I knew UT Foundation bought the old NAPA store, but now they bought Mac's Motors as well. The real estate along Dorr is so CHEAP! As Krompac says, it is an untapped resource. Polling students is good, but I have a feeling many UT students don't know what they are missing. I hope the survey is guided by successfully blended campus/community settings like Ann Arbor and OSU.
Original Post - August 14th 2005:
As tonight winds down I can feel the energy around campus. Today I heard the UT marching band warming up. Students are trickling into the apartments. It won't be long until UT is back in full swing, I love that feeling.
I really wish the Dorr Street corridor would be developed with nothing but a college town atmosphere in mind. It is really a perfect strip of low cost and blighted land perfect for that purpose. UT has invested so much money in that side of campus, and it will be brimming with students this year upon completion of the huge new dorms. Two other large apartment complexes on Douglas/Westwood are finished now. And finally now the apartments near Dorr/Secor have finally been reclaimed for students. Last year I saw the changes taking place and it has done so much to spruce up the area (both grounds and inhabitants).
Designating a section of the city as College Town and focusing development around a student and young professional theme could work wonders for retaining some of those grads. Instead of thinking the town is one that dislikes them, they would think the town understands them and supports them. The area along Dorr does not conflict with the family oriented areas of Old Orchard and Ottawa Hills. It is within easy walking distance of the majority of student housing.
Larry Dillin, we need you! Follow Corpus Christi's lead and do something successful. Exploit the synergy of our beautiful, intelligent university with thoughtful, rational development!
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8 comments:
I used to live in the neighborhood south of Dorr (but still between Westwood and Byrne). While most people were nice and/or kept to themselves, there were A LOT of thugs and otherwise unpleasant types who lived back there. I think this is why you don't see the south side of Dorr street developed beyond what is currently there. Would the solution be to build a "wall" akin to the Israeli/Palestine wall?
It wouldn't happen over night, but use the pack mentality. By the sheer mass of students living along the strip now (granted, almost fully on one side of it) a well lit pedestrian friendly street would inherently make the area safer as more people begin to use it. As the housing becomes more attractive the thugs will move on to more dilapidated areas.
Also, think of all the new second floor flat space that could be rented out! You have constant stream of employees and tenents right there waiting for something!
Corpus Christi always packs them in regular services and community events. That is a sign that students and artistic, afluent people are willing to walk and drive to the area. Its not your father's parish (pun completely intended).
I like it. Let's develop more ideas on it. Email me your phone number at frank.szollosi@ci.toledo.oh.us
aaron- great idea and vision. If Ernie gets on
Council, or even if he doesn't, you could be a person that could help that to become reality.
Chuck
Aaron, what happened with this back in August? Did you talk with Frank? Did anything get suggested?
It is a good idea, granted I'm not a college student but two of mine are and they both go to UT. One of mine just moved on to Dorr Street this weekend.
:-)
Nothing became of it, I offered email correspondance to Frank, but was also honest with him that nothing will become of this without the investor's vision and buy-in.
Maybe if the city gave the plan some PR someone might jump in, it couldn't hurt.
Forbes says invest in college town property, especially near engineering schools. Hello, upscale investors, where are you!!? Dorr Street becons your name.
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