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Topic: Front St. to State Rd. (Read 1676 times) |
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Cory Schneckenburger
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Front St. to State Rd.
« Thread started on: Nov 15th, 2006, 11:01pm » |
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I see that the City has begun to turn its attention to the State Road Shopping Center. While I tend to agree that it has become an eyesore, I don't know who is the best person to do something about it. The City isn't doing so well at reviving the Front St. area so it is going to move to the other end of town and attemp to focus everyones attention on a new major project in hopes the people will forget about the Front St. mess.
Fix one problem before you take on another. The Front St area is prime for Dining, Pubs and Clubs. Throwing up a stage, a new fountain, a pavillion and an ice rink in the winter is not revitalization. Those things simply draw attention away from the real problem. The stores...or the lack there of as the case may be. As I have said before, gather a group of restaraunt, pub and club owners and entice them with some type of incentive to establish a place on Front St. Stop trying to build these multi-use buildings. CF is not a big city. Those type of building come in handy in downtown Akron or NYC but CFO. Not to mention no one will pay $250,000 for any kind of apartment if the only thing they have to look at out the window is a dirty river and a highway. Entertainment and dining is the direction that needs to be taken on Front St. State Road's focus should be shopping. That has the potential to mirror the Howe Road area, although I don;t know that many people want another Howe Road.
I have been told that one of the plans for the State Road area is some kind of a community area. I think we tried that already, it called FRONT ST and it didn't work remember.
To those of you who actually made it all the way through my rantings, please rememeber I am overseas and get most of my information from the internet and family or friends. It just seems to me that maybe the time has come for a change in the Falls. Get a fresh set of eyes on things.
Sound off on your perspective of the situation....
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| « Last Edit: Nov 16th, 2006, 12:18pm by awalker » |
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cmcf
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Re: Front St. to State Rd.
« Reply #1 on: Nov 16th, 2006, 10:24pm » |
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Yep, State Road Plaza is dying off fast. After Montgomery Ward's moved out, the other stores fell like dominoes. The closing of MG's was not the turning point. I think MG's moved out before "eminent domain" became, well, eminent (or inevitable). Only a few shops remain, and their days are numbered. About a half of the remaining retailers bailed ship, and Fishland Pets was recently evicted.
Here's the stupid thing... instead of a new business occupying an old building, they construct a new building close to it. There's a Pizza Hut, Handel's and Subway sitting right in the middle of the parking lots (more empty buildings, less parking space). CVS bought out nearly every local drugstore and simply gutted them out. The Graham Road Plaza was new about 15 years ago, but now that GRP became defunct; Wal-mat, Lowe's, and a couple of other newer strip-malls were built immediately NEXT to all the surrounding vacant buildings.
Does anyone remember the Y-Mart and gas station on the "triangular island" on 6th, Oakwood and Silver Lake? It was recently completely torn down, and replaced with... a gas station, and a convenient store (that looks exactly like the old Y-mart)!
The Manchester Place project looks like it never got off the ground, and as far as I'm concern, that's a good thing. It would be better to make the pedestrian mall at Front Street become the second "Highland Square".
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Jeri
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Re: Front St. to State Rd.
« Reply #2 on: Nov 17th, 2006, 03:31am » |
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Actually they gutted out the old Y-Mart and rearranged some some doors/windows to create the new gas station/convienent store. We would drive by it everyday trying to figure out what they were doing, what they were creating. I really liked that old Shell station though - you could run in and run out in seconds........the pumps were two feet from the door.
As for Manchester Place - boy am I glad to hear that. I really really didn't want that to go up.
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Research is what I am doing when I don't know what I am doing.
www.akronhistory.org
www.cuyahogafallshistory.com
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Schneckaf79
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Re: Front St. to State Rd.
« Reply #3 on: Nov 17th, 2006, 03:52am » |
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Yeah I think that was doomed from the get go. No one wants to pay that kind of money to live in an apartment in the Falls next to a dirty river, a highway and a busy overpass. Not to mention the festivals. It just wasn't practical.
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"Security against defeat implies defensive tactics; ability to defeat the enemy means taking the offensive." -Sun Tzu
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don2545
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Re: Front St. to State Rd.
« Reply #4 on: Dec 10th, 2006, 1:03pm » |
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The new "blight" ordinance will apply to all sections of town, including both State Road and Front Street. Once an area has been determined to be blighted in accordance with the ordinance by an independent evaluater, then the property will be subject to eminent domain proceedings. That does not mean that the City will condemn EVERY building that is "blighted", so landlords of run down properties shouldn't get their hopes up. There still is a building code that will be enforced!
Both the State and the Federal Govcernment have set up some serious hoops to go through before private property can be "taken" for economic development. And, rightly so.
None of us particularly wants our private property to be taken with or without just cause and proper compensation.
There have been several developers that have approached the City administration for developing both Front Street and State Road. All it takes is time and money - the latter of which is not overflowing in this year's budget.
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Schneckaf79
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Re: Front St. to State Rd.
