March 15, 2010

Tousis adds urban garden to West Racine proposal


Tom Tousis' loss may be urban gardeners' gain.

His plans for a West Racine grocery store, restaurant and gas station now include an urban garden along Grove Avenue. The garden was added to the plan after Tousis shrunk the size of his buildings to accommodate a utility pipe that runs through the property.

While the utility pipe reduced the estimated cost of the project from $5.2 million to $4.2 million, it led to some interesting change in the building's style and the project's overall feel. The proposed buildings are modeled after the Milwaukee Public Market and similar public markets in Seattle and Toronto. They combine a historic feel with a modern look to create a unique structure Tousis hopes will become a hub for the community.

"This is the way grocery stores used to be," said Zak Williams, a spokesman for Tousis. "People can come here to the grocery store, eat at the restaurant, fill up their car and have an opportunity to have a community garden."

Other unique features of the project include a stylized copper canopy for the gas station modeled after a train depot, space for the West Racine Farmers Market, the latest lighting technology from Ruud Lighting and a large mural along Grove Avenue reminiscent of the advertising on the side of historic brick buildings.

"The building lends itself to the architecturally consistent nature of the neighborhood," Williams said.

An artist's rendering of the copper canopy Tom Tousis is considering for his
development at Washington Avenue and West Boulevard in West Racine.

The new design marks a turning point for Tousis's controversial project, which drew objections for being a gas station despite also bringing a grocery store and sit-down restaurant to West Racine. Tousis eventually secured an option to build on the site, but then nearly backed out of the deal after questions arose over a utility pipe on the property that forced Tousis to rework the proposal.

His new building is about 14,500 square feet with 7,200 square feet for the grocery store, 2,000 square feet for a 100-seat restaurant and another 5,200 square feet for a second story above the grocery store. The original plans called for a 10,000-square-foot grocery store and a 3,000-square-foot restaurant.

The community garden would be about 7,500 square feet with water available to the plots, Williams said Tousis is working with Patti Nagai at the UW-Extension to run the garden.

The proposed site plan for the "Washington Market" at Washington Avenue and West Boulevard in West Racine. The grocery store and restaurant are located at Washington and Grove avenues, with the community garden just south along Grove. The gas pumps are located east of the building, and a 56-car parking lot is south of the gas pumps.

While the garden space is designated for potential future construction, Williams said there are "absolutely no plans" to build on the site in the near future.

The proposal heads to the city's Access Corridor Design Review Committee on Thursday. Alderman Jim Spangenberg, an outspoken critic of Tousis' plans, sits on the committee, which is chaired by Chief Building Inspector Rick Heller. Other members of the commission include Aldermen David Maack, Jim Kaplan and Michael Shields, David Namowicz, Linea Anthony, Randy Aukland, Steve Joosten, Frank Smith, Kelly Jensen, Mitch Wemmert and Mark Madsen.

While the committee will consider the proposal, it does not have definitive say over the project. It serves as an advisory committee to the Plan Commission, which could take up the plan as early as March 31.

64 comments:

  1. This looks like an exciting addition to West Racine!

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  2. and the gas fumes will waft over you as you shop at the Farmer's Market...
    Oh wait, that's not on the proposal anymore, is it?

    Unless "56-car parking spaces" is the new lingo for "Farmer's Market"

    I just knew that Mr. Tousis would fail in his promise to keep the Market there.

    What other past promises does this new proposal forget?

    (and if you want to challenge that, please don't be a coward and hide behind your anonymous shell. )

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  3. Zak Williams3/15/2010 4:41 PM

    The Farmer's Market is staying. The Urban Garden and Farmer's Market will coexist in the same area. No need to worry.

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  4. This plan is far more favorable to the areas design then his last one. I for one did not support the overall size and placement of the last drawing but this on works, he has me and my wife support now!

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  5. Please stock the shelves with REAL food! Carry organic vegetables and fruit. Goodness knows we have to hunt all over town to find what we need.

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  6. Zak,

    Where is the solar panels, the compost bin, the water for the urban garden? Also, has the outdoor seating area been scrapped? The mural sounds cool and retro, appropriate for the area. Will the market be like the Milwaukee Market, with multiple small vendors or is the design similar in terms of color/style?

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  7. Looks great... let him build!!

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  8. wesley, you're making me paranoid. The story said the Farmer's Market was staying on site.

    Also, anon 5:38, I'm told there will be water to the urban garden. Didn't hear anything else about the other items.

