What's up with Sandusky's food hall project?

SANDUSKY — Frustrated with the site's inactivity, Sandusky city commissioners rescinded grant money given for a project expected to revive a once-beloved local landmark. During a recent public meeting, city commissioners expressed disappointment about Collective Projects, an Ohio-based company seeking to redevelop the former Kreimes Cardinal Grocery store into a food hall. Formerly known as the Market Street Food Hall, it's now named Starbird Yard. "The chef-driven concept will place food entrepreneurs in an incubator-type setting, allowing them to experiment in an exciting environment while delighting their guests," according to a company statement. In 2019, Collective closed on the property. Company representatives originally wanted to debut the food hall concept there in 2020, but COVID-19-related factors pushed back this timeline. Also in 2019, city commissioners committed about $139,000 in local funds through an economic development grant to help cover costs for, at the time, an estimated $2 million project. Officials typically hand out these grants to stimulate the area's economy, increase jobs and generate taxes. Before receiving a single cent, however, city officials stipulated all work must end by Dec. 31, 2020 — which it didn't. Even with some unofficial extensions given, several delays kept happening — and, during this now four-year period, no visual progress occurred in creating a food hall. The final straw took place when those representing Starbird Yard couldn't provide definitive start and end dates along with a solid funding plan for undertaking this project. Because of these factors, at the recent meeting, commissioners decided to take back the $139,000 earmark. "It's an ambitious project, and I hope it comes to fruition, but given the lack of responsive responses, I think it's time to free up that money and essentially cancel the award, which is now many, many, many months past when it was supposed to be used," city commissioner Dennis Murray Jr. said. "We have been patient with these folks," Murray added. "If someone comes forward and wants to apply again and can meet the requirements that we set forth, a demonstration to fund what is being proposed, I would welcome that. But, in the meantime, I think it's appropriate to rescind the grant and terminate that contract." Dick Brady, the city's ex officio mayor, agreed with his commission colleague. "No one likes to throw a cold blanket over a project, but this has taken too long," Brady said. "We have an obligation to put those dollars to work somewhere in our community. This developer is certainly able to reapply at some point in the future, but you got to have your ducks in a row in a little quicker time frame than what we have seen so far." Scoping out Starbird Yard During the same public meeting, a project representative doubled down on her company's commitment to open a food hall. Collective Projects recently named Katie Korobkin — a Sandusky resident and owner of two successful city-based businesses, Sweet Potato Catering and Venue 634 — as its executive chef and culinary director. She's received many accolades from both local and state officials for her business acumen. She spoke at the session, informing commissioners about the project's progress. "We are moving forward in a very positive direction," Korobkin said. "The reason why the project has taken so long is because the developer originally went into an agreement with an operating company that was not local. Things were drawn out, and there were some disagreements." Problems then ensued, Korobkin said. "In the end, the developer decided to part ways with that management company, which is why I was brought in," said Korobkin, noting she's "been on this project for the last two months." Korobkin told officials Collective intends on reapplying for grant money to offset costs for what's now a $4.5 million project. While the scope remains largely unchanged, the cost of materials primarily drove up its overall price. The business plan still revolves around this site hosting six restaurants run by chef partners in a stall-type setting with a bar and 9,000-square-foot patio. Regarding the Starbird Yard name: • Starbird sounds like "starboard," translating to a ship's right side, a nod to Sandusky's waterfront culture • The Yard refers to its outdoor planned patio • The bird in Starbird pays homage to Kreimes Cardinal Grocery's roots, as a cardinal is a type of bird Starbird Yard wants to preserve Cardinal's legacy and preserve its cherished history. This includes company representatives retaining Cardinal's existing footprint, housing these amenities, and keeping the ever-so-famous letter sign spelling out "Sandusky" on a street-side-facing marquee. Beyond revitalizing the empty building, Korobkin expects the project to create 75 construction jobs and 15 permanent employment spots within the food hall. Korobkin remains optimistic construction can start this year and eyed late this summer for a potential opening. "I am excited to be a part of this concept and look forward to helping bring its vision to life," Korobkin said. "The team is still heavily invested not only in this project but in the community."