[dar124]

Does anyone have an update on what is happening with the Schofield Building, on E.9th and Euclid?? It was supposed to be turned into a Kimpton Hotel and the last thing I read was that it was approved for $5 million in state historic tax credits. But since then I havnt heard anything or seen any work being done on the building.

[case_architect]

Does anyone have an update on what is happening with the Schofield Building, on E.9th and Euclid?? It was supposed to be turned into a Kimpton Hotel and the last thing I read was that it was approved for $5 million in state historic tax credits. But since then I havnt heard anything or seen any work being done on the building.

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/projects/assets/projectID32_86.JPG
from the cpc website. this is the most recent i've seen.

[dar124]

Yep, that's pretty much how it's been for a while now. I just thought that after being approved for that tax credit (which happened around the middle of last year), there would have been some kinda work done. :shrug:

[dar124]

Here's a quick update on the Schofield Building from a few days ago that I found on another Cleveland buildings forum:

"Essentially the developers of this property were working on another project that was more time sensitive that they had to get in order. Now that other project is full steam ahead they are turning their attention back to this one. And while financing is not complete I have heard the framework of the deal is in place. They are targeting work to start in early summer."

Glad to hear that they're looking to start working on the building again!!!

[ilikevike]

I check this thread every now and then and It's been a while since anyone's posted anything. Anything new, at all??...

[xboarder84]

Haven't heard of anything new for a while now. I can see the Medical Mart project from my office and they are in the midst of tearing down the 113 building. Also on my commute I noticed they are leveling several buildings along the InnerBelt which I assume is to make way for the new bridge. The new Ernst & Young office in the Flats is progressing slowly, and that's about it. If anyone has some new photos of some of the projects going on right now could you post them? It would be great to see some of the progress on other projects, particularly the CSU dorms, the MOCA building, and the other University Circle projects (since I moved out of Coventry I don't get down that way much anymore so the only progress I see is what is posted on these forums).

[ilikevike]

Haven't heard of anything new for a while now. I can see the Medical Mart project from my office and they are in the midst of tearing down the 113 building. Also on my commute I noticed they are leveling several buildings along the InnerBelt which I assume is to make way for the new bridge. The new Ernst & Young office in the Flats is progressing slowly, and that's about it. If anyone has some new photos of some of the projects going on right now could you post them? It would be great to see some of the progress on other projects, particularly the CSU dorms, the MOCA building, and the other University Circle projects (since I moved out of Coventry I don't get down that way much anymore so the only progress I see is what is posted on these forums).

I found some pictures of what is finished of the Euclid Commons Dorms, I also found this live webcam of what will be opening this August.

http://www.csuvikings.com/view.gal?id=75387

also, if you click "view other galleries" in the above link, you will see other pictures of how the campus is prospering.

http://www.csuohio.edu/offices/architect/webcam/studenthouse.html

[cyclovert]

i was digging around crain's cleveland business and read something about apartments being considered for the east bank instead of condos. apparently the rental situation downtown is really strong and they mentioned ( i think) 668 euclid and how it filled up really quickly.

so, before i laud this new new possibility, can anyone either confirm my hearsay or can anyone tell me this is indeed a good thing? i'm excited about it.

[MayDay]

I stopped by the Flats East Bank site today (didn't have my camera) and while it's still in "site prep" phase, they've made substantial progress. As xboarder mentioned, the demo for the Medical Mart/Convention Center is in full swing - 113 St. Clair is about halfway gone. I think by the time summer rolls around, you'll be seeing a lot of photo updates for quite a few projects.

cyclovert - the rental market in downtown Cleveland is indeed very strong; on the urbanohio.com forum someone mentioned that the waiting list for 668 Euclid is something around 100+. Granted the level of demand depends on the quality of the product offered but there's definitely pent-up demand.

Fyi, I'm not sure where they were heading but earlier this week I saw an oversized truck hauling some BIG I-beams up Ontario.

[Bobcats]

The Hazel Drive project in UC finally got the support of the Councilman Johnson.

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2011/03/councilman_clears_path_for_uni.html

[cyclovert]

i wish i new how to build apartments.

[MayDay]

Added some photo updates for Flats East Bank, Convention Center/Medical Mart, VA Hospital and Uptown projects.

[xboarder84]

Thanks for the update MayDay! Love the University Circle action shot from the car. I did see the MOCA building is still under proposed projects. Was there a funding issue on this building or something else that is holding it back? I thought it broke ground a month ago. But I could be wrong, since so many other projects broke ground too at the time. It's a good problem to have :banana:

[MuRrAy HiLL]

Thanks for the pics MayDay!

The MOCA is definitely underconstruction...they broke ground about a month and a half ago.

Also work in the Higbee building ($350 million?) has begun with the Phase 1 Casino.

