Cool for the summer: Downtown walking tours showcase Toledo architecture, history

July 12, 2016 | Events, UToday

By Josephine Schreiber

Summertime and its warm weather are here, and that makes it the perfect time to put on your comfortable shoes and head downtown for the 32nd annual Toledo walking tours.

The free, public tours will be held every Thursday from July 14 through Aug. 25 from noon to 1 p.m., rain or shine.

Visit the home of the Toledo Mud Hens Thursday, July 14, on the downtown walking tour sponsored by the UT Jack Ford Urban Affairs Center and the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library.

Sponsored by the Jack Ford Urban Affairs Center and the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, the downtown walking tours will take place:

• July 14 — Hensville. Meet at the corner of St. Clair and Washington streets and check out new places to watch games.

• July 21 — The Oliver House, 27 Broadway St. Meet in the parking lot and take a look at the oldest commercial building in use in the city.

Tour the Oliver House, the oldest commercial building in use in Toledo, Thursday, July 21, during lunchtime.

• July 28 — “The Low Down on UpTown.” See how the lower part of UpTown has evolved. The tour will center around Madison to Jefferson avenues and 10th to 13th streets. Meet at the corner of Madison Avenue and 10th Street, SSOE corner.

• Aug. 4 — Immaculate Conception Church. Meet at 434 Western Ave. Park on the street.

• Aug. 11 — Toledo-Lucas County Public Library Tour. See the city skyline from the Civic Center Plaza. Meet at the corner of Michigan Street and Madison Avenue. Free parking available in the library garage.

The Fifth Third Building is the tallest in the Glass City; come check out that view.

• Aug. 18 — Bush Street Historic District. Tour the Italianate colony with a touch of Spain. Meet in front of 712 Bush St. Parking will be available on the street.

• Aug. 25 — Fifth Third Building. Come see the view from Toledo’s tallest skyscraper. Meet in the lobby of One Seagate on Summit Street. Photo ID needed to get to the upper floors.

Participants will receive a small booklet with information about key downtown buildings.

“The purpose of the downtown tours is to provide Toledo area residents with a fun, yet informative opportunity to learn about some of the wonderful buildings and architecture that we have in downtown Toledo,” said Dr. Neil Reid, UT professor of geography and director of the Jack Ford Urban Affairs Center.

“The tour guides are all trained volunteers who really enjoy sharing their knowledge and passion about our wonderful downtown,” Reid said.

For more information, call the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library Local History and Genealogy Department at 419.259.5233.