What Business Could Revitalize the Falls Theatre Building? Patch Readers Discuss

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Visions for Vacancies: The Old Falls Theatre Building

The former film house has sat empty for years on Front Street. Some want a wrecking ball swung into the space, others want it preserved. What do you think?

Right now, pedestrians passing by the Falls Theatre building see it full of buckets, desks and — is that a shopping cart?  The 15,000-square foot theater was built in 1926. The spaces on either side of it are used as storage. Cuyahoga Falls Patch had asked readers in June 2012 whether they'd like to see the theater demolished or preserved. Here's what some readers had to say then:  Then, Falls Planning and Zoning Director Fred Guerra, most want the 86-year-old structure torn down. But there are those who beg to differ. Some want to see it rebuilt, said Guerra, but it would be costly given the poor condition of the Front Street building. The theatre is considered a mixed-use space, so anything from offices to restaurants to retail could go …

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Jimm Motyka

2:46 pm on Thursday, April 4, 2013

If I recall correctly, this property was acquired by the city through eminent domain. So, our money was already spent on it.   more ›

Visions for Vacancies: Samira on the Riverfront Should Be Turned Into ...

A pair of restaurants failed to turn a profit at the attractive riverfront property. Now what?

Visions for Vacancies: Samira on the Riverfront

A pair of restaurants failed to turn a profit at the attractive riverfront property. Now what?

Local restaurateur Nick Dadich hoped to have a hit when he opened Samira in December of 2010. Dadich focused on affordability after its predecessor, The River Brasserie and Bar, floundered from high prices and a somewhat stuffy atmosphere. Unfortunately, Samira's customer base steadily dwindled; and when news of its closure was announced in October, Patch readers widely criticized the restaurant's menu and service.   Cuyahoga Falls Deputy Director of Development Jennifer Syx is optimistic that another business will come along and take advantage of the spacious riverfront property, which originally served as a power plant decades ago.   What business (or businesses) could turn a profit at the attractive and modern location? Tell us in the…

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Visions for Vacancies: Port Haven Medical Building

What business could breathe some new life into the old medical building?

They don't make 'em like they used to. According to Cuyahoga Falls Planning Director Fred Guerra, the fairly unique Port Haven building has sat vacant for five years, and Patch readers have begun to wonder if the old site will ever see some new business.  The 17,000-square-foot medical office building -- located at 1625 Portage Tr. -- was constructed in 1963. The Akron Institute of Herzing University was the last tenant to occupy the space. The mixed-use building can be used for office or retail space. Only question is: What should go in the towering circular structure? Tell us in the comments!

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Visions for Vacancies: Sun Seekers Tanning

The Portage Trail tanning salon closed its doors in November, and Cuyahoga Falls officials are eager to see a new business move into the colonial brick space, located at 1602 Portage Tr.

Sun Seekers Tanning closed its doors in November, and as of Friday, no prospective business owner has stepped up to fill the 2,000-square-foot space. According to Summit Properties realtor Dean Corpas, Sun Seekers was in business for about a decade, and did quite well thanks to its proximity to Bolich Middle School.  Corpas says another tanning salon would be ideal for this location, but what do you think? Tell us in the comments!

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Visions for Vacancies: Suburban Retro

What would you like to see in this empty space on Front Street?

What type of business do you think would be a good fit to fill the vacancy at 2204 Front St. left by Suburban Retro, which closed this summer?  The small shop in the Falls River Square District can be found near Diamond Deli at the corner of Portage Trail and Front Street. It’s one of a few empty storefronts in that area.  What kind of business do you think could thrive in this space? Leave your ideas in the comments below. 

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Visions for Vacancies: Plaza Cinemas at Chapel Hill

The 25-year-old movie theatre closed Thursday, which begs the question: Now what?

The show's over. Plaza Cinemas at Chapel Hill closed its doors on Thursday, marking the end of a 25-year run for the eight-screen movie theatre.  Cleveland Cinemas -- which operated the theatre -- had to let go of it after the property owner, Visconsi Cos. Ltd., opted to move in a new direction, according to the Akron Beacon Journal.  Which direction is anyone's guess.  One thing is for sure, reports the Falls News Press; it's not going to reopen as a theatre.  Now, the pressing question: What's your vision for this vacancy? Should the space be converted into something new, or would developers be wise to demolish Plaza Cinemas and start fresh? Tell us in the comments. 

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Visions for Vacancies: Alhambra Professional Building

The sprawling office building -- located at 2101 Front St. -- is in need of new tenants. What kinds of businesses should go into this space?

The Alhambra Professional Building is just one of many properties along Front Street that's in need of new business. According to Commonwealth Properties manager Kenny Reymann, there are nine vacant offices in the building, plus a 10,000-square-foot space on the first floor with direct access to Falls River Square.  Reymann said the available space could be used for restaurants, retail businesses, or those searching for new office space.  With that in mind, what do you think should go into Alhambra? Tell us in the Comments!

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Visions for Vacancies: Stutzman's Bi-Rite

What business could breathe some new life into the former grocery store at 2054 Bailey Road in Cuyahoga Falls?

The former Stutzman’s Bi-Rite grocery store – an east-side Cuyahoga Falls institution since the mid-1960s – has been sitting empty since June 2010 when its owner retired. That’s left a huge vacancy in the neighborhood plaza that stretches between Myrtle and Curtis avenues on Bailey Road and houses such businesses as Vincent’s Bakery, Nex2New Appliances and Tobacco Filling Station. Built in 1952, the 10,295-square-foot retail building sits on a .69-acre parcel of land at the southwest corner of Bailey Road and Myrtle Avenue. The commercial site includes a 55-car parking lot. Patch wants to know what kind of business you think would make a good fit for the former grocery store. What do you think would find success in the storefront? Tell us …

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