« Reply #5 on: Dec 10th, 2006, 6:02pm » |
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Don2545,
As I am sure everyone on this site can agree, both areas do need to be "reborn"m however, the main concern here is that what little we have left of our town's past is slowly disappearing in the name of "progress". The ability to save the Front St. area and utilize the existing structures for modern establishments would, in time, put the Falls on the map. Too many cities around the country have and "out with the old, in with the new" outlook. It's true that some buildings simply can't be salvaged but many can. I would say the State Road shopping center isn't quite as unique as the Front St area and no one would be too upset to see it disappear. However the Front St area is unique. Not many places have closed of what used to be the main street of there town. I think the concept of an open air pedestrian mall is still a good concept with a little tweaking. Instead of shopping, the area should be dedicated to dining and entertainment. I am certain many of the buildings can be remodled to accomodate restaraunts, pubs and clubs. Effectively turning the area into a mini Bourbon St atmosphere. Coupled with the cities many festivals, it would be a major attraction for the area and bring a lot of money into the city. Assembling a group of potential investors is the first step. Area resteraunt, club and bar/pub owners coupled with property owners and local contractors should sit down and hash out a plan to transform the area. It could be called "The Front St Project" or something. Offering these owners some form of insentive will pay outin the long run. Picture it, as you stand at Portage trail and look in either direction the old buildings are packed with hungry travelers and locals. College students and club goers in the evenings. The close proximity to the Expressway will draw in travelors passing through to stop and eat. There is so much potential, and while money may be tight in the City's budget, many of these private entrepreneurs are always loking for another potential investment and if you can paint the right picture in their minds they are sure to jump on board.
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"Security against defeat implies defensive tactics; ability to defeat the enemy means taking the offensive." -Sun Tzu
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don2545
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Re: Front St. to State Rd.
« Reply #6 on: Dec 10th, 2006, 6:29pm » |
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My understanding is that the Community Development Department is keenly aware of the sentiment to keep the old facades. Other Cities have done innovative things such as keeping the fronts and rebuilding everything behind them. That certainly would be the best of both worlds. The Falls Theater building is not structurally sound, so I would anticipate that to be torn down. Lots of memories there, but one of the continuing issues is that it takes money to preserve old (and maintain ALL) buildings. Taxpayers in this City seem to like to have their dollars spent on smooth streets (and snow free ones in the winter). So, if private dollars aren't going to do the job, it isn't going to be done!
With respect to the State Road area, the desire is to have a commercial area with living areas as well - much like First and Main in Hudson or Crocker Park in Cleveland. In this car oriented society, if you do not have nearby residents to support the shops, then they will fail.
I can assure you that it is very difficult for a government to take private property (and for good reason!). GMS management (the people that control the State Road Center) have said that they are NOT going to sell, nor do anything to fix up the place. The "fresh eyes" ARE looking at the site - hence the actions that are being taken to declare it blighted so that it can be taken by eminent domain. I have heard it said that the owner figures that is his most profitable way out of the property. FWIW, The Stow-Kent Shopping Center under the same management is in the same deplorable condition.
Front Street has not been forgotten. While some people were not excited about Manchester Place, that could have been the catalyst for further renewal in that area. There are developers also looking at Front Street and the blighted ordinance will apply there as well.
so - hang loose - there is life in this old city yet. Sometimes the wheels take a bit of time to get rolling! By the way, the new Riverfront Pavilion and skating rink has been very busy this weekend. Downtown is not dead!
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Schneckaf79
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Re: Front St. to State Rd.
« Reply #7 on: Dec 10th, 2006, 7:00pm » |
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I think the majority of us have come to the unfortunate realization that the theater is going to go away. The idea of having a working theater there may be what people like most. In Dover, Delaware they restored the old Dover Opera House though a partnership with the local university and it has become a Center for the Arts. I think something like that would do very well on Front St. A theater offering a wide variety of things from live music, plays and shows to indie films and other movies. It would surely appeal to a wide variety of people and the Falls has always had a lot of people who are into perfoming arts and things of the like. Another idea for the area would be a Brew Pub similar to the Great Lakes Brewing Company. It's good to hear that we're not just looking to level everything and start over. Although that seems rather appealing in the State Rd. area. As shops continue to close up in the plaza (or maybe get lured away by better prospects elsewhere in town) the management company will find they are going to lose money on taxes and utilities alone. I say play the waiting game and let them drive themselves under. try to lure whats left of the shops there down to or closer to Front St. With the right incentives and the idea that it is only a tempporary home until the State Rd area is refurbished you may be able to drive the management company into the whole a bit faster. Why would anyone want to hold onto something like that if its only costing them money. If the blighted thing doesn't work out that is. Maybe they think they can profit from property value alone but the longer they hold out the more the value of the property will drop. Run down property doesn't make for a big money maker. I know I was impressed with the new facitilies at Front St when I came home last year around this time. It's good to see the people coming out.
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"Security against defeat implies defensive tactics; ability to defeat the enemy means taking the offensive." -Sun Tzu
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don2545
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Re: Front St. to State Rd.
