Downtown Development Spotlight: Library Square by Crane Development

Located on Madison Avenue between Michigan Avenue and 10^th Street, the Library Square development will soon add six residential units and four corporate, long-term stay studio apartments to downtown’s core. Library Square, across the street from the Main Library branch, consists of four parcels with commercial spaces on the first-floor level. Units are now available for lease as the project is expected to be complete by the end of March.

The residential units by Crane Development are all two bedrooms and two bathrooms and include in-unit washer and dryer, stainless steel appliances and balconies facing a private courtyard with parking. The units allow pets and range in price from $1,400 - $1,750 per month. Library Square also features four studio apartments that have retained many of the original features, such as cast-iron kitchen sinks and unique tile in the bathrooms.

The project’s $1.8 million investment includes four, 1,000 sq. ft commercial spaces on street level, facing the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library Main Branch. BMWC Constructors has recently made their home in one of the commercial spaces at 913 Madison.

Each of the four buildings were built in 1897 and include a storied history of tenants like the women-only spa, The Royale in 1906, and later, Kable’s Lunchroom, a restaurant that called 909 Madison home between 1925 and 1946. One of Toledo’s most prominent art dealers, The Mohr Art Gallery, was located in 915 Madison for over 50 years. Additionally, Frank Lloyd Wright designed Luxfer glass prism tiles are still intact on the façade of 915 Madison.

Crane Development is a real estate development group focused on downtown revitalization. In addition to Library Square, Crane Development owns the Landers Brothers Building and 620 Adams Street. Also in their portfolio is 614 Adams St., home to downtown restaurant Fowl & Fodder. Crane is led by Matt Rubin and Julia Randles.

“Library Square is one of the few blocks downtown where all of the original buildings are still intact. The charm of the architecture, strong neighbors, and the potential to offer a unique, walkable, urban experience made this project very attractive to us,” said Rubin. Surrounding Library Square is the Hylant Building, SSOE’s world headquarters and the newly renovated Toledo Lucas County Public Library.

“Inside the buildings, the aesthetic of the Library Square apartments carefully blends modern and traditional elements. We’ve implemented modern aesthetic through flush panel cabinets, sleek hardware, clean lines, recessed lighting, and light flooring complemented by touches of traditional elements like exposed brick,” said Randles.

Rubin, responsible for development and property management services, is a University of Toledo graduate and serves on the board of the Downtown Toledo Improvement District, as well as City of Toledo’s Housing Strategy 10-Year Action Plan Advisory Committee, Urban Land Institute and formerly served on City of Toledo Ottawa-Jermain Parks Advisory board and EPIC Toledo Advisory Board. He was appointed by Ohio Governors John Kasich and Mike DeWine to serve on the Ohio Commission on Service and Volunteerism.

Randles, responsible for design and construction services, joined Crane Development after fifteen years in the Chicago construction industry. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Construction Engineering and Management from Purdue University and is a LEED accredited professional. She is active with the Society of Women Engineers and volunteers time for Purdue University’s Women in Engineering Program.

To learn more about Crane Development or Library Square, visit their website here.