Southwyck

[rrtechno]

We used to go there a lot in our younger days (late 60s and early 70s). It was a wonderful place at that time. Even took in a few movies at the Cinemas there,

[hulugay]

Not very good

[Johio83]

That area of town was thought to be the next area to boom back when the turnpike exit went in. It thrived for a while, with the mall and lots of hotels going in, then started dying around the time the 90's hit. I don't think there's any real reason for it's failure. I think it's more of a situation that it never had any substance for what people thought it could be. It was basically a stock that people were paying too much for, and the bubble burst.

As for IKEA, I wouldn't hold your breath. And not for Southwyck, but for Toledo itself. I remember having a conversation about it a while back with some prominent property owners/developers around Toledo, and apparently IKEA had decided against doing any kind of probe into the Toledo possibility, due to one being in Detroit already. And seeing that Cleveland, Columbus, and Indianapolis all lack one still, I don't think that'll be changing anytime soon.

I'd really like to see some kind of public space go in here. This area stands out to be as being particularly drab. Seas of concrete all over that part of Reynolds. A big park, some green space, anything that could add some color to the area would be a great catalyst for change. It doesn't have to bounce back to the bustling retail district people originally planned for the area to be successful. Having an attractive area that people could go to spend time could be a breath of fresh air for that whole area. From there, it could lead to higher property values (which is a good thing for an area like that), an appealing places for small businesses and offices to locate, and who knows what else.

[Tobias C]

Originally Posted by Johio83

I'd really like to see some kind of public space go in here. This area stands out to be as being particularly drab. Seas of concrete all over that part of Reynolds. A big park, some green space, anything that could add some color to the area would be a great catalyst for change. It doesn't have to bounce back to the bustling retail district people originally planned for the area to be successful. Having an attractive area that people could go to spend time could be a breath of fresh air for that whole area. From there, it could lead to higher property values (which is a good thing for an area like that), an appealing places for small businesses and offices to locate, and who knows what else.

I agree that a park could be a good start for something to get going around there.

[SCBeaches]

Originally Posted by rrtechno

We used to go there a lot in our younger days (late 60s and early 70s). It was a wonderful place at that time. Even took in a few movies at the Cinemas there,

Growing up in Waterville in the 60's and 70's, Southwyk Mall was THE place to go. Malls were a new concept back then and there was next to nothing to do in Waterville, so the mall, movie theater, and bowling alley were our major sources of entertainment back then. I have so many fond middle and high school memories there! It's sad to think of it being gone now, but if there was no business I can understand it being demolished. Our malls here (Charleston, SC) are still thriving as well as the town center - type shopping areas.

What about a recreation complex with indoor activities for families, since the winters are so long up there? Basketball, bowling, movies, indoor pool, track, ice rink, roller skating rink, ping pong, pool tables, etc. It would be a fun place for kids, teens, and families to hang out and get exercise...could also be used for birthday parties, Scouting activities, etc.

Just a suggestion - but maybe you have something similar to this around there now? It would sure give kids something to do besides being bored and getting into drinking and drugs.

[jrm2811]

I tend to agree that it should be turned into some sort of public space or park. It would be great to see a man-made lake in the middle, with a walking/bike trial around it. One end of the park could be used for residential and also there could be lakeside dining. In the winter, part of the lake could be an ice skating rink.

[Tobias C]

Originally Posted by jrm2811

I tend to agree that it should be turned into some sort of public space or park. It would be great to see a man-made lake in the middle, with a walking/bike trial around it. One end of the park could be used for residential and also there could be lakeside dining. In the winter, part of the lake could be an ice skating rink.

Maybe a park like Olander Park in Sylvania.

[buddieboy]

Yu could buy good leather platform boots at flags in the mod sevrntys lol