[akronzips71]

You're forgetting what else is in the area of E. Exchange. A MAJOR COLLEGE. An arena could jump start more bars and eateries coming BACK to the street, but the college is the real draw. I remember being a teen in the 80's and remember what the strip was like back then, with all the establishments and all the people. That is something the campus lacks now that other colleges boast (Can't State, Ohio).

I am not forgetting anything. I have not been there in 41 years!

[scottditzen]

You're forgetting what else is in the area of E. Exchange. A MAJOR COLLEGE. An arena could jump start more bars and eateries coming BACK to the street, but the college is the real draw. I remember being a teen in the 80's and remember what the strip was like back then, with all the establishments and all the people. That is something the campus lacks now that other colleges boast (Can't State, Ohio).

Like you, I would absolutely LOVE to see the strip come alive again. We need it to! Unfortunately UA has not done a better job (yet) to jump start more restaurants, better bars, etc. At best UA has a mixed record in fostering that kind of retail comeback. Until UA shows a better grasp of urban planning, I have my doubts that the campus we'll be able to shed the dreaded commuter image soon enough.

One example, we had a golden opportunity to increase walk-ability and improve the street scape along Exchange. Instead we got this looming parking garage fronting right up to the sidewalk. This is not good planning. This is planning for car culture/commuters, not for a top notch, walkable, lively neighborhood for students.

http://www.uakron.edu/resize_image?id=1845070&w=430

^ now maybe the ground floors can be converted to host retail?


Below is parking garage hosted retail in Cleveland.

http://images.citysearch.net/assets/imgdb/...5/7992808p1.jpg

[akzipper]

Like you, I would absolutely LOVE to see the strip come alive again. We need it to! Unfortunately UA has not done a better job (yet) to jump start more restaurants, better bars, etc. At best UA has a mixed record in fostering that kind of retail comeback. Until UA shows a better grasp of urban planning, I have my doubts that the campus we'll be able to shed the dreaded commuter image soon enough.

One example, we had a golden opportunity to increase walk-ability and improve the street scape along Exchange. Instead we got this looming parking garage fronting right up to the sidewalk. This is not good planning. This is planning for car culture/commuters, not for a top notch, walkable, lively neighborhood for students.

http://www.uakron.edu/resize_image?id=1845070&w=430

^ now maybe the ground floors can be converted to host retail?
Below is parking garage hosted retail in Cleveland.

http://images.citysearch.net/assets/imgdb/...5/7992808p1.jpg

Unless you have lived in the Exchange/Gallucci/Townhouse area, you have no right to say the parking deck was a waste. Sorry but imagine trying to go home to your house and not being able to find a place to park for 30 min or more. Ever have to carry groceries for 3 blocks? Making 5 trips back and forth across campus. That parking garage was a necessity.

I'm the same person who said it's not a big deal walking downtown for a basketball game. But a 3 block walk to a game is one thing, a 3 block walk HOME is not very enjoyable. Especially since late nights in Akron aren't very safe.

[scottditzen]

Unless you have lived in the Exchange/Gallucci/Townhouse area, you have no right to say the parking deck was a waste. Sorry but imagine trying to go home to your house and not being able to find a place to park for 30 min or more. Ever have to carry groceries for 3 blocks? Making 5 trips back and forth across campus. That parking garage was a necessity.

I'm the same person who said it's not a big deal walking downtown for a basketball game. But a 3 block walk to a game is one thing, a 3 block walk HOME is not very enjoyable. Especially since late nights in Akron aren't very safe.

I never once said the garage was a waste, or unnecessary. [edit: sorry after re-reading I could have been clearer on that point]

The siting of it, however, is terrible. And I'll say that a million times. The most dead areas of a city are the areas along large parking garages. That's why in this day and age we should know better than to keep making mistakes like this.

Akzipper I'm glad you brought up safety. The safest places have what's called "eyes on the street." You get this when a street is lined with residences and storefronts. (and I'm not talking ghetto-type storefronts like Thursdays Lounge or Zip Mart, but large glass windows). It's good that there are dorms across the street. Even still, this stretch of Exchange could've been much improved with better planning.

[ZippyRulz]

Was this ever posted? (from akronsportsnow.com)

[g-mann17]

Was this ever posted? (from akronsportsnow.com)

Yeah, that was worthless.

"One major player left" There are several "major players" left.

Goodyear, Bridgestone, FirstEnergy (and no, $2 million for the soccer stadium is not a major contribution), Sterling, GoJo, and there are Cleveland players as well that are viable options.

[zestycoyote]

Was this ever posted? (from akronsportsnow.com)

Wow, just when I thought I couldn't think any less of Akron Sports Now...

[akzipper]

Wow, just when I thought I couldn't think any less of Akron Sports Now...

Looks like the guy have over 60 more informative videos if you are interested. Honestly I think all the video blogs online are very awkward.