« Reply #8 on: Dec 10th, 2006, 7:14pm » |
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I can only suggest that GMS management owns MANY properties, and the State Road Shopping Center is but a pimple on their backside. A total loss of that property probably would not affect their bottom line more than just an asterisk. The administration has waited as long as they can and now the residents are demanding action. Me too!
At one point there was a developer that was going to do what you suggested to the Falls Theater. In fact there was a local theatrical group that was to be the tennant. Alas - the developer did not follow through (some say it was lack of funds) and the City had to sue to get the building back.
Howe Road is a massive traffic congestion area, but thriving. That is why the trend is for rebuilding with both residential and small shops.
With respect to your comments on what was tried on Front Street, I'm not sure there was ever a plan of the type that is now suggested. As I understand it, there are maybe 4 or 5 owners of the entire block from Broad to Stow Ave. I have not verified that, but that can be done on the Summit County Auditor's Site:
http://scids.summitoh.net/gis/default2.htm
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| « Last Edit: Dec 10th, 2006, 7:15pm by don2545 » |
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Schneckaf79
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Re: Front St. to State Rd.
« Reply #9 on: Dec 10th, 2006, 7:27pm » |
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Good point. I guess if they have let the area get this bad they really don't care if it sits there empty.
I do remember that attempt to remodel the theater now that you mention it. I heard the apartments upstairs were completely remodled though. Any truth? I would like to get inside the building just to look around.
Well, it will be interesting to see what comes of both areas. Hopefully it all works out for the better. I recall another posting that mentioned the Historical Society trying to get the Bruno's building. Was that refering to Tommy Bruno's old place right across from the theater? That is another building I would like to see inside. My dad was telling me just the other day that he and the Bruno kids would catch a movie at the theater and then go across the street to the bar to get a bite to eat or a cold pop and wait for Mrs Bruno to come pick them up. I think he said the walls were covered with pictures from all around the Falls.
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"Security against defeat implies defensive tactics; ability to defeat the enemy means taking the offensive." -Sun Tzu
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don2545
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Re: Front St. to State Rd.
« Reply #10 on: Dec 10th, 2006, 9:15pm » |
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Right again! The Historical Society wanted a place to move to since their previous location on Hudson Drive was no longer available to them. They initially asked for a building on High Street, then the City got involved with trying to purchase the old Bruno's place on Front Street from the current owners. There apparently was a squabble within the family that owns the property and that deal fell through. So the City bought the building on High Street (was a drapery shop last as I recall) - across the street from 540 E Portage Trail high rise apartment building. The Historical Society also has contributed to the renovation of that building and they should be nearly ready to open.
FWIW, that family that owns the Bruno's place is one of the major property owners on Front Street. 'Nuff said.
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Schneckaf79
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Re: Front St. to State Rd.
« Reply #11 on: Dec 10th, 2006, 11:49pm » |
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It would seem the Falls has a problem with poor property owners. And by poor I don't mean $$$. I was looking at Jeri's post about Tony Mauro(?) and it would seem bad owners are everywhere. With the E.D. process on the horizon will the city keep and manage these locations or will they be sold to another management company in hopes that they don't have the same problems? Is it even possible for them to own something like that? If they E.D. all of the Front St and State road properties...in fact lets just focus on State Rd for now...if they take that over, who would pay for the redevelopment? The city? Or do they have to seel it to another management company? If the city could afford to rebuild it and manage it, would they be allowed to? Can a city's government be in the business of leasing and managing commercial/residential property?
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"Security against defeat implies defensive tactics; ability to defeat the enemy means taking the offensive." -Sun Tzu
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don2545
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Re: Front St. to State Rd.
« Reply #12 on: Dec 11th, 2006, 09:25am » |
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The plan is that once the City owns the property, they will open the development process to bidders for redevelopment. There have been several that have expressed an interest. There is no doubt in my mind that the City will have the "opportunity" to supply some of the infrastructure costs, such as streets and utilities, but the basic costs will be borne by the developers. Area examples of such developments are First & Main in Hudson, Crocker Park and Legacy Village in the Cleveland area. And yes, State Road is first on the agenda.
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Schneckaf79
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Re: Front St. to State Rd.
« Reply #13 on: Jan 26th, 2007, 6:51pm » |
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Are there any new developments concerning either location? I haven't seen or heard anything lately. Last thing I heard was the city passed the blighted code so they could use it for E.D. but have not heard anything since. What's the latest? Seems like the forum has been pretty quiet lately, what happened?
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"Security against defeat implies defensive tactics; ability to defeat the enemy means taking the offensive." -Sun Tzu
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don2545
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Re: Front St. to State Rd.
« Reply #14 on: Jan 26th, 2007, 9:16pm » |
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Sometimes patience is needed. IMHO the E.D. ordinance is working. Sometimes it takes people a while to digest the effect a new law has on their position. As the old saying goes, "Rome wasn't built in a day." Neither will the changes in State Road nor Front St. happen overnight, but they will happen.
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