What about the new Greater Cleveland Aquarium that is currently underconstruction?? http://www.greaterclevelandaquarium.com/summary.html

[cyclovert]

i'm surprised that there aren't a lot more proposals for apartments. is it more difficult to get plans approved for apartment buildings

[MayDay]

cyclovert, it isn't the plans, it's the financing - even though rentals are more desirable at the moment, not all lenders feel that way.

MH and xboarder, yep - MOCA is under construction, I just haven't been able to snap photos of it. Higbee casino - most of the work is on the interior so no photos of that and I'm waiting to see something other than their standard stock pics for the Powerhouse Aquarium.

[cyclovert]

i really can't wait to be able to set foot back in the higbee building after all these years... i hope they have to keep all of the fantastic architectural details in place... like those beautiful wooden escalators!! my memory of them is enough to make me smile

[Bobcats]

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2011/04/cleveland_browns_pitch_mixed-u.html

This could really build in well with the other projects. It's all coming together.

:cheers:

[pj3000]

^ the Cleveland Lakefront District plans look great. This is the type of development on the waterfront that has been needed for decades now!

[dar124]

I agree pj3000, hopefully this proposed development by the Browns Stadium can build on all the development that is currently going on in Cleveland and FINALLY get something done with the lakefront!!! I'm also glad to see the Clinic involved. I'd love to see a Clinic building in the downtown area.

[sentinel]

^ I do like that rendering - I'd love to see cities like Cleveland (and even Milwaukee) make fuller use of their lakefronts; hope this eventually becomes a reality! :)

[pj3000]

I agree pj3000, hopefully this proposed development by the Browns Stadium can build on all the development that is currently going on in Cleveland and FINALLY get something done with the lakefront!!!

... I'd love to see cities like Cleveland (and even Milwaukee) make fuller use of their lakefronts; hope this eventually becomes a reality! :)

Yeah, this has been the same story for pretty much every Great lakes industrial city. The lakefronts were dominated so long by heavy industry and port operations that they really weren't all that pleasant places to be. Dramatic change to a more recreational/entertainment/commercial use takes an achingly long time.

Here in PA, the situation is quite similar to what is happening in Cleveland... in Erie, there exists the finest natural harbor on the Great Lakes (Presque Isle Bay), yet change on the city's bayfront from its heavily industrial character to a recreational and cultural hub has been a decades long transformative process - with a lot of work still to do. It is now dramatically different in appearance and function, with much of the change taking place since 1990, but still needs integration and cohesion with the rest of the downtown area. I really think that the Lake Erie cities (Cleveland, Erie, and Buffalo) should really pool their talents and do some sort of collaborative effort towards lakefront redevelopment... because each of those cities are dealing with just about the exact same issues/obstacles in their redevelopment efforts and are pursuing the same types of visions for their lakefronts. And, here in Pittsburgh a similar situation exists with the efforts to redevelop the city's riverfronts.

It is similar to the situation with the miles and miles of riverfront here in Pittsburgh.

[xboarder84]

For a city that supports its sports teams so well, it's nice to see the team try and support the city. While I don't think that exact design will be what is built, the fact that the Browns are trying to encourage growth around the stadium is just great. I'd love to have some places down there and maybe a bar or two to drink before a game. Hopefully this spurs some actual development, unlike the last 89 lakefront proposals...

[xboarder84]

Ok, figured it was time for another post to keep this blog from falling to page 2.

From what I've seen at other sites (UrbanOhio.com and such) it looks like they began the foundation for the elevators for the MOCA, demolition for the Medical Mart site is nearly complete, the University Circle apartments are nearly fully framed, and the Cleveland Rowing Foundation opened up Rivergate (just in time for this great weather):

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110510005100/en/Cleveland-Rowing-Foundation-Opens-Rivergate

Not sure on the rest of the projects, but I hear they are having fun moving dirt around for the Flats East Bank project! (Obviously I know there is actual work being done there, but a regular person may only see how much dirt is moved around).

[cyclovert]

well said, shenhongjie6. sounds like you're from the area.

[cyclovert]

well said, shenhongjie6. sounds like you're from the area.

my comment was a lot funnier when the spam post was still up.

[MayDay]

Just some minor updates; more of the "dirt being moved around" for the Flats East Bank (and yes, they're making visible progress as far as site prep), moved the UH Seidman Cancer Hospital to 'Completed'. It looks like good weather this weekend so hopefully I can get out and get some photo updates.

[guyFROMtheBURGH]

Just some minor updates; more of the "dirt being moved around" for the Flats East Bank (and yes, they're making visible progress as far as site prep), moved the UH Seidman Cancer Hospital to 'Completed'. It looks like good weather this weekend so hopefully I can get out and get some photo updates.

Pictures would be much appreciated!

[xboarder84]

^ Check the first post in the blog. MayDay regularly updates those photos (which he did just do).

[MayDay]

Updated photos for Flats East Bank, MOCA Cleveland, Uptown Cleveland, CSU Euclid Commons.