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  9. Zak
    IMHO you are not telling the truth.
    Should Tom idea happen we will see not of this, I belove.

    Dustan why do you fall for every con?

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  10. To be honest, it just doesn't seem like a good business strategy to build a neighborhood grocery store and then alienate the neighborhood. If he says one thing but does the other, I don't see that working out so well.

    It's still gotta go through the committees and no doubt they'll have some tough questions. I've been through enough of these to have seen all the tricks - traffic, parking, building design, stormwater, etc.

    I was just thinking today about poor Home Depot and the misery they went through with Mount Pleasant about 10 years ago to try and build a store where Kohl's sits now.

    I guess maybe it's a con, but it sure seems like a pretty expensive, time-consuming con. More likely the plan is sincere and really is trying to build a $4 million building that fits with the neighborhood.

    We'll see soon, I guess.

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  11. What about the existing trees? Will they be moved or replaced? Will there be egress onto West Blvd?

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  12. Its about control of one of the highest traffic counts in Racine. Of course IMHO its all about that. So a con would say anything and then oh well I am not going to do it what can you do to me now?
    He wins everyone else loses

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  13. I am shocked that that Patti would fall for a con, but then she has to work with anyone who asks.
    Gee does this mean Tom going:
    To get the soil tested
    Bring in all the new dirt/compost
    and Patti will make sure its good top soil not nasty fill
    quite a bit of money $50,000 just to be nice? Why do I think not? Just one huge scam Eduardo de Valfierno comes to Racine

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  14. Dustin, are there any other plans for the site being proposed? If there are, what are they?

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  15. A con? Wow, Spanky must be getting desperate. If he does not do what he says he is going to do, then the city can make him take it down, just like it would be with anyone else.

    Get a grip people.

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  16. What a great project! Can't wait for the grocery store to open.

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  17. What is wrong with you people? It's West Racine, not Beverly Hills. What are you smoking? Control of a high traffic corner, really? How about control of a corner that nobody wanted for TEN YEARS, yes I am not making it up, TEN YEARS! Do you see all the for sale signs in West Racine? Developers are not beating down the doors. Let the guy build unless you have the money and a better idea.

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  18. Will there be a monument or sign to the guy who the little park with Santa's Chalet donated? It actually was called a park. Also will there be signage saying 2.79 for regular, etc? Mount Pleasant has limits to what it must look like. Will it be permitted?

    Also, can he do something sign wise to welcome people to West Racine on the corner of West and Wash? Would be nice.

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  19. In think Tom should build a Mercury recycling plant. After all its been empty for at least 500 years, and it will bring jobs at least 500 of them.
    Plus our God The Mayor thinks its a good idea.

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  20. Zak Williams3/15/2010 10:20 PM

    1. The solar panels are going to be on top of the grocery store. The system is being reengered because of the changes to the building. At this point we do not foresee any problems that would prevent the solar panels from being used.
    2. The compost bin is going to be a part of the urban garden.
    3. There will be spickets at the urban garden.
    4. There is outdoor seating in front of the restaurant.
    5. The building will have exteriare architectural elements that are very similar to the Milwaukee Public Market, but the interior will be one store with produce, a meat counter, a deli, and a typical grocery offering.
    6. The City of Racine is requiring that the sign to the guy remain on the site.

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  21. Keith.Deschler3/15/2010 10:55 PM

    Positive feedback awesome, constructive critisism welcome,childish unfounded remarks....solves absolutely nothing. Racine, not just West Racine can use every oppertunity at job creation it can get.Get a grip Racine politicians we need work not words!!!

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  22. Great job Tom, go for it!

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  23. My 2 cents ......

    1. Loose the gas station and gambling machines.

    2. Pay for your old bills before you create new ones.

    Ok, thats 3 items, guess thats my 3 cents.

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  24. Mr. Touis please leave the West Racine Farmers Market and West Racine alone. Many see you as nothing more then a poor mans version of Solomon Dwek. Just because you have a few car washes (and that is good for the earth how?)a poor man's Hooter's does not I think make you The Trump of Racine.

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  25. I can't wait to read the naughty t-shirt slogans!

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  26. It totally amazes me that there are so many out there against development! I have followed this project from day one, although I do not live in the area I do have concerns about the many that think development and growth are bad. The "Green " side says gas stations are the worst thing svsr for the planet! This simply put is an incorrect statement. Some feel this young man will not live up to his promises. Have him sign a contract! I feel that those in oppisition to this project should go and visit this developer and see for yourselves what makes him tick. Facts are facts and Racine needs all the help it can get!

