TOLEDO, OH (Toledo News Now) -
Even though development is currently in a holding pattern for land owned by Dashing Pacific, there is plenty of activity in Toledo's Marina District.
Massive jackhammers are being used to tear down the former Acme Power Plant, and massive pile drivers are being used to build a new dock for the National Museum of the Great Lakes project.
People living nearby are taking notice. "I like it. It's a change of scenery down here. It's making it look better", says James Villier.
"I love it. My kids enjoy it, so if they're happy, I'm happy," said Hillary Ramsey.
Besides building a new dock, dredging has also started to prepare for Toledo's museum ship, the Col. James M. Schoonmaker, to be moved to the Marina District.
"We're making significant progress and the ship will be at her new location by the end of the year. Tentatively we're shooting for October 13," said Paul LaMarre III with the Schoonmaker museum ship.
That ship will be pulled by tugboats from International Park to the Marina District in what is expected to be the vessel's final voyage.
"The Great Lakes Historical Society will be hosting a fundraiser, actually allowing people to ride aboard the vessel as passengers for the last trip," said LaMarre.
The ship will be part of the National Museum of the Great Lakes, with a grand opening anticipated in August, 2013.
"Smithsonian quality maritime exhibits within the building, the largest maritime public park on the Great Lakes with the Schoonmaker as the centerpiece," said LaMarre.
Regarding Acme, Toledo City Council has approved an additional $20,000 to complete the building demolition, which is expected to wrap up by early next year.
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