Map Boy

Great tip Guv! I was going to add, MayDay, that there's no security check to get into Rhodes Tower. It's kind of strange, come to think of it, that the tallest building on a State-owned campus...and a university, no less...has no security check in. Many college campuses these days have ID checks at all doors of their buildings...hmmm. Anyway, you can get in, but like X said, the windows are narrow and DIRTY! I was just trying to get a view out of the windows at WCSB (9th floor) and they're filthy, set back and only one opens in the whole station...bummer. Good luck!

It is a great development, but it needs to keep growing! There are a few projects in the Eco Village that seem to have come to a state of prolonged pause. Also, the parcels fronting Lorain need to get moving in order to create a fitting gateway into the neighborhood. Oh, and safety issues obviously need to be addressed. I hope the attention being given to the Zone rec center and surrounding park land will spill over into the immediate surroundings. Still, this recognition is great news! And the other news that KJP reported on is perhaps even more exciting! Good work vacationer!

I haven't seen the full video yet, but I will assume that future development prospects are speculative. They may have good reason for putting them there, but if you look back at the planning documents of the Greater Cleveland Growth Association, Cleveland Tomorrow or even the City Planning Commission, you'll find images, site plans and proposed projects in published documents that would blow your mind. I stumbled across one today from the late 1980s that had office towers all over the place and housing throughout Scranton Peninsula and the Flats. Developers, square footages, project costs, etc. were all listed, but the vast majority of them went the way of the dodo. We've always been ambitious here, in terms of making big plans, but many of these will never see the light of day...

For anyone who's really interested in this stuff and how to make it work, check out LISC's Experts Online series on Green Development (3 parts). The first part, "Financing Green Development - More Sensible and Feasible than You Think," can be found here: http://www.lisc.org/content/publications/detail/968/ These sessions were on-line forums that are now available as free downloads. Very informative!

Oh, Wimwar, always so full of sarcasm! It's pretty exciting to think of what could replace this structure, though...

The subject of "green" building has been brought up on several threads within this forum, but conversation has not really expanded much beyond the project at hand. It seems to me that every major urban renovation and new construction project - statewide - should be striving to meet these criteria and that the state, counties and municipalities should work towards making "green" building principals more attractive to developers and potentially mandatory. This means new ordinances, new laws and new incentives. This would serve to make Ohio's urban markets more competitive and put them on the map with places like California, Portland, Chicago, and elsewhere where progressive standards have led to more sustainable and viable communities. In fact, public agencies should take the lead in abiding by these standards. Chicago, Portland and others have governments that have committed themselves to setting the example for the private market. And in the end, by many standards, everyone wins! From the U.S. Green Building Council: http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=148 What is LEED-ND? The U.S. Green Building Council, the Congress for the New Urbanism, and the Natural Resources Defense Council—three organizations which represent that nation's leaders among progressive design professionals, builders, planners, developers, and the environmental community—have come together to develop LEED for Neighborhood Developments (LEED-ND). This rating system will integrate the principles of smart growth, urbanism, and green building into the first national standard for neighborhood design. Whereas other LEED products focus primarily on green building practices, with only a few credits regarding site selection, LEED-ND will emphasize smart growth aspects and neighborhood design of development while still incorporating a selection of the most important green building practices. Guided by the Smart Growth Network's ten principles of smart growth and the Charter for New Urbanism it will include compact design, proximity to transit, mixed use, mixed housing type, and pedestrian- and bicycle- friendly design. In short, LEED-ND will create a label which could serve as a concrete signal of, and incentive for, better location, design, and construction of neighborhoods and buildings. Download the LEED-ND Fact Sheet for more information. For more about LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), visit http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=40& For more about the U.S. Green Building Council, visit http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CategoryID=1

So, it's happening or is still just proposed? This just says there are plans...

All for that too... And on that note, there was ZERO mention of the Euclid Corridor at Monday's Innerbelt meeting. Talk about putting public investments together to make them both function better and capitalize on money spent... it just so happens that the EC passes directly over the Innerbelt! Sheesh... They did talk about suburban park n ride lots, though...(what?!)

great! I'm not thrilled about more reflective glass, but I do like the idea of bringing the entrance to Euclid. Also, about the signature architects...how does Cincinnati pay for its projects? Probably the same way as CSU does. What do they have on campus? Henry Cobb, Peter Eisenman, Michael Graves, Frank Gehry, and on and on. Again, I don't want these predominantly stand-alone structures to be the norm for CSU, but I'm just pointing out that they were able to leverage the funding for these buildings which cost much more than they needed to. I know it would take a Peter Lewis (who is CSU's most wealthy/philanthropic grad anyway?) to finance one of these on most campuses, but that's not what I'm asking for. I just want good architecture that fits its context and serves its function well. I think we're on the right track, but we need to ensure that we do our best for current and future generations of Clevelanders and CSU students.

