Hensville soon to hatch

We may be three months away from our Mud Hens returning to action, but anyone who has ever attended a game knows that a visit to Fifth Third Field is far more than just baseball. And come this April, that visit will include the eagerly awaited Hensville project, providing several new entertainment options.

A project rendering provides a look at Hensville once complete. (Photo courtesy of Toledo Mud Hens.)

Toledo City Paper got an inside look at this new sports and entertainment project, which will continue the redevelopment momentum started by the Hens in 2002 when they chose the historic Warehouse District as their home. This project has renovated three dormant properties into new party spaces, a new restaurant, an expanded merchandise shop, and trendy, Wrigley Field-like rooftop baseball viewing areas.

The most outwardly visible sign of this reformation is Hensville Park, a former parking lot at the corner of Summit and Monroe Streets giving way to a green, open space for gathering. There, the team plans to host outdoor concerts, festivals, community activities and movie nights.

New party suites inside the Fleetwood Building are swiftly taking shape. (Photo courtesy of Toledo Mud Hens.)

Coming even sooner is the year round restaurant NINE, which will open in March with an urban, hip feel representative of the district.

Mud Hens officials estimate that the entire project will draw 150,000 more people to downtown, create an initial economic impact of more than $20 million and add a minimum of 20 permanent jobs.

A look high above the famed Fleetwood Building where fans will enjoy baseball a la Wrigley Field rooftops. Hensville Park sits just to the north. (Photo courtesy of Toledo Mud Hens.)

We may be three months away from our Mud Hens returning to action, but anyone who has ever attended a game knows that a visit to Fifth Third Field is far more than just baseball. And come this April, that visit will include the eagerly awaited Hensville project, providing several new entertainment options.

A project rendering provides a look at Hensville once complete. (Photo courtesy of Toledo Mud Hens.)

Toledo City Paper got an inside look at this new sports and entertainment project, which will continue the redevelopment momentum started by the Hens in 2002 when they chose the historic Warehouse District as their home. This project has renovated three dormant properties into new party spaces, a new restaurant, an expanded merchandise shop, and trendy, Wrigley Field-like rooftop baseball viewing areas.

The most outwardly visible sign of this reformation is Hensville Park, a former parking lot at the corner of Summit and Monroe Streets giving way to a green, open space for gathering. There, the team plans to host outdoor concerts, festivals, community activities and movie nights.

New party suites inside the Fleetwood Building are swiftly taking shape. (Photo courtesy of Toledo Mud Hens.)

Coming even sooner is the year round restaurant NINE, which will open in March with an urban, hip feel representative of the district.

Mud Hens officials estimate that the entire project will draw 150,000 more people to downtown, create an initial economic impact of more than $20 million and add a minimum of 20 permanent jobs.

A look high above the famed Fleetwood Building where fans will enjoy baseball a la Wrigley Field rooftops. Hensville Park sits just to the north. (Photo courtesy of Toledo Mud Hens.)