[MuRrAy HiLL]

Check out this new video:

http://youtu.be/d0mbxVzCAY0

[MuRrAy HiLL]

Anyone know how the new Aquarium is coming along??

http://www.greaterclevelandaquarium.com/

[xboarder84]

So I dropped my wife off at Hopkins airport this morning and I noticed quite a bit of construction going on beside the main entrance (off of 237). Is there some big project that is going on at Hopkins? I haven't seen any news on it so I was a bit surprised.

[dar124]

I've seen that same airport construction a few times from I-480 and also wondered what was going on there. I did a quick google search and found -

http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/cleveland_metro/cleveland-hopkins-announces-billion-dollar-growth-plan


"Expanded concourses, modernized terminals, ticketing and baggage screening areas. On Tuesday (4-19-11), Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and Airport Director Ricky Smith announced those projects, part of a plan to spend $1.6 billion over the next 24 years. The goal is to allow Cleveland Hopkins International Airport to keep up with a city that is pushing ahead with plans to draw more business and visitors.

The master plan, unveiled Tuesday at noon at the airport, also includes an expansion of the parking garage and construction of a new cargo and maintenance facility. The latter would allow the airport to handle more cargo planes and perform the maintenance on the aircraft without handing the work off to a third party. For travelers, the blueprint includes an off-site restaurant and gas station, and redevelopment of the present Sheraton Airport hotel."

Seems like they'll be working in the area for a while!!! Glad to see that someone is thinking ahead and getting the airport ready for the increased volume of travelers. :cheers: Better to do it now then to wait 5 years and wish it had been remodeled/expanded 5 years ago!!!

[cyclovert]

looks like a couple small projects are finishing up on euclid avenue just west of the clinic; a senior center and something else.

[MuRrAy HiLL]

Check out the front page of the Cleveland paper this past Sunday:

http://www.cleveland.com/frontpage/index.ssf/2011/07/the_plain_dealers_front_page_f_719.html

Here's the article:

Billions of dollars in development, redevelopment stir up dust around Cleveland

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2011/07/billions_of_dollars_in_develop.html

[cyclovert]

what happened to bob stark?

[MayDay]

^Not sure what you mean? What happened to him, or what happened to his proposal for the Warehouse District?

[PoshSteve]

First post here, but have been following on this site for awhile now.

It seams Stark is pretty preoccupied with the burbs at this time to dust off his plans for downtown. With American Greetings moving to Westlake, it would seam all of his energy is focusing on expanding Crocker Park... Dont know why he cant keep up with one of those developements downtown, demand there is crazy!

[cyclovert]

i mentioned the bob stark because i remember reading something about the asher or weston something considering moving forward with similar, but scaled-down, plans that the bob stark had invented. i think i found a thread about it somewhere but i was hoping my mere mentioning of his name would make some waves on this here thread. from the lackluster response i'm gonna guess there is nothing behind the curtain.

[MayDay]

So far I haven't heard anything about the Stark/Weston plan - although PoshSteve has a point.

Here are a few shots of the tower crane for Flats East Bank:
http://www.clevelandskyscrapers.com/cleveland/flatseastbank081611_4.jpg

http://www.clevelandskyscrapers.com/cleveland/flatseastbank081611_1.jpg

[dar124]

Here's a few pics of the Flats East Bank progress that I took today.



https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tx4XSX5bKmM/ToeU-RWWWSI/AAAAAAAAAEE/IzxxkVttATs/s800/2011-10-01_17-03-55_851.jpg


https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zDCxOdk__k0/ToeVFP2pXiI/AAAAAAAAAEM/V3iO3XfMAoQ/s800/2011-10-01_17-04-24_500.jpg


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yE_6K6fXmgc/ToeU3JtUPKI/AAAAAAAAAEY/vLwJ6j-YTZI/s576/2011-10-01_17-07-09_236.jpg


https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-L30LSIhUBqE/ToeVBHqxT4I/AAAAAAAAAEk/fPNU9258Vms/s576/2011-10-01_17-07-29_554.jpg


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GV5lcXB4las/ToeVI1PA8NI/AAAAAAAAAEo/2yFHiPWgCOs/s576/2011-10-01_17-08-10_544.jpg


https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LyEuYHzDr5o/ToeVHiaD9eI/AAAAAAAAAEs/fHQW_-RvZS4/s576/2011-10-01_17-08-15_859.jpg

[guyFROMtheBURGH]

Thanks for the pictures. If possible, keep us updated!

[MayDay]

New photo updates for Flats East Bank, MOCA, Uptown; moved 27 Coltman and Circle 118 townhomes to completed.

[cyclovert]

i've never been able to find the townhouses that were part of this project but i don't get to spend a lot of time in cleveland anymore; are they behind the big building?

great pictures, too! thanks.

[MayDay]

^I don't believe those were ever built... but I would be surprised if they're cancelled given all the new construction in the area.

[cyclovert]

thats surprising given how quickly those apartments filled up; it'd be great to see some new construction on 105th.

