If all goes as planned, the former Southwyck Mall property will transform into a 58-acre sports and shopping complex.
Mayor Mike Bell’s administration announced Aug. 16 that development company MJW, Inc. is in the preliminary stages of mapping out the recreational center.
Contracts have yet to be signed, but consultant Dan Pritt said that the majority owner of the Southwyck Mall area has agreed in principle to the change.
MJW, Inc. is looking to transform the area into “somewhat of a sports village,” with each venue employing its own management, Pritt said. The 58 acres might host indoor basketball, volleyball and hockey courts as well as outdoor stadiums and fields.
The development firm is looking to fill the space with hotels and restaurants as well, to attract traveling teams not only to play, but to stay in Toledo for a few days.
Pritt said a company interested in opening a water park has approached the firm.
The administration is asking Toledo City Council to approve a $50,000 loan for MJW, Inc. to conduct marketing, engineering and architectural research to develop the concept.
The money would come from FirstEnergy grant money designated to support economic development efforts within the city.
Council will read the ordinance Aug. 21.
Councilman Rob Ludeman said the project is worthy of the grant because the Southwyck Mall area is a priority.
“I can’t go anywhere without somebody asking me what’s going on at Southwyck,” Ludeman said.
