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Topic: Follett's
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74 Cat
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Posted: 7/13/2023 1:32 PM
I was in Athens earlier this week for Beer Fest and noticed that Follett's was fenced off. I had not seen any announcement about the building so am asking what's happening. Thanks.
OhioCatFan
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Posted: 7/13/2023 1:40 PM
74 Cat wrote:expand_more
I was in Athens earlier this week for Beer Fest and noticed that Follett's was fenced off. I had not seen any announcement about the building so am asking what's happening. Thanks.
According to an informed source about a month ago, it's to become a downtown hotel if the developer gets the proper approvals.
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JSF
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Posted: 7/13/2023 11:35 PM
Hotel Berry Redux.
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OhioCatFan
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Posted: 7/13/2023 11:46 PM
JSF wrote:expand_more
Hotel Berry Redux.
More like the Hotel Athens Redux. That hotel was on the other side of the street from the Berry, and unlike the Berry didn't have a fabulous restaurant that drew people from far and wide. It might, though, be an upgrade from that white elephant hotel at the corner of Carpenter and State.
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Athens
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Posted: 7/14/2023 1:46 PM
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — A Columbus hotel company will move forward with its plans to convert the long-vacant historic Athens building into an extended-stay hotel with retail space after a year of waiting for renovation funding.

The 63 S. Court St. building was built in 1915 and is contaminated with asbestos.

Indus Development LLC was awarded a $431,920 grant from the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Fund in December to address the contamination.

https://woub.org/2023/05/30/columbus-hotel-company-histor... /
Definitely appears a hotel is going to happen with all the remediation and renovation credits secured by the developer. A quality first level restaurant would be great to have on the corner right across from the collge green. Extended stay so the rooms will have full size refridgerators I presume. Could they work out a deal with the university to have faculty stay there in the off season? Is there an off season for a 22 room hotel located across from college green?

A few years ago Student Rentals Inc. was looking into the property and wanted to build 20 student apartments. They probably figured out the rediation was going to be costly and backed out.

https://woub.org/2021/11/16/potential-buyer-of-historic-b... /
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The Optimist
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Posted: 7/14/2023 2:27 PM
Athens is a beautiful town in the summer. I have to imagine they could generate tourism year-round with that location
I've seen crazier things happen.
giacomo
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Posted: 7/14/2023 5:09 PM
It would be really cool to stay in downtown Athens if it were like my days on campus. Belks, Martings, two theaters, many restaurants and boutique stores are not there any longer. Now you take a stroll and you can buy a tshirt and a sixpack.
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Posted: 7/14/2023 7:42 PM
giacomo wrote:expand_more
It would be really cool to stay in downtown Athens if it were like my days on campus. Belks, Martings, two theaters, many restaurants and boutique stores are not there any longer. Now you take a stroll and you can buy a tshirt and a sixpack.
I take it you didn't pick up anything on Amazon Prime Day. You might not even know what that is.
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Athens
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Posted: 7/14/2023 9:17 PM
The Optimist wrote:expand_more
Athens is a beautiful town in the summer. I have to imagine they could generate tourism year-round with that location
Uptown hotel works so long as the parking can be managed. Follett's location is only a block or two from the city parking garage which is managable enough. There was another botique hotel that was planned for above Athens Historical Society but it didn't pan out.