[MayDay]

Updated photos for the Ernst and Young tower (Flats East Bank) and the Convention Center/Medical Mart. I'll be adding the Innerbelt bridge and casino welcome center in the near future.

[330to216]

Hi all:
About a year ago, I came to Cleveland for college (CSU), and I have to say that I absolutely love this city. I am originally from Youngstown (Niles) for anyone who is familiar, and while I don't hate on where I grew up, and there are even a few signs that it's on the turnaround, the opportunities in Cleveland are far better. Now I've never lived in a big city before, but as a child my father always took me on father/son trips to Cleveland, and all I remember is having the best times of my life. There is something special about Cleveland that I just cant explain, but regardless, I can't thank my father enough for those trips, because I really feel it's the reason I wanted to come to school here so bad. It's great to see all of this positive momentum right now, and I love going back home to tell my family about how great it is up here. For those who say Cleveland is a dying city, they really need to spend a weekend here!

[Husat77]

A shot of the progress of the CMA's atrium. I was there on Nov 23rd.

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p275/dhusat77/WP_000168.jpg

[MuRrAy HiLL]

A shot of the progress of the CMA's atrium. I was there on Nov 23rd.

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p275/dhusat77/WP_000168.jpg


Thanks for the pic! I was just at the museum today -- it looks great! :tup:

[MayDay]

Thanks Husat77 - I was there on Nov. 11th and they had some materials blocking the view. Can't wait until it's finished!

[xboarder84]

A proposal was mentioned today in the PD about redeveloping E 22nd street. The plan looks really good, and blends perfectly with the expansion plans of CSU, TriC, and St. Vincent Medical Center Campus. I knew CSU was planning on expansion, but I had no idea about the other two. It looks like their planning phases are completed and they will begin construction soon. Overall it looks like this plan would completely change E. 22nd and most of the surrounding area. I really hope this is more than just a study. This is the type of development I love seeing in this city:

http://www.noaca.org/campusdistrict.pdf

Best part, they want to add bike lanes for us bikers!:banana:

[kingsdl76]

Hi all:
About a year ago, I came to Cleveland for college (CSU), and I have to say that I absolutely love this city. I am originally from Youngstown (Niles) for anyone who is familiar, and while I don't hate on where I grew up, and there are even a few signs that it's on the turnaround, the opportunities in Cleveland are far better. Now I've never lived in a big city before, but as a child my father always took me on father/son trips to Cleveland, and all I remember is having the best times of my life. There is something special about Cleveland that I just cant explain, but regardless, I can't thank my father enough for those trips, because I really feel it's the reason I wanted to come to school here so bad. It's great to see all of this positive momentum right now, and I love going back home to tell my family about how great it is up here. For those who say Cleveland is a dying city, they really need to spend a weekend here!


Couldnt agree with you more! Cleveland, especially the downtown area does not feel like it belongs to a city on the outs. Great infrastructure and street layout and lots to do - restaurants, bars etc. In the summer when I go to W.4th for dinner then over to W.6th to a few bars the place is packed!.. feels like I'm in a much larger city.

[330to216]

Lower Euclid/E 4th is probably one of the biggest assets that just completely separates our downtown from others. I have never seen anything like it anywhere else (French Quarter maybe?). My personal preference for the next "hot" area to be developed is the flats east and west from the lake to 90. I know that's a lot of area, but the draw of the flats is incredible. Where else can u sit amongst lift bridges, century old buildings, ore freighters, trains, working mills? I would kill to live in a loft in an old converted building. Columbus Avenue comes to mind. Everytime I jog by, I just imagine the potential of that strip of builings!!

[ctown4life]

Another important piece of development that may be taking shape downtown really soon is the overhaul of Public Square. I've seen some images of the proposals, and I think transforming Public Square would create a very dramatic and fresh welcoming for people entering at the center of our city. I'll try to dig up some images of the plans, but everyone should check them out for themselves, they're great.

[case_architect]

Another important piece of development that may be taking shape downtown really soon is the overhaul of Public Square. I've seen some images of the proposals, and I think transforming Public Square would create a very dramatic and fresh welcoming for people entering at the center of our city. I'll try to dig up some images of the plans, but everyone should check them out for themselves, they're great.

i think these are the most recent proposals? mayday?

http://renovatingtherustbelt.wordpress.com/2010/01/21/transforming-clevelands-public-square/

frame
http://renovatingtherustbelt.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/frame.jpg?w=584

forest
http://renovatingtherustbelt.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/forest.jpg?w=584

thread
http://renovatingtherustbelt.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/thread.jpg?w=584

[ctown4life]

i think these are the most recent proposals? mayday?

http://renovatingtherustbelt.wordpress.com/2010/01/21/transforming-clevelands-public-square/

frame
http://renovatingtherustbelt.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/frame.jpg?w=584

forest
http://renovatingtherustbelt.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/forest.jpg?w=584

thread
http://renovatingtherustbelt.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/thread.jpg?w=584



Out of the three proposals above, I like the 3rd most. I think connecting public square and offering year round recreational opportunities (think Millennium Park in Chicago), would create much more foot traffic on the square and would revitalize what truly is the epicenter of the entire region.

