Spring Break
Jerry's Diner gets torn down to pave way for the future
Demolition is part of development effort
Kelsey Henninger
Issue date: 2/9/09 Section: News
The city of Kent demolished the old diner on the corner of Water and Erie streets Thursday as plans for downtown redevelopment projects continue.
This site, known as Jerry's Diner, is one of several properties purchased by the city along Erie, Haymaker and Depeyster streets, said Economic Development Director Dan Smith.
The city is working with a developer to create a hotel and conference center along with adding retail development and parking facilities on this site, he said.
He estimates the downtown redevelopment project will cost about $40 million.
Ward 5 Councilwoman Heidi Shaffer said the demolition signifies the city's ability to move forward.
"Taking down the diner is a catalyst for so many positive developments for Kent," she said. "It is a symbol of transformation."
Sue Nelson, owner of Sue Nelson Designs, which is located across the street from the old diner said the diner was quite an institution "but in the last decade it has fallen to ruins."
Smith agreed and said the building was a "blighted eye-sore."
"When the city gained control of the site, they improved the whole area by taking it down," he said.
Nelson said she remembers going to the diner when she was in high school and college.
"Everybody would stop by the diner" she said. "It's kind of sad to see it go."
Sandy Halem, president of the Kent Historical Society, said a building that had deteriorated to the point the diner had is no real loss for the city.
"If the diner had been great and bustling as it was 20 years ago, it would be sad that a good business no longer would be operating," Halem said. "But it has been out of commission so long. It's a dinosaur."
Mike Zeone, who is known for historic diner preservations, bought the diner for $50 from the city. He removed a portion of the diner in December. The city then announced it would demolish the rest since the historic portion had been removed.
Contact public affairs reporter Kelsey Henninger at khennin2@kent.edu.
This site, known as Jerry's Diner, is one of several properties purchased by the city along Erie, Haymaker and Depeyster streets, said Economic Development Director Dan Smith.
The city is working with a developer to create a hotel and conference center along with adding retail development and parking facilities on this site, he said.
He estimates the downtown redevelopment project will cost about $40 million.
Ward 5 Councilwoman Heidi Shaffer said the demolition signifies the city's ability to move forward.
"Taking down the diner is a catalyst for so many positive developments for Kent," she said. "It is a symbol of transformation."
Sue Nelson, owner of Sue Nelson Designs, which is located across the street from the old diner said the diner was quite an institution "but in the last decade it has fallen to ruins."
Smith agreed and said the building was a "blighted eye-sore."
"When the city gained control of the site, they improved the whole area by taking it down," he said.
Nelson said she remembers going to the diner when she was in high school and college.
"Everybody would stop by the diner" she said. "It's kind of sad to see it go."
Sandy Halem, president of the Kent Historical Society, said a building that had deteriorated to the point the diner had is no real loss for the city.
"If the diner had been great and bustling as it was 20 years ago, it would be sad that a good business no longer would be operating," Halem said. "But it has been out of commission so long. It's a dinosaur."
Mike Zeone, who is known for historic diner preservations, bought the diner for $50 from the city. He removed a portion of the diner in December. The city then announced it would demolish the rest since the historic portion had been removed.
Contact public affairs reporter Kelsey Henninger at khennin2@kent.edu.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 7
Willie White
posted 2/09/09 @ 1:20 PM EST
I didn't even know that was a diner. It's a shame that no one could make it happen. I hate how there is nothing but Buger King, Taco Bell, Starbucks and Wendy's in Kent. (Continued…)
old alum
posted 2/09/09 @ 4:54 PM EST
20 plus years ago Jerry's was the place to go at 2 am. I think they had to rip out one of their seats so that they were not required to put in a bathroom by law. (Continued…)
Nathan Sooy
posted 2/09/09 @ 10:04 PM EST
I think the height of Jerry's Diner was in the 70's. There was even a song about it - "come on, my friend, to Jerry's Diner, for friendship you will find no place finer, come one take a rest - take a load off your mind - the coffee is on me - let's leave today just behind" Sung by an unsung singer-songwriter in the long tradition of Kent singer-songwriters in the 70's. (Continued…)
I Love Kent
posted 3/23/09 @ 11:27 AM EST
I suspect in the case of Jerry's Diner no real attempt at preservation was made by the city, which saw the land as a cash cow, instead of an integral part of it's soul. (Continued…)
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