Uptown could probably handle another 2 small hotels. The Central Classroom building and Lasher Hall are for sale. Combine the two properties into a larger hotel (35-50 rooms) with wrap around decks. Parking is already in place at that location between the buildings.
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MonroeClassmate
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Posted: 7/14/2023 10:51 PM
Campus Flow wrote:expand_more
Athens is a beautiful town in the summer. I have to imagine they could generate tourism year-round with that location
. The Central Classroom building and Lasher Hall are for sale. Combine the two properties into a larger hotel (35-50 rooms) with wrap around decks. Parking is already in place at that location between the buildings.
Roof top lounge with a view perhaps?
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Posted: 7/14/2023 10:53 PM
MonroeClassmate wrote:expand_more
Athens is a beautiful town in the summer. I have to imagine they could generate tourism year-round with that location
. The Central Classroom building and Lasher Hall are for sale. Combine the two properties into a larger hotel (35-50 rooms) with wrap around decks. Parking is already in place at that location between the buildings.
Roof top lounge with a view perhaps?
The University may be selling the buildings, but are they selling the parking lot between the two?
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Posted: 7/14/2023 11:43 PM
Campus Flow wrote:expand_more
It would be really cool to stay in downtown Athens if it were like my days on campus. Belks, Martings, two theaters, many restaurants and boutique stores are not there any longer. Now you take a stroll and you can buy a tshirt and a sixpack.
I take it you didn't pick up anything on Amazon Prime Day. You might not even know what that is.
What does Amazon have to do with this discussion?
greencat
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Posted: 7/15/2023 9:40 AM
OhioCatFan wrote:expand_more
Hotel Berry Redux.
More like the Hotel Athens Redux. That hotel was on the other side of the street from the Berry, and unlike the Berry didn't have a fabulous restaurant that drew people from far and wide. It might, though, be an upgrade from that white elephant hotel at the corner of Carpenter and State.
Other than Athens Central being owned by a very unpopular family with a crappy reputation as landlords, is there something wrong with it? The reviews on google are mixed. Many of them are very positive with the usual gripes sprinkled in.
OhioCatFan
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Posted: 7/15/2023 10:48 AM
greencat wrote:expand_more
Hotel Berry Redux.
More like the Hotel Athens Redux. That hotel was on the other side of the street from the Berry, and unlike the Berry didn't have a fabulous restaurant that drew people from far and wide. It might, though, be an upgrade from that white elephant hotel at the corner of Carpenter and State.
Other than Athens Central being owned by a very unpopular family with a crappy reputation as landlords, is there something wrong with it? The reviews on google are mixed. Many of them are very positive with the usual gripes sprinkled in.
Have you actually looked that monstrosity? It's probably one of the ugliest buildings I've ever seen. And, it doesn't exactly fit into the general architectural theme of Athens.
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greencat
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Posted: 7/15/2023 7:28 PM
OhioCatFan wrote:expand_more
Hotel Berry Redux.
More like the Hotel Athens Redux. That hotel was on the other side of the street from the Berry, and unlike the Berry didn't have a fabulous restaurant that drew people from far and wide. It might, though, be an upgrade from that white elephant hotel at the corner of Carpenter and State.
Other than Athens Central being owned by a very unpopular family with a crappy reputation as landlords, is there something wrong with it? The reviews on google are mixed. Many of them are very positive with the usual gripes sprinkled in.
Have you actually looked that monstrosity? It's probably one of the ugliest buildings I've ever seen. And, it doesn't exactly fit into the general architectural theme of Athens.
It doesn't fit in looks-wise at all. Is it being docked extra points because of who the owner is? If so, that doesn't bother me from what people say about them...was just wondering. If it was out by Menards, maybe it wouldn't look as out of place. Maybe.
OhioCatFan
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Posted: 7/15/2023 10:57 PM
greencat wrote:expand_more
Hotel Berry Redux.
More like the Hotel Athens Redux. That hotel was on the other side of the street from the Berry, and unlike the Berry didn't have a fabulous restaurant that drew people from far and wide. It might, though, be an upgrade from that white elephant hotel at the corner of Carpenter and State.
Other than Athens Central being owned by a very unpopular family with a crappy reputation as landlords, is there something wrong with it? The reviews on google are mixed. Many of them are very positive with the usual gripes sprinkled in.
Have you actually looked that monstrosity? It's probably one of the ugliest buildings I've ever seen. And, it doesn't exactly fit into the general architectural theme of Athens.
It doesn't fit in looks-wise at all. Is it being docked extra points because of who the owner is? If so, that doesn't bother me from what people say about them...was just wondering. If it was out by Menards, maybe it wouldn't look as out of place. Maybe.
Though I don't like the owner, and I think he's a man of few principles, I would hate the look of that building if it was put up my best friend. I will agree that I'd hate it a little less if it was on the outskirts of town, but I still would considered it an ugly eyesore. I know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and others may disagree, but that's my assessment. I have had friends express to me similar sentiments, so while mine might be a minority opinion, it's not totally idiosyncratic.
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"It is better to be an optimist and be proven a fool than to be a pessimist and be proven right."

