ArtMasterCLE

“If you build it, they will come”.

Great photo, KJP! The anticipation of the finished tower from this vantage and the impact this view will have on those traveling west on Euclid Avenue had to be one of the major reasons Picard Chilton was so adamant about NOT putting the tower on the former Jacobs lot. It might also be one reason they wanted to keep the Pavilion short. This will emphasize the openness of Public Square creating the finished look and feel of an outdoor living room. The tower then becomes the exclamation point at the end of Cleveland’s grandest avenue and the western wall of this space Just imagine a visitor walking down Euclid, transfixed on the massive tower in front of them only to be wowed by this beautiful public space with the grand architecture of the past reflected in the glass of the new hotshot kid on the block. Seems like a well thought out plan to me.

I whole-heartedly agree with you @cadmen. When SHW unveiled this design in 1990 I felt it would immediately upgrade the impression of visitors to the city and give the skyline a boost as well. As I look at it now, I think it would aged well-especially in that spot.

I wholeheartedly agree with you, Marty15. My wife and I bought a house on a tree lined street specifically because of the trees. Ours is a very walkable neighborhood with lots of people walking their dogs, pushing strollers or just taking a stroll on a shady street to escape the heat. Besides being aesthetically beautiful and cool, tree lined streets evokes a sense of calm that is almost magnetic to walkers, runners, bikers and home buyers.

Nice catch, MayDay!

The latest of many outstanding renderings, Geowizical! We are all in your debt. Happy Fathers Day to you and all UO Forumers- if it applies!

Awesome rendering Geowizical!

I agree that the design and color scheme of the City Club Apartments will be a dramatic departure from anything else at East 9th and Euclid, but because of those differences I think it will add some visual excitement to the area. There can be too much harmony in any area-resulting in- Monotony.

The news conference can be viewed in its entirety on YouTube.

Thank you, Watertiger1962 for your post. This view is just as stunning now as it was in 1996 when, as a young art director, I took a client from Ford corporate out to dinner at a very popular restaurant called The Watermark in the location where Collision Bend Brewery sits today. I was bursting with pride as my client went on and on about how much farther along Cleveland was ahead of Detroit it”s redevelopment. Thousands of tourists marveled at the beauty of the lighted bridges-and they would again if the city chose again to light the bridges. Thanks again for the memories:

I am in complete agreement with ExPatCleveGuy. I have always admired the design audacity of the original Nucleus concept. It was clear that Start wanted to deliver to his hometown a building that would force others to think outside the box and break with the need to be ultra conservative. While he may not have succeeded in delivering on his quest, I do think he moved the needle of architectural design expectations. Happy New Year, everyone!

I’m not entirely sure where I would rank it among the big four until I see the final design. IMHO, the conceptual rendering shows a clean, contemporary tower that should be a strong addition to the skyline. I also believe the final design of the crown and subsequent architectural lighting could dramatically enhance the finished appearance. I think it’s shaping up to be quite handsome. The reflective glass will offer a set of fresh, dramatic views of the other neighbors around PublicSquare. I’m looking forward to the final submission in November.

Think about it. When a highly successful, long-standing Fortune 500 company chooses to stay in its hometown while being wooed by seemingly more glitzy cities like Atlanta, it sends a strong message to other potential investors that Cleveland is a good place to start, grow or relocate your business. Media will generally follow a story like that. Especially when many of them fully expected SHW would jump at the opportunity to move south. SHW, however, recognizes that it was born here, grew up here and became highly successful here. Further, the cost of doing business in Cleveland is considerably less than Atlanta. As for the developers, they are simply responding to the anticipated need for additional office space, hotel rooms and live/work environments for SHW employees and companies doing business with SHW. That is why cities go to great lengths to attract companies like SHW. The ripple effect can be outstanding.

As I read everyone’s comments and wishes, I’d like to add my two cents to the discussion. Since it was announced that Pickard Chilton has been retained as the design architect for SHW I have had the opportunity to do considerable research on the the firm, it’s principals and their general approach to design. As a result I have become convinced that we will indeed see a truly iconic HQ that will be something we can all be proud of. I came away convinced that this firm will be very sensitive to the historical significance of the HQ site and importance of this complex to Cleveland. I am really excited to see how they will incorporate the design into the overall context and flow of Public Square and the Warehouse District. For instance, I would not be surprised to see the introduction of an arcade (something Cleveland is famous for) with shops and restaurants linking Public Square through to St Clair and the Warehouse District. Heh, I can dream, right?!!!

Beautiful photos, MayDay! A special thanks for the bonus shot of the Keith. With Lumen, and the potential for Lumen II, PHS is quickly becoming a neighborhood of choice.

Great photos, ASPhotoman! I've always felt good black and white photography has its own unique aesthetic quality. Thanks for the fresh look.

Makes a future Lumen Phase II a very real possibility in the not too distant future. I would be surprised if phase 2 is not already in the planning process. PHSF is very deliberate and quality oriented.

I had the opportunity to see The Lumen at full height this afternoon as I merged with I-90 East off 77 North... Impressive! It really does pull the skyline eastward and connects well with Rhodes Tower at CSU. I love the contextual fit and anticipate it getting even better when completed and the surrounding buildings and sky are reflected in the glass curtain wall

Nicely done, marty15! Your great photos really do bring back great memories of Christmas shopping at May company and Higbees.

Great photo, MayDay! The Lumen really is a beautiful building- even at this early stage. Thanks

This selected location presents the opportunity for a truly impactful design, both on the skyline level and most especially the street level... Imagine a design that incorporates a spectacular tower and a series of smaller buildings built around a public green space that extends the highly successful Public Square redesign. This, along with strategically placed retail at the street level could activate the entire campus and connect it beautifully to the warehouse district.

I just came in from the studio and saw this post! KJP, you are an absolute master of suspense! I can't wait to read your blog later!!!

Awesome photos by Paul and urbanetics! Lumen has a great impact at both the street level and the skyline view. It continues the standard of excellence set by the theaters and the classic architecture surrounding it, while saying to future developers "Seconnd rate proposals need not apply".

I agree. This building and the Hilton-and even the Beacon are high quality additions to the Cleveland skyline. Rumor has it that the new Sherwin-Williams HQ/R&D complex may set a new bar.

mu2010, this may be the wrong thread, but that's certainly not a bad idea.