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  27. "Racine needs all the help it can get!"
    Realy? Nothing wrong with help but by this you mean any development that might want to come to Racine..
    Should we cut down Dekoven Woods say and put in Low Income Housing think of the jobs.
    Lets sell water out of Lake Michigan to cities such as Waukasha Think of the Jobs!
    How many Parks do we need? Lets rip up a few for malls! Think of the Jobs!
    Lets tear down RPL building (who needs to read)and put in a Mercury
    Recycling Center! Think of the jobs. After all Racine needs all the help we can get no matter the cost

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  28. Maybe a coal ash brick plant would be a good idea for West Racine. Oh, I am sorry they put that envirinmental disaster in Caledonia next to the Root River. Let's go fishing guys. Anyway, how did the brick people find that building in Caledonia all the way from California. Also, didn't Califonia outlaw the manufacturing of those bricks but know we are lucky to have them right here in Racine County. I wonder who owned the building before Wispark bought it and how much he was paid. How do you think they found that building? Did the previous owner have some "connection" with someone at RCEDC that maybe could have brokered the deal for him while she was being paid with our tax dollars. I can't tell if I smell rotten fish or pollution, either way it stinks.

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  29. 7:59 & 7:25

    Joshua Abraham Norton of Racine and his court RCEDC like the brick plant and this tremendous opportunity in West Racine, and will claim full credit until it fails then blame Becker.

    All Hail John the First! King of Racine, Protector of Stutervant!

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  30. Keith.Deschler3/16/2010 8:14 AM

    Just goes to show you can't fix stupid.

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  31. @8:14 - I don't really understand the references to Emperor Norton. Care to elaborate?

    @Zak: "spigots". Not "spickets".

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  32. Tim the Shrubber3/16/2010 8:58 AM

    I think this plan looks nice.

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  33. Watson, you are a brick.3/16/2010 9:12 AM

    I agree with Tim. The plan looks nice. I only wish the grocery was bigger like he planned before. I don't want it to be a glorified convenience store.

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  34. This urban garden idea is nice but not on Grove Ave and Washington Ave. did I read it right there is gas pumps there and parking plus the fumes of the traffic from Washington Ave .. I dont think I will be planting any eatable food there .. that is crazy .. we have enough pesticides in our food the way it is.I would just forget the gas pumps and turn this resturant and grocery store into an organic food store(like whole foods,outpost,trader joes) and organic food served at this resturant .. but dont plant a garden in that area..its just to toxic ...

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  35. According to the document that Dustin posted, the urban garden is on Grove avenue on the south end of the project, as far from Washington as possible. It looks like it will be a nice barrier for the neighborhood.

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  36. Thank God that Tom will be selling American gasoline to Americans, unlike his competition.

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  37. I can't wait for the grocery store to open.

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  38. The structure and concept really looked nice until the polluting gas station was added in the third layout. No more gas stations needed!

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  39. This new design really fits into the neighborhood. Maybe setting the bar high will encourage the other buildings to fix up their properties?

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  40. Downtown Brown3/16/2010 6:52 PM

    Bravo Tom. I like the look I think you have been more than tolerant in kow-towing to the West Racinians. Those who are include many people who don't live in W. Racine, and just bashing you for the pleasure of bashing. It's 2010 and someone wants to invest in RACINE, get out of the guys way and let him build it!

    Now I will support your Station, and your grocery. But if you do make it very upscale I will be even more inclined to shop there! But I support your choice to build the business you want to create. Not have the Neighbors dictate how you spend your money and investments.

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  41. Yes Tom destroy West Racine! As long as its upscale so the rich white who might drive by do not have to drive another 6 blocks, when they might need gas.
    How dare any who might like Green space and enjoy interacting on foot with friends/neighbors in the West Racine area think that's OK, when we can have a gas station and a poor man's Hooters.

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  42. I guess the garden is not green space.

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  43. Wow, Wilson, Spangenberg, Mrs. "tree hugger" Glassen are out in full force blogging today!

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  44. Is the sidewalk movable? Is there a staircase to the sky?

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  45. More than an urban garden, we want a GROCERY STORE, not a convenience store. If the area where the garden would go is a "future building" why doesn't he move the restaurant there, make it the size he wanted, and expand the store beyond convenience store level, back to what he originally planned.

    More than the garden, the area needs a real grocery. Best case, we could get both.

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  46. 11:28,

    Good idea! Ready, Fire, Aim!

    Let the process work as it needs to.