Absolutely! The WCPN interview with Joe Calabrese about a month ago directed a lot of attention towards that precise issue. Multiple callers brought up that concern and I can definitely sympathize with their comments. I also know that, despite the obvious transit improvements, I've viewed the ECP as an economic development tool from the start. I can't imagine that the City isn't looking at it the same way. This HAS to leverage private investment. I'm glad that they've gone forward with the form based zoning for parts of the corridor, which hints at their commitment to the urban design elements of new growth along the route and at the expectations for private investment. That's not to say that investing twice the money to build light rail would't yield more than twice the benefits, but we'll just have to do our best with what we've got going right now. Make sure it works to its full potential...give the City, RTA, ODOT, NOACA a solid reason to upkeep and perhaps upgrade into the future. That, and do more with the next opportunity (Opportunity Corridor, perhaps?).

In other news, from the link that the Guv posted on the Euclid Corridor thread: http://euclidtransit.org/timelines/images/PublicArtMasterPlan.pdf Pages 11-13 talk about opportunities along the CSU stretch of the EC. In particular, I was drawn to the mention of a Levin College plaza with a water feature, wi-fi, movable chairs, kiosks, etc. Pretty much what I'd love to see there! Maybe I haven't given the powers-that-be at CSU and RTA enough credit in planning for the future...they could just be holding out to see what they can do in conjunction with the EC. That said, isn't it about time to get on that? I know the EC will be cutting out a bit of the sidwalk (and the trees) in front of the Levin College, so how about coming up with that plan for a plaza and building it so that it's ready in time for the opening in 2008?

Absolutely, "good" architecture and urban design are by far more important to me than "signature" buildings. I'd rather not see another Gehry in Cleveland anytime soon. What I'd love to see is an expression of good Cleveland-based architecture on Euclid that could represent the current wave of new construction on campus for years to come. Something from Westlake, Reed, Leskosky, for example, that will last for generations and embody Cleveland...not something from an international "starchitect" that will be an island unto itself and have nothing to do with its context.

Interesting...I know nothing about Hopkins...is this something that they're working on or is it a pipe dream?

But the fact of the matter is that we're developing a BRT line on Euclid Avenue. I don't think you'll find anyone on this forum who wouldn't prefer a rail line for any number of reasons. We've spent much time on here deliberating over why RTA, NOACA, Cleveland, and ODOT haven't pursued this more ardently, but basically, right now, we're building BRT and we'd better be committed to making the best of it!

Oh, I'm counting on it!

nope, none. Alsenas was even there, but the Q&A time was all of about 5 minutes due to the program running about 45 minutes over. When has one of these actually NOT run over?

In response to Guv's comment, how is it that ODOT can put money towards the West Shoreway project when it's essentially the removal of a highway in favor of a local access boulevard? And on the subject of the Opportunity Corridor...It occurred to me at the Innerbelt meeting on Monday that half of what they're trying to accomplish was originally the plan in making Chester Avenue some decades ago. This is a very wide (what, 8 lanes?) boulevard that proceeds from Downtown and an interstate directly into University Circle. Now, the Innerbelt project is proposing to take the Chester Ave. exit ramps away... interesting. Has anyone done any research on whether or not Chester accomplished what it planned to over its history...essentially what the OC is planning to accomplish?

Wow...this is exactly what UC should be talking about! I'm getting tingly all over just thinking about it! The site is pretty large and offers a great deal of opportunity to build a mixed-use, revenue- and activity-generating project. I can't wait to see the proposals!

There's really no reason not to. The amount of money invested up front in a big project like this will pay many more dividends down the road when considering "green" design elements. Sales prices can go up and long-term viability can be maintained. Both of these projects (Avenue & Flats) should be pursuing at least the minimum LEED certification. It's time to set an example for the rest of Cleveland to follow. Eventually (sooner than later!), I'd like to see LEED standards mandated in Ohio, Cuyahoga County and Cleveland...mandates that should be backed with public support and incentives.

geez, have a few vacations why don'tchya? tell us you're taking a laptop with you to report from the road...

Oh, trust me, I know! I was serious when I meant that this is so important for us. Last year was the pits!

