UT Foundation to spend $145,000 for Dorr Street site

10/15/2005

In an ongoing effort to buy property along Dorr Street near the University of Toledo, the UT Foundation agreed yesterday to purchase land across from The Crossings residence hall.

The foundation intends to spend $145,000 on a parcel at 3107 Dorr, between Underwood Avenue and Mackow Drive, which is an auto body shop known as Mac's Motors Inc.

The foundation's most recent purchase in the area was several blocks west on Dorr, and also east of Byrne Road, and included a NAPA Auto Parts store and vacant land. That $335,000 deal was signed in the spring.

Foundation officials said the university does not yet have specific plans for the latest property, which is zoned commercial-retail. But officials have been talking about plans to create more university-area commercial development that largely would be geared to students.

The university does not own any other properties adjoining the body shop, which is near some residences.

Toledo City Council is expected to take up a separate issue Nov. 16, also involving land along Dorr near the university. Local landlord Rick Ross is seeking to rezone a structure at 3541 Dorr from single-family to multifamily.

The house, which was damaged by fire last month, was approved to become a fraternity house by council in December, 2004. At a meeting Oct. 6, members of the Toledo Plan Commission unanimously defeated the request from Mr. Ross.

Stephen Herwat, executive director of the commission, said members had concerns about a multifamily house at that location intruding on the single-family neighborhood to the west.

If approved, he said Mr. Ross could construct 36 units at the site.

Mr. Herwat said it will take an unanimous vote of council in order to approve the request.