TOLEDO, OH (WTOL) – Construction is expected to begin soon for a new riverfront attraction in the Glass City, if City Council approves. Bringing Toledo's maritime history alive along the riverfront is the goal for those trying to make the museum project a reality in the Marina District. If the council guarantees local matching funds to secure a $6 million state grant, work will begin in a matter of weeks.
The $8.5 million project to create the National Great Lakes Maritime Museum aims to bring more visitors down to Toledo's waterfront. This includes moving the Colonel James M. Schoonmaker from its current location, to a slip next to the proposed museum building and park space. Work to prepare for the slip should begin in the near future.
"We anticipate we would begin driving sheet piling and constructing the dock close to the end of the month, begin park construction shortly after that," said Paul LaMarre, manager of maritime affairs at the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority.
That will happen if council approves setting aside $850,000 from the Capital Improvement budget, as a local match guarantee for a $6 million state grant.
"We'll be able to sign our formal grant agreement with the Cultural Facilities Commission and in turn, sign contracts to begin actual site work," explained LaMarre.
The city's money will not be spent if the Great Lakes Historical Society can raise $850,000 in private donations.
"They're going to pledge some of their property as security so that we would use that if they are not able to fulfill their commitment on the fundraising," said Robin Whitney, commissioner of Toledo Engineering Services.
The current timeline calls for the project to be completed by June 2013.
"Not only do you have the exhibits, you have a public park, then you have one of the most historical vessels to have sailed the lakes," said LaMarre.
City Council's Finance Committee will review the museum legislation Monday at 1 p.m. A vote could happen as early as Tuesday.
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