Etheostoma Caeruleum

What is the Neda video?

As someone who likes to advocate and promote a more walkable, environmentally sustainable downtown, and buffer around Cleveland... and environment...someone who loves the historical grid and activity of the original downtowns... I have to smack my head to see the kind of vision on 70% of the posts on Cleveland Dot Com. It is utterly scary..and embarrassing to Cleveland in my opinion. Thank goodness for sites like this one where overall, I think you have a lot more intelligent and thoughtful posting, overall.

Hi all, I am amazed by the comments on Cleveland Dot Com that have so many people wanting to demolish this building just because they are in the opinion that it is ugly. I actually think it has an attraction that will be rare in the future---and think if renovated as was in the plan---could lead to a stunning re-discovery of that corner. It is a shame that what should be one of the busiest corners downtown, basically sits alone! My hope, and I hope my hope is worthy...is to have someone buy this and go through with making it what it should and could be. I am not an architecture expert by no means, but I do appreciate this structure because it offers more of an organic/earth-toned appearance in contrast to many other modern structures that are all glass and concrete. I like the honey comb windows and feel if the stone is cleaned and the black granite polished to a shine....some lighting added to the tower at night to accent the corners and black stone portions, or vice versa---accent the honey comb window sides---that such will shed a whole new appreciation for the building. That coupled with the renovation of the rotunda, which speaks for itself. The challenge to many would be to take an otherwise mundane perceived structure, and without altering its style, get even the most ardent opponents of the building to think... "hmmmmm...it doesn't look so bad afterall" Basically, what the Peanuts gang did to the Charlie Brown tree, can be done to this building! I think because it is more of a rare structure, and because many places have demolished such...that in the far future, the fact that it is a still standing RARE example, will be the new allure it could take on. Still, I cannot figure.. Why do so many people think this structure is ugly...and why do they think just because they think that...warrants tearing it down? It is not as though in today's downtown it looks soooo starkly out of place, as would placing a modern aluminum facade building in the middle of Chagrin Falls--then I can understand their perspective. But then again, who places a monoploy on the definition of ugly? I like the tower because it is soooo late 1960's to 1972-ish. Reminds you of the setting and time period where Mary Tyler Moore tossed her hat into the air. Can't the city or someone promote the sale and renovation of this building to some group that can afford to get the project done? Again, I am architecturally cluless, but appreciate many styles. I just have a special attraction to this building. Most think I am nuts.

Hello, First, let me say that I am not Mr. Bonar nor associated in any way with C.A. nor am I speaking on their behalf. But truthfully, one really needs to have worked with or around professional aquarium people, and have worked with such animals to see the flaws in Jacob's idea, or be somewhat familiar with this niche type of work. Bottom line is that it could prove more of an embarrassment to Cleveland for a touristy type aquarium. I know it is tempting, but it is really up to those who do work in such environments to help inform the public that may not be familiar...and this is one reason I place great confidence in C.A. -- Because they have a lot of good people involved with their vision. This is not something you build on a whim, period. Would you rather have an institution that is a grand icon of permanence, or an over-sized pet shop that runs for profit? I can assure you that the lack of quality here will surface. That leads to displays that will not make the impact they should be making. Also, I believe C.A. did want to work with Jacob's and there was lack of interest on their part. This is another story and I am not at liberty to discuss such things here. Anyway, Such an establishment demands thoughtful and foresighted thinking if you want something we can all be proud of. When it comes to this sort of establishment---build it right, or don't build it at all.

By the way, to add to my above comment... Some of his plan would call for public money. (Jacob's) Anyway, I hope this information I have provided here today helps offer a perspective that until now, has been rather quiet.

On the subject of tax monies.... Jacob's plan would likely call for some public financing...

By the way, a lot of the equipment in the hands of Cleveland aquarium would likely be used for back-up type facilities.