Note: My avatar is the national colors of the 78th Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, which are now preserved in a climate controlled vault at the Ohio History Connection. Learn more about the old 78th at: http://www.78ohio.org
BillyTheCat
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Posted: 7/16/2023 8:06 AM
OhioCatFan wrote:expand_more
Hotel Berry Redux.
More like the Hotel Athens Redux. That hotel was on the other side of the street from the Berry, and unlike the Berry didn't have a fabulous restaurant that drew people from far and wide. It might, though, be an upgrade from that white elephant hotel at the corner of Carpenter and State.
Other than Athens Central being owned by a very unpopular family with a crappy reputation as landlords, is there something wrong with it? The reviews on google are mixed. Many of them are very positive with the usual gripes sprinkled in.
Have you actually looked that monstrosity? It's probably one of the ugliest buildings I've ever seen. And, it doesn't exactly fit into the general architectural theme of Athens.
It doesn't fit in looks-wise at all. Is it being docked extra points because of who the owner is? If so, that doesn't bother me from what people say about them...was just wondering. If it was out by Menards, maybe it wouldn't look as out of place. Maybe.
Though I don't like the owner, and I think he's a man of few principles, I would hate the look of that building if it was put up my best friend. I will agree that I'd hate it a little less if it was on the outskirts of town, but I still would considered it an ugly eyesore. I know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and others may disagree, but that's my assessment. I have had friends express to me similar sentiments, so while mine might be a minority opinion, it's not totally idiosyncratic.
I am sure the ownership is deeply hurt by your opinions. But I am curious as to wether you would say these things to the owner's face? Just curious.
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Posted: 7/16/2023 10:17 AM
BillyTheCat wrote:expand_more
Hotel Berry Redux.
More like the Hotel Athens Redux. That hotel was on the other side of the street from the Berry, and unlike the Berry didn't have a fabulous restaurant that drew people from far and wide. It might, though, be an upgrade from that white elephant hotel at the corner of Carpenter and State.
Other than Athens Central being owned by a very unpopular family with a crappy reputation as landlords, is there something wrong with it? The reviews on google are mixed. Many of them are very positive with the usual gripes sprinkled in.
Have you actually looked that monstrosity? It's probably one of the ugliest buildings I've ever seen. And, it doesn't exactly fit into the general architectural theme of Athens.
It doesn't fit in looks-wise at all. Is it being docked extra points because of who the owner is? If so, that doesn't bother me from what people say about them...was just wondering. If it was out by Menards, maybe it wouldn't look as out of place. Maybe.
Though I don't like the owner, and I think he's a man of few principles, I would hate the look of that building if it was put up my best friend. I will agree that I'd hate it a little less if it was on the outskirts of town, but I still would considered it an ugly eyesore. I know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and others may disagree, but that's my assessment. I have had friends express to me similar sentiments, so while mine might be a minority opinion, it's not totally idiosyncratic.
I am sure the ownership is deeply hurt by your opinions. But I am curious as to wether you would say these things to the owner's face? Just curious.
Yes, I would!
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Note: My avatar is the national colors of the 78th Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, which are now preserved in a climate controlled vault at the Ohio History Connection. Learn more about the old 78th at: http://www.78ohio.org
Bobcat Love's Sense of Shame
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Posted: 7/17/2023 11:59 AM
I don't know the people in question, but the building looks very Greek to me and looks like a lot of hotels in Greece.

Ironic that it's so out of place in Athens.
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Posted: 7/17/2023 1:11 PM
Bobcat Love's Sense of Shame wrote:expand_more
I don't know the people in question, but the building looks very Greek to me and looks like a lot of hotels in Greece.

Ironic that it's so out of place in Athens.
And guess what BLS, it's owned by a family of Greek decendents.
greencat
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Posted: 7/17/2023 5:23 PM
BillyTheCat wrote:expand_more
I don't know the people in question, but the building looks very Greek to me and looks like a lot of hotels in Greece.

Ironic that it's so out of place in Athens.
And guess what BLS, it's owned by a family of Greek decendents.
The first time I ever heard their name that was the first thing that crossed my mind way back whenever that was. There used to be a Greek major landlord near the OSU campus (may still be there?) named "Pella" just like the windows/doors outfit. A guy who worked maintenance/repairs for them told me they served something Greek at their Xmas party every year called "Ouzo" which my friend jokingly called liquid Quaaludes.
Alan Swank
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Posted: 7/17/2023 8:49 PM
giacomo wrote:expand_more
It would be really cool to stay in downtown Athens if it were like my days on campus. Belks, Martings, two theaters, many restaurants and boutique stores are not there any longer. Now you take a stroll and you can buy a tshirt and a sixpack.
I take it you didn't pick up anything on Amazon Prime Day. You might not even know what that is.
What does Amazon have to do with this discussion?
Back when you were here and when I first got here, uptown Athens was where people came to shop. Two things have changed. The retail center moved to East State Street including Walmart, then Lowes and now Menards and the year-round population of Athens has decreased in number. The example I often cite is the size of the local high school graduating class. In 25 years it has decreased from reroughly 230 to 180. In other words, there were people and a reason to go uptown. And of course, today there is Amazon and a million other online retailers.
mf279801
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Posted: 7/17/2023 9:11 PM
greencat wrote:expand_more
I don't know the people in question, but the building looks very Greek to me and looks like a lot of hotels in Greece.

Ironic that it's so out of place in Athens.
And guess what BLS, it's owned by a family of Greek decendents.
The first time I ever heard their name that was the first thing that crossed my mind way back whenever that was. There used to be a Greek major landlord near the OSU campus (may still be there?) named "Pella" just like the windows/doors outfit. A guy who worked maintenance/repairs for them told me they served something Greek at their Xmas party every year called "Ouzo" which my friend jokingly called liquid Quaaludes.
Ouzo is just anise-flavored liquor. No more dangerous than a like-volume of vodka, rum, tequila, etc. (and quite a bit less dangerous if you dislike the taste is licorice)
JSF
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Posted: 7/18/2023 5:58 PM
Yeah, most ouzo has the ABV of weak bourbon. Maybe that friend was used to Amstel Light or something.
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greencat
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Posted: 7/20/2023 10:17 AM
That was back in the day, so he may have been used to real 'ludes and that was his way of making fun of the old Greek men who DIDN'T "party" the other 364 days a year.

Wouldn't surprise me, the way Max was. He really liked Halloweens in Athens.
Last Edited: 7/20/2023 10:18:34 AM by greencat
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