[xboarder84]

I believe the third design is called the "Blob" design. That one did generate the most interest when it was first proposed by the NY firm who created these designs. I am not sure if any of these will still be used by Cleveland when re-designing Public Square, but I do know that Mayor Jackson is considering closing one or two streets to unite the 4 blocks into one larger park.

[Husat77]

The blob design was said to be cost-prohibitive. It's a shame, because that would be allow both the pedestrians and the traffic to flow freely across the square. At the same time, I think the frame could lend to some visually stunning lighting and landscaping.

[Private Dick]

Go with the "forest", or something in that vein. Simple, classic, timeless, and eminently functional for its purpose -- a public square. It will never go out of style.

The blob/thread proposal is a "flavor of the month" type of idea, and utterly out of place in the very center of downtown. A public square should be just that -- a square -- and not a stupid, futuristic pipe dream.

The "frame" looks like the fucking ice capades came to town and never left.

[MayDay]

"i think these are the most recent proposals? mayday?"

Yes, those are the most recent. I think they should just start by closing the through streets to create the square. Like so many renderings, they're showing us a lush green landscape in July filled with people strolling about - what would the "blob" look like in windswept January?

[xboarder84]

The Blob would probably look just as good as the rest of those designs in January. I'd rather see the city go out on a risk and do something like the blob then stick to a vanilla looking park. So many cities go for the safe side of design. As it were, I doubt the statues on the Transportation bridge would be built today because most people would call them unnecessary or gaudy. But they are a symbol of this city and are one of the few things that help us stand out.

I'd much rather see this city stand out instead of trying to blend in.

[cyclovert]

the architecture around public square is conservative and the most recent contributions are from the 90s. i like the wooded version because it reminds me most of the earliest incarnations of public square.

the blobby thing, regardless of january (it would probably be most interesting in january), looks like a lot like the design-y landscape architecture from the likes of artists like paula hayes and i think this to be a bit of a fad. conversely, the highline in NYC, though a completely different set of circumstances to address, was great in that it used no trendy gimmicks (unless you want to argue that adaptive reuse is a trendy gimmick). i think this is what i love about public square today and hope it has staying power.

tall trees could be a good start.

[330to216]

Mayday,

Do you think we could update some of the proposed projects around Cleveland...especially dowtown. For instance, within the last month, a lot of good news about possible apartment conversions has come out. Just a few I can think of off the top of my head...Arcade apartment conversion, Park/Southworth Buildings, Possible West Side transit center mixed use development, Hanna Annex, Ive heard rumblings that 1717 E 9th may go apartments. Also we've had a lot of other good news. 1000 jobs going into old Keybank center building, couple new companies to Playhouse Square, CSU's new health sciences center, I can also tell you that CSU has a lot of upcoming plans...Mather mansion, addition to Wolstein, streetscape enhancements. Not to mention the entire health tech corridor which is booming. Also missing is the new Hazel drive apartments in UC as well as the ones in East Cleveland...I know you're probably a busy man, but I was just making some reccomendations. This is looking like a very good year for Cleveland!!!

[MayDay]

^Sure thing; I'm going to try to do some updating this weekend.

[MayDay]

Sorry I'm about a week off - I updated photos for the Convention Center/Medical Mart and Flats East Bank; added Hazel Road apartments and the University Circle Courtyard/Marriott Hotel to 'Under Construction'; added Midtown Tech Park to 'recently completed'. I know there's more but that's a good start for now :)

[MayDay]

Added the CSU Campus Village project to 'under construction' and the CWRU Student Center to 'proposed'.

[330to216]

Thanks Mayday. I'll also try to add some other projects, but between the fact that I am new to the forum and I am a full time college student, it may take a while. Also can you maybe P.M. me. Ive been trying to register to Urban Ohio, but every time I try, I never receive my activation email. Any help would be appreciated and thanks again.

[GatorHater]

Thanks Mayday. I'll also try to add some other projects, but between the fact that I am new to the forum and I am a full time college student, it may take a while. Also can you maybe P.M. me. Ive been trying to register to Urban Ohio, but every time I try, I never receive my activation email. Any help would be appreciated and thanks again.

Hey, 330! I have read a lot of your posts on here and on city data. I am not a member of city data, but I am a new member of UrbanOhio (MissinOhio). I just recently moved back to Ohio from the soulless state of Florida where cities are about as urban as Beachwood or Niles. Your story sounds extremely familiar to mine. I am originally from the Youngstown area as well (Columbiana) and went to Cleveland State my freshmen year majoring in their urban studies program. I hold your love for Cleveland and love everything the city has to offer and the current renaissance it is going through. I worked with some people including the famicos foundation who has done some really great projects on the eastside. I am headed back up to Cleveland at the end of this month to meet up with some of my friends from CSU and do our typical urban exploring.... I miss that city like crazy.

