Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Highland Square update
People frequently ask me what's going on with Highland Square—especially as we await construction. So I thought I'd post what I know.
The Development
I asked Albrecht, Inc. about its progress on development and received the following reply: "Engineering on our buildings and on the parking lots is nearing completion. We expect to begin construction this summer."
The key word here is "expect." As happens with such projects, obstacles arise, impeding progress.
I would imagine some of the obstacles include making sure the city secures parking somewhere on the South side of Market Street—an idea that can come to fruition through the application of the Planning Department's Renewal Plan for Highland Square, which recently passed.
A prevalent concern about the impending development is the type of stores that will go in. There have been rumors of Trader Joe's, but, from what I hear, that's not going to happen. I have heard through a good source that Freshway—which operates a respectable store in the Valley—will be the much-needed grocery in the square.
Albrecht, Inc. replied to my question of what stores might go in the retail area: "We have a good number of interested prospects and are having various discussions regarding leasing space."
And what of the library?
In preparation for the new construction, the West Hill Library will apparently close on August 1. I don't know yet if it will temporarily re-locate and/or where.
Mark your calendars
For Friday, Aug. 18 and Saturday, Aug. 19. It's the third annual Art in the Square. Friday night will kick off the event with a showing of The Grizzled Wizard of Waste-not, Want-not. HS resident Josh Gippin made this documentary about "junk" arist PR Miller. Saturday will feature artists of all stripes, music and more interactive events than previous years. E-mail artinthesquare (at) yahoo.com for more info.
The Development
I asked Albrecht, Inc. about its progress on development and received the following reply: "Engineering on our buildings and on the parking lots is nearing completion. We expect to begin construction this summer."
The key word here is "expect." As happens with such projects, obstacles arise, impeding progress.
I would imagine some of the obstacles include making sure the city secures parking somewhere on the South side of Market Street—an idea that can come to fruition through the application of the Planning Department's Renewal Plan for Highland Square, which recently passed.
A prevalent concern about the impending development is the type of stores that will go in. There have been rumors of Trader Joe's, but, from what I hear, that's not going to happen. I have heard through a good source that Freshway—which operates a respectable store in the Valley—will be the much-needed grocery in the square.
Albrecht, Inc. replied to my question of what stores might go in the retail area: "We have a good number of interested prospects and are having various discussions regarding leasing space."
And what of the library?
In preparation for the new construction, the West Hill Library will apparently close on August 1. I don't know yet if it will temporarily re-locate and/or where.
Mark your calendars
For Friday, Aug. 18 and Saturday, Aug. 19. It's the third annual Art in the Square. Friday night will kick off the event with a showing of The Grizzled Wizard of Waste-not, Want-not. HS resident Josh Gippin made this documentary about "junk" arist PR Miller. Saturday will feature artists of all stripes, music and more interactive events than previous years. E-mail artinthesquare (at) yahoo.com for more info.
# posted by peppermintlisa @ 8:15 AM 
Comments:
<< Home
I too have heard the rumors of Trader Joe's, but nothing of subatance. It would be great if they could get an anchor store like that in the area to attract people to patronize the other businesses.
Unfortch, I think TJs wasn't interested in the area—Akron, in general, as of yet. Also, I doubt Albrecht, Inc would allow TJs to go in because it would be too much competition for Acme #1.
How large is the grocery space going to be here? The Freshway in the valley is nice as a convenience store, but it is far from full service. I guess this would go along with not wanting to compete with Acme #1.
I will kick myself if Trader Joe's ends up in Highland Square and I chose not to buy a house there. I didn't realize there was *any* sort of grocery store in the valley? What is Freshway like?
Freshway is like a gas station with vegetables and fruit. It reminds me of the sad grocery stores you find in New York City. This is the midwest. I want a store so big that I can't see the back wall on the horizon.
Trader Joe's would be so heavenly...for the three-buck Chuck and rice crackers alone!
54cermak, I happily rode your train to UIC for years and years (before moving to Akron last summer).
54cermak, I happily rode your train to UIC for years and years (before moving to Akron last summer).
Marybad...I used to ride my namesake to 18th Street where I worked. Did you hear they've renamed it "the Pink Line"?
I read that Trib article...it all sounded so bizarre and futuristic. Of course, that's how I used to feel about the brown and purple lines too, and the spunky "Skokie swift" yellow line, so it'll probably settle in.
I do miss my train time now that I'm an Akronite, but the driving is so, so much better! I lived in Roscoe Village most recently (before moving to Akron), and spent much of my life in anticipation of the Damen bus.
I do miss my train time now that I'm an Akronite, but the driving is so, so much better! I lived in Roscoe Village most recently (before moving to Akron), and spent much of my life in anticipation of the Damen bus.
I commute to the east side of Cleveland every day, so I would welcome a return to public transportation if it meant not fighting 271 at rush hour. Even if it takes just as long to go 3 times less as far, its still much easier on my psyche.
I just miss the reading I used to do on trains. I had a summer gig up in Evanston and literally continuted my read-a-thon down the big staircase at the Davis stop. If it's cool enough and you have a seat, the atmosphere is perfect.
Post a Comment
<< Home
