CleveFan

Man I really love those NEOtrans articles @KJP- thanks for all the great details and the insightful perspective, as usual! The only bit I could question would be that Nucleus was ever slated to become the 2nd tallest tower - I seem to remember it topping out just below 200 Public Square. Anyway, like many, I’m frustrated by the lack of much communication from Stark following the initial spectacular “reveal” for the original Nucleus. And, of course, the ongoing delays and downsizing haven’t been a lot of fun. But despite that frustration, I think - big picture- Stark has to get props for constructing the Beacon - a project a decade in the making in a downtown district that hadn’t seen a new residential high rise in some 40 years. That’s why I’ve never been ready to give up on Nucleus after “just” 6 years. I still think Stark has an option or two to “play” - including the possibility of just one single mixed use tower with a land sale of the second tower’s parcel - or a phased approach with the second tower to come down the road, when hopefully, a post- Covid world spurns new development with more mojo than the current landscape. If a one tower approach is adopted , I’d like to see it include all the components - Benesch, Cleveland Live, condos and apartments - from the get-go. Hopefully, it would regain some of the stature and flair of the original Nucleus - a version 4.0 surpassing the uninspiring 24 story version last seen. Yet, even if we ultimately “only” get Nucelus 3.0 - that’s still a good win for both Stark and the city. The project’s ability to energize at street level will be more important than its height anyway. I’m wishing the Stark team good luck bringing this project home.

Now we’re really starting to see the real longer term effects of Covid kicking in - where they hit hardest - the hospitality industry and the entertainment world. The Dream Hotel project possibly delayed(?) and any act 2 for the Lumen (as per @KJP’s post over the weekend) probably years away as PHS struggles to recover from this extended shutdown. Perhaps the arrival of a vaccine might start to turn things around, but that’s above my pay grade.

I’ve never been that person that likes to “promote a cause” but @KJP’s post underscored the reality that the performing arts are taking a major hit (I’m actually in that industry). I went to the PHS website and noticed that they have a “banner” asking for donations in light of the pandemic. I felt able to make one and thought others on this forum might feel they could as well - it’s something that we can actually do, besides posting a sad face- even if that donation is extremely modest - I’m certain that every bit of help will help. Playhouse Square is one of the many jewels of Cleveland - one of the brightest - and I know it will endure - but this is a brutal time. Thoughts go out to those most directly affected by those darkened stages.

So isn’t it very possible that some of what we’re assuming will wind up in an HQ tower on the Jacobs lot could actually be located in a second shorter “tower” on the superblock? If that questioned can be reasonably answered “yes” It strongly suggests we might not be getting a 45-55 story tower on Public Square but rather, some combination of shorter towers - perhaps one peaking around 30 stories. I like the possibility of a second substantial tower, but I’d be disappointed, at this point, if the main HQ tower was “only” 450 feet or so. I’d love to hear some clarification, rebuttal or confirmation to this.

It’s a fair question to ask but if the “response” to a problem does more to hurt the community then help it - where’s the wisdom or common sense? If you believe SW’s statement they’re making a commitment to minority members for this project and they claim to have outstanding numbers relating to diversity in their work force. Yes, keep them honest - check on their process - absolutely. But to try and deal a critical blow to the plans for this project? That’s a political play - not a productive dialogue.

Great sleuthing work! Just have to say those theater marquis lit up (what’s the plural lol?) look so grand.

WhAt was the thinking in building a brand spanking new convention center downtown that was too small?They thought that the big conventions could just go to the I-X and they would pick up the leftovers?

How cool is this?

@YABO713I actually think that a lot of us hardcore tower-loving Forumers agree with you on that opinion. A 600-800 footer would help bridge the Key Tower's nearly 1,000 feet high profile to our group of 400-500 foot towers, improving the feeling of density and proportion in the skyline. Anyway, this project will be transformative for the CLE.

