Maumee turns its sights to updating other city areas

5/12/2004

Now that the renovated Maumee Indoor Theater is open for business, Maumee officials are turning their attention to the other end of the city's uptown streetscape.

Maumee City Council bought land at the corner of Conant and East Broadway streets last week.

The city now owns all the land along Conant between East Broadway and East Wayne streets.

Plans are to sell that land to developers, who would construct a building with retail stores and loft-style apartments, city administrator John Jezak said.

"Nothing is set in stone yet, but the general idea is to tear down the existing buildings," Mr. Jezak said.

The land the city recently bought for $250,000 is the site of Hilltop Automotive. Thomas and Kim Birsen said they plan to reopen the business at a different location.

The office building next to Hilltop Automotive houses the Maumee Chamber of Commerce.

The city owns the building and allows the chamber to use it free of charge.

Mr. Jezak said city officials have suggested that the chamber move into office space at the Maumee Indoor Theater.

Brenda Clixby, executive director of the chamber, said the chamber's board voted against the move several months ago.

She said the chamber would work with the city to find a new location if Maumee officials have plans for the current chamber offices.

Mayor Tim Wagener said city officials are discussing what to do with the land on Conant between East Broadway and East Wayne.

"The opportunity came up to make that area more attractive, and council took it," Mr. Wagener said. "Council will have to look at all the options."

Contact Rachel Zinn at:

rzinn@theblade.com

or 419-410-5055.