Anyway, I am a true urban geek to the core, and really think it is awesome to see your passion for Cleveland and have similar interests coming from the Youngstown area. When you join Urban Ohio send me a PM and maybe we can meet up. Do you live on campus, downtown, neighborhoods? I lived in Fenn Tower my freshmen year and tried to get an apartment downtown with some buddies, but that was when this boom was in full swing and finding an apartment downtown was next to impossible.

[330to216]

Gator,
Thats actually really funny because Im from Niles lol. If that is what Florida has to offer, then I feel really bad for you. Yes I live on campus in the new Euclid Commons (They are absolutely amazing inside and have made a huge difference on campus). Actually 5 years ago i came to CSU for soccer and said I would never want to go here...Needless to say, what they have accomplished in that time is unbelievable. We are also looking to get an apartment downtown simply because we all want to be up here year round and because I have an internship lined up over summer. Downtown needs more apartments!!!! I am encouraged at all the recent proposals. I definitely love this city good and bad. In my opinion, it is the hidden gem of the midwest. When I somehow get on U.O. I will definitely P.M. you.

[330to216]

VERY interesting news!! This article is loaded with news of possible projects in the works. This city is on a roll!!

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2012/01/railroad_union_nations_oldest.html

Railroad union, nation's oldest labor group, puts downtown Cleveland headquarters on the market
Published: Thursday, January 19, 2012, 8:00 PM
By Michelle Jarboe McFee, The Plain Dealer
Cleveland Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The nation's oldest labor union is putting its headquarters building on the market, in a bet that downtown Cleveland projects will boost investor zeal for sites near Public Square.

Early this month, parking-lot owner L&R of Los Angeles put its downtown portfolio on the market for $29.3 million. The portfolio includes two lots, a garage and a small office building near East Fourth Street, plus a parking lot on West Ninth Street.

[GatorHater]

Gator,
Thats actually really funny because Im from Niles lol. If that is what Florida has to offer, then I feel really bad for you. Yes I live on campus in the new Euclid Commons (They are absolutely amazing inside and have made a huge difference on campus). Actually 5 years ago i came to CSU for soccer and said I would never want to go here...Needless to say, what they have accomplished in that time is unbelievable. We are also looking to get an apartment downtown simply because we all want to be up here year round and because I have an internship lined up over summer. Downtown needs more apartments!!!! I am encouraged at all the recent proposals. I definitely love this city good and bad. In my opinion, it is the hidden gem of the midwest. When I somehow get on U.O. I will definitely P.M. you.

Yes, that's why I left Florida... planning to get into the planning field I saw a very plain playing field in Florida as far as the cities went.

One thing I want to check out when I get up there is the new project that just broke ground on Chester over by the rec center. I heard that project is a covering a big area and will be a big game-changer for that side of campus. I use to park in the garage there on Chester and can only imagine what that area will be like in the next few years. My friends said campus is booming and has changed a lot since I left spring semester 2010.

My roommate went to Cleveland State for soccer as well, ended up following his girlfriend to University of Cincinnati. We looked at several areas around campus that are popular with students... I was most impressed with the apartments across Euclid from the law building (there are several different buildings that offer all ranges of apartments).

Speaking of apartments, any word on the Schofield building downtown on East 9th?

[330to216]

The project on the North side of campus will be huge. They are currently building phase 1 which is closer to the tennis courts, but it will eventually stretch all the way to 24th within a couple years. As of right now, there's not much to see (mostly foundation prep work) It's going to be somewhere in the neighborhood of 300 apartments and townhouses when its all said and done. Im also excited about the coming retail. Ive heard so far that we will be getting a Chipotle and an Urban Outfitters. Your friend is right. Ive only been here 2 years and the difference from year to year is amazing. Campus has gotten really busy...almost too busy to the point where it's about time we got another dining hall, at least for lunch time. Good luck with getting into the planning field as well. I feel like now is a great time for that

[dar124]

Here's an update of the Flats East Bank construction progress taken today from the FEB webcam.

http://www.flatseast.com/webcam.htm


https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-awPHONXGk8Q/TzQ6XcQ0SoI/AAAAAAAAAJs/Hnch82hjW9I/s640/FEB4.JPG

[PoshSteve]

looking good! this is going to be a fine addition to the skyline. really looking forward to it finished! any word if theyre running ahead of schedule due to the insanely mild winter weve been having?

[MayDay]

^Not sure but I can ask; although the winter has been mild, it's been rainy so I don't know if/how that affects construction.

