CleveFan

The acoustics in there for a music event couldn’t be worse - glass and stone - wonder whose idea that was.

Thanks @KJPfor another great article - and for the source-backed reporting specific to TMUD status - and Nucleus. I know that @KJPalways preaches not to be surprised or disappointed when development proposals don't happen - but, in the case of Nucleus, I'll be honest and say - it's disappointing as hell! As my urban ohio "handle" indicates, I'll say unabashedly, I'm a "fan" of Cleveland. New construction and development in this city is a major passion of mine. I've been alive long enough to see the city reside among the top 10 biggest in the nation (in the late 60's) to no longer being among the top 50. At the same time, I've observed many positive developments in the city, particularly and increasingly in downtown over the last 10-20 years. The growing residential population there is something that would've been VERY hard to imagine back in the 70's or 80's. The ongoing importance of Cleveland as a desired location for major national events such as the Republican Convention, Presidential Debates, NBA, & MLB All-Star games, the NFL Draft, etc - those are sources of pride. Our best known cultural institutions, such as Playhouse Square, the world famous Cleveland Orchestra and our most famous employer, the Cleveland Clinic - remain among the finest on the continent. I'm not apologetic for being "emotionally involved" - I root for the city and its rebuilding in the 21st century. I'm looking forward to the presence of a true new skyscraper on the skyline in a couple years, courtesy of SW. And, when a developer comes out and announces to the world that he wants to build a world-class contribution to the architecture and skyline of downtown - yeah, I root for him - I get a little emotionally involved - and I keep hope alive even when years are going by and development signs stand forgotten at parking lots. I can't say that Stark won't ever contribute something to downtown again - from me, he gets big applause for building "The Beacon" - a substantial new residential tower that took years to bring home. But sometimes, I guess, things are simply what they appear to be. In the case of Nucleus - it was a world-class construction proposal in 2014. But over the years, it has consistently been downsized - most recently to one single 25 story tower. I would've "taken" that if I could get it for the city, although I've never particularly liked any of the specifics of the Nucleus designs. When reports surfaced that Stark was about to close the deal in March 2020, and build the mid-size version of Nucleus - only to have the Pandemic change those plans - I found it believable that a project so close to materializing would have a chance to return post-Pandemic - possibly even in something closer to its original scale. It seemed Stark had an ace in the hole with his TMUD strategy. Now, its a year and a half later, and with good reporting that the anchor tenant is pulling out of Nucleus - and that the project has no known/ publicized plans to go forward in the TMUD sweepstakes - its time for me to admit that Stark's grand vision of a world class contribution to the Cleveland skyline is not materializing. It would've been way cool to see the rising of the SW HQ at about the same time as an original-scale Nucleus. Yeah, I was still rooting for it. And, yeah, it's disappointing..... But now I'll be rooting for Bridgeworks, Erieview and the Centennial - any and all of those projects will also be great for the city. The presence of the Bridgeworks project would be especially welcoming as one enters downtown from the west. Hopefully, we'll get some real good news by late October.

Is the reason for Stark’s silence on what they’re planning to do because of a perceived need for secrecy in the TMUD application process? Or because Nucleus doesn’t have adequate financing in place, even with all its downsizing without TMUD? - or both? Stark was out promoting the original Nucleus to anyone that would listen in 2014 - now, it’s as top secret as SW was.

If not, then we’ve got a mystery project pending…

It’s a bit scaled down from what we thought we might see - but it’s still a really nice project that will continue the contemporary look and positive energy that the .E&Y Tower anchors in that FEB neighborhood. The building looks modern and higher-end - I really like it. The death of yet another parking lot downtown is a victory in itself. I also think the Junior one bedrooms will be more attractive than micro apartments. It’s great to see that more residents will soon be coming to the FEB - and seeing brand new residential buildings downtown is really satisfying.

Thanks @tykapsfor reprising @KJP's NeoTrans on East Bank development.. And according to the Sept 19 article by Michelle Jarboe, Wolstein says that construction of one of those new apartment buildings - at West 11th - could start by the end of the year? Wow - didn't expect that - but love it! Wonder if its one of those 12 story-ish towers with micro apartments.

