When the Mud Hens christen the long-awaited Hensville development, it stands to enjoy measurable success.
But whenever there’s a change in the neighborhood, it affects everyone, including the numerous businesses and tenants in and around the Warehouse District. All seem to welcome the historic transformation, and as a result of Hensville, some say they even plan to modify their operations.
Listen to your art
Shared Lives Studio sits amidst the new Hensville Park, Nine Restaurant and the expanded Swamp Shop. The nonprofit visual arts studio and gallery’s current hours will be expanded.
“We are looking to be open six days a week instead of five,” said Lori Schoen, art director. “With extended hours one night a week.”
“We’re hoping all the hype of Hensville will bring people downtown,” Schoen said. “It’s kind of exciting to see what’s happening down here. People may be curious enough to say, ‘What
is Hensville?’”
Following the crowd
Fricker’s sits on St. Clair Street where part of its customer seating overlooking Fifth Third Field. Management welcomes the new restaurant Nine, in the same block, while acknowledging they will be contending for the same customers.
“We’re very excited about it,” said Joyce Lebens, Fricker’s manager. “Any kind of growth is a good thing. More people downtown will increase business. The more the merrier, but of course, it’s going to be a competition.”
Some have questioned if new restaurants will squeeze others out, but the general consensus is that Hensville will create the need for more venues.
“I haven’t heard of any other [restaurants] coming in, but there are mixed reactions with that,” said Kate Kelley, Secretary of the Toledo Warehouse District Association. “I know that [the Mud Hens] have done their research, they seem confident that they can support the additional crowds.”
Urban legend.png)
The historic Berdan Building renovation is positioned to bring additional foot traffic downtown with 120 residential units in the building that has been dormant since 1985.
“I think it will be full as soon as it [the Berdan] opens up,” said Diane Keil-Hipp, Toledo Warehouse District Association President. “A lot of young college graduates want that urban lifestyle. [Hensville Park] is just creating that for people down here. You can walk down and go to a concert.”
Hensville officially opens to the public on Thursday April 7,
which is also Opening Day for the Mud Hens 2016 season.