Just a quick blurb about the Schofield Building (East 9th and Euclid) and its conversion to a Kimpton Hotel: http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/cleveland_metro/kimpton-to-open-boutique-style-hotel-in-historic-schofield-building-in-downtown-cleveland

[dar124]

Here's a few pics of the FEB construction from this past weekend.



https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HjzK_DyB6mc/T0EitCbtduI/AAAAAAAAALw/PYtDEtSjJOs/s640/2012-02-18_16-19-23_112.jpg


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EdOSGUWQgUE/T0Ei3rNTUMI/AAAAAAAAAL4/HjBfAIp8Kng/s640/2012-02-18_16-23-48_911.jpg


https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wyBoSsr8q6Y/T0Ei53EZe1I/AAAAAAAAALg/RHm8nnw5U34/s800/2012-02-18_16-23-57_904.jpg

[xboarder84]

Nice pics dar! I'm impressed how quickly the new E&Y building is coming along. Can't wait to see them complete the outside and start focusing on the landscape around the building. Should look gorgeous.

Also, I live in Tremont and I've noticed a lot of "Make ODOT Finish the Bridge" flyers. Does anyone have any word on this? I know ODOT was delaying the 2nd bridge and it'll most likely hurt Tremont businesses (which makes complete sense because Cleveland developers love hurting growth in this city). Any word if perhaps ODOT is looking to find funding or get the 2nd bridge moving? I drive by and the progress is great so far, I just want them to finish the bridges.

[PoshSteve]

Columbus just loves to give us the shaft. for some illogical reason, replacing a hugely busy bridge that could collapse at any time is not a top priority compared to widening a freeway in Cincinnati. I personally think NEO would be better off without the rest of the state, but i digress...

luckily our congress people here are doing something, trying to push thru federal funding for the second project, which could see it finished on schedule. and ODOT is considering actually taking safety into account when it comes up with the funding lists, so that could push the bridge up some too. we shall see!

http://www.cleveland.com/innerbelt/

[PoshSteve]

Some more great news for this great city!

University Circle could see parking lot become $100 million tech, office and apartment complex (http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2012/03/university_circle_could_see_pa.html)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Offices, apartments, a hub for tech companies and a 700-car garage could rise from a surface parking lot at the edge of University Circle and Little Italy starting early next year.

After years of discussions, University Circle Inc. has picked a plan and developers for one of the most pivotal pieces of real estate in the dynamic Cleveland neighborhood.

http://media.cleveland.com/business_impact/photo/10649002-large.jpg

http://media.cleveland.com/business_impact/photo/10649260-large.jpg

Michelle Jarboe McFee, The Plain Dealer

[xboarder84]

Thanks for the explanation Posh. I like to run so I usually go past the construction on my longer runs and it seems to be going nicely. That whole connection between Ohio City and Tremont could be pretty great. I know the new Gateway Animal clinic is awesome and I see the signs for the Duck Island condos (though that's been there for a while so not sure how successful that will be). Unfortunately the rest of the street up to the RTA stop is pretty shady. Hopefully the new bridge brings about some new development nearby.

[dar124]

Here's an update of the Flats East Bank construction progress taken today from the FEB webcam.

http://www.flatseast.com/webcam.htm

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lU_sJ7ttFVs/T2jkgYTf5BI/AAAAAAAAAPM/WvgW-cm6HdI/s640/FEB7.JPG



They've also started installing the facade on the building. It wont be long and we'll finally get to see how this building is gonna look!!!

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hVVOV4q8FrA/T2jmR8y-LsI/AAAAAAAAAPo/-lJWE2_TqQ4/s800/FEB8.JPG

[xboarder84]

Nice photos dar! I walked by there during St. Patrick's Day and couldn't believe how much progress has been made. I can only imagine what that place will look like during next year's celebration!

On a side note, I heard that the City Council approved some of the lakefront plans, but I can't seem to find any links as to which parts were approved. Any one able to post some of the approved designs or links to the story?

[dar124]

Here's a link to the cleveland.com lakefront story from a couple of days ago. And a couple of pics from the article.

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2012/03/cleveland_council_oks_lakefron.html


https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KqiN9hYEU1g/T2jX6pae2ZI/AAAAAAAAAOY/n_NrDBD82Is/s720/Lakefront%2520proposal.jpg



https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kK3rejuyHSc/T2jb99gWi5I/AAAAAAAAAO0/NgWgiXJ-os8/s800/Lakefront%2520proposal1.jpg

[dar124]

Also just saw this article from earlier today.


K&D Group Plans to Buy East Ohio Building for New Apartments

http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20120116/SUB1/301169977&template=mobile

K&D Group is purchasing a 21-story office structure in downtown Cleveland with plans to convert it into over 220 apartments. K&D Group is looking for tax credits as well as other financing for the $65-million development.

[MayDay]

^Here's the building in question:

http://www.clevelandskyscrapers.com/cleveland/eastohio.jpg

[CLEthebest]

i bet if the ameritrust tower and the progressive headquarters tower were built CLE would look more like a big city. the key tower ruined our skyline i feel like because its so much taller than everything else and then it doesnt look as dense. like look at cincy i hate it but it looks bigger than us even though their tallest tower is as big as the BP building. the ameritrust and progressive towers would have given us a different identity that we have today and we wouldve kept booming IMO. eiter way i still love CLE and im proud to be from here and im so happy that were getting back on the right track.

