TOLEDO, Ohio — The renovation of two historic buildings in downtown Toledo has been an often-discussed topic for years now.
Known as the Four Corners Project, the Spitzer and Nicholas buildings sit at Huron Street and Madison Avenue.
George Hughey is a regular of downtown's streets and said he often notices how the two buildings are empty.
"Such a waste of space," he said. "It looks like they would be excellent places to live."
Brandon Sehlhorst, Toledo's director of economic development, told WTOL 11 nearly two years ago about the project to bring the four corners back to life
"Between the two buildings, would be converted into about 360 apartments, with some ground floor retail space," Sehlhorst said.
On Tuesday, Sehlhorst said the city is working with developers to once again revitalize the Nicholas and Spitzer buildings, recently receiving a $10 million grant.
While there's no date on when this development can be expected, he is hopeful it will be in the next year or two.
Sehlhorst also said the city is working on ways to attract more businesses downtown and residents that would fill those future apartments. One of the ways of doing that is by making improvements to the Huron and Madison corridor.
"It's very important that we enhance the streetscape so that we can continue the momentum that we have," he said.
Those streetscape ideas came out of public meetings.
Liz Medsker went to the Huron Avenue and Madison Corridor Study presentation on Tuesday at the Erie Street Market. She liked the new ideas from the city, including expanding the city's sidewalks.
"Having some more stuff for pedestrians," Medsker said. "Being someone that walks around the city, I really want that to be something they focus on since there's plenty of places to park. You can get the bus, you can ride your bike, I'd really like there to be a safe space to walk though."
Sehlhorst said the city has an idea of adding streetscapes all the way from Toledo's Farmer's Market up to Four Corners, which would add green space, more parking and event venues.
Hughey said he's looking forward to seeing construction, and hopes more businesses follow.
"If I had money, I'd be jumping on something like this," he said.
The city is now focused on getting feedback on these ideas and will then figure out the total cost of the project and find ways to pay for it through grants.
To see the full presentation and to give your thoughts on the project, click here.