2008 Woodie Awards
Dispute over Wendy's continues
Miami students unhappy with building appearance 2 years later
Braden Lammers
Issue date: 8/31/07 Section: Community
It has been two years since the Wendy's structure uptown last served a Junior Bacon Cheeseburger to hungry Miami University students, and since then the building's fate and appearance has become a source of contention for its owners and the city of Oxford.
The High Street restaurant suffered heavy fire damages in August 2005. The damage occurred when a worker for Ray St. Clair Roofing, Inc. hit an electrical box with a torch while installing a rubber roof, according to Matt Rodbro, manager of the property. The building has been covered with a tarp since the fire.
Many Miami students, particularly upperclassmen, and community members alike are unimpressed that the building still remains charred and vacant.
"I think it looks trashy," said Dorothy Witter, a Miami senior.
According to Matt Rodbro, the building that formerly housed Wendy's has not been renovated or rebuilt since the fire due to a zoning dispute between Main and High Developers and the city of Oxford. Chris Rodbro, Matt Rodbro's father, is a partner in Main and High Developers and an owner of the property.
According to Lynn Taylor with Oxford's department of community development, the dispute is in the hands of a judge at this time, and parties have been waiting several months for a decision regarding the property.
Taylor said that because the case is in litigation and pending, she cannot comment on any aspect of it.
Matt Rodbro expressed some ideas about what do with the building once it is built, but explained that the building's fate is still uncertain.
"We don't know if an existing building will be remodeled or rebuilt," Matt Rodbro said. "(Main and High Developers) have been contacted by scores of different businesses who are interested (in the structure)."
At this time, Matt Rodbro said he is unable to discuss potential business options for the vacant spot.
"(I am) not at liberty to disclose (what businesses have contacted Main and High Developers, but they are) A-list companies on the tip of everyone's tongue," Matt Rodbro said.
The High Street restaurant suffered heavy fire damages in August 2005. The damage occurred when a worker for Ray St. Clair Roofing, Inc. hit an electrical box with a torch while installing a rubber roof, according to Matt Rodbro, manager of the property. The building has been covered with a tarp since the fire.
Many Miami students, particularly upperclassmen, and community members alike are unimpressed that the building still remains charred and vacant.
"I think it looks trashy," said Dorothy Witter, a Miami senior.
According to Matt Rodbro, the building that formerly housed Wendy's has not been renovated or rebuilt since the fire due to a zoning dispute between Main and High Developers and the city of Oxford. Chris Rodbro, Matt Rodbro's father, is a partner in Main and High Developers and an owner of the property.
According to Lynn Taylor with Oxford's department of community development, the dispute is in the hands of a judge at this time, and parties have been waiting several months for a decision regarding the property.
Taylor said that because the case is in litigation and pending, she cannot comment on any aspect of it.
Matt Rodbro expressed some ideas about what do with the building once it is built, but explained that the building's fate is still uncertain.
"We don't know if an existing building will be remodeled or rebuilt," Matt Rodbro said. "(Main and High Developers) have been contacted by scores of different businesses who are interested (in the structure)."
At this time, Matt Rodbro said he is unable to discuss potential business options for the vacant spot.
"(I am) not at liberty to disclose (what businesses have contacted Main and High Developers, but they are) A-list companies on the tip of everyone's tongue," Matt Rodbro said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Carl
posted 8/31/07 @ 3:33 PM EST
Mr. Lammers, you should go to the county office and look at the court documents to find out what is going on since, no one will comment.
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