cleB

It seems that drill rig is from PSI, a geotechnical testing firm (not a production foundation drilling rig). Am I missing something? Surely all the design and underground work would be complete by now, so I wonder what they're testing at this stage? Sounds like the next thing we'll see is heavy excavation equipment perimeter shoring to hold up the deep hold for the future parking structure. Does anyone know the foundation structure (slab, caissons, etc.)?

Its really neat how you can easily see the old Coast Guard station in the 2nd picture, when I normally would not have thought these two projects related in any other way.

All this talk about "public restrooms" and it literally only has one stall per gender? Maybe the expectation is different, but this hardly seems sufficient to satisfy demand the expected influx on people on the square?

The boardwalk decking is made by Moisture Shield, which is similar to Trex but a different brand, who of course claims their product is the best ever. Not sure either way, but I guess we'll find out soon enough! Here's their main website: http://www.moistureshield.com/

The boardwalk has already bid and I heard it was awarded, which presumably means the project is going forward. In that picture, you're seeing the concrete retaining walls for the large planters, which will get a stone facade. I heard the boardwalk work had already begun, but I haven't seen it personally. The original completion date was June 15th, although I'm not sure that's reasonable.

That definitely was a Wendy's and I was in the vault basement area prior to the Euclid Corridor project beginning. Let's just say the current arrangement is a vast, vast improvement.

Who is the general contractor on this project? I didn't see it come out to bid? When was the bid opening? Its entirely possible I missed it, but haven't seen it yet.

Wow. Just shows if this building's facade can be fixed/restored, any building can be rehabbed...

Actually, can you imagine people trampling across those lovely buff marble floors seeking the next teller line? Almost seems like a modern day equivalent, right?

It is amazing to see the color difference between the washed panels on the right and the reinstalled panels on the left (in mrclifton88's picture). Also, the new plaza will have a mix of concrete (seen in the picture) and two colors of pavers, black and gray. It extends from Huron to past the front door of the new County admin building.

In this picture, what is the building just south of the Standard, west of the old Society building, and apparently where Old Stone is? Also interesting to see the Great Lakes Exposition bridges and buildings across the railroad tracks, in the background.

Driven fence posts are sometimes used because 1) they are cheaper than rented fence panels/stanchions and 2) are not necessary to move like the fence panels can. If they started added top and bottom rail, then I'd read more into it.

What is the history of this building, as best as anyone knows?

@ KJP: It looks like they excavated behind the bulkhead and cut the steel plates off about 2' above the water line. In the second of dar24's pictures, you can see the pile of twisted metal between the crane and the dumpster. In the third picture, you can see the ladder and worker behind the "original" full height bulkhead. I also see a pile of H-piles, seemingly ready to drive.

Is there a discussion topic on the conversion of the former St. Luke's Hospital into residential? I can't seem to find it...I would be very appreciative if someone could post the link!

Yes, the CMHA solar facility will include several areas of solar panels, between 3' and 6' tall. I'm not sure the exact count, but there are a lot of them and it should make for a very impressive aerial photo when they're all done.

If you go to slide 6 of 38 on that link, its weird to see the Schofield Tower still covered in its ugly cladding! And by "weird" I mean even the current state is an improvement over that!

I know, I know, but I read the Cleveland.com comments, and I'm shocked at how many (nearly all, a rarity) are in favor of the conservation group's offer to purchase this property.

The bid to demolish Viking Hall and Kinko's came out to bid yesterday. The bid date is 9/7/12. I don't have the plans nor can I see the proposed site conditions after demolition, but based on this information, it would seem like these buildings will be demolished before the end of this year.

Can you imagine how differently we'd feel about the new construction of Eaton and American Greetings headquarters - if they were downtown instead? Talk about seemingly wasted opportunities...

Excellent pictures Hts121! FWIW, on good information - north of Lakeside, that white colored material is "low density fill" as in, literally expanded polystyrene (styrofoam)! It is literally used to take up space and fill that void without excessive weight.

I was at a conference this week where Ryan Sommers, CPA, Flats East Bank Development Finance Manager spoke. Among the highlights: - He said rents will be in the $28/SF range - Construction costs are $375/SF, which he said is why so much public support was needed "to make the numbers work" for this project - The boardwalk will open as part of Phase 1 - The building will open in April 2013, including the boardwalk - Someone asked about transit access and how important it was to this development. He said the tenants demanded it, but banks/lenders don't put a premium on it so its not very useful "right now" and why government has to push incentives for TOD's to work. (Note: I'm not saying this as my opinion, it was exactly what he said).

KJP - of course you're exactly correct in that all these ideas are just everyone's opinion. I also agree with Hts121 in that this building is the focal point of those who want to point out negative things in Cleveland in general and Midtown specifically, unfortunately. I'm just saying that a structurally sound building with height and density shouldn't automatically be considered for demolition. Yes, I understand no developers are (currently) interested, and the one who did show interest has now backed out, but we've seen how quickly a market can turn both up and down. Thanks for everyone's comments on these and the other threads; I'm a long-time follower and construction insider who will try to post more often in the future.

Sorry that I don't understand, but what makes a building "decrepit"? Was 668 Euclid decrepit before being rehabbed into a jewel of downtown housing? Are a broken windows and graffiti the new definition for "eyesore" with "eyesore = cannot be fixed; must demolish"? If its already been said that the building is structurally unsound or in danger of collapse, then fine, tear it down before disaster occurs. But I must be missing something here if even UO is for tearing this down?

Can you see the restored doors in any of those pictures? Sorry if I overlooked them. Regardless, thanks for the great pics, and fantastic progress!