The Observation Deck

Heard a rumor this week that construction is about to start on the old Sakura to turn it into an Outback Steakhouse? Anybody know anything? This seems awfully weird if it's true.

Why couldn't I post this in the Sakura thread in Lakewood Businesses?

The PD or Sun or something like that reported a week or so ago that Discount Drug Mart was expanding into the old Sakura as part of a $3 million facelift to the property and that construction is to begin soon. I guess DDM and CVS are racing to build the biggest RX in downtown.

That makes me feel better than an Outback, at least. I heard maybe a year ago that a facelift was coming, that maybe would include a change in the street parking there, but I guess we'll see.

The Cleveland.com article also implied that, in addition to Drug Mart expanding, Quaker Steak is still a possibility. Not sure how you feel about that vs. Outback. Or how likely either one is.

Whatever is planned, I hope it includes a pedestrian walkway/entrance to Kauffman Park. This greenspace is a diamond in the rough. Connecting it to Detroit is essential to the success of Lakewood's Downtown redevelopment.

I'd rather have an Outback than an expanded Drug Mart. That Drug Mart is just dirty and we have enough drug stores around already.