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  47. Helding for Mayor3/17/2010 1:22 PM

    Downtown Brown,
    You state Toosis should build what he wants because its his $$. First, he's getting the land for free. He cannot do as he pleases. The taxpayers own that land and deserve a say. Second, that TIF needs a 5 million investment to pay it off. This proposal is 2.5 at best. Finally, a good businessman would want to listento his neighbors if he wants their support and business.

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  48. Helding for Mayor3/17/2010 1:24 PM

    Downtown Brown,
    You state Toosis should build what he wants because its his $$. First, he's getting the land for free. He cannot do as he pleases. The taxpayers own that land and deserve a say. Second, that TIF needs a 5 million investment to pay it off. This proposal is 2.5 at best. Finally, a good businessman would want to listento his neighbors if he wants their support and business.

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  49. I like Greg Helding for Mayor3/17/2010 7:11 PM

    Helding for Mayor, (no doubt not the real Greg but some self rigtous fool that has no clue) The TIF is $5 million but that number encompasses both sides of Washington Ave. This means if Tom project is $2.5 million it covers half of the TIF! So keep trying to spread your misinformation and those of us that are not clueless will correct you.

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  50. This plan has my vote!

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  51. Looks like a convenience store and gas station to me. Both of which Racine have enough of. Ok, Better yet lets call it a market, and lets get the land for free!

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  52. What a shame and a sham! This is some of Racine citizens idea of good development coming to Racine. Give the land to someone who many do not trust to build a convenience store and call it a grocery store. Give me a break! Wakeup Racine!!!!!!!

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  53. Carol K - wake up yourself. Leave an empty rock pit that generates no jobs or tax revenue - you wake up.

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  54. OK Anonymous, Exactly! thats What should be done until the right project is found. The planning committee's should look hard and and long at this project knowing we will be stuck with a convenience store and gas station on that corner forever! Might as well be a rock pile for awhile longer. The right person and project will be found. IT's amazing anyone who does not agree with Mr. Tousi is oppositon. Higher your expectations Anonymous!

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  55. If Mr Tousis feels this is such a good idea to help the community why doesn't he by some land legitimately and build his convenience store gas station there instead of screwing the taxpayers out of our land!

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  56. Carol - you are an idiot. This land has been sitting vacant for years. It is not as if there are people standing in line to develop it.I am done with you - you are dismissed.

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  57. Anonymous, Great arguement it's been sitting there for years so lets hurry up and build this convenience store and gas station before the public gets wind of what is really happening. I and many other peolpe are willimg to wait to find the right project for this space as long as it takes. Proper development is worth the wait. Racine has to live with this forever. Too bad Aonoymous has to ALWAYS RESORT TO NAME CALLING.

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  58. With a name like Carol, you probably are old. Being old, you probably will never see another proposal for that site. Better hurry before you pass up the opportunity to see the first building in thirty years go up in West Racine. I bet you were riding the North Shore during its maiden voyage in the early 1900's.

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  59. She does not know how to spell either. Maybe she is not just old but senile also.

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  60. Carol K - Where are you knucklehead?

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  61. The north side of the building facing Washington Avenue looks terrible!!

    NOTE THE NICE LOOKING SIDE!!--> Is the east elevation no one will see because of the gas pumps and canopy and when they pile the wood chips bags of salt and firewood it will be even worse.

    Re-design the Washington Avenue side so it will blend with the street scape.

    I see why there was questions at the meeting!

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  62. I can cut and paste the same comment on every article to. Just watch me!

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  63. Douglas Hamilton3/24/2010 9:55 AM

    Isn't is amazing how one says that Tousis isn't keeping his promise on the Farmer's Market when in the article above it clearly states that its a part of the rendering (plan) maybe should read closer and slower and pay attention or just keep your crazy comments and false comments to yourself or go take a hike either one will do Tousis is a great guy who cares about Racine and the citizens that live here so unless there is something that he has done really bad leave him alone and let him take care of business and create more jobs something we need here !!!

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  64. Douglas Hamilton3/24/2010 10:04 AM

    Why are there so many Anoymous comments what are you scared to leave your name or just leaving a comment with no name to waste time and really don't care about goes there?All I know if you are going to comment on an issue especially talking trash about someone and calling them old etc. at least be bold enough to leave your name if your trying to look tough or whatever you think your doing.All I know is if your to chicken to leave your name then you must be really bad on the street and at meetings.Or do you just sit in the corner and be mute?Be a Man or Women and quit being Yellow(Chicken)Losers!!!!!!

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