It's Almost Spring in Downtown

THERE’S LOTS HAPPENING AROUND TOWN!

It’s almost spring and that means that everywhere Downtown Toledo is coming to life. Projects are nearing completion, new projects are getting underway and Opening Day of the Toledo Mud Hens is on the horizon.

“There are more activities currently underway in Downtown Toledo than most of us can imagine,” said Cindy Kerr, executive director of the Downtown Toledo Improvement District (DTID). “Some are projects, like the construction and introduction of the Hensville properties, that have been underway for some time. But there are many other improvements, new businesses and other projects that may be under the radar right now. It’s a very busy time in Downtown Toledo!”

Some of the Downtown programs currently underway or planned in the coming months include:

Food, Entertainment and Leisure:

• Hensville – beginning with a St. Patrick’s Day High Five Rooftop party, Beer and Wine at Top of Nine on March 18 and concert at Hensville Park on March 19, the development will be fully underway by Opening Day April 7, featuring the restaurant Nine, party decks Roof Top on Nine and Top of Nine, Fleetwood’s Tap Room, Hensville Park and office and other business space ($21 million investment)
• Operation of the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (ORA) on Adams Street expected to be underway in the Spring 2016
• Addition of Plate 21 (in the former Ohio Building location of Biggby’s Coffee), Potbelly Sandwich Shop (413 Madison, in the former Roulet Jewelry Store) and John’s Downtown (513 W. Jefferson, in the former T-Town Pub n Grub) – Spring 2016
• Opening of dinner service, Kyoto Ka (Edison Bldg.) – Spring 2016
• Imagination Station is one of 15 national finalists for the National Medal for Museum and Library Service – announcement will be made in late Spring 2016
• Lunch at Levis Summer Concert Series begins June 2 and runs through September 2016 in Levis Square
• Marriott Renaissance Hotel renovation (the former Grand Plaza Hotel) – completion expected September 2016
• Middlegrounds Metropark, November 2016 ($3.7 million investment)

Housing:

• Berdan Apartments – conversion of a former warehouse adjacent to Fifth Third Field into upscale, market-rate apartments – Early 2017 ($20 million investment)

New Business & Business Renovation:

• Relocation of the Greyhound Bus Station to the Amtrak complex – Spring 2016 (will allow for future development of the corner of Michigan and Jefferson)
• Neighborhood Health Association / Nexus Health Care’s new facility – June 2016 ($11 million investment)
• ProMedica corporate headquarters – relocation of 1,000 or more administrative employees to new downtown headquarters in the former Steam Plant and Toledo Trust bank building – Spring 2017 ($60 million investment)
• New federal courthouse – construction begins in 2018 ($95 million investment)

Future Planning:

• Next public forum concerning 22nd Century Committee planning, May 4
• Bike trails, along a connected trail through the Downtown, under consideration with the introduction of the MiddlegroundsMetropark
• The Gateway Project, a redesign of the Anthony Wayne Trail / I-75 entrance to Downtown Toledo – construction begins in 2018 ($95 million investment)