TOLEDO, OH (Toledo News Now) - ProMedica has released images of its planned downtown headquarters. The company plans to move at least 800 workers into the former Toledo Edison Steam Plant and the KeyBank office building downtown on Summit Street.
ProMedica says construction on the project, which will cost about $40 million, could begin in the fall of next year.
The company presented the plans to Toledo City Council at a meeting Thursday at 10 a.m.
According to Toledo City Councilman Rob Ludeman, ProMedica will take over about half of Promenade Park to build an underground parking structure. Ludeman says a green space will remain above ground.
ProMedica officials say this project will not prohibit public access to Promenade Park or the river walkway. It will, however, provide a more central location for 700 employees, who travel to all of ProMedica's different buildings.
"Not only are we going to get everyone in one place, we really think that the layout is going to be much more conducive to that collaborative environment," said spokesperson Robin Whitney.
In addition to the 700 employees being moved downtown, the company is planning to add at least 100 more jobs, and the construction will provide work for about 300.
ProMedica has applied for tax credits to fund the project. The company says there are still some details it needs to work out with the City of Toledo and the State of Ohio regarding the land around the steam plant.
"The proposed headquarters will offer a vibrant and engaging environment with open office spaces that will encourage a more transparent culture. The proposed new campus promises to help boost economic development in the community and revitalize downtown Toledo," the company said in a statement.
The idea of up to 900 more people working in downtown Toledo has business owners in the area excited.
Home Slice Pizza has been open on St. Clair for eight years, but owner Ed Knight says after ProMedica moves downtown, business will take off.
"It means more business, more making a profit. It's great," Knight said. "All the restaurants, I mean, everybody, even the art supply - 900 people coming down shopping, it means a lot. It's money in everybody's pocket."
Other business owners agree, but also hope ProMedica moving in will do more than just provide them with customers. Doug Hileman is a tenant at Fort Industry Square, next to Promenade Park. He hopes the new move will bring attention to the area.
"My hope is that this is the start of more businesses moving back downtown," Hileman said.
"You bring 800 people into one location, they have to have a place to park. They have to have a place to eat lunch," said Councilman Ludeman. "They have to have a place to entertain themselves. So I see peripheral development immediately coming about."
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The buildings may also host new cafes, coffee shops and a fitness center.