Great to get this confirmation in the form of @KJP’s article that yes, the HQ is going forward on the same scale as expected, pre- Covid. We have a signature skyscraper architecture firm and a 45-55 story tower - that’s sounding like potentially the 2nd tallest tower in the city. The timetable is only one year later - can’t wait to watch this rise.

I totally get that.

Welcome to the 2020 Cleveland Browns season. Does it feel like all the others since 1999? Please, no excuses from any Browns apologists. I just can’t...

For those of us that have been around for awhile, it’s striking how dynamic Ohio City, Hingetown and The Flats have become in terms of residential possibility and actual development. I’ve got to believe the leasing success rate of projects like Church & State and, in the future, The Viaduct Tower could spur on even more significant development in these districts. The SW HQ will be a generational addition to the region ( and an increasingly impressive skyline, too ) which should further catalyze the growth of those easily accessible neighborhoods. Here’s to a zoning shift up to “six” for The Flats! ?

Great website by the Euclid Grand. Those high ceilings rock - I would think they would be a major inducement. Very attractive and warm feeling in the design of the lobby and other common areas. I’m thrilled to see these beautiful restorations and conversions to residential in the downtown district. Also, that picture of the May From Pete Marek’s s twitter post - wow! That building is a real beauty and the night lighting is gorgeous. Great to have such a gem on Public Square.

I think we need to see the new renderings and then let the forum members vote to decide.

When I took this shot the other day from Ohio City, I let myself imagine the new SW HQ and thought, “it would be great if it had that blue glass look” just to add some contrast to the light brown/grey toned skyline. I don’t think I’d want full-on LEGO but some color would be nice!

What, if any news, was “new” in this Cleveland Business Journal article - compared to the NEOtrans article from July? You have to have a paid subscription to CBJ in order to access the Sept 2nd article. I’m excited about this project. It will be extremely gratifying to see Cleveland’s first skyscraper restored to greatness. When you think about the impact of other recent renovations, such as The May, this is just awesome.

That's the best one I've seen yet!

A distance shot, to be sure, but shows how The Lumen extends the skyline as viewed from The Hingetown perspective. I’m really appreciating those sometimes debated vertical accent lines that are missing from the western side of the Lumen. Now, let’s get that beautiful Ohio Bell Building reloaded with a hotel and whatever else...,,

Some pics from Labor Day Weekend of “The Dexter”, a wonderful project in Ohio City that is very stylish and impactful. I knew there were good things going on in Ohio City - but it was even more than I expected! It’s going to be gratifying to see great new projects like this coming alive with residents - many of whom will have a view as shown.

In town for the weekend - checking out the scene in Ohio City - Wow!!- there’s so much cool stuff happening down there !!! Making my contribution, in the style of @urbanetics_and @ASPhotomanamong other UO notables.....

It’s looking like another big Cleveland win! University Circle already has a world class cosmopolitan feel to it and the Circle Square project will add substantially to that dynamic. The comparison to Arlington Va is an ambitious one but relatable. And I think the area will continue to grow impressively in the years ahead due to the unique setting it offers for both residential and office development. A burgeoning “second downtown” can only benefit the downtown core and hopefully, be a catalyst to the corridor in between. I just hope the city and the planning commission will do everything possible to move great projects, like this, forward with a greater sense of urgency.

Just curious - Why do you say that? Do you have sources or contacts at Stark?

Extremely encouraging developments with respect to access of lakefront and Metroparks trails. Years ago, the Trails of the Metroparks were envisioned as a “Necklace” around the Cleveland metropolitan area. They became a great attraction in cities bordering the park area, helping further attract new residents and new suburban communities. Now, creating a better continuous flow of trails in the city core and access for all to the lakefront can only enhance the quality of life for residents while attracting visitors. I’m looking forward to checking out the Euclid lakefront trails myself when I’m in town. Keep it going Cleveland - our world class resource can still yield a world class waterfront.

Thanks @KJP as always, for this article. It’s one thing for forum members to throw around ideas and opinions - it’s another to read something in NEOtrans. I have no doubt that people at Stark have or will see it.