Southwyck Mall Demolition to start next week…
I have to admit I first learned this via NBC24’s Twitter:
TOLEDO, OHIO — Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner says the former Southwyck Mall will be torn down next week.
In an afternoon press conference Wednesday, the mayor announced that Southwyck Shopping Center will undergo asbestos abatement Monday and demolition of the building will follow in four phases. He says the entire process will take about seven months to complete.
The South Toledo land where the center currently sits will be eventually be redeveloped for residential and commercial buildings, according to Finkbeiner.Southwyck was shut down in June 2008 after being open for over three decades.
Sometimes it actually seems like local media twitter wars with the ones that Twitter to see who gets what out first.
Then just seconds ago, this e-mail came in from District 2 Toledo City Councilman D. Michael Collins:
Dear Constituent:
I am very pleased to report that the principal owners of Southwyck have collectively agreed to move forward with the demolition of the property known as the Southwyck Mall. I firmly believe this decision and ultimate demolition of the property will provide a vibrant future for the property. It is my understanding that the complete project will require between 6 and 7 months, and the initial phase will begin next week. I believe now we must be patient and have the confidence that private industry will, when the market is right, create a new and vibrant outcome to the property.
I would like to end by expressing my heartfelt appreciation to Mayor Carty Finkbeiner, Dave Amstutz and his team in the Economic Development Department and Larry Dillin for all of their effort and commitment to making this day become true reality. I would further express my appreciation to my predecessor, Rob Ludeman, and Dave Lemon, along with all of the residents in the Southwyck / Regan Woods neighborhood, for their steadfast support and unwavering commitment to the rebirth of this gem in South Toledo.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me.
Thank you!
D. Michael Collins
District 2 Councilman
419-245-1050
dmichael.collins @ toledo.oh.gov
Hey this is fantastic news.
March 19th, 2009 at 8:13 amHere is where a new Pull-A-Part should be located.
Something should have been done with Southwyck a long time ago. I remember the last time I shopped there many years back I watched four teenagers get out of a car and head into the mall – one slipped a set of nunchaku into his pants on the way in.
I understand that the Franklin Park Mall is having security problems these days, although I haven’t been there in quite a while.
March 19th, 2009 at 12:03 pmI’m happy it’s finally happening – I didn’t think it ever would.
March 19th, 2009 at 12:07 pmIt’s good to see it finally being demolished. That land will sell for certain once that building is gone.
March 19th, 2009 at 12:41 pmI’m glad that something is finally going to be done. I hope they find a good use for the land.
March 19th, 2009 at 1:55 pmIt is still surreal to me that it is even closed.
March 19th, 2009 at 2:00 pmI am sad to see Southwyck go. It represents many memories for me. It was more than enough of a mall for Maumee and this part of Toledo. I could find everything I needed there.
I hope that they turn the land into a park. Plant some trees and put some benches and a walkway in the park. Who knows, maybe the Southwyck Mall walkers will walk there. This would be the least expensive solution.
We all know that Toledo doesn’t need anymore strip malls or businesses being built there. There are enough empty buildings sitting waiting for someone to lease them. Build a Park! That would be wonderful!
Thank you for listening!
March 24th, 2009 at 8:50 pm