Ok, here is a letter about why a not-for-profit aquarium operation makes better sense for Cleveland/N.E. Ohio and the region in the long run. Everything is articulated very well in this following letter. Many points are brought up by someone with insight into this profession that most do not have and I hope it serves to educate us on the topic. I have withheld the name of the author for now. I hope this clears up some things and enlightens many. I’d like to clear a few things up since there has been tremendous support of our project to bring an aquarium back to Cleveland. As most everyone in the area has heard, there was an announcement made by the Jacob’s Investment Group, that an aquarium is proposed in their powerhouse building on the west bank of the flats. First and foremost is that this proposed Jacob’s aquarium is in no way, shape, or form affiliated with the Cleveland Aquarium, Inc. The most striking difference between these two projects is that the proposed Jacob’s aquarium project is a private, for-profit aquarium and The Cleveland Aquarium, Inc. is a public, non-profit aquarium dedicated solely as a cultural resource for the city of Cleveland. We initially approached the Jacob’s Investment Group, among other local development groups, with the possibility of hosting the new Cleveland Aquarium and there were some continuing discussions. Recently, however, they developed their own proposal. There were some discussions on collaborations between the two parties, however upon further examination of their proposal, we believe that it is too limited in size and scope to be successful and we feel that the location is less than ideal. I hope to summarize the benefits of our project as well as detail more of the differences which I hope you will agree makes The Cleveland Aquarium, Inc. a much better project for the City of Cleveland and its residents. Let me start by saying that new Cleveland Aquarium project has a very rich history here in Cleveland. Some of our supporters and trustees were employees of the fondly remembered original Cleveland Aquarium, which was located in Gordon Park and closed in 1985. Furthermore, many of the trustees are currently employed at its current “temporary” location at The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Combined with the long history of the original Cleveland Aquarium, the legacy of the new Cleveland Aquarium, Inc. is taking into account the future generations of Cleveland families. For more information on the history of The Cleveland Aquarium and its significant contributions to other public aquariums and the aquarium hobby worldwide, I encourage you to visit our website at www.clevelandaquarium.org. The trustees of the new Cleveland Aquarium, Inc, have been working to bring a public aquarium back to Cleveland for a number of years. This project has literally thousands of hours from volunteers from the community in acquiring equipment and supplies from both defunct and remodeled aquarium projects including the Pittsburgh Zoo, the Columbus Zoo, the Fortworth Aquarium in Texas and most notably a large selection of tanks and equipment acquired from the former SeaWorld of Ohio. All of this valuable equipment is currently being stored in warehouses in Cleveland and its surrounding areas awaiting our soon coming announcement of this grand project. The trustees of the new Cleveland Aquarium, Inc. are dedicated in making this project an iconic cultural institution for Cleveland, not a roadside attraction, which is intended to work in synergy with other local institutions such as the Rock Hall, The Natural History Museum, The Botanical Gardens, The Cleveland Playhouse, The Cleveland Art Museum, The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, etc in continuing the educational and intellectual groupings of museums and attractions that Cleveland is well known for. The non-profit Cleveland Aquarium, Inc. will include much more than fish tanks, it is intended to be a leader in all areas aquatic including research, conservation, education, and contribute significantly to aquatic veterinary advancements and aquatic animal husbandry issues. Furthermore, it is intended to work closely with the large aquarium hobbyist community that is prevalent in Northern Ohio. The Cleveland Aquarium, Inc. believes that a non-profit institution ensures that the aquarium will not be profit driven, instead proceeds go to valuable programs in the areas of scientific studies, outreach, saving endangered animals, educational programming, etc. Typically, these non-revenue generating programs cut into the bottom line profits of for-profit institutions, whose sole goal is to make money for its investors and as a result are often limited in the scope of what they can do. The trustees of the Cleveland Aquarium, Inc. believe that the goal of a non-profit institution is to educate, conserve, and learn. Our project does not intend to pay rent, have to return investments, or repay debt. It will be primarily financed by philanthropy and grants. The money saved can therefore be spent on the above described programs creating a greater impact in aquatic animal science and education. Additionally, non-profit institutions are also eligible for a wider variety of research and educational grants than for-profit institutions. The Cleveland Aquarium, Inc. will be a medium sized institution of about 100,000 to 125,000 square feet, similar in size to institutions such as The New England Aquarium, The Newport Aquarium and the original phase of the National Aquarium in Baltimore. The non profit model of the project is intended to to be an economic engine for the city of Cleveland, by keeping the economic impact in the Cleveland community and not to funnel money out of the area since a significant part of the proceeds are to be spent locally. One important aspect of the project is that the exhibits will not be “shoehorned” into a building not designed for an aquarium. This model has proven unsuccessful in several instances since corrosion and weight issues are vital considerations in a properly designed facility. The Cleveland Aquarium, Inc. will have many habitats exhibiting a wide variety of freshwater and marine fish, as well as aquatic mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. The Cleveland Aquarium, Inc. is not only about an aquarium, but a catalyst for downtown development. It is about creating a lively and attractive place where people in all stages of life and diversity can come to dine, shop, and spend quality time, all the while allowing them to learn and grow in important aquatic related issues. We are committed to the rejuvenation and growth of the Downtown area, and view the Aquarium as a stimulus for a great deal of needed development. To accomplish this goal, we are in collaboration with the world's leading aquarium architect, Peter Chermayeff , who led the modern aquarium renaissance in 1969 with The New England Aquarium in Boston, and has to date designed many of the world’s leading aquarium institutions including the National Aquarium in Baltimore, the Tennessee Aquarium, the Lisbon Aquarium in Portugal, the Osaka Aquarium in Japan, and the Genoa Aquarium in Italy. Current projects include an aquarium Alexandria, Egypt and also one in Triast, Italy. We sincerely hope that you continue to agree with our vision of a truly world class aquarium and will continue to support this project in any way you can. Please stay tuned for a pending announcement and ways you can help.

Btw... Sorry for posting the question in the wrong title. I am getting used to using this site still. Just joined.

really, that is!

Also, does anyone know anything about the status of Up-Town in Cleveland? I wrote the website inquiring about a possible future place in it...no reply. Any information would be rally appreciated!

Hello, I am new to this forum. I wanted to comment on the aquarium post. First, I want to indicate that for many years, I have worked closely with those who work in such venues and those who know much about the formula for a successful aquarium. that will not end up folding. I have traveled to many and at one time, even owned and operated a custom aquarium design business--on a much smaller scale of course! Now... While I fully support such a cultural institution---And have promoted and advocated it in writing for years.... There are several reasons, known to 'those-in-the-know' on such a subject....why this Jacobs proposal is not a good one--and is being sold to Clevelanders in the image of something longterm, when in reality it may not turn out that way. Now, I feel if I go through the details as to WHY this is not a good proposal for an aquarium, it just may bore some people to total tears and I do not know I should really be posting it on here. But, I do not want to see people getting all excited about something when they have not seen or heard much about what the REAL proposal should be and who should be doing it and why. I am really not at liberty to comment much on this but I do consult with a credible source on a frequent basis. www.clevelandaquarium.org is actually the real deal..and consists of a vision and professional make up that blows the Power House proposal away. Again, there are several valid reasons why this proposal is not very good...and so we should not jump the gun on it if you really want to see what we could have instead. You may contact me offline (make a request) to discuss the reasons. It is essential we get educated on such a project first before we all sing the praises for this current proposal. Let's just say it may be 'the fast food' version of aquarium design.