Thanks for this new thread - and @Boomerang_Brianfor the concise review of previous news. I’m super stoked about this project - it will further transform near west side development and provide another great gathering area for people to enjoy right near downtown. With the increasing connectivity from Edgewater to the Flats and the Riverfront - the quality of life in downtown and the inner ring neighborhoods will just get better. On my last visit in town, I biked many of those pathways and experienced first hand how enjoyable they are - and how many folks seem to have renewed appreciation of the city as a result. There’s a real positive energy in the air. Irishtown Bend is going to continue that energy in dramatic fashion.

The Shanghai Towers show more of a divergence between ne another - and they’re more arresting particularly at their rooflines. The SW HQ reminds even more of the less dramatic Residences at the Ritz Carlton in White Plains Plains NY I wish SW was closer to the sexier Shanghai towers. But we’ve all done more than our share of second guessing, opining and wishful thinking. I’m just looking forward to our skyline changing in the most noticeable way in 30 years.

This part of town could be looking a lot more lively in a few years if the ballpark village materializes - throw in the new 7 story apartments (which look very cool) and hopefully a new condo tower on E9 & Bolivar. The developments with respect to the garage and a possible ballpark village would seem to help create some energy that might benefit a Nucleus mixed use Tower. A lot of “ifs” at present, but definitely all possible. The entrance to downtown from the south could be much more dynamic in the near future.

The lakefront should absolutely not be used for a transportation hub. Tower City is the perfect place for that - it’s part of Cleveland’s great history and the bones of the infrastructure is already there.

Substantively, I agree. Yea, I took the time to watch the whole video to find out what was going on. It had the look of an infomercial. Why today? This "major development news" (as Cleveland.com sarcastically headlined) was a couple things, IMO. One, an effort by Bedrock to motivate sales for some of the percentage of land that they don't own on site at present. They've got to control the land to even talk about a mega project on the site. Two, why not throw the kitchen sink out at potential stakeholders that might be willing to "partner" with Bedrock in order to become players in something big? - with one of those partners being the feds through possible infrastructure money that may be out there soon. This visionary, inclusive, game-changing project is "subject to market conditions" and should only take about 25-30 years, eh? That's pretty underwhelming. I'm always 100% for any development project for Cleveland - but, this is public relations and little more as the outgoing mayoral regime gives its blessing. If the project had specific short term goals, financing, defined stakeholder partners - and a more optimistic timeline- we could start getting excited. Big dreams start with ideas and conversations - but, this development news is strictly in that realm. Having said that, I wish Bedrock all the best in making some magic on the riverfront.

I think Litt struck a good balance in his description and critiques of the SW Tower's aesthetic. His characterization of the project needing "more passion" did not seem off-tone. We're all pleased as punch that SW stayed in town and committed to building a new world HQ in town, no doubt. Still, after following the range of possibilities and evolution of the HQ's design - and the reaction on the Forum to its big reveal - there did seem to be "some degree of disappointment" in the design - at least, at this point in the process. It's as one poster said previously, "As if SW had the chance to hit a home run, but missed...." But we're still in the process. And Litt does a good job in describing the challenge in the critical details still to come. The quality of the facade and the look of the glass membrane will be critical in how effective the tower is in complementing the skyline and the "big 3" around Public Square in particular. I do expect the final result will end up being very positive for the city's look, self-image and overall energy. This tower will substantially change the skyline , given the very limited number of 600 foot buildings downtown and its strategic location. It will create a real chance for significant spin-off development with the new dynamic it will create in the heart of downtown. I was surprised to see the comment that PC is "just beginning to consider the possibilities for SW's signage and lighting" (and interior colors) of the building to ensure its distinctiveness on the night skyline. One would think those considerations would've been well underway already. I wouldn't go as far as Litt in calling 200 Public Square "clunky." True, It looks like a tower that went out of its way to not be taller - its bulk is almost intimidating when viewed from the east and west - but it's lean and way cool from the north and south - with pretty distinctive features as it reaches its roofline. In a way, the SW HQ is more a kindred spirit with 200 Public Square than it is to either the Terminal Tower or Key Tower. Its designers have worked hard to disguise its own bulk and its potential to become the 2nd or 3rd highest tower in the city. But, probably like others on the Forum, (I would guess) I'm still more curious than judgmental about what the final results of this huge project will be. Hopefully, the selection of a high quality glass will make the end result very satisfying - and ultimately, we may be commenting that the SW HQ looks better than the renderings or what we imagined. At least, that's what I'm hoping.

