbeiner spent four hours yesterday morning with Bass Pro Shops President Jim Hagale, including escorting him on a helicopter tour to show off the city's interstate access points.

 

Contact Christopher D. Kirkpatrick

at: [email protected]

or 419-724-6077.

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060124/NEWS16/601240431

[StuFoote]

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060125/NEWS16/601250376/-1/NEWS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Article published January 25, 2006

 

Toledo throws in kitchen sink to woo retailer

 

By CHRISTOPHER D. KIRKPATRICK and TOM TROY

BLADE STAFF WRITERS

 

 

Toledo has thrown everything in its bid for Bass Pro Shops to come to the Marina District, including the kitchen sink.

 

In addition to hearing a high school band play the Notre Dame fight song and taking a helicopter to tour Toledo, Bass Pro president Jim Hagale, scouting the region Monday for a new location, also was subjected to kitchen-sink schtick.

 

Contact Christopher D. Kirkpatrick

at: [email protected]

or 419-724-6077.

 

[bobo]

After 2 decades of stagnation Toledo finally seems to be waking up again. Over a half billion dollar investment by GM, the multi-million dollar Marina district, the new sports arena, Glass City Skyway supposably the most expensive bridge in Ohio history, Glass Pavillion, Jim Jacksons luxury apartments, Westgate revitalization, $800 million school restructuring, UT-MUO merger, Southwyck open air mall.

 

 

Sheeh..Even if only half these projects are done ill be satisfied...

 

 

 

[StuFoote]

Back to: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060207/NEWS16/602070354/-1/NEWS

-- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Article published February 7, 2006

 

4 locations are eyed for new arena downtown; favorite is between Jefferson and Madison

 

 

By CHRISTOPHER D. KIRKPATRICK

BLADE STAFF WRITER

 

 

It might be the worst-kept secret in Toledo that there are four prospective sites for an arena in downtown surrounding SeaGate Centre.

 

But Mayor Carty Finkbeiner said he is leaning toward one of them - an area between Jefferson and Madison avenues running from Summit Street through Superior Street toward Huron Street. It would encompass the Subway restaurant and Club Bijou, and extend perhaps across Frogtown Alley.

 

Contact Tom Troy at:

[email protected]

or 419-724-6058.

 

[CMH_Downtown]

Where is the SeaGate Center in reference to the above photo? It looks like that area downtown has a lot of promise, especially that surface lot next to the parking garage. A row of condos/apartments with ground-level retail stretching that block would be magnificent. I'm still somewhat undecided on whether plunking the arena in the middle of downtown like that would be a good idea. If it's connected to the convention center, like in Louisville or St. Louis, it could be a great thing for Toledo's downtown. Otherwise, I like the site in the Marina District better.

[buildingcincinnati]

Also from the 2/7/06 Toledo Blade:

 

 

East Toledo renews call to keep arena at Marina

By TOM TROY

BLADE STAFF WRITER

 

While the idea of a downtown arena is favored by Mayor Carty Finkbeiner and others, East Toledo residents' hopes of keeping a new facility on their side of the Maumee River refuse to fade.

 

A grass-roots movement with the battle cry "Keep the Arena at the Marina" has scheduled a meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the East Toledo Family Center, 1020 Varland Ave.

 

Contact Tom Troy at:

[email protected] or 419-724-6058.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060207/NEWS16/602070345/-1/RSS

 

[buildingcincinnati]

From the 2/10/06 Toledo Blade:

 

 

PHOTO: John Fye is among a group of east-side residents who wants the city to build a sports arena near the planned Marina District. East Toledoans gathered last night and pledged to press the Toledo administration to uphold a 2001 vote that would allow the city to provide financial support for an arena in that part of Toledo.  ( THE BLADE/HERRAL LONG )

 

East siders seek unity over Sports Arena

Rally next week will urge officials to keep their word about location

 

The consensus of more than 40 east siders crammed into a meeting room last night was clear: They voted in 2001 for a sports arena in East Toledo, and they intend to remind city and county officials of their resolve.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060210/NEWS16/602100420/-1/RSS

 

[bobo]

Heh...East Toledoans have a serious inferiority complex. They are the only ones who speak as if they dont belong to Toledo (i.e. "we own the river/real estate".) They dont realize nobody really cares. I just wanna see the shovels hit the ground ASAP, hell almost anywhere is fine with me.

 

Ideally I would like to see the old arena torn down for an expanded Marina Distict in the near future. Maybe even just have it connect with international park and "the Docks" so it could be just one huge entertainment district. I'll be pissed if they go the rehabiltation route with the old arena. Toledo needs to start going the high quality route instead of doing things half-assed.