Urbanophile

What's the possibility that the operations at Horseshoe will be consolidated into the new facility, leaving the Higbee Building open to other development? At this point, I don't see it being possible for both facilities to exist, but it could be possible for the one big facility to exist.

^ I was thinking of that the other day. A west-bound streetcar along Detroit that goes from Public Square to Detroit-Shoreway or Cudell, and an east-bound streetcar along Superior that goes from Public Square to Asiatown or E. 55. If Cincinnati can do it, maybe we can too! But anyway, let's not take this off-topic. I'm sure there's a more relevant thread where we can discuss streetcars in Cleveland.

This is good news! I would still prefer upscale housing with awesome views, but hey, beggars can't be choosers. An urban park is probably the best thing that could happen to that area at the moment. If it's designed well, then it could really help activate that area across W. 25th.

^^ The (in)Justice Center is probably the biggest barrier to making that area pedestrian friendly (plus, it's ugly as all hell). I doubt it's feasible, but I think the Justice Center should build a new location somewhere to the east of downtown, so that tower can at least get a face lift and be re-purposed for mixed use. That location is prime real estate, and it's being put to horrible use at the moment. But that's just like my opinion, man. Also, 372 feet? Not bad!

^ Wow, that would have been a great asset. What happened? The thread just kind of fizzled out without explaining why the project never happened.

^ The date I'm hearing is the 18th. If I was a betting man, I'd put my money on May Co winning the catalytic project credits.

^ Seriously. I can't believe people here are against me on this. It's over-the-top ugly, and it's at a major "entrance" to the city. And you say construction hasn't even begun? It's been like that for 3 months!

I can't believe how much of a pleasant surprise this design has been. Looking through Cooper Carry's portfolio after they were chosen, I was expecting the worst. This will be, by far, the best hotel in their portfolio after it's completed.

^ Wow! I don't know how I never heard about that plan until now. It's like a sister building to Mariners Watch, though I would argue that it looks much better.

I'm sorry I don't like seeing giant unnecessary eyesores in the middle of my city. Carry on.

I just don't see why they have to use what appears to be pee-stained sheets to cover the whole structure.

The May Co. garage has been covered in dirty, stained sheets for about 3 months. It looks absolutely horrible. Why has this been going on for so long? I was showing the city to some out-of-towners a few days ago, and that was one of the first things they saw. It's embarrassing.

Wouldn't be a bad place to build an office building to lure suburbanites, with its proximity to the freeway.

The Six-Five Bistro (as pictured a few posts up) has already closed. It's a shame because the restaurant looked beautiful, and the food was pretty good. They were getting a decent amount of customers between Third Federal workers, St. Stanislaus churchgoers, and people in the neighborhood. From what I hear, management was pretty terrible. So if anyone has any interest in acquiring a newly renovated building for a restaurant, I don't think that would be a bad option ;)

^ I'm guessing it will be 3-4 floors. I would be surprised if it was any taller than that. I'd love to be proven wrong, though!

^ You're right, but I'd rather they try to keep more green space in the middle of the blocks and surrounded by buildings, instead of stupid pointless yards between the streets and buildings.

What's that last picture showing? Is that the Flipside building on the corner of W 10th and Front? Is it going to be one or two floors?

^ I don't have any photos, but I know at least part of the "Schofield" is up on the E. 9th side.

^ I think we're agreeing more than you think. I like modern buildings (well, the good ones :P), and I also like older buildings built in more classical styles. I don't think we should build new buildings in the classical styles, but I do think we should preserve them for the sake of both aesthetics and history. Therefore, it's pretty horrible that someone made the decision to cover up the beautiful ornamentation of a historical building, just to fit the style of the modern era (an even bigger example of this would be the Schofield Building). Modern buildings are great. Destroying history to make modern buildings? Not so great. Thankfully, this one can be restored.

I don't disagree that people will start to come around to 60s-80s architecture, but you have to admit that there is a big difference between modern architecture and classic architecture. Before the modern architecture movement really took hold, almost all buildings placed a heavy emphasis on artwork and ornamentation being embedded into the building. These buildings were also evoking motifs from architecture from far in the past (Neoclassical from Greek, Gothic Revival from Gothic, etc.). The birth of modern architecture was a huge departure from the architectural methods/designs that have been present through most of human history. For example, I like the PSFS Building in Philly. It's a great of example of early modern architecture, and it has a place in history. However, I would choose a building like the Garfield Building over PSFS any day, because we will probably never see new buildings built in that way again. Everything new that is built seems to be some sort of rehashed modern/post-modern style. I'm just amazed at the prevalence of tearing down these elegant old buildings in favor of glass and metal boxes, especially during the 60s-80s. Thankfully, there seems to be a stronger emphasis on historic preservation nowadays. But hey, I could be wrong. Maybe in the future people will be shocked at how the city once tore down Max Hayes High School - a stunning example of 60s architecture :P And also maybe in the future there will be picketers outside the justice center, protesting its destruction for something that would actually function in a city. Personally, I don't see that happening, but if I'm wrong, you can save this post and make fun of me later :) Anyway, sorry for taking this off topic!

I don't understand why anyone felt the need to cover that part of the facade with concrete. It seems like people in the 60s-80s just hated beautiful things and always tried their darndest to destroy them or cover them up. I can't wait to see this building restored!

Does anyone know an eccentric billionaire who would be willing to fund the construction of an exact replica of the bath house? ;)

I was worried about the stability of Giant Eagle opening a location there... especially with Gordon Food Service and another Giant Eagle just down the street. Hopefully the Clifton streetscape project, and the Cleveland State line will help attract other tenants to this location.

^ I sure hope that's true. I hated those cul-de-sacs.

I would like to see a concept like Studio Movie Grill (https://www.studiomoviegrill.com/Default.aspx), AMC's Fork & Screen (https://www.amctheatres.com/food-and-drink/dine-in/fork-and-screen), or perhaps Cleveland Cinema could open up a new concept combining local food and the awesome movies thay are known for showing I was hoping for that kind of concept at Playhouse Square, but I think it would also work pretty well here.