Looks like the Browns have the talent to compete with the best in the NFL. We've just gotta learn to "close" out on the road against an elite team in hostile conditions. The Chiefs were a very tough test, top of the food chain in the AFC, so, despite the loss, I'm still very encouraged after week one. Without giving the ball back to the champs 3 times in the 2nd half, we might have prevailed today. If we can stay healthy, learn not to make the big mistakes - this is a team that could make it to the AFC Championship. But if we do go that far and KC is the opponent, having home field advantage could well be critical. Every win we can get during this long season is going to be necessary.

I get that Cleveland is a smaller market team and that the pandemic was brutal on their finances. Having said that, if the Dolans can't at least shell out enough money for a "decent' lineup, I really wish they'd sell the team (locally, of course.). I saw the Indians in person this week and their lineup is probably the worst I can remember. There's really only a few guys that are legitimate threats to get on base with any proficiency. The result is being no-hit three (nearly four or five) times this season and being non-competitive against teams like the Twins. I also feel no sense of urgency from the team whatsover - but that's probably just the lack of talent manifesting itself. And just imagine where this team would be had they been able to retain the pitching they did have just a year ago. Here's hoping that they make a couple moves in the off season to somehow upgrade the lineup.

Im always thrilled to see new development downtown - but, and I’m just asking (not sure what’s realistic ) isn’t that area appropriate for more vertical development? Something The height and scale of a Church & State would be great.

In town 9-8 - the town was looking good on a beautiful day-did some biking and dinner in The Flats …(wanna see even more new condos & apartments for residents! ) Looking forward to this complex opening soon!

We knew what we were getting with the main SW Tower. Is it an iconic, building that rises to the design level of its well known Big 3 neighbors? No, but its angled upward reaching rooflines, subdivision into four seemingly slimmer towers, its modern blue glass and “real skyscraper” height are all very welcome design elements. Given what we know about SW’s profile and the starting point, exemplars and evolution of this project, I feel pretty good about what the city is getting. Clesrly, SW didn’t want to build on the footprint of the smaller Jacobs lot - that possible building with equivalent square footage could have easily eclipsed the Terminal Tower. But they didn’t want a building of any real height blocking the view from their tower to Public Square / or the view across the square to their tower. Their solution was the pavillion - which creates the impression of Public Square extending to their tower with its transparent, landscaped, low-to-the-ground profile. That choice may create a feeling of a bigger public square. It may have also evened out the spacing of the four guardian towers around the square. How effectively they implement the landscaping in front of the pavillion and along the perimeter of their campus will be important - if done well, it should soften and further beautify the Streetscapes around the campus. The SW complete PDF suggests significant lighting atop the tower - it will be interesting to see how that and or any signage adds to the building’s distinctiveness. At the end of the day, love it or not particularly love it, this project will be extremely impactful in upgrading the look of downtown Cleveland and particular, completing a very attractive public square. Can’t wait to watch it rise.

Also a new article on Cleveland.com as of 4 pm ….

They could’ve created a higher pavilion and significantly added to the street interaction with a restaurant on a new top floor without creating some security breach - a separate entrance and elevator could’ve done that. That could’ve served SW employees AND local residents and been a nice concession to concerns about connection to the community.

To think of where the river ( and the city) were 50 years ago - and the Renaissance that has occurred since - it’s pretty amazing. Also, to be reminded of the natural assets this city once took for granted and now is really beginning to appreciate and utilize - I feel like the best is definitely still to come Let’s get beyond studies and committees and get the lakefront together. Thanks for sharing that piece, @Sapper Daddy

The windows are awesome! It would’ve been cool to have a left a few units “open” and just create large modern loft spaces. Still, great to see this building getting this update - it’ll be a great address to call home.

As noted by posters above- the redesign is a very nice upgrade. The head-scratcher is the welcoming, glassy open front of the building won’t be seen by most going by on the Opportunity Corridor. If there’s a good reason why it’s oriented to East 75th Street, somebody explain It please. I’d like to see the HQ rotated to face the Corridor.

Especially love that last shot showing Intro in the background and the growing density in Ohio City. And it’s only gonna get better - especially with an Intro 2, a Bridgeworks and who knows what else - not to mention a new 600 foot tower downtown.

The glassy front section of the new version reminds me more of a performing arts center than a police station - and dominates the more institutional looking gray office section behind it. There is a feeling of openness created by the front section. Hopefully, that’s meant to be symbolic!

I live in the NY area but appreciate the notice - it sounds fantastic if there is someone who is not a forum regular, but very interested in coming by - is the invite open?