[Jonboy1983]

:previous: Interesting how you think the Key Tower ruined your city's skyline. I don't think I can recall anyone saying that any particular stand-out highrise ruining their city's skyline.

I'm curious tho, what did the renderings of the Ameritrust and Progressive HQ buildings look like? If you ask me, I tend to prefer taller buildings. They're a symbol of economic fortitude and importance. I'm from Pittsburgh and I wish my hometown had taller buildings than it has right now. When the US Steel building was in its planning stages, they wanted to make it the world's tallest building! However, they didn't want to compete with the World Trade Center or the Sears Tower in New York and Chicago respectively. Still, they could have compromised and gone with something in the 70-to-80 floor range...

Anyway... enough of that tangent. I also like what Cleveland wants to do with its lakeshore.

[CLEthebest]

i mean it serves as a GREAT landmark but it kinda sticks out kind of like the devon energy tower in OKC but not as bad. the ameritrust tower and progressive tower both would have been taller than key tower. the models are on this website i beleve under the cancelled projects??

[PoshSteve]

i would loveeeee to see the progressive building as part of our skyline. i think it would look amazing, not to mention the thousand of extra jobs downtown instead of out in mayfield... but when it comes to ameritrust, bleck! that building, at least how it was proposed, is just awful to me. way way too bulky. if we got it in another, sleeker form, something that could better compliment key, then i would be even more in love with the look of downtown. but if you think key massively dominates the city now... oh i shudder at the thought of that thing lol

[CLEthebest]

lol i know the ameritrust tower is scrapped but isnt the progressive tower still being looked into?? and doesnt the company that wanted to build the ameritrust center want to make a tower just as tall?

[PoshSteve]

i havent heard anything about either of them, but since it was the jacobs group who proposed the tower, im sure they still will one day want to build something, just not another ameritrust, since it was taken over by keycorp. the current ameritrust tower on the other hand... since the county is going to unload that beast, hopefully it will get turned into some apartments or condos. i never can see office in that building again.

and regarding progressive, i sure do hope the city is still trying to pull them in! even tho they just built (or are they still building?) another building in mayfield, just a part of them would be great downtown

[CLEthebest]

im not so sure about that, i just moved back here a month ago after being here my whole. i was away from CLE for 4 years and by far the worst 4 years of my life. i missed the liveliness and positive attitude people in CLE have.

progressive should be downtown. i have no idea what theyre doing but im sure they do know what theyre doing lol. the progressive tower would fit in with the kind of architecture that we have. but one thing i did hear was that i guess were trying to bring in sears from a chicago suburb. does anybody know anything about this??

[Jonboy1983]

Man, that's a shame those buildings got cancelled.

You know your Tower City office/retail/hotel complex right on top of the RTA transit hub? Yeah, Pittsburgh was to have its own version of that, which also included a 53-story office tower that would be even taller than the US Steel Building. It would have been built on the existing Mellon Green (between One BNY Mellon Center and the US Steel Tower), and it would have provided direct access to the T via the Steel Plaza Subway station.

From what I read in some of the old newspaper articles from back in the day, this thing was pretty much shovel ready. I guess it's to be assumed that the 1991 recession killed that project. Something was built in its place tho, but it's the putrid, insignificant 16-story Mellon Client Services Center.

You know what, I seem to remember that whole area being a big construction site when I was little. It was DEFINITELY shovel ready!! Aaaugh!!

[CLEthebest]

yeah it seems like the best projects always seem too good to be true in smaller cities. the companies just dont have the money to follow through or it gets deserted and get occupied with something else.

one thing i do think should stop is the competition between pittsburgh and cleveland. im speaking generally, lol im not calling you out. but i always see in the plain dealer that pittsburgh is doing this why isnt cleveland doing anything. i hear tourists say that they should make a rail between cleveland and pittsburgh because when people come to see cleveland or pittsburgh they tend to want to see the other city as well.

[PoshSteve]

yeah the gov was trying to get sears to move there hq to the state, tho to columbus and not here. would have definitely been a nice addition here

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2011/12/sears_hq_isnt_coming_to_ohio_a.html

[CLEthebest]

damn if we couldve lured sears to cleveland that would be awesome. its a shame eaton left for beachwood too. is a new building what companies demand right now? i cant think of another reason why they would leave.

[PoshSteve]

it is a shame, i cant remember the exact reasons they left, but im sure someone else here would know. it was more than just a new building, because if i remember correctly, they were supposed to get a new one in the flats east bank project... thinking of the best tho, at least they moved to the highlands where the city of cleveland gets a share of the taxes.

oh and by the way, welcome back to cleveland! :D

[CLEthebest]

ohhh yeah see i dont know too much about that taxes stuff. lol

thanks a lot :) im glad to be back home with my favorite people! i look forward to keeping in touch with with this forum and being active!