So, Musky posted this on his blog, but I didn't see it until today... Apparently, the theater across the street from the Kent State Urban Design Collaborative that was once planning to house the Second City comedy troupe, will open as a night club by mid-June: from clevelandplanner.blogspot.com: DRC 06-007: 811 Prospect Avenue, Fantasy One Night Club, Renovation and Signage. The owners are asking for final approval for this property that used to be the site of the former Standard Theater. (approved) From CinemaTreasures.org: This downtown Cleveland theatre, which was sort of out of the way on Prospect Avenue, was mainly a venue for adult pornographic films, although it had shown mainstream films early in its life. The Standard closed in the mid-1980's. The theatre had shown black-oriented action films briefly in the early 1980's. The building that exists there now has been empty ever since it was constructed in the mid 80’s The new nightclub/restaurant is expected to be open early during the week to feed business people and late night for club goers. (6:00 AM – 2:00 AM) There will be a video game arcade on the first floor and bar/nightclub on the second floor and mezzanine. The is to be decorative lighting on the outside that is to give the feeling of effervescence to those on the street. Kuri suggested they test the lighting out first because the streetlights may drown out the special lighting, as is what happened with the lighting for Cleveland Public Art. Fantasy One Night Club should be open by the middle of June.

actually, the parking ramp went directly into the building...unless I was missing something.

Made it to the meeting this moring...albeit a little late. Seriously, 7:30 am on a Monday morning?! First up was Craig Hebebrand (ODOT) who went through the roadway projects they're currently working on that are related. He named the following: Opportunity Corridor: labeled as a "city street" that won't impact the Innerbelt to the extent that it would allow the new Innerbelt construction to be scaled down Lakefront West: a remnant of the original interstate plan that was never fully built...the result is a roadway with more capacity than is needed...they're currently evaluating 12 potential crossing points Quigley Road Connector: will take heavy truck volume off of West 14th and route it around residential tremont...will also provide access to Steelyard Commons CRV Intermodal Connector: in tandem with Quigly Road and West 3rd improvements, this will help keep industrial traffic in the flats and away from residential streets or streets that were not meant to handle heavy truck traffic Hebebrand then went on to cover many of the same details as he did at the last meeting, talking about access points, how the marginal roads will work, where traffic will go, and segued to Jim Haviland by asking the question of how we bridge the gaps over the freeway... Haviland (Midtown Cleveland) produced a list of unresolved conflicts, such as the closure of the Carnegie and Prospect ramps (big issues with them), the 19 takings along the trench, the incomplete economic impact and traffic modeling studies, and a general lack of faith in the solutions that ODOT is proposing. Basically, they're afraid that the proposed marginal roads and roads like E. 22nd and E. 30th won't be able to support the load of traffic that they're expected to handle. Next up, Hunter Morrison (former City Planning Director) talked about opportunities for development along the route. His presentation was full of snide remarks about the history and inherent conflict of interstate planning and with colorful word selection to describe how the Innerbelt first "crashed" through Tremont and the Quadrangle. Very entertaining! He asked the important question: What do you do to leverage $900 million in public investment? We're so caught up in the effort to cause "no harm" that we haven't really paid much attention to the opportunities that this project will afford. Namely, along the Central Interchange, Morrison talked about new land along the Nickel Plate Yards, at 14th & Carnegie and between 18th & 22nd on Carnegie. Also, he mentioned the need to move the RTA station from 34th to 30th and build around that. Along the Trench, he insisted upon the necessity of reinforced vertical retaining walls that could support new development overhead, building upon land that will be opened up by removing exit/entrance ramps, and bridging the gaps with creative and significant investment in new bridges. His main focus was to create development opportunities that could reconnect and "re-knit" the neighborhoods that were torn apart by this roadway 50 years ago. Finally, Mark Duluk (AIA and Arkinetics, Inc.) discussed "freeway urbanism" and the paradox that this statement implies. He shared many examples, from Boston to Montreal to Duluth, of highways that have been buried or prepped in ways similar to what Hunter Morrison talked about that would allow for future development overhead. Duluk was very interesting and gave us some good ideas to start from. He suggested that we need to define the hierarchy of our east-west streets and that the Innerbelt can become an orienting device from both the street and highway levels. Steve Rugare (Kent State UDC) also mentioned that we should examine the non-functionality of our north-south streets as well. When asked about the price and potential for freeway caps and the reinforced retaining walls, Hebebrand responded that they hadn't really been looked at yet (!) and that in other cases, additional funding from the county level was needed to make them happen. When asked why the Innerbelt had to be widened to the extent that it is, causing many of the takings and creating an even wider gap, Hebebrand responded that with the new bridge and the way that I-77 will be connected to the new alignment, 5 lanes are required in both directions at the Carnegie Curve (!). Also, the braiding of entrance and exit lanes at Chester Avenue create the demand for a wider right-of-way. That's about it from my end! I'll be at the Euclid Corridor meeting on Wednesday, so keep an eye out for more reporting from me after that...

I went by the site yesterday, unfortunately sans-camera, and got a little more intimate with the progress. I was surprised to see that there is such a big gap on the westerd edge of the block between the building and the bridge. It looks like the perfect opportunity for an outdoor restaurant/cafe that could begin adjacent to the building and sit beneath one of the bridge's huge arches. I was imagining spotlights that would shine up into the arch and how unique that space would be...not replicable anywhere in Cleveland. Too bad I haven't heard anything that would suggest that this is an option!