Roughly 50% of the available space in Ostrich Towne is now occupied and developers say more businesses are expected to move in.
TOLEDO, Ohio — Development in Toledo’s Vistula District, particularly in the Ostrich Towne area near Summit and Cherry streets, is showing signs of success after years of revitalization efforts.
On Friday nights, the area has brought in new businesses that are attracting visitors and plans for further growth are underway.
Roughly 50% of the available space in Ostrich Towne is now occupied, and more businesses are expected to move in.
Oregon resident Heather Derby said she visits several times a month and is excited about what’s to come.
“I think it’s up and coming and very nice down here,” Derby said. “It’s very nice in the alley here. In the summer I think it’ll be very nice. They’ll open up the doors, they said. I think it’s going to bring a whole different kind of people.”
One of the area’s newest businesses, Molly’s Irish Pub, opened last month, and owner Molly McHugh said the response has been encouraging.
“Last Saturday, I had music here for the first time — it was standing room only,” McHugh said. “That was a really surreal moment for me because that’s what I was striving for and that’s what I envisioned this whole time.”
Joshua Schulz, owner of Restore and a key partner in the development through the Toledo Metropolitan Development organization, said a barbecue restaurant, tech company and candle shop are all set to open soon.
“We’ve done the complete development here from the day. All the restoration you see — all the new shops, bars and restaurants — that’s us,” Schulz said.
He said the overall goal of Ostrich Towne is to connect the neighborhood to nearby attractions like the Glass City Metropark and Toledo Pickle.
“We wanted to activate this part of Toledo. It needed some love,” Schulz said.
Developers are also working to restore 11